Re: [Paddlewise] Trolling

   I spend a good deal of my time in a kayak fishing. I have used both
handline and rod and reel with equal success. I consider the handline to be a
part of my basic kayak equipment, while I use the rod and reel for more
sportier excursions. As far as hooking things that may be too big, all you
need to do is use about a five or six foot length of lighter "leader" tied to
the business end of your handline. I like about forty lb. test monofiliment. A
strong 20 or 30 lb. fish could easily break this leader line. In this way if
you hook something too big to handle it will simply break your leader line
freeing you, and salvaging your handline. Of course, if you would like to try
and land a monster (winter 86, Sea Kayaker Magazine has a report of a 120 lb.
halibut) then omit the leader.
   As for keeping fish in the kayak, I have used stringers with good success.
I prefer to use a wet burlap sack held under my front deck bunjies, or simply
toss the fish into the cockpit with me. Of course with most of my paddling
done in bare feet and shorts, when I toss a spiny fish into my cockpit it adds
an element of suspense to the trip. Once I even delivered a large live Spiny
Lobster to a fellow on shore as a gift from a fisherman who was afraid to
through the surf. I tossed the bug into the cockpit with me without thinking.
I subsequently did one of the fastest surf landings known to man. But I
digress. On one trip I had a large Bonito in a burlap bag on my deck and had a
hungry sea lion try to climb onto my deck and take it. I had to fend the sea
lion off with my paddle, after which I let him have the fish. He must have
needed it more then I did.
   I have some thoughts on how to fish from a kayak on my web page at;
http://members.aol.com/kiayker
if anybody is really interested. On the top of the fishing page is a picture
of yours truly with a greenling caught off of Vancouver Island a couple of
years ago on a handline.

Scott
So.Cal.
   
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