[Yakabe]

It has taken me forever to get finally get to the end of the last roll of film. In doing so I can now post some pictures of my ride.

The kayak is a Wilderness Systems Tarpon 160i, no rudder, rod holder in back and a Scotty spin rod holder up front. I have an anchor system similar to most of the guys on this forum however there is no chain, and a loop in the rope to form the breaking point for the cable ties. The rope which is way to heavy for the job will be replaced when I get around to it. At present it is 6mm to be replaced with 4mm.

I have modified a 33litre willow esky with hinges on the back and a cord system to stop the lid flying back and to close the lid without turning around (the red prossic cord in one of the pics). I have a folding net that I got in NZ on a recent fishing trip which has proved both invaluable and convenient, that is within easy reach at my left elbow and a gaff that is just behind this. The trolley is an Eckla folding trolley that stores very easily in the front hatch.

The kayak is very capable and quick in open water and is quite comfortable in a bit of chop or swell. She is a little bit tricky coming home in surf even of a small size. I don't know if this is the kayak or a lack of experience/technique on my part. Once moving the Tarpon is easy to paddle and manoeuvre.

The gear I fish with is a cheap K-Mart Shimano Conquest ~7' 6" rod that has proved itself time and time again, with a Penn Accord 4000 reel, and my other rig is a Abu Ambassaduer 7000 bait with bushes not bearings and an Abu 6' Muscle tip rod.

So there you have it. Me pride and joy.

Yakabe.

 

[fisher]

looks good Yakabe - hopefully I'll get the P15 up to Wallaroo to chase those whiting so we can compare notes. well done.

 

[HiRAEdd]

Nice one, looks like she'd be fast on the water.

 

[Dodge]

Yakabe

You have a nice practical set up mate; really like the foldup back seat on the Tarpons

 

[hairymick]

It really looks the goods mate.

I like that, long, low and sleek - beautiful

that big icebox set up is truly a work of art mate. Absolutely essential to avoid dehydration. .

 

[Breambo]

I'd like that.I've got kayak envy. 8)
B

 

[Jake]

Yakabe, A nice setup there mate, well done.

Yakabe
You have a nice practical set up mate; really like the foldup back seat on the Tarpons

Now call me naive, but surely your missus doesn't sit pillion on top of the esky????

 

[hairymick]

Now call me naive, but surely your pissus doesn't sit pillion on top of the esky????

boy, havrn't I learned ja nuttin. it sits IN the esky to stay cold :roll:

 

[Yakabe]

Thanks guys,

Fisher, anytime mate. I have given the whiting a couple of goes at late and have come up empty. Hopefully this will pick up. There has been a couple of good reports of snapper so it might be time to get the Winter Wallaroo trip back on the burner.

Hairymick, the esky came from a local garage sale, $10. Hinges for $3 and a metre of prossic cord for probably $2. So for $15 I was pretty pleased with the outcome.

HiRAEdd, It is very nice to paddle and yes she can be pretty quick.

Dodge, The seat is comfy as and I imagine handy when I get the roof racks.

Yakabe.