Saturday, April 14, 2018
Sunday, April 8, 2018
Tips on Choosing the Right Fishing Kayak
Kayak fishing offers an endless variety of fish species depending on the place you choose to explore To help you have a great kayak fishing experience, we will discuss some basic tips on selecting the best kayak for you.
It's important to ask yourself the right questions when making the decision about which kayak to purchase. By taking the time to consider where you will fish, the type of fish you are targeting, and the room you need to comfortably fit you and your gear, you'll be more likely to choose the right kayak for your needs and have endless fun landing your favourite fish!
Choosing the kayak
There are many choices of fishing kayaks today. To start, it's always important that you choose the most suitable in terms of two things: The length and width of it.
For example, if you are a small angler who wants something suitable for river fishing, you'll firstly need to decide on size of the kayak. In this instance, a 10-ft kayak might be a good choice so that it will be easier to maneuver in a river. Additionally, you should also consider price and check if it is easy to carry and transport.
Where and how to use a kayak
Similarly, the maneuverability and quickness of the boat is important to reach your desired fishing spots. Another important feature that an angler should consider is how you are going to stand in the kayak. Being able to safely stand in the kayak allows you to be elevated and view a broader fishing area. This can help you to see fish and water movement and improve casting.
When choosing a kayak there is the option of sit-in or sit-on-top models. Generally sit-on-top are more popular but it does depend on the type of fishing you want to pursue. What materials the kayak is made of will also affect the ease of maneuvering and its speed.
The single narrower and lengthier kayak will be the speediest. Not everyone wishes to go faster, or needs to, but speed can be an advantage if you are going for saltwater applications, tournaments or big reservoirs.
Now, here are some quick questions you should ask before buying a kayak.
1. What size kayak do I need?
This will depend on your size and how much fishing gear and accessories you want to carry on-board, as well as the type of fishing you intend to do.
2. How much maneuverability do I require?
The answer to this question will be influenced by where you would like to fish. Your needs will vary depending whether you will mainly use your kayak in a river or marine water. For example, for river fishing where greater maneuverability may be needed, it would be better to select a shorter kayak.
3. Will you be standing or sitting on it?
The width of the kayak is a key factor. If you are standing up and fishing, a wider kayak will give you a greater sense of stability. Your standing or sitting application is also defined considering which water type you will generally fish within.
4. How much speed do I need?
This is an important consideration. In the case of wider extensive open water (such as saltwater and large reservoirs), a longer, skinnier kayak would be most suitable.
5. Would you like a kayak demo?
Don't skip the opportunity to try before you buy. This is the time when you can really judge the kayak and paddles and choose what feels best and suits your fishing needs.
Wishing you more fun riding on the water!
Norman Coughlan is a fishing enthusiast, who loves reading and writing information about fishing. Dinga Fishing Tackle Store - A leading online fishing store in Australia!
To know more, visit our range of fishing boats and accessories.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Norman_Coughlan/1366315
http://EzineArticles.com/?Tips-on-Choosing-the-Right-Fishing-Kayak&id=9190442
"The most important things are length, width and weight," Kitt says. "You have to get the right boat for the right job. The main difference is distance. You have to determine how far you want to paddle. A longer boat goes farther with less effort" Read More Kayaking CNY
Sunday, April 1, 2018
Kayaking Under Bridges - Tips For Staying Safe
If you live near a major port city, such as San Francisco or Seattle, odds are that you are also near a number of bridges. You may have traveled over them by car or by foot, but you might not have realized just how big they are. Kayaking, in addition to being an excellent workout and a fantastic way to spend a day outdoors, can also give you a new perspective on seemingly ordinary landmarks such as bridges. Since many impressive bridges span navigable bodies of water, a kayaking trip is a great opportunity to paddle underneath a bridge. There are many aspects of a bridge paddle that make it so interesting, but there are also some important things you should remember when planning a bridge paddle.
