Got my Yak on Sunday afternoon. Thanks to my friend Steve, and Bryan at SD Sailing Center in Mission Bay, I now own a Cobra Navigator w/ a good seat, paddle, and 10" hatch. I was supposed to test ride it tonight at a local pond, but I threw out my back yesterday. So I've spent the last two days in an anti inflamatory stupor. Hopefully Saturday will see me on the water. I can't wait to hit all the places out of tube range. Plus, I can fish Shelter at what ever tide is happening when I want to go.

Any tips from the yakers on these boards?

Amish Ed
You Can't Catch it again if
it's Dead!

Amish Ed
You can't catch it again if it's dead!

Right on, Ed! I need to get me a yak!

SD Sailing Center is definitely the place to go. I tried stopping by the place in DP. High pressure sales, wouldn't listen to me about what I wanted or how much I could spend. Steve had bought his yak from SD Sailing Center, and has since sent 5 people down who also bought from them. Nice people who want you to find something you can afford, and have fun in. They have seconds which are cheaper than regular new ones, some used accessories, and lots of yaks to test. If you're in the 160-230lb range, try out the Cobra Tourer, fast and stable. Me , I loved it, but my fat ass sank it a little too much. Once I lose weight, I'll probably move into one. Navigator is shorter and wider, sits higher, and is a little slower. Looking forward to Spanish Rock and the outside kelp in the yak. No swell and warmer water, look for me at West Reef or Seal Rock.

Let me know when you get serious, may have a couple deals for you to check out.

Amish Ed
You Can't Catch it again if
it's Dead!

Amish Ed
You can't catch it again if it's dead!

Awesome dude. Now stay away from Adam, he'll have you chasing marlin and thresher sharks in no time... So can you tow a float tuber in one of those? haha
-Brian

Sorry Brian, didn't buy the Vessel Assist upgrade package. Perhaps after I've saved a little.

Ed

Nice going Ed, I have the navigator too! Did you get the big triangular hatch up forward? You are going to love fishing the calicos in that thing. You can actually fish right in the middle of the kelp beds.

No "A" hatch yet, just the 10" round between the legs. How do you carry your tackle? I don't have a milk crate small enough for the tank well, not sure what I'll use. Also, how's the Nav in the surf? While I don't plan to do any launches in heavy surf, I'd like to hit some places for Calicos that do have some waves to get through on the beach. I can't wait till I get in shape and can start hitting some spots the sport boats usually skip due to the shallow water. And I love the idea of paddling into the middle of the kelp beds for those bigger model plaid bass.


Amish Ed
You Can't Catch it again if
it's Dead!

Amish Ed
You can't catch it again if it's dead!

Ed,
I usually store my rods in the A hatch(the beauty of that hatch is you can store any rod you want in there as long as its not as long as the kayak! You probly wont have to worry too much about getting your rods dunked but storing my rods in the hatch also helps me secure the rods on the ride home. My plastics I store in a dry bag, I think the SD sailing center sells those but I think you can find them at any sport chalet. The navigator performes well in the surf, I have punched through some 3-4ft waves without flipping. I haven't launched in formidable surf in almost a year so I have to get back in shape too. Good Luck, I'm planning on taking my kayak to Laguna very soon.
Tommy

Probably a dumb question, but how do you get your rods out once you get outside? Also, do you ever hit the kelp off Creek and Strands. I want to hit them as soon as I feel comfortable and fit enough to make the paddle from the harbor all the way around the point, fish, and make it back.

Not looking forward to that first roll. Hopefully I don't loose anything, and hopefully I can get back in.

Amish Ed
You Can't Catch it again if
it's Dead!

Amish Ed
You can't catch it again if it's dead!

Getting the rods out is no problem, you just straddle your way up there and pull them out. It took me a while to get used to my kayak but once you get used to it you'll find that you can access any part of it.
I have never fished that area before, right now my dad and I are fishing Malibu and the SMB but if I get my driver's license at the end of this year I'll be willing to travel further south. My dad used to beach dive the creek and he told me all about it so I'm excited to fish that.
Tommy