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I have joined the Dark side

Posted By: JustWingem

I have joined the Dark side - 06/23/19 02:15 AM

My 14 year old son convinced me he needed a Kayak because our boat dock here on Fork is limiting his abilities. LOL

Decided on something stable enough for my 240 lb butt..

A Bonafide SS107

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]


Let the add ons begin!


Thoughts and suggestions welcomed.
Posted By: Jezreel

Re: I have joined the Dark side - 06/23/19 03:22 AM

That’s a Beaut! ! ! I can’t wait to hear how like it. Post more pics when ya get it rigged out.

Just curious why the SS107 is a tad more expensive than the RS117, as it is a foot shorter.
Posted By: JustWingem

Re: I have joined the Dark side - 06/23/19 03:40 AM

Storage, transportation issues and I fish a lot of tight areas were the main factors in the length. Got a great deal as Native Outdoors is getting out of the Kayak business.
Posted By: Mike@972

Re: I have joined the Dark side - 06/23/19 05:16 AM

Welcome!

I bet you a dollar that you have a second yak before the year is up roflmao
Posted By: CCTX

Re: I have joined the Dark side - 06/23/19 12:46 PM

Awesome!!

I’d recommend to keep it simple.
My first kayak was cheap and I experimented with it, adding every accessory imaginable

All you need
PFD at all times
Whistle—will come in handy on Fork
Visibility flag and 360 light
Anchor trolleys on both sides with a clamp to anchor onto trees
(Lugging around a claw or mushroom anchor and all that anchor line is something I try to avoid)
Paddle


Recommended accessories
Fish finder—If the kayak has a transducer port, choose one that fits in that port
If the kayak doesn’t have a transducer port, just get one with 2D and DI and goop it inside the hull—you will lose a little sensitivity, but dealing with a transducer arm is a beating
Marker buoys
Windfinder app on smart phone
Weatherbug app with lightning strike proximity indicator on smart phone

Other tips
Always have a plan—look at the forecast including wind and radar prior to launching
Minimize what you take with you. Start with two rods and only the lures you have the most confidence
Braid mainline—in a kayak you are at a leverage disadvantage on the hookset: braid mainline on every set up helps a lot

Posted By: Jimbo

Re: I have joined the Dark side - 06/23/19 01:04 PM

Fish out of it a few times before you start adding anything.
That way you will get some idea of what will work and what will just be in the way.
I like to keep it simple and not take along a lot of gear that ends up just going for a boat ride.
Take what you absolutely need to fish for what you are going to fish for.
Also attach floats to things like pliers, and leashes or floats to your rods.
Also a paddle leash should be used to keep the paddle from drifting away should you turtle or have the paddle slip away while you are preoccupied fishing and not notice.
Wear your PFD at all times, and have a whistle attached, and a sharp knife always within reach.
Anything that you want to keep should have some type of float or leash, and items like phones and wallets/keys should be stored in waterproof containers, preferably in storage compartments.
Looks like you are all set!
Posted By: lconn4

Re: I have joined the Dark side - 06/23/19 03:08 PM

Learn to take a whizz from the sitting position. bolt
Posted By: JustWingem

Re: I have joined the Dark side - 06/23/19 03:44 PM

Originally Posted by lconn4
Learn to take a whizz from the sitting position. bolt


They though about that when they put the removable dry pod center console. LOL


[Linked Image]
Posted By: JustWingem

Re: I have joined the Dark side - 06/23/19 03:47 PM

A couple more photos.

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Posted By: Brad R

Re: I have joined the Dark side - 06/23/19 04:27 PM

My thought, too, regarding keeping it simple. As it is, you can drop it in the water, slap it on the bed of your truck, be on the water in half the time.

I often take a single rod with me, certainly on my home lake, Lake Athens, one Plano box for tackle, a soft bag behind the seat for plastics I plan to use.

Less is more unless you are fishing tournaments where, certainly, extra "stuff" might pay off.

Brad
Posted By: retdbasser

Re: I have joined the Dark side - 06/23/19 04:28 PM

That is a nice looking Kayak. thumb
Posted By: Jimbo

Re: I have joined the Dark side - 06/23/19 07:23 PM

You might check into those flipper like dealybobs that go on the rear hull to help maintain a straight track.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzC8Nw4RZUU
Posted By: christian myrick

Re: I have joined the Dark side - 06/24/19 12:12 AM

Congrats on the kayak. If its the right yak for you thats all that matters. Enjoy it.
Posted By: janie

Re: I have joined the Dark side - 06/24/19 12:50 PM

Originally Posted by retdbasser
That is a nice looking Kayak. thumb



Yes it is. Congrat's and welcome to fun times on the water. thumb
Posted By: TreeBass

Re: I have joined the Dark side - 06/24/19 03:17 PM

Congrats again, I'm sure ya'll will enjoy it thumb
Posted By: lconn4

Re: I have joined the Dark side - 06/24/19 04:43 PM

What a great lake for your son to learn to kayak fish on. cheers
Posted By: Ocelot

Re: I have joined the Dark side - 06/24/19 05:59 PM

Welcome.
Looks like you are ready to go.
Many enjoyable times on the water!
Posted By: Dan90210 ☮

Re: I have joined the Dark side - 06/25/19 06:37 PM

Awesome welcome to the club!

Is it me or does that look like an ATAK?
Posted By: banker-always fishing

Re: I have joined the Dark side - 06/26/19 03:47 AM

Very nice. thumb
Posted By: ChanceHuiet

Re: I have joined the Dark side - 06/27/19 01:55 AM

I’ve got the same yak. Have anchor trolley and a Humminbird Helix 7 G3 SI on mine so far. Micro power pole is next.
Posted By: Duck_Hunter

Re: I have joined the Dark side - 06/27/19 03:52 AM

I like those a lot. Report back with your thoughts when you get it on the water. Congrats and enjoy.
Posted By: lagunaviking

Re: I have joined the Dark side - 06/29/19 03:30 PM

Man that seat looks comfortable! Is the stability still there up that high? Nice kayak. Will have to check them out for marsh fishing .
Posted By: Jezreel

Re: I have joined the Dark side - 07/26/19 11:57 PM

JustWingem? ? ? So, how are you liking the Bonafide? Are you able to stand with it being stable?

Does it disappoint you in any way?

I am still leaning toward a Bonafide.
Posted By: JustWingem

Re: I have joined the Dark side - 07/28/19 07:23 PM

I can stand in it pretty easily due to seat height. Very stable compared to several others I tried. Main draw back to me standing is I live on Lake Fork. Many stumps to navigate not the Yaks fault. LOL

The place I bought mine from is getting out of the Yak business and has 3 left at smoking deals.

PM me if you want the info.
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