Corpusfishing.com

[surfranger]

OK so I am a total FNG at this kayak thing . . . got a Wilderness Tarpon 100 a few months back and this past weekend I finally had a shot at using it. I have to confess that I really sucked at it and when I tried to run baits out, created one hell of a mess. My questions are these:

How do you run the baits out (I am always by myself when I go down there -- we Safety guys do not have many friends )?

How do you get over being freaked out being out there by yourself (yes, after jumping from planes, fast roping and several tours in some hot areas, I an scared of going beyond the breakers )?

Try to keep the laughter to a dull roar if you please cuz I feel stupid enough as it is. Made some great rigs, had a good battle plan, then wussed out . . . Any help would most appreciated as I feel close to cracking the code but frustrated by not being able to hammer down. Thanks.
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"Careful man, there's a beverage here!" -- The Dude

[pool_rob9]

Really should have a buddy when doing these things...but, if you must...

A.) Make sure drag is set loose but tight enough to keep tension on line during run out. DO NOT free spool.

B.) Hook your weight barb into one of the fasten points on the rear side of your kayak or get a long line or carbine clip to secure your leader near the bait drop(s). Most of the leader should be trailing the kayak to avoid loops and tangles.

C.) Secure the bait on the back of the kayak and make sure the hooks arn't in danger of snagging things. If using a float, secure it in the front unattached to the leader. Wait till you drop the bait to clip on the float.

D.) Lauch. When going through the breakers, keep paddling or you will be washed backward. Once through the breakers, it should be easier going if the surf isn't too big. Make sure u have a life jacket and a tether for your paddle.

E.) Once out to your spot, secure your paddle and grab your float (if used.) Drop your bait first, then weight to the bottom and let it sit while still holding the leader. If using a float, clip it in to the top of the leader while droping the bait and throw it clear of the leader while the bait and weight go down. Do not let go of the leader untill the weight has a chance to stick or the current and line tension will change your spot, in and down current.

F.) If you have a buddy manning the real, he can then take up slack and you can strip the line out of the water to get the bow out of it from current. If no buddy, I would make sure to have good enough drag tension to not allow much slack in the line.

by the time you get back in, your weight should be well stuck and you can take up slack and set your drag and clicker.

That's my best suggestions I can think of now...sure someone else can add on or just ask, I probably forgot something Dang CRS
I always try to find a buddy to run baits. I might try runs just over the second bar my self but no further. Too many things to go wrong for me. But past the breakers is my happy place...on nice days I'll sit out there and take a break and enjoy the view.
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Eagles may soar...but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines.

[Skillzzz9]

Getting through the breakers isn't too tough, but having a line dragging makes it a little harder. If you are a total newbie I would first spend some time on the kayak getting use to spotting landmarks and such from offshore. Once you feel comfortable on the yak then try the complicated stuff. It gets easier with experience. You should also be familiar with a deep water entry. Try that in the bay somewhere that it is calm. It's not as easy as it looks.
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[Silver_King]

ITS EASY! If ya need a fishin bud send me a message. Hopefully ill be free to fish!
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-Mando

[Bluffer]

Id just practice going in and out 1st with nothing just to get the hang of things. Then you'll get over the hee-bee jeebees.
remember when coming in to keep nose pointed STRAIGHT at beach,
And when you feel the wave lift you remember to lean back & enjoy the ride.
And plan on flipping a time or to cuz it will happen till you get it down.
dont take anything with you youd want to lose also.
Practice all this before you yak a bait & youll get it down fast, then laugh at yourself one day.
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-STAY THIRSTY MY FRIENDS!-

[mastergunner]

I found it is easier to just have my wife run the baits out. She has a featherlite kayak, sit inside and she does alright getting out. Coming back in is where she usually bites it and flips usually on the first bar. She enjoys running baits out and then stays out and fishes. She has been spooled and drug all up and down the beach before, hook sharks bigger than her kayak. So, I suggest you find you a good wife, good luck. I use my whistle I carry in my PDF to signal her when the reel is about to run out of line.
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Mastergunner, supporter of hardheads for state fish of Texas

[Tyler]