Choosing the next kayak

 

The lure of the water, the fellowship of friends, the challenge of the hunt, and the appeal of catch and release is all part of what is calling me back into this wonderful sport. I have been away too long, it is now time to return.

 

As I ponder my decision on what my next kayak will be the choices are almost overwhelming. At this point in time, I keep finding myself thinking about my health. I am getting older and thinking about what will be my best option for a longtime ride. Pedaling or paddling will give me exercise I am missing. A powered boat will be easier getting around. And a boat that I can pedal, paddle, and troll if needed will probably cost a fortune.

 

Kayaks have come a long was the last few years. There are many models that offer stability good enough to stand in and flip jigs all day without even a thought of tipping over. My last yak was a beautiful blue Bonafide 127. Stability and overall fishability was through the roof. However, I watch many of my friends pedal by in their boats and I am amazed at the speed and the ease in which they get around.

 

These thoughts and choices will weigh heavily on me the next month or so as I look around and attempt to make my decision. I know many of you reading have owned more than one boat so your input on the subject is very, valuable to me. Both as a buyer and a friend. It would be an honor if each and every one of you hit the follow button on my blog. Your comments are always welcome.

 Big shout to Tony Dean at https://www.facebook.com/The-Kayak-Store-323627574863726/     for taking the time to talk to me about yaks a couple of weeks ago. 

The Gar...Friend or Foe?

 

Here in Alabama the Spotted Gar or any gar for that matter is considered by most to be a trash fish. Nothing could be farther from the truth. All native species of fish found in our waterways have value and are beneficial to the eco system.

 

While a large gar may occasionally prey on a gamefish such as a bass or trout, it has been proven that their main diet consists of warmouth, bluegill, and other members of the sunfish family. Their prey is known to breed in large numbers and the gar does a good job in helping to keep those numbers in check.

 

All species of gar here in Alabama can be caught on rod n reel and are a challenge to land when hooked. My favorite method for gar fishing is light spinning tackle, a small shallow float, and live minnows. I like to cast upstream and let my bait drift down in the current. A small treble hook and a light wire leader will help from losing these acrobats when hooked.

 

The Spotted Gar and the Longnose Gar both thrive in clean, clear running water. Humans are the gars biggest enemy. We are continually destroying habitat with sedimentation from building and polluting the water in other ways. So, this spring and summer if you see gars floating lazily down the river, don’t be alarmed. This means your favorite fishing hole is pretty clean and the food chain is still intact.

It would be an honor if you hit the Follow button for my blog. If you would like to check out my You Tube channel simply click on the link below. Tight lines my friends.

https://youtu.be/ERv0do-UP1U 

I Was Witnessing History

 

Somewhere around 1970 my parents moved us to Eufaula Alabama. Part of that time my dad worked at the Chewalla Marina. Being only in grade school at that time, little did I know that I was witnessing history in the making. Tournament bass fishing was in its very, early stages and Lake Eufaula was on fire.

 

Being that parents weren’t so overprotective back in those days, I was allowed to roam the marina and fish many days while dad worked…awesome. From what I remember, whatever bait dad provided me with for the day is what I used. Eating supper was kinda they same way back then. Some days I would fish for carp with a bag of carp dough, which by the way smelled a lot like play doh. Loved that stuff. Other days I would fish for gar off the marina back porch with live minnows.

 

I think what stuck with me the most was bass fishing. Dad would tie me on a random lure and I would use that sucker all day, or at least until I slung it off and needed another one. I think those early days gave me the confidence that I have until this day.

 

I think more kids need to spend time in the great outdoors and less time on games and cell phones…unless they’re watching my fishing videos…lol. Kidding aside, being outside is an education in itself. The outdoors will teach you things you simply can’t get in a book or from watching on TV. These are my thoughts for the day. Let me know what you think in the comments below. Thanks for reading.