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First fishing kayak

Posted: 12 Mar 2019, 09:11
by benc120382
Hi guys I just purchased my first kayak just a cheapie off eBay to see if I stick with the sport, is very similar to ocean prowler 4.3 just wondering what some of the more experienced guys think about this yak for Port Phillip bay.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Fishing-Kay ... true&rt=nc

Re: First fishing kayak

Posted: 12 Mar 2019, 09:44
by Joshua
Hey Ben, Welcome :)
That will be fine for PPB, just ,make sure you follow the weather report closely and have all the safety gear (Life jacket, waterproof phone case) Also it is very much worth it to take your kayak out without any gear and practive flipping the kayak and re entering on the water, it’s actually quite difficult and it’s important to know how to do it in the event of an emergency.

Good luck mate, it is an addictive sport, I started out in a similar place to you just 4 years ago, in a cheap ebay kayak, I’ve now spent thousands on different Kayaks for different applications.

Don’t forget to post up when and where you’re heading out, you might be able to tag along on someone else’s trip.

Re: First fishing kayak

Posted: 12 Mar 2019, 10:35
by benc120382
Thanks Joshua will do.

Re: First fishing kayak

Posted: 12 Mar 2019, 12:25
by cheaterparts
not sure on the brand but I'm sure the same hull is used on a few Chinese kayaks and it is one that I recommend for the guys on a budget

Mal ( Winchbitch ) uses a 4.3 different brand name but I think the same hull and uses it not only in both bays but some off shore as well
for a Chinese boat they have good tracking and speed - probably because of the OK prowler shape

on Sunday we covered at least 20 km on Westernport and across the the bay on return we had around 15 knott SW wind ( real wind speed not facebook wind speed ) which made it quite bumpy and the 4.3 handle this no problem with a seasoned pilot of cause
not sure on the high seat though if you find it unstable at all go back to a std seat to lower your C of G

as already said watch the weather and learn what you can do - one thing on this boat you wont out grow its capabilities like many other Chinese Cheapies

Re: First fishing kayak

Posted: 12 Mar 2019, 16:04
by laneends
cheaterparts wrote:not sure on the brand but I'm sure the same hull is used on a few Chinese kayaks and it is one that I recommend for the guys on a budget

Mal ( Winchbitch ) uses a 4.3 different brand name but I think the same hull and uses it not only in both bays but some off shore as well
for a Chinese boat they have good tracking and speed - probably because of the OK prowler shape

on Sunday we covered at least 20 km on Westernport and across the the bay on return we had around 15 knott SW wind ( real wind speed not facebook wind speed ) which made it quite bumpy and the 4.3 handle this no problem with a seasoned pilot of cause
not sure on the high seat though if you find it unstable at all go back to a std seat to lower your C of G

as already said watch the weather and learn what you can do - one thing on this boat you wont out grow its capabilities like many other Chinese Cheapies
Dont think mals has the raised seat though? Which could cause more issues with stability, especially for a newbie.

Re: First fishing kayak

Posted: 12 Mar 2019, 17:52
by cheaterparts
laneends wrote:
cheaterparts wrote:not sure on the brand but I'm sure the same hull is used on a few Chinese kayaks and it is one that I recommend for the guys on a budget

Mal ( Winchbitch ) uses a 4.3 different brand name but I think the same hull and uses it not only in both bays but some off shore as well
for a Chinese boat they have good tracking and speed - probably because of the OK prowler shape

on Sunday we covered at least 20 km on Westernport and across the the bay on return we had around 15 knott SW wind ( real wind speed not facebook wind speed ) which made it quite bumpy and the 4.3 handle this no problem with a seasoned pilot of cause
not sure on the high seat though if you find it unstable at all go back to a std seat to lower your C of G

as already said watch the weather and learn what you can do - one thing on this boat you wont out grow its capabilities like many other Chinese Cheapies
Dont think mals has the raised seat though? Which could cause more issues with stability, especially for a newbie.
your right he doesn't use a high chair - just as the prowler didn't use one configured that way with the low seat they can handle some pretty ugly conditions

Re: First fishing kayak

Posted: 12 Mar 2019, 18:39
by benc120382
Thanks for the reply’s guys they are much appreciated from experienced guys willing to share there knowledge with people new to the sport. I will take on board your recommendations and look at changing the seat to achieve better stability. :up:

Re: First fishing kayak

Posted: 12 Mar 2019, 22:28
by Yako
Hi Ben,
Try some practice with an empty yak close to shore in choppy conditions also (not too rough) to get a feel for the yak. Probably try re-entriies first in calm conditions then with a little turbulence.
Make sure you have a decent pfd that doesn’t restrict your ability to paddle , personally I’d recommend a non inflatable one.
Try going out with other blokes with experience & learn. By the way you never stop learning, it’s great.
Read about tides & wind (Onshore, Offshore, wind against tide etc) waves & the effects on them by currents/tides & wind.
Practice good paddle strokes, as well as best posture as they will make a huge difference on how you move the yak & not waste energy, not to mention poor posture will cause all sorts of discomfort & can cause physical problems. Sadly most of us don’t think about some of these basics.
I’m sure Eoin, Cheater & a few others can give excellent advice on paddle & posture.