One thing you should be aware of is the likelihood of strong currents flowing under your bridge of choice. Many bridges are built over narrow waterways such as straits or channels. Particularly in the cases where these waterways connect a larger body of water to the ocean, tidal currents can be treacherous when the tidal exchange is significant. For example, currents under the Golden Gate Bridge can reach up to 6 knots during the most significant tidal exchanges. For comparison, the fastest you can probably paddle your kayak is about 2 or 3 knots. These exceptionally fast tidal currents result from the large amount of water that has to flow out of the bay, sound, or other connected body of water into the ocean during the course of the tidal exchange. From this example, you can see why it's important that you plan around the tides so you don't get swept away by the current.
Luckily, tides and tidal currents are very predictable, so you can check a tide chart to make sure the tidal exchanges are small when you will be out kayaking. If you pick a time when there is very little tidal flow under the bridge, you will have a much safer and more enjoyable trip. If you are comfortable with planning for tides, you may also consider planning your trip so that the tidal current flows in the direction you want to travel. For example, you might want to ride the current from your launch point to your destination, then ride the return current back to your launch point when the tidal flow switches direction.
When kayaking under bridges, you should also be aware of the flow of water through the bridge supports. In particular, smaller bridges may have spaces between their supports through which water may flow. If you get too close to one of these spaces and your boat does not fit through it, you may get stuck against the supports by the force of the water flowing through the space. The effect is much like a strong suction or vacuum. Note that it takes very little flow for your kayak to get stuck in this manner. The best way to avoid this problem is to recognize spots where it is likely to occur and stay far away from them. You should move quickly past any such danger spots, and advise others in your kayaking party to do the same.
Another thing to look out for when kayaking under bridges is the possibility of other boats in the area. Since bridges are often located near major ports, marinas, or navigable waterways, it is often likely that larger motorized boats will cross your path. As you may know already, you should never try to pass in front of them, stay aware of where they are at all times, and turn your bow so the length of your kayak is perpendicular to any large wakes caused by passing boats.
Although these are just a few of the particularities you may have to deal with when planning a bridge paddle or kayaking under bridges, the more you inform yourself, the better you will be able to avoid uncomfortable situations and stay safe in your kayak.
Read more about kayaking and kayaking safety at [http://www.basickayaking101.com] - Kayaks and Paddling for Beginners. Larry Kang is a writer on outdoor recreation topics such as hiking, kayaking, and nature photography. He is also a contributor to [http://www.basickayaking101.com]. Note: If you find this article useful, feel free to reprint it on your website, e-zine, or newsletter as long as the credits above remain intact and the hyperlinks stay active.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Larry_S._Kang/339678
http://EzineArticles.com/?Kayaking-Under-Bridges---Tips-For-Staying-Safe&id=2726797
"The most important things are length, width and weight," Kitt says. "You have to get the right boat for the right job. The main difference is distance. You have to determine how far you want to paddle. A longer boat goes farther with less effort" Read More Kayaking CNY
Sunday, March 25, 2018
How to Store Your Paddleboard at Home
Stand up paddleboards are used for a surface water sport called paddleboarding. Paddleboarders stand on them and move around the ocean, a lake or a river by use of paddles. They look like surfboards but they are bigger. Due to their big sizes, it becomes hard to store them especially for people with limited spaces in their homes. These are some tips which will help you store your stand up paddleboard securely if you have a limited space in your home.
Use Inflatable Paddleboards
Storage of an inflatable paddleboard can be easy and space saving. After paddleboarding, you need to deflate, roll and place it in a compact storage bag. This bag can then be stored in a shelf, closet, cabinet or even in the trunk of your car. The paddleboard should be cleaned and dried up before storage. This may be a tiresome process as you have to inflate it again before going for paddleboarding but it's very easy to store it especially if you have a limited space in your home.
Use of Paddleboard Racks
You can also install paddleboard racks it the walls of your garage or even house where you can suspend your stand up paddleboard. They have hooks which hold the boards in position and are very easy to install. They will help you utilize the limited space in your home efficiently as you will suspend the paddleboard firmly in the walls of your garage which are usually free. Some racks are very beautiful when fixed at the walls of a house hence can be used as decorative elements as they hold the paddleboards. Hanging the paddleboard on walls is a highly recommended storage method as it keeps them dry which makes them durable.
