The Ride

My Wilderness Systems Ride 135 2012 came in yesterday. I want to thank Tom at Appomattox River Company for making this purchase a smooth experience.

Here is the unboxing or unwrapping...

Shock the Body and the Wallet

      I've been extremely busy the last few months with work, class, and honey do lists. Don't get me started on my allergies, that is a different story. Anyway, my time is precious and I pray the weather gods are on my side when I have a block of time set aside for some fishing. Well, the weather gods have not been on my side this weekend. I had a few hours blocked off yesterday afternoon, hoping to get some fishing in. The forecasters had called for rain all day on Saturday and Sunday. Well, as it turned out, the rain and wind came on Saturday afternoon. And it came fast with cooler temperatures.

     Talk about shocking the body with warm temperatures followed by this cold, rainy yuck stuff. So, I spent that time researching paddles. I was looking for a light paddle that did cost more than $200.00. I made the mistake of purchasing an inexpensive Carlisle Day Tripper paddle when I decided to jump into the sport. Let me tell you, that paddle is one heavy paddle when you are trying to paddle with one hand and fight a fish or retrieve a hung lure.

    So, I narrowed my choices to two paddles. One that I tested and liked because of how light it was. It being the Werner Camano. However, a couple of local kayak anglers I spoke to on a recent outing had the Aqua-Bound Sting Ray Carbon paddle, they told me how great the paddle was for the cost and as I held one, I really couldn't tell the difference between the two.

    My findings on the paddles:
Werner Camano - $220.00 at 27.25 ounces
Aqua-Bound Sting Ray Carbon - $189.00 at 28.5 ounces

   My decision was made. I placed my order via Appomattox River Company for a Aqua-Bound Sting Ray Carbon paddle and a Wilderness Systems Ride 135 2012 in Orange. Hook'em! \m/

   Some modifications I intend to make on this Ride are add a few stickers, camera mount, anchor trolley, and fish finder on the side track. More to come once I receive my toys.

Outing Number 2 at Beaver Dam Reservoir

I had a visitor coming today, so I got off to a late start. I launched roughly around 12:30p.m. The winds were up a bit around 11-14mph. I headed out to my favorite point but I could not keep my position. My little 10 footer was being blow around. I decided to hit a few coves but all I managed was a couple of small crappie off a 1/8 gold Kastmaster spoon.

Off to my final cove before I called a day. The wind was beginning to pick up. I felt I had one more shot. I decided to put the spinner down and pick up old faithful, swim jig and Fat Albert grub. I positioned myself to target a drop off at the entrance to the cove. On my first cast, BAM! I picked up this nice little bucketmouth.

Although the wind was a bit strong for my taste, I did manage to get out and enjoy the outdoors. At the end of the day, that's what it is all about.

 

Beating the Bank

I thought about heading out to Beaver Dam Reservoir in Ashburn, VA in 16-20 mile winds but decided against it. I did not want to be fighting the wind in my little 10 footer. So, off to a nearby pond I went. It is a well covered pond surrounded by many trees. Unfortunately, this pond does have "No boating" signs posted. My only option was to hit the banks.

I caught a couple on a swim jig with a a Zoom Fat Albert Grub. Both were caught by making a perfect cast to a spot near rocks that had some shadows from pine trees just off the bank. The biggest of the two hit the jig just as I began to make my retrieve. The other hit once, a slight tap. I slowed down the retrieve, paused, then the fight was on.

Here is my swim jig setup and Largemouth bass.

Kayak Apparel for 2012 Arrives

I needed a pair of shoes to replace my Crocs that I could use casually or while I'm out on the kayak. So, after doing some research, I found the Salomon Techamphibian 3 Water Shoes. The Tech 3s are light and have a mesh to keep debris out. That is something about Crocs I did not like. I was constantly having to remove by Crocs to empty out the debris that would find it's way in while wading with kayak in tow.

I also purchased a Columbia Terminal Tackle long sleeve shirt that provides sun protection, quick dry, and moisture management. And for the neck and ears I bought a High UV protection Buff.

Up next is the 2012 Wilderness System Ride 135. I will probably be ordering it from Appomattox River Company sometime in the next couple of weeks.