Short answer is yes of course !!!Nature Boy wrote:hey guys i read that some yak fishers venture offshore as far as 1.5 miles offshore to fish, is it safe to do this, i mean if a sane headed person with all safety measures taken can do this regularly i might end up with a kayak!. alot of fun to be had and not to mention the species you can target and i love the blue water any ways. But is it only for the extreme ?
When Seas are 2' or less in the suymmer you can hit blue water easily. however it is quite a paddle, and would not recommend you do it A - Alone or B - unless you are SURE of the Weather.
Getting Caught a few miles out in a storm is really quite unsafe as the boats running for cover in a rain WILL NOT SEE YOU, however since I got my yak, I regularly troll the third reef locally. Anything 2-3' or less is fishable - I am good in 3-5 Paddling but fishing ( Turning around in the cockpit ) is tougher....
However I often go with a Group off Lake Worth Pier often who typically go 2-3 miles out to 120-250' and target Big Kings and AJ.
When you think that a 2# Jack can tow a Kayak about 30 yards or so before he is tired, imagine the ride of a 30# King, or better yet a Sailfish ( Have not gotten one yet ) In fact folks that target Giant Tarpon ( 150# or better ) From their Kayaks would NEVER go out withouyt a drift sock to slow th beast down. It is possible to get towed out really quite far as you need to remember that there is only so much resistance you can give a running fish from a yak. Also you cannot have the drag too tight or even a 10# Bonito is strong enough to capsize you should he come broadside with the drag locked down.
I am an exceptional swimmer and in the worst scenario, am not afraid to make my way to shore from a few miles out, but that is worst scenario ( no Boat, PFD or anything to cling to)
So Realizing I have a PFD, can Right the yak after it has flipped and re-enter it rather easily ( all things I reccomend you practice in Water over your head with a buddy close) I have a pretty High confidence level out there. I also am a new yakker, but it is my confidence in those abilities that gives me comfort in rough conditions as well.
Dude, buy the yak....as a fisherman, you will never regret it.
It is the best piece of fishing gear I now have and I got set up for under $500.00. Some folks have reels that are more $$...lol
Start slow and gain some experience in what your vessell will do
Launchng in Waves....
Landing in Waves ....( Mine fishtails, and can get caught broadside in the bigger breakers so it is better I back it in ....lol found that out the hard way - Stripping ALL my gear down to clean from a dunking was no fun...)
How hard it is to turn....( Important as swells begin to hit broadside)
Always wear a PFD ( Need to follow this myself)
....And you will be good.
Also you can now paddle the flats at Flamingo - Hit the Naples area for Snook, Reds Etc that are just not accessible from land - Hit Whatever Keys Bridge I want, just not what I can access.....
AND the NMZ of the Bananna River is also Fishable to yakkers not to mention Ding Darling in Sanibel......
ANY neighborhood Bass Lake can be fished
DO IT, you'll not regret it.
Paddle as many as you can ( Rent em for the half day ) and see what fits you the best.