Rigging a Fish Finder - Part 2: Battery Power

You have found the perfect fish finder, and you are ready to start cutting, drilling and ultimately, fishing. Well, before you can do any of that, you must decide how to power the thing. You basically have two choices...one big rechargeable battery, or a bunch of small rechargeable batteries. These choices lead to various considerations:

• How much voltage does my fish finder need to operate?
• How many amp-hours (hours of use) will the batteries deliver?
• How much space and access do I have for mounting the power source?
• How much do I want to spend?

Probably the easiest way to go is to use rechargeable AA batteries that you can buy just about anywhere. Most of the fish finders that are appropriate for use on a kayak are designed for 12 volt marine batteries, and will operate within a range of 10 - 15 volts, so an array of eight AA batteries should work perfectly. Eight AA rechargeable batteries will typically deliver a little over 10 volts to the fish finder (usually about 1.3 volts per rechargeable battery, as opposed to 1.5 volts per carbon or alkaline battery). In fact, the fish finder I use on my kayaks requires at least 10 volts to operate, and with 8 AA batteries I am getting about 11 volts. As far as running time is concerned, my fish finder has a current drain of 180 milliamps (ma) every hour. Since I am using 2500 ma batteries, in "theory" I should get 13 hours of use from my fish finder before having to recharge the batteries. In reality, after about 4 - 6 hours the voltage output will drop below where the fish finder will operate. This setup is the smallest and lightest way to go, can usually be purchased (8 batteries and charger) for $20 - $30, but will give the shortest running time.

You can also use one larger, rechargeable battery for your fish finder kayak installation. There are many options, from home alarm panel backup batteries, to deer hunting auto-feeder batteries, to general purpose hobby batteries. Cabelas has a popular rechargeable battery that delivers 12 volts and 8 amps. The primary benefit of a larger battery is a much longer running time between charges. The main drawback is the larger size and weight of the battery. The Cabelas battery and charger is $30, which is an average price.

Now that you are all powered up, don't forget to check back for the next installment: mounting options.

Good Paddling

The Kayak Sportsman

Rigging a Fish Finder - Part 1: Choosing the Right Model

What should you look for in a fish / depth finder for a kayak? Well, the most obvious feature is portability. You need to find a unit that is small enough to carry or mount on a kayak, is powered by a voltage and amp range that can be served by a reasonably sized battery setup, and has enough features to make it useful. You also need to decide how big and how colorful you want the display screen, and what options you have for mounting the transducer. Of course, you have to find all of the above in a fish / depth finder that fits your budget.

There are a few "true" portable fish / depth finders on the market, with battery and transducer options designed for self-contained use, with no real installation needed. One popular series of portable fish finders is the "SmartCast" series by Humminbird. Eagle (a subsidiary of Lowrance) also makes a few models of portable fish finders. Although their performance can be variable, portable models are well suited for those who don't like the idea of making permanent alterations to their kayak.

Garmin, Humminbird and Lowrance / Eagle are probably the four most widely used brands of compact and portable fish finders on kayaks. My suggestion is to do some research on their websites to compare features (you will find that there is a great deal of overlap between Lowrance and its Eagle products) and then look for user reviews. A great place for reviews is Amazon. A quick search on Amazon finds quite a few models available, with plenty of customer reviews for most of them. The prices on Amazon are also pretty good, but when you narrow it down to one or two models, you can verify the best price with a Google Shopping search. For example, here is a quick Google Shopping search for an Eagle Cuda 300 fish finder, sorted by lowest price first.

Since this series will be following the experience of KayakDoc, you will see in his pictures that he chose a Lowrance X50 DS. Remember, there is no right or wrong choice, only the choice that works best for you. The good thing is that since the X50 has a similar general shape, base, cable and transducer to many of the models most commonly mounted in kayaks, the experience will be similar for most of you.

Good luck in your search. Check back for the next installment: battery power.