Build Your Own Rack
A couple of people will custom build their own paddleboard storage areas in their home or backyards. A paddleboard lift can be installed in the ceiling rafters of a garage or attic, so the board lays flat, but it is still safely still out of the way. Others will take to their back yard and get a few pieces of weather treated wood and a tarp and construct their own little paddleboard shelving system. These keep the boards out of the house, where there may be very little space, but still ensures they are not just sitting on the ground outside exposed to the elements.
Any of these methods should be able to give you some good ideas as to where to store your paddleboard at home, especially if you are limited on space.
Kate writes all about paddleboarding [http://paddleboardingcentral.com], at Paddleboarding Central, a site that is dedicated to educating others all stand up paddleboarding. To find out more about paddleboarding, visit Paddleboarding Central [http://paddleboardingcentral.com].
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Kate_E_Gallagher/1578088
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Store-Your-Paddleboard-at-Home&id=8010285
"The most important things are length, width and weight," Kitt says. "You have to get the right boat for the right job. The main difference is distance. You have to determine how far you want to paddle. A longer boat goes farther with less effort" Read More Kayaking CNY
How to Store Your Paddleboard at Home
Stand up paddleboards are used for a surface water sport called paddleboarding. Paddleboarders stand on them and move around the ocean, a lake or a river by use of paddles. They look like surfboards but they are bigger. Due to their big sizes, it becomes hard to store them especially for people with limited spaces in their homes. These are some tips which will help you store your stand up paddleboard securely if you have a limited space in your home.
Use Inflatable Paddleboards
Storage of an inflatable paddleboard can be easy and space saving. After paddleboarding, you need to deflate, roll and place it in a compact storage bag. This bag can then be stored in a shelf, closet, cabinet or even in the trunk of your car. The paddleboard should be cleaned and dried up before storage. This may be a tiresome process as you have to inflate it again before going for paddleboarding but it's very easy to store it especially if you have a limited space in your home.
Use of Paddleboard Racks
You can also install paddleboard racks it the walls of your garage or even house where you can suspend your stand up paddleboard. They have hooks which hold the boards in position and are very easy to install. They will help you utilize the limited space in your home efficiently as you will suspend the paddleboard firmly in the walls of your garage which are usually free. Some racks are very beautiful when fixed at the walls of a house hence can be used as decorative elements as they hold the paddleboards. Hanging the paddleboard on walls is a highly recommended storage method as it keeps them dry which makes them durable.
Build Your Own Rack
A couple of people will custom build their own paddleboard storage areas in their home or backyards. A paddleboard lift can be installed in the ceiling rafters of a garage or attic, so the board lays flat, but it is still safely still out of the way. Others will take to their back yard and get a few pieces of weather treated wood and a tarp and construct their own little paddleboard shelving system. These keep the boards out of the house, where there may be very little space, but still ensures they are not just sitting on the ground outside exposed to the elements.
Any of these methods should be able to give you some good ideas as to where to store your paddleboard at home, especially if you are limited on space.
Kate writes all about paddleboarding [http://paddleboardingcentral.com], at Paddleboarding Central, a site that is dedicated to educating others all stand up paddleboarding. To find out more about paddleboarding, visit Paddleboarding Central [http://paddleboardingcentral.com].
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Kate_E_Gallagher/1578088
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Store-Your-Paddleboard-at-Home&id=8010285
"The most important things are length, width and weight," Kitt says. "You have to get the right boat for the right job. The main difference is distance. You have to determine how far you want to paddle. A longer boat goes farther with less effort" Read More Kayaking CNY
Sunday, March 18, 2018
Suggestions For Picking the Right Place to Paddle in the Finger Lakes & Central Regions of New York
By Sue Freeman
You're thinking of going paddling in the Finger Lakes Region, or maybe in part of Central New York, but you're clueless about where to go. That's not unusual. There are so many options that picking the right place can be an overwhelming task. Let's narrow it down. Below you'll find suggestions on some of the best places to head if you're looking for:
- Special experiences from a kayak or canoe
- Docile streams to meander down
- Kayak and camping options
- Beautiful ponds to putter about in
- Long rivers to cover some distance
- Fast water adventures
Every single one of these options (and many more) are mapped and detailed in the guidebook "Take A Paddle - Finger Lakes New York Quiet Water for Canoes and Kayaks."
