[Fishing_RN]

Well, took the kayak out for the maiden voyage at Shearon Harris on Saturday, I put in at Hollerman's. As expected the boat ramp was way too busy so I put in at the kayak launch on the opposite side which I found through the information on this board so thank you very much.

Lessons learned:
1. Getting wet in a kayak is a given - mostly from the paddling dribble but essentially the ride was mostly dry.
2. Make sure to check the wind direction and speed - I spent the last 45 minutes paddling against a 10 - 15 mile/hr wind paddling back from the bridge on Hollerman Rd. I was dead *** tired when I got back. Not to mention I had to lift my kayak to put it up on the roof.
3. Learned how to pee from a kayak - I initially wondered but common sense prevailed. I just made a pit stop and it was a good opportunity to stretch the legs.
4. Fishing and paddling to keep the kayak in a certain location is a skill - I guess will come, the more I go out.
5. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure - glad I had my first aid kit as I had to patch up a cut that was self inflicted. My switch knife opened up and when I reach to figure out what it was, I sliced the fat part of my thumb. Thank goodness I brought a first aid kit.
I learned more but I think those were the important ones.

Now for those that fish Harris, which ramp is better Crosspointe or Hollerman's to target bass? On Saturday I just fished up the on the right side up pass the bridge but found no fish. Could you guys provide general locations from both ramps to find where bass generally congregate? I don't want your honey hole just an area where I can focus my efforts so I don't spend the whole time paddling all over the lake. I appreciate the help and I wouldn't mind tagging along with anyone who goes out. I'm gonna try again tomorrow, probably from Hollerman's again and on Thursday will give Crosspointe a go. Wish me luck, looking to slime the yak soon!

John

 

[Kayaking]

Never been to Harris but I'll offer up some of what I've learned along the way. The paddle dribble will get better over time as you get your technique down. Always check the wind forecast for the day, not just precipitation. Carry a wad of toilet paper in your pocket just in case, you can use it as intended if nature calls, but it also makes a good tissue or something to get a fire going. Look into getting an anchor system to keep you put while you fish, even if it's just a stakeout pole. I used to bring 4 rods and all my tackle and boy was that a pain! Now I just take one rod and some bait/lures depending on what I'm fishing for, Keep It Simple Stupid.

And my last bit of advice especially as it warms up, don't bother hitting up any public body of water during the weekend. You will just end up getting frustrated by the amount of people zipping around near you as you bob up and down in their wake. Buncha trust fund kids with their wakeboard boats blasting terrible hiphop beep bop music, well there goes my peaceful outing.

 

[biglenr]

I'm a relative newbie too, and had trouble with paddle dribble at first too.... Have you previously paddled a canoe? That was my problem. I was doing a straight up and down canoe type stroke, vs the kayak more angled stroke. When I switched, I probably cut the dribble by 80%, and I expect it to get better as my technique improves.

I, too, am allergic to wakeboard boats and jetskis. Some are driven responsibly.... Most are clueless. Find smaller lakes that limit horsepower or quiet coves.

I have the TP the previous poster suggests, along with a first aid kit, and a change of clothes in a dry bag in my hatch. Permanently present unless I use it.

 

[Fishing_RN]

Thanks guys, I totally forgot about the TP. When I had a boat I always kept a roll of TP on board for that reason. I remembered it as I went out today as I felt the bubble guts. I hit Shearon Harris today and put in at Crosspointe boat ramp. There was maybe 3 trucks in the parking lot. Launching was fine and this time no boats running by or jet skis or wake boarders. This time I let the wind do the work for me and hid in a couple of coves which made the kayaking enjoyable. Now the fishing on the other was about the same, couldn't find them except for 1 bass I saw tailing. Never saw a largemouth bass do that, I've seen redfish tail but first time I saw a bass do it. I assume it was on a bed picking up. I tried for about 30 mins and then I couldn't find it anymore. Do you guys feel it's hard to sight fish for bass sitting on a kayak?

Oh, big thank you to

phantom102533, for suggesting the duct seal for the transducer. It works good for finding depth and water temp but marking the fish looked off.

Even though it was cool and a little windy, I still had a nice time on the water.

JOhn

 

[Luni]

Anchor trolley, drag anchor, and stake out pole are a must for me. I made 2 separate 1 foot long chains, ran some rope through the first couple links to make a solid attaching loop, and 4 strips of duct tape to keep the outside smooth so it doesn't gunk up. One chain is enough weight for most days, 2 chains has kept me planted in 15mph winds. It won't snag like an anchor. I've got swimming to recover a hung up anchor.