Good Paddling

The Kayak Sportsman

Rigging a Fish Finder - Introduction

OK, so you have decided to take your kayak fishing to the next level. Your kayak has rod holders, and places for stowing gear, bait, and the fish you catch. You even have a handheld GPS in your pocket (hopefully on a leash!). And now all you need to complete your ultimate kayak fishing rig is a fish / depth finder. Not too long ago this would have sounded crazy, but as the sport of kayak fishing has matured, so have the options for boat customization. It should come as no surprise that small, battery-powered fish finders eventually found their way onto kayaks. In fact. some manufacturers even make fishing kayaks with dedicated mounting and stowage options for fish finders.

I have been using a fish / depth finder on two of my boats for several years now. So when one of my readers shared with me the story (and pictures) of how they mounted and rigged one to their kayak, I asked him to let me share his experience with all of you. This will be a multi-part series of blog posts that combines some tips and DIY how-to, links to other sites and references, and the pictures from faithful blog reader, KayakDoc.

Before you decide to run out and buy a fish finder for your kayak, you have to understand that rigging a kayak is quite serious stuff. If you have never drilled a hole in your kayak's hull, you must keep in mind that installing accessories on your kayak may:

• Void the warranty of your kayak
• Damage your kayak beyond repair
• Compromise the structural integrity of your kayak
• Allow your kayak to take on water
• Make your kayak dangerous and unsafe to operate

In other words...please be sure you are comfortable working with tools and adhesives, especially as they pertain to marine applications. Do not attempt this or any modification to your kayak if you do not have the skills and experience necessary to undertake the work described. If you decide to modify your kayak in any way, make sure you read and follow the safety instructions for all tools and supplies you will be using, and use the appropriate safety equipment (eye protection, dust mask, etc.). The blog posts that follow are meant for informational and educational purposes. If you decide to use this information in any way, you assume any and all risks.

Stay tuned for Part 1 - "Selecting a Fish / Depth Finder"

Good Paddling

The Kayak Sportsman

Beginner's Guide to Camping

I am assuming that all (most) of you are active kayakers, and many of you are also fishing from your kayaks. However, kayak camping is not quite as popular as other kayak-related activities. If you've never been camping on a beach after a long day of paddling, I highly recommend it. There are so many amazing places to paddle and camp (see this blog post) that you shouldn't have any problems finding a good spot near you.

For those of you that are master paddlers and anglers, but don't know how to pitch a tent, there are many great sources online to help you get started. I found an interesting article this morning that would be a great place to start for those of you who would like to try kayak camping.

Good Paddling!

The Kayak Sportsman

Photo Credit: TripleBlaze

I'm Back...

Well, I know it has been a little while since I have posted on the blog and Twitter feed, but I am back. I sent out a quick "tweet" explaining what happened, but for those of you who missed it; Mrs. KayakSportsman suffered a pretty severe broken wrist, requiring surgery. She had to have four pins inserted into the broken bones to hold everything in place, so I had to play nurse-maid. Instead of kayaking, I've been running the house and catering to her needs as she recovers.

Let's just say that I like my regular job much better, and I give her all the credit in the world for doing what she does everyday to keep me and the two boys clothed, fed, and out of trouble!

But, as I said, I am back and ready to start posting again.

Thanks for your patience, and for the well wishes many of you sent along.

Sea Kayaking Safety

If you've been reading my blog for any length of time, you know that safety while kayaking is one of my top concerns. I am always on the hunt for anything that can help further the cause of safety, from articles to checklists, and I just found a pretty good article from an interesting source. Some of you may remember a company called Mariner Kayaks. Mariner Kayaks used to build and sell sea kayaks, from 1980 until 2008. Even though the business has closed, the former owners have left the website up as a reference. As long as they decide to keep them available, there are several excellent articles on the site that are worth reading.

The article that caught my eye is obviously the one about safety, but if you go to the home page and open the drop down menu on the left called manuals, you will see the list of articles available. The article is targeted at sea kayaking, but there is information there good for all kayakers.

Good Paddling!