Special Experiences from a Kayak in the Finger Lakes & Central Regions of NY
Pity those who only rely on their car for transportation. They miss so many unique sights and adventures. If you're willing to paddle a kayak you can go, see, and experience some aspects of the Finger Lakes region that few get to see.
1. Paddle among the river otters. Honeoye Inlet (at the south end of Honeoye Lake) was a release point for the river otter restoration project.
2. Lock through an Erie Canal lock. Sitting at the bottom of a lock chamber in a kayak makes you feel mighty small. The noises of the lock tender shifting gears and the lock doors clanking and grinding as they open and close is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, not to be missed. Just be sure to take a pair of gloves to protect your hands as you hold onto the cable that runs from top to bottom in the lock. Locks can be found in Macedon, Palmyra, Newark, Lyons, Clyde, Galen, Montezuma, Seneca Falls, and Clay.
3. Chimney Bluffs is a glacial moraine that has been cut into artistic peaks and spires along the shore of Lake Ontario by the forces of wind and water. On a calm day, paddle along the shore of Lake Ontario and gaze up in wonder at this work of natural art.
4. Sand dunes in New York State? You bet! Paddle Deer Creek to Lake Ontario and near the shore you'll pass through a series of sand dunes.
5. Paddle under the Erie Canal. Nine Mile Creek flows under the Erie Canal which is carried high overhead in an arched aqueduct. Now, where else can you do that?
6. Paddle through Ninemile Swamp on the Sangerfield River where wildlife and wildflowers will be your escort. This is a true escape into nature.
Maps and details for each of these special experiences and others can be found in the guidebook "Take A Paddle - Finger Lakes New York Quiet Water for Canoes & Kayaks."
Docile Streams of the Finger Lakes Region
"Flat water" is the technical lingo for docile streams that drift along with a gentle or nonexistent current. Without major drops in elevation, they don't plummet over waterfalls or roil in rapids. You can drift down them with a leisurely paddle and not worry too much about sharp turns or impediments along the way. Of course, even the most docile stream can get a blown down tree from a storm or become an angry torrent with enough rain or snow melt. Generally, if you're looking for a docile stream you should limit your paddling to summer and fall.
Docile streams also lend themselves to two-way travel. Without a strong current you can paddle both upstream and downstream. This means you don't have to hassle with spotting a car or arranging for a shuttle.
The Finger Lakes region teems with docile streams that wander through gorgeous countryside. Here are a few of my favorites:
1. Circumnavigate an island. Using a section of the Erie Canal and a remote loop of the Seneca River you can paddle 10.7 miles around Howland Island. This is part of the Northern Montezuma Wildlife Management Area so be sure to take your binoculars for the excellent bird watching opportunities.
2. The Erie Canal today is wide and deep - dredged years ago to allow passage of barges. But remnants of the old, smaller canal still exist. One such segment runs between Dewitt and Canastota and is called the Old Erie Canal. You can paddle all 17 miles or choose a smaller segment. Along the way you will traverse through aqueducts over creeks and have to duck under bridges. Just like the famous Erie Canal song says, it's "low bridge everybody down."
3. Rent boats at Puddledockers in Ithaca and paddle the Cayuga Lake Inlet. There's much to look at along the way and you can even stop at the docks enroute to enjoy a meal, a drink, or ice cream.
4. West River Marsh at the south end of Canandaigua Lake is a lazy stream that can be paddled year-round, except when frozen. Enjoy the peace and quiet tucked below the towering hills that surround Canandaigua Lake.
Maps and details for each of these docile streams and others can be found in the guidebook "Take A Paddle - Finger Lakes New York Quiet Water for Canoes & Kayaks."
