Native Watercraft Ultimate 12

Thanks to the fine people (Andy and Becky) over at Legacy Paddlesports and the accomodation of Tom over at Appomattox River Co, my Ultimate 12 kayak arrived yesterday along with poling paddle.  I also have to thank my wife for giving me permission to get it.  Although I procured this boat in order to review it for the magazine, I can tell I will be able to enjoy the convenience and service of this little craft whenever I need to scratch the fly fishing "itch" for years to come.  Unfortunately, it's colder than a well digger's butt up here in VA, so it may be a little while but the maiden voyage will be soon.

New Jon Boat Trailer

Check out my new Jon Boat (or Johnboat) trailer!  My pals Todd and Spencer over at SailTrailers.com of Columbus, GA put this one together for me.  Sure, I probably could have picked one up used for cheap, but I'd rather have something I can count on when I'm flying down the interstate.  Anyhow, the trailer looks great and I know it will serve me very well.

On a side note, I know I shouldn't be that excited about it but I'm stoked about having a way to get back out on the water again.  Ideally, I'd like to get into an 18' Hewes Redfisher, but more practically speaking, the 12' Jon Boat I scored recently for free from my parents will have to do as a shallow water fly fishing skiff - at least for now.  After procuring said boat, I set out to applying an impermiable bottom coat that would prevent the possibility of any leaks at the rivets.  Oh, and for those who think rivetted Jon Boats are somehow less sturdy than the newer all welded models, your argument is misplaced.  The advantage in all-welded models is simply this - no holes.  Strength of rivetted models is not an issue.  Think about it, rivets are perhaps one of the strongest ways to fasten thin metal or aluminum.  Ever think about the fact that airplanes we soar in at hundreds of miles per hour use rivets, not welds?  Yep, there's good reason behind that.

Anyhow, just wanted to share because I'll be posting picks of my little boat soon.  I'm planning to trick it out with some cool mods to make it a lean, mean little fly fisher.  Can't wait to get out there and slay 'em.

Flying in a Kayak

I went fishing this morning with a buddy of mine, Michael Cowley, in the backwaters of the Tennessee River in Wheeler Wildlife Refuge.  It was my first experience fly fishing from a kayak and I have to say - despite the rediculously HOT weather - it was pretty cool. 

I have spent years fishing from a float tube on small bodies of water with great success and this is pretty close to the same experience in the respect of stealth.  The difference is you can cover ground much more easily and quickly with the added benefit that waders are not required.  A kayak takes a little getting used to since staying upright is entirely dependant on maintaining your weight within the center of gravity - similar to a canoe but to an even greater degree.  Once you aclimate for a few minutes, it really becomes quite easy.

Biggest thing I caught was a heat stroke.  Well, not really, but pretty close.  The water was terribly stained from the recent rains and so I only managed to boat one weazer of a blue gill; the only decent fish of the day, a largemouth, I lost due to an amature break-off on the hook set.  I felt like a total ninny.  Oh, well.  It was a good experience for a first time trip and I had great company.  I hope to get back out there again soon in slightly better conditions.  We'll get 'em next time Michael.

Gulf Coast Vacation

Over an extended weekend, Amber and I took a long overdue trip down to the Gulf (absent of the company of children). The weather cooperated, we stayed at a solid hotel for cheap, and got a little downtime to relax. It has been a longer than I can remember since either of us slept in until 10:00AM. I swear, I am going to live on the coast one of these days.

Asside from the phenominal fresh sea food, we got to spend time walking the beach, taking in a sunset, and even sneaking in a little fishing. We rented a beamy 21' Center Console boat for a day for only $175 thanks to the off-season rate. This was a great decision as there is probably no better way to experience the Gulf than from the deck of a boat. Fishing was a little tough this trip due to the strong breeze, but we took time to make it a learning experience for Amber. She is becoming a very solid little fly caster. I hope this will turn out to be just one more love we can both share for a life time.