The Kayak Sportsman

Kayak Surfing

Now this looks like fun! One of the things I enjoy the most about kayaking in the ocean is playing in the waves near the shore. One of my boats is a short sit-on-top that has removable thigh straps, so it can handle even moderately challenging whitewater and waves. I don't use that kayak as much as I used to, but after watching this video trailer for a kayak surfing movie, I may just have to give my fishing and touring kayaks a rest.

Good Paddling!

The Kayak Angler

Florida's Best Secret Beaches

If you are like me, you love a quiet stretch of beach where you can paddle, fish, swim, and even camp. You may remember a post I did last year about some of the best beach campsites in the US. The original article neglected to include one of my favorite beach campsites, Cape Sable in Everglades National Park, so I added my two cents. Well I just happened on an article about Florida's Best Secret Beaches, and again they neglected to mention my favorite!

Oh, well...I guess I just have to put in another shameless plug for Cape Sable.

Good Paddling!

The Kayak Sportsman

Photo Credit: Florida Villas Today

Whitewater Adventures

Remember, the Kayak Sportsman is into all manner of kayaking, including the heart-pounding, whitewater variety. I will admit that I have never been over a waterfall much higher than about 8 feet, but I definitely admire those who have plunged over falls much higher. If you like crazy whitewater footage, then YouTube has you covered too.

Here is just one example of the many clips you can find there.

Good Paddling!

The Kayak Sportsman

Kayak Fishing on TV

Have you ever seen an episode of Florida Sportsman's "Shallow Water Angler" television show? Well, as you can imagine, it highlights the best fishing that takes place in...you guessed it...shallow water! Well, here is a nice 8 minute segment from a recent episode that is all about kayak fishing, with Captain Mike Kogan, in Jacksonville, Florida.

YouTube is quite a gold mine for great kayaking videos, as a quick search will reveal. Do you have a favorite kayaking, fishing or camping video you would like to share? Email me (kayaksportsman@gmail.com), contact me via Twitter, or leave a comment below. I'll be sure to post the best ones right here on the blog.

Good Paddling!

The Kayak Sportsman

Self Support Kayak Camping

Self Support Kayak Camping is a web site for those of you that are interested in hard-core camping by kayak. The site has a small but useful collection of articles and videos that cover everything from boat and gear selection, to trip planning. The site looks to have been live for less than a month, but the posts already available offer some great tips for those of you who like to rough it by kayak.

I have at least two self-support kayak camping trips planned, so I will be sure to post any similar resources that I find, as I plan for my own adventures.

Good Paddling!

The Kayak Sportsman

Free Online Issue of Kayak Angler Magazine

Kayak Angler magazine is making their Spring 2010 magazine available as a free digital edition online. All they ask is that you provide an email address, and then the magazine is yours to read online or download to read offline. This issue includes their annual buyer's guide and some great articles. Of course, there are also plenty of advertisements, so you can drool over the next boat or gadget that you absolutely must have.

Good Reading and Paddling!

The Kayak Angler

New England Kayak Fishing

For those kayak anglers who live in New England, there is a great online resource called (appropriately enough) New England Kayak Fishing. The web site has community features, like a forum and photo/video gallery, as well as articles and an event calendar. They also have some nice planning tools for checking tides and weather, viewing charts, and even a printable float plan.

Even if you don't live or kayak in New England, the site is definitely worth a look.

Good Paddling!

The Kayak Sportsman

REI Instructional Videos on YouTube

National outdoor equipment retailer REI has a nice series of instructional videos available on their YouTube channel. The videos cover many topics, including quite a few specific to kayaking. There are also a few other videos that may be of interest to you kayak sportsmen and women (camping, outdoors essentials, equipment testing, etc.).

Enjoy your weekend, and...

Good Paddling!

The Kayak Sportsman

The 2010 Jacksonville Kayak Fishing Classic

If you didn't think that kayak fishing was becoming a big-time sport, here's more evidence. The 7th annual Jacksonville Kayak Fishing Classic tournament, scheduled for May 8th, 2010, boasts more than $80,000.00 in prizes and gifts! This tournament has quickly become one of the premiere events on the kayak fishing calendar, and is well worth the trip to Jacksonville, FL.