Kayaking & Camping In the Finger Lakes / Central Region of NY State
One of the things I love about kayaking is the opportunity it affords me to escape into nature, away from motorboats, away from throngs of people, and away from man-made noise. By combining camping and kayaking you can extend the escape and submerse yourself in nature. Some wonderful opportunities for these escapes exist in the Finger Lakes region. But first, camping needs to be sub-divided into two distinct experiences. The first is the use of campgrounds where you can set up a tent or use a camper and enjoy the luxury of a shower after a day of paddling. As drawbacks, you won't escape the noise and throngs of people and there is a cost involved. Primitive camping, on the other hand, is free and offers solitude and quiet, but you have to be willing to forego showers and flush toilets. You choose.
Campgrounds:
1. Stay at Fairhaven Beach State Park and paddle Sterling Creek. Fairhaven Beach State Park is a spectacular 1,400-acre site with nearly two miles of Lake Ontario shoreline. A stay here can combine shoreline walks, hikes on trails, and paddling on Sterling Pond and Sterling Creek. The creek is easy to paddle both upstream and down so you won't need to hassle with a shuttle. Be sure to take along binoculars. A swamp called "The Moat" abuts the creek and is teeming with hawks, herons, ducks, geese, turtles and frogs.
2. Stay at Hickories Park and circumnavigate Hiawatha Island on the Susquehanna River. Hickories Park is a campground owned by the Town of Owego that sits on the banks of the Susquehanna River. Launch from the campground and paddle upstream or down on the wide, slow river. Bring along your fishing gear and angle for walleye, bass and tiger muskellunge. Downstream it's a short paddle to 112-acre Hiawatha Island which is owned by The Waterman Conservation Education Center and offers two miles of hiking trails.
3. Camp at Park Station Recreation Center and paddle Park Station Lake. Park Station Recreation Center in Erin offers 6 miles of hiking trails, a RV and tent campground, and a 100-acre man-made lake to paddle or fish.
Primitive Camping:
1. Tent camping is allowed at the locks along the Erie Canal. Simply ask permission from the lockmaster. Camp at Lock 30 Canal Park in Macedon and you can paddle through history. Between Macedon & Palmyra you'll experience 3 versions of the Erie Canal - each from a different time period, see remains of an aqueduct, and even lock-through a canal lock.
2. Become an explorer on a 21 mile loop using the Erie Canal and Clyde River and camp along the shore in the Galen Marsh Wildlife Management Area. A true sense of adventure is helpful for this trip.
3. Long Pond in Smithville offers 10 primitive campsites at its north end that are free and on a first-come, first-served basis. The mile-long pond is undeveloped and tree-lined, part of the Long Pond State Forest, and is dappled with pond lilies.
Maps and details for each of these camping/paddling adventures and others can be found in the guidebook "Take A Paddle - Finger Lakes New York Quiet Water for Canoes & Kayaks."
Ponds of the Finger Lakes & Central Region of NYS
Yes, you can paddle the Finger Lakes themselves. But, they tend to be large lakes that are long and skinny. While paddling them you have to contend with wind, waves, and motorboats. Lucky for paddlers, the Finger Lakes region is dotted with many small lakes and ponds that are off the normal "tourist radar" and offer a much more pleasant human-powered boating experience. They also offer diversity. Each has a personality of its own, making pond hopping a fun Finger Lakes region sport.
1. Looking for shallow and pristine? Then choose Parker Pond or Otter Lake. They both sit between Cato & Meridian. It's just you and the wildlife in these ponds tucked inside a wooded wetland.
2. For a totally different experience go paddle Kasoag Lake & Green Pond. These waterways sport convoluted shorelines dotted with vintage cottages. Be a peeping Tom as you wind in and out of the lily-filled coves and among pine dotted islands.
3. Labrador Pond is a natural glacial pond tucked in a valley between steep wooded hills without a man-made structure in sight. After paddling, head across Route 91 and take a short walk up a trail to Tinker Falls. Here, you can walk behind the wall of water as it plummets off the limestone caprock.
4. Take a picnic lunch and paddle out to Red Bank Island in Lamoka Lake where you can swing off a tree rope, swim, and enjoy a leisurely meal with a spectacular view.
