Ring King

I only just moved to NorCal last summer but I've spent a few days in the Delta around Big Break and Franks Tract. Both have supplied a great swimbait bite. I even took 3rd in a tourney out of Big Break on my first time fishing there thanks to a Wake Jr.

I'm still waiting on a couple from the preorder as well. I've got a carp Wake Jr and a shad Baby Wake that haven't shown up yet?

The biggest I currently own is a few Deps 250 SS. I have no problems throwing them while seated. Not sure how it would be with anything larger. I do stand up to fish at times but you have to plan your drifts or use a paddle to manuever while standing in order to get around.

When kayak fishing you learn to setup a drift using wind or current in deeper water. I have an eight foot Stick-It anchor pin that I can use to hold me in place when the water is shallow enough. Personally, I have learned to fish sitting down most of the time and pedal very slowly into the wind or current to hold me in place while fishing. I rarely anchor or stake out. I stay on the move fishing high percentage targets. I'm not one to ever stay stationary for long.

If you want a Cadillac then the Pro Angler 14 is the way to go. It's heavy, sure, but it's stable and can carry a load like no other kayak in the industry. I wouldn't trade mine for a whole fleet of paddle kayaks!! I've fished all over the country in it and have even gone offshore in the Atlantic and Pacific. Hands free fishing will trump any paddle kayak anyday unless you plan to fish shallow rocky rivers. That being said, I also understand the limitations of the Civic for transport. I would take a serious look at the Hobie Outback. It's still plenty stable, capable of offering stand up fishing, has the pedals, and can easily be transported on the roof top. I'm not sure how anyone (that's ever been in one) could ever claim a "con" of the Hobie is that you'll get your line tangled around the pedals and drive unit. Example: Sit flat on the floor with your feet out in front of you. From this position why would your line ever be at your feet? Unless you're fly fishing your line won't come near your feet and the drive unit. You net would be in a rod holder behind you, or I like to lay mine on the front hatch of the boat when not in use. Either way I've never been entangled with the drive or pedals. Another option would be the new Native Slayer Propel. It's also a pedal yak that uses Native's Propel Drive system. I've never been in one but from what my friends claim (take for granted that they are Native Pro Staff) it is the cat's meow!! My issue with the Native Propel Drive is that it has major short falls when fishing around submergent vegetation. The drive uses a prop like a trolling motor and the grass will wrap around the prop and bog down. The Hobie Mirage Drive, while not 100% weedless, tends to have an easier time in the grass. As for electronics, I am currently running a Humminbird 587ci HD DI unit on my current Pro Angler 14. I have a Mad Frog Transducer Deployment Arm to hold my transducer "IN" the water rather than mounting it in the hull. This reduces interference/noise caused by shooting through the polyethelene hull as well as gives me accurate water temperature readings. I like this set up better than most that I've seen on the market. The newest versions of the Hobie Mirage kayaks have a Lowrance ready scupper mount for transducers. There is an adapter for Humminbird transducers as well if you're brand loyal like I am. I never could get used to Lowrance and was always leary about the higher failure rate of the units if they ever become submerged (in the case of a roll over). The price point on these kayaks is on the high side. It's definitely not a purchase that everyone can justify. However I personally wouldn't trade my Pro Angler for a tin boat with a trolling motor. I like the zero maintenance factor of my kayak. I've had several bass boats, several inshore saltwater boats, and quite a few fully rigged aluminum jon boats. The last rig I sold to buy my Hobie was a 1542 War Eagle with a 3 cylinder 30 Yamaha on the back. I had a 50lb thrust foot controlled trolling motor on the bow with GPS at the drivers seat and a GPS/fish finder combo on the bow. All my boats required constant maintenance to stay in top fishing shape. With my Hobie I just fish, and keep my electronics battery charged. When I fish saltwater I simply rinse the boat and drive off with the hose after I'm off the water. The drive gets sprayed with water and once it dries a quick shot of WD40 on the cables keeps it ticking like a clock. I have no wiring to speak of that needs constant maintenance. There's no corrosion issues. No soft spots in the fiberglass over time. No dirty water stains to worry about. No chips in my gel coat. No carpet to deal with. It's just fishing! Add the fact that you get a little exercise while out enjoying a peaceful quiet day on the water with no fuel fumes and what more could you ask for? Austin Canoe and Kayak Hook1 Yak Attack These are all good companies to check out. However, if you're looking at Hobies you won't find a deal unless it's a store demo or a leftover model at closeout. Hobie has the best warranty in the business and that is reflected in the price. All warranty issues will be handled through your dealer so going with your local shop is always the best idea. All the shops have the same pricing on their "NEW" model Hobies so shopping around isn't necessary. Also, when you buy a Hobie the drive, paddle, and, in the case of the Pro Anglers, the tackles boxes come with the purchase price. Not sure where you're located but anyone in the North Bay area that wants to try out a Hobie Pro Angler 14 just drop me a line. I fish the Cal Delta, Lake Berryessa, Clear Lake, Lake Sonoma, and the Sonoma Coast for rockfish and lingcod. I would be more than happy to let anyone take my rig for a spin to see how they like it.

Another 3:16 Baby Wake that was painted by Pizz. I bought this bait from the Black Market on here and have absolutely crushed the fish on it this summer!! It definitely shows some signs of wear and hook rash but once it's "paintless" I would have no doubts about sending it back in to be repainted again.

Curado 300D with Hawg Handle and 20lb PLine PF on a Dobyns Champion 795 SBMT Calcutta 400B with Hawg Handle and 25lb PLine PF on a Dobyns Champion 807 MAG HSB I sold my LDC Heavy but I've still got the Calcutta 300D that I'm looking to put on a Dobyns 806 HSB.

I spent 8 hours on Lake Sonoma Saturday and another 8 hours on Clear Lake Sunday. I didn't have the first follower that I could see. The lakes are just not giving up any fish to me!!

Slow down Chris!!! LOL Any digital hand held scale will work. Just make sure to put a piece of tape or paper on it that has the specific code for the event so that it can be seen in your picture. I'm off Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday!! Looking to hit the water somewhere in search of a giant!!

Bass Pro Shop is a joke and has been for quite a few years. It seems that their game is to carry a great product, make sure the sales potential is high, and then copy the bait, rebrand it with their label, and sell it for the same price while discontinuing the original product. I quit shopping with them years ago. Even their pricing isn't very competitive on most items I've researched. You can almost always find it cheaper with a quick Google shopping search. Thank goodness for places like Tackle Warehouse!!! I would have to guess that about 60% of my purchases are now through them and the rest is split between classified sections on forums and private lure makers like Huddleston, Hiroshima Customs, 3:16 Lure Co., etc.

Great job Chris!! Glad to see you posted the pics up on here. I need to get out there again myself but after my weekend fishing the coast it's going to be a tough decision on whether to head back to the sweetwater or catch more lingcod!!

11lbs 1oz