Let me know if any of you are planning to attend (contact me via email at kayaksportsman@gmail.com). I am thinking about attending and maybe doing some live coverage, live blogging, video updates, etc.

Good Paddling!

The Kayak Sportsman

BBC Host Breaking Kayaking Records

Helen Skelton, the host of the popular BBC children's show Blue Peter, is three weeks into her solo kayak journey down the Amazon river. According to the BBC, as of yesterday, she has broken two Guinness world records: the longest solo kayak journey, and the longest distance in 24 hours in a kayak for a woman (75 miles in one day). She is paddling about 60 miles each day, with one day of rest per week, in an attempt to complete the 2,010 mile journey in six weeks.

She is paddling to benefit Sport Relief, an organization that raises money primarily through athletic events, to benefit the poor in the UK and around the world.

Good Paddling Helen!

Photo Credit: The BBC

Now This is What I Call a Triathalon

If any of you are near Springfield, SC, or will be on February 20th, you may want to check out the Winter Challenge Off-Road Triathlon. As you know, a triathlon typically includes a running segment, a swimming segment, and a bicycling segment. Well, one of the folks at the "Winter Challenge" had the brilliant idea to replace the swimming portion of their triathlon with a kayak race! And that's not all...the registration fee includes a post-race BBQ meal! Sounds like the perfect event - well maybe except for the running and bicycling part.

If any of you are planning or know of an event you would like me to publicize, as always, feel free to email me (kayaksportsman@gmail.com), contact me via Twitter, or leave a comment below. I'll be sure to post about it right here on the blog.

Good Paddling!

The Kayak Sportsman

Kayaking in Viet Nam

Check out the video and slideshow of folks kayaking and camping in Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam. What a beautiful spot! I especially like the cave-like rock formations over the water that are best appreciated in the "VIDEO" link below.

SLIDESHOW

VIDEO

Do you have pictures or a video of a favorite kayaking spot or trip? Send them along via email (kayaksportsman@gmail.com), contact me via Twitter, or leave a comment below. I'll post the best ones, and of course you'll get all the credit.

Good Paddling!

The Kayak Sportsman

Bull Shark Sleigh Ride

One of the unique thrills of kayak fishing is the "sleigh ride" that happens when you hook a fish that is strong enough to pull you and your boat through the water. It adds another dimension to the fight, since the fish is not only battling your strength, as transmitted through the rod and line, but also the resistance and inertia of the kayak moving through the water. It's also usually fun, and sometimes scary and dangerous.

In this YouTube video, kayak angler Kyle Dechert hooks a Bull Shark in the mangrove-lined coastal waters of the Everglades, and is taken for a ride. What's the best / longest / scariest sleigh ride you have experienced? Share your story, a picture, or video via email (kayaksportsman@gmail.com), contact me via Twitter, or leave a comment below. I'll be sure to share the best ones.

Good Paddling!

The Kayak Sportsman

The Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail

Many of you have probably heard of the Everglades Wilderness Waterway; the 99 mile water trail through the "River of Grass" that is a popular trek for kayakers. Well, did you know that there is a paddling trail that circles the entire state? The Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail covers more than 1,500 miles, in 26 segments, that encompass every coastal region of the state.

Over the next few days, I will be highlighting some of the individual segments, especially those that I have had the pleasure of paddling myself. Do you have any favorite paddling trails or camping spots that are worth a mention on the blog? Feel free to email me (kayaksportsman@gmail.com), contact me via Twitter, or leave a comment below. I'll be sure to share the best ones.

Good Paddling!

The Kayak Sportsman

Kayaker Inside

As you can probably guess, I love kayaking and I am a techno-geek. So when I stumbled on this decal that plays on the ubiquitous "Intel Inside" logo, I knew I would have to give it a mention on the blog. A quick Google search will bring up several places where you can order one, but it looks like Amazon.com has the cheapest price. Amazon also sells T-shirts with the same logo on them.

