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Post by trippcasey on May 11, 2014 10:27:18 GMT -5
I see a lot about different kayaks, baits, tackle, and other stuff. But, I dont see a lot about the prop on the motor of our vessels: the paddle. I went down to the good folks at Black Creek in Jacksonville to demo a few yaks before my purchase. They made a point for me to demo paddles too. I didnt get a "fishing" paddle. I ended up with touring paddles. After a few different styles, I found myself more efficient and more comfortable with a long Werner Tybee touring paddle. Its light, balanced, and quiet. It fits my longer cadence and doesnt sacrifice bite when I set my seat up higher on my Tuna. I would have never known what a difference a paddle would have made if the staff didnt ask me to try a few different kinds. I though a paddle was a paddle. What kind of paddle do you use, and why? I chose mine because of comfort, weight, and ease of use. I had better control of the yak with the paddle I chose, and it has proven to be good in stiff winds an currents in Crooked River and around Jekyll Island. If you have ever been out to any of these places, you know how the currents rip here.
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Post by 3spots on May 11, 2014 15:38:02 GMT -5
Good point, the paddle is as important as the kayak, seat, and pfd that you choose. The wrong blade or length can make life difficult at times.
I used to use a touring type blade, but eventually went with the more aggressive style power blade since I have to paddle my Hobie around at times.
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Post by hpericht on May 12, 2014 11:29:06 GMT -5
Hobie Mirage Drive... What is this paddle thing you speak of?
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Post by nubby on May 12, 2014 12:18:08 GMT -5
I have been using the Warner paddle and since bought the Bending Branches in a longer 240cm length. I find the Bending Branches much better for me.
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Post by 3spots on May 12, 2014 20:05:34 GMT -5
Hobie does make some paddle kayaks, but I paddle my Mirage Drive around when I'm in 6" of water or I forget my drive. LOL
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Post by trippcasey on May 13, 2014 6:12:24 GMT -5
I forgot about the peddle yaks. I tried one before I got the Tuna. I liked it. My wallet didnt like it as much as I did. My Werner drive works pretty darn good, but I can see where the peddle drive would be handy. I think the next thing I might invest in is a rudder somewhere down the line. I do fine without one, but can see where it would be a benefit in the future.
After paddling hundreds of miles in a canoe, I gotta say Im loving my yak. I wish Id have got one sooner. This is a blast to do, fishing or sight seeing. I watched the sun set yesterday on Crooked River while coming back from a quick trip around Cherry Point. Im amazed at all of the places I can get into with ease, and all of the new places I get to see that have been in my backyard for decades. Im hooked.
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