Maps and details for each of these pond adventures and others can be found in the guidebook "Take A Paddle - Finger Lakes New York Quiet Water for Canoes & Kayaks."
Long Rivers of the Finger Lakes Region
Are you aching to dip that paddle in a stream and cover some ground? You're in luck in the Finger Lakes region. The rivers here aren't wide, deep, fast moving behemoths that the term "river" may conger in your mind. They are significant waterways but the shores are close by and the currents are generally helpful, not menacing (except during spring melt of course). I loved paddling the rivers here. You can get a cadence going and meld into a trance as the countryside drifts by.
In the upper reaches of these rivers they can be creek-like with twists and turns and obstacles such as downed trees or submerged dams. It's just enough excitement to keep you alert and on guard.
1. One of the more creek-like rivers is the East Branch Tioughnioga River between Cuyler and Cortland. No day dreaming allowed here. Expect 20 miles of good paddling.
2. The Otselic River begins creek-like in Cincinnatus and is more river-like 14 miles later when it meets the north end of Whitney Point Reservoir. Birds will serenade you on this remote wilderness stream.
3. The Tioughnioga River flows in a wide valley with low banks, providing a panoramic view rimmed with farm-dotted hills. It runs 21 miles from Marathon to Chenango Forks. 4. Running 15 miles from Wallace to Bath, the Cohocton River is an especially beautiful river. This clear water stream flows over a rocky bottom, and allows you to watch fish as you float or paddle downstream. On route, you pass beautiful, lush scenery and have ample opportunity to take breaks along shore.
Maps and details for each of these long paddling rivers and others can be found in the guidebook "Take A Paddle - Finger Lakes New York Quiet Water for Canoes & Kayaks."
Fast Water Adventures in the Finger Lakes Region of NY State
Lakes, ponds, and meandering streams - they can all be found in the Finger Lakes region. But, so too will you find fast water streams that offer frolicking adventures for more experienced or more adventurous kayakers. These generally aren't white water - except during spring melt season - but they are streams where the water moves swiftly and you need to be adept at rounding sharp corners and avoiding obstacles such as downed trees or dams.
These are fun streams where your skills can be tested. You're just as likely to round a bend and find several deer standing in the creek drinking as you are to experience a game of tag with a great blue heron. The herons have a tendency to flush as you approach, fly downstream and rest on a limb until you approach and flush them again, and again, and again. Heron tag is one of the many joys of paddling in the Finger Lakes region. Here are a few of my favorite Finger Lakes region fast water adventures:
1. Canandaigua Outlet drains from Canandaigua Lake into the Erie Canal. Near Canandaigua Lake it's canalized and drops over several waterfalls but between Manchester and Lyons it's a moving water lover's paradise.
2. Ganargua Creek (also called Mud Creek) has a fast and twisty run between Palmyra and Lyons. Go have a whoop-hollering good time.
3. Owasco Outlet runs with clear water over a rocky bed so it's enticing to watch the fish and not pay full attention to what's ahead. The section between Throopsville and the Seneca River is 10 miles of fun.
4. Equally fun, but quite different is the other end of Owasco Lake on the Owasco Inlet. It's two streams in one. From Moravia to the Route 38 Bridge it's a fast moving, narrow, winding stream. Downstream from Route 38 it widens into a deep slow moving channel through Owasco Flats. Here, you're eye level with fields of ferns and get to enjoy deer, muskrats, great blue herons and beavers until you reach Owasco Lake.
Maps and details for each of these fast water adventures and others can be found in the guidebook "Take A Paddle - Finger Lakes New York Quiet Water for Canoes & Kayaks."(http://www.footprintpress.com/paddling/TAPfingerlakesPreview.htm)
Sue Freeman is the author of 14 guidebooks to fun outdoors in Central & Western New Your State. They can all be viewed at http://www.footprintpress.com.
Contact Sue at sue@footprintpress.com for photos to accompany this article.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Sue_Freeman/9743
http://EzineArticles.com/?Suggestions-For-Picking-the-Right-Place-to-Paddle-in-the-Finger-Lakes-and-Central-Regions-of-New-York-&id=4434393
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