I am thinking about ordering some of the decals to give away as small prizes for good blog ideas and pictures. If you know of any other cool, kayak-related merchandise that you would like me to post on the blog, feel free to email me (kayaksportsman@gmail.com), contact me via Twitter, or leave a comment below.

Good Luck and Good Paddling!

The Kayak Sportsman

Win a Seaward Kayak

How would you like to win a brand new Seaward kayak? Well, if you can think up a good name for their new 14.5' boat, you might just win one for yourself! There is a short entry form available online, and that is really all there is to it.

The contest is open to residents of the US and Canada (the complete rules are here) and you can enter until March 31st, 2010.

If you know of any other kayak-related contests you would like me to publicize, as always, feel free to email me (kayaksportsman@gmail.com), contact me via Twitter, or leave a comment below. I'll be sure to post it right here on the blog.

Good Luck and Good Paddling!

The Kayak Sportsman

Whitewater Kayaking at the Winter Olympics?

The Canadian Tourism Commission is taking advantage of the upcoming Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver to promote all of the great things to see and do in Canada, including whitewater kayaking! As reported in the Slave River Journal, the tourism commission filmed two videos to showcase the Slave River and its rapids as a world class destination for kayakers.

Here are the links for the two videos, both available on YouTube.

Video #1

Video #2

Photo Credit: Slave River Journal

Online Tools for Kayakers - Part 2

Keeping with the theme of charts and navigation, there is one definitive online source for U.S. nautical charts: NOAA's Online Chart Viewer. More than 1,000 U.S. coastal and Great Lakes charts can be viewed for free. As with the first tool I reviewed, you can simply take a screen shot and print the area of the chart you are interested in, slide it into a waterproof map case, and take it with you.

As with any online version of a navigational chart, these should only be used for planning and analysis. For proper navigation, the full-scale, official, printed versions of the NOAA charts should be used. Do you have any favorite online tools that you use when planning your kayaking trips? Fee free to email me (kayaksportsman@gmail.com), contact me via Twitter, or leave a comment below. I'll be sure to share the best ideas right here on the blog.

Good Paddling!

The Kayak Sportsman

Update on Hayley Shepard

Here is a quick update for those of you following Hayley Shepard's trek to circumnavigate South Georgia Island by kayak. She is about one-third of the way between the southern tip of South America and South Georgia Island, still on the support ship, and anticipating some worsening weather.

The tracking map can be found here.

The 2010 Golden Gate Sea Kayak Symposium

For those of you who live near the San Francisco Bay area, or are willing to travel there later this month, you might want to check out the 2010 Golden Gate Sea Kayak Symposium. This three day skills symposium takes place February 26th - 28th, on the waters of San Francisco Bay, just under the Golden Gate Bridge.

There will be more than 20 coaches on-site with up to 10 classes offered each day. This year's theme is Seamanship and classes will cover a range of topics, as well as official ACA and BCU classes and assessments. Freya Hoffmeister, who recently completed an astonishing and record-breaking 11 month circumnavigation of Australia will be the guest of honor. She will be the keynote speaker and will join participants on the water in various classes.

If any of you are planning or know of an event you would like me to publicize, as always, feel free to email me (kayaksportsman@gmail.com), contact me via Twitter, or leave a comment below. I'll be sure to post about it right here on the blog.

Good Paddling!

The Kayak Sportsman

IFA Inaugural Kayak Fishing Tour 2010

I'm sure I don't have to convince any of you that the popularity of kayak fishing continues to grow. As the sport matures, the number and quality of kayak fishing tournaments that are available also grows. In November of 2009, the Inshore Fishing Association (IFA) announced the inaugural season of the IFA Kayak Fishing Tour. There will be 18 stops on the tour, beginning later this month, and continuing through October. The tour is presented by Hobie Fishing, along with many other sponsors, and will pay out more than $20,000.00 in cash and prizes.

If any of you are planning to participate in the IFA tour, would like me to mention any other tournaments, or would like to show off some of your tournament-winning catches, as always, feel free to email me (kayaksportsman@gmail.com), contact me via Twitter, or leave a comment below. I'll be sure to share the best right here on the blog.

Good Paddling!

The Kayak Sportsman

Kayaking with Kids

Like many of you, I have children that participate in all of my outdoor activities. Since they were big enough to hold a paddle, I have had them on the water with me. When they were still young and learning, we made each excursion into a lesson, with a specific topic and objectives linked to the day's activities. For example, one day would be PFD day, or water rescue day, or first aid day. We would start with short lessons at home and on the way to the put-in, then work through examples and real-life situations on the water. The goal was to instill a culture of safety, while still having fun in the process.

For those of you who kayak with children, or plan to introduce kids to the sport, I have a link to a nice article that will help you get started. If any of you have any good ideas or stories about kayaking with kids, feel free to email me kayaksportsman@gmail.com), contact me via Twitter, or leave a comment below. I'll be sure to share the best ideas right here on the blog.

Good Paddling!

The Kayak Sportsman

Monday Morning Quickie - Mini Site Review: TopKayaker.net

The explosion in the popularity of kayaking, especially kayak fishing, has closely followed the growth of the "sit-on-top" kayak market. At first, the sit-on-top kayak was viewed as only good for resort rentals and casual paddlers. Now, every major kayak manufacturer has a robust and thriving line of sit-on-top boats that handle everything from casual day trips, to fishing, to serious touring.

Since 1998 Tom Holtey has run TopKayaker.net (also at sit-on-topkayaking.com) a popular online resource for all things sit-on-top. The site includes a collection of articles, buyers guides, a discussion forum, and an online store. What started as a simple web page to promote his book about sit-on-top kayaking, is now a destination resource for both beginners and experts alike.

Kayaker to Attempt First Solo Circumnavigation of South Georgia Island

If all goes as planned, noted kayak explorer and guide Hayley Shepard will begin the first solo kayak circumnavigation of sub-Antarctic South Georgia Island, on February 3rd. She is undertaking this expedition to raise awareness of the plight of the endangered albatross.

On her website you will be able to follow her progress, as she paddles around a place once described by Captain James Cook as "a land doomed to perpetual frigidness, whose savage aspects I have not words to describe."

Online Tools for Kayaking - Part 1

One of the most important things that all sportsmen (and women) must do before any excursion is to plan ahead. When your activities take you out onto the ocean or along the inshore waters of the United States, a vital part of the planning is likely to include a nautical chart from NOAA. NOAA provides detailed nautical charts that, as many of you know, can be purchased from a variety of sources, in a variety of formats (paper, waterproof, digital, etc.).

Since I am always on the lookout for easier and less expensive ways to do things, I was determined to find a way to access NOAA nautical charts that I could print at home, and slide into a waterproof map case (or kitchen storage bag) for use while kayaking. My search brought me to a website that has integrated the NOAA charts into Google Maps. This appears to be a demonstration project put together by GeoGarage, but as long as it is online, I will be happy to use it. I simply zoom in to the area of interest and print out a screen capture.

I only use this method when planning a short-distance trip that does not require an entire nautical chart for navigation purposes. This works best for me when I need a basic understanding of water depths and the relative locations of places where the fish are hiding!

Do you have any favorite online tools that you use when planning your kayaking trips? Fee free to email me or message me via Twitter, and I'll be sure to post it on the blog.

Good paddling!

The Kayak Sportsman

Using Google Earth to Create Kayaking Maps

I happened to stumble on a nice little guide that describes how to use Google Earth to make detailed maps of your favorite kayaking trips and fishing spots. I have used Google Maps to do something quite similar, but Google Earth is much more versatile. I also use a variety of other online resources for planning and charting trips, so I have decided to post a small series about this very topic.

If any of you have a favorite online planning, mapping, charting tool that you use for your outdoor adventures, please email me (kayaksportsman@gmail.com) and I will be sure to mention it on the blog and Twitter feed.