tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91923913199214760142024-02-19T04:12:27.597-05:00The Unlucky HunterHunting - Fishing - SurvivalTim Borkerthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13595231283663439297noreply@blogger.comBlogger276125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9192391319921476014.post-26571422898282596862018-03-07T10:23:00.000-05:002018-03-07T10:23:29.985-05:00Choosing Between a Crossbow and a Compound Bow<br />
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Before we get too far into this, be sure to check out this
site for great crossbow reviews: <a href="http://bowauthority.com/best-crossbow/">http://bowauthority.com/best-crossbow/</a>.
You will be glad you did!<o:p></o:p></div>
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As my longtime readers know, I am an avid user and proponent
of crossbows. I like them for a lot of reasons and decided long ago that I
would focus my energy on learning and using a crossbow instead of a traditional
bow. This decision did not come lightly and took several years to come to. Now,
do I think crossbows are for everyone? No, of course not, everyone needs to
come to that conclusion on their own. <o:p></o:p></div>
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That is why I am writing this, to help you decide which you
would rather use, a crossbow, traditional bow, or neither (a very reasonable
choice).<o:p></o:p></div>
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If you are like me, you started hunting with a traditional, centerfire
hunting rifle. You probably hunted for several successful seasons with a rifle.
After a few years you decided to branch out to muzzleloading. For me, this
choice was made because the muzzleloading season is longer in my state, starts
earlier, and does not require blaze orange. With the advances of muzzleloaders,
they are just as accurate and powerful as traditional rifles out past 100
yards. So, the jump just makes sense. Muzzleloading has become my favorite form
of hunting.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Soon after starting to hunt with a muzzleloader, I
discovered that the game is much more plentiful early in the season. Why not
extend the season even further with archery?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Then came the big decision: Crossbow or Compound bow? I knew
from the get go I did not want to fool with a recurve or longbow. Although I
GREATLY respect those that do!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, there are a ton of pro’s and con’s to both Crossbows
and Compound bows. It is not an easy decision.<o:p></o:p></div>
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First, lets test your ideology. Why are you bow hunting? Is
it for the challenge? Do you crave the satisfaction of hundreds of hours of
practice paying off? <o:p></o:p></div>
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If you answered “yes” to these two questions then you might
be leaning towards the compound bow. They require more skill to use. There is
no doubt. During the hunt there is a lot that can go wrong when using a
compound. One of the hardest things is that you have to draw without the game
seeing movement. It also takes months of practice to consistently hit the
vitals of a deer at 30 yards. Do you have time to devote 30 minutes a day for
practice? Do you enjoy repetitive archery practice? If yes, then a compound is
for you! <o:p></o:p></div>
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However, are you hunting for meat or simply to extend the
season? Do you get your satisfaction from a clean kill? Do you not have time to
learn a new skill? <o:p></o:p></div>
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If you answered yes to these questions, then a crossbow
might be for you. There is no doubt that they are easier to use. Out of the box,
I was shooting 1-inch groups at 30 yards after less than an hours practice. This
ease of use means you have less chance to wound an animal. I know several
hunters that gave up on bow hunting after terribly wounding an animal due to a
poor shot. There is no drawing, you simply aim and shoot. The <a href="http://bowauthority.com/best-crossbow-bolts/">crossbow arrows</a> (called
bolts) are even shorter, making them easier to carry! <o:p></o:p></div>
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I chose a crossbow because I did not believe I could consistently make a clean kill with a compound. A clean kill this the most important thing to me.</div>
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After the ideology, it comes down to practicality. So here
are some pro’s and con’s to each:<o:p></o:p></div>
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Crossbows take a long time to load while a follow-up shot
from a compound can be made quickly. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Crossbows are usually louder than compounds.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Compounds usually have a little more range for the very experienced
archer. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Crossbows are usually heavier.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Compounds require more accessories (release, sights, and
other doo-dads) that can break, get lost, or get hung up in brush.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Compounds are safer (sometimes). Many people leave their crossbow
loaded when climbing a stand or walking around. This is not super safe.<o:p></o:p></div>
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You have to unload a crossbow if you do not shoot it. This
is one of the biggest headaches for me. I usually use an old, sacrificial bolt.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Lastly, the biggest questions of them all is should you use
a bow at all? It is harder than you think. I had a trophy buck within 20 yards
of my stand once. He stood behind a clump of grass for 20 infuriating minutes
eating. If it were gun season, I would have put him down, but because I had a bow,
I could not risk shooting through some grass. Arrows do strange things when
they hit the smallest things. Tracking animals hit with an arrow is a skill in
itself and loosing kills is not uncommon.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In the end, it is up to you and what your priorities are. Now
go out there and make your decision!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Tim Borkerthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13595231283663439297noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9192391319921476014.post-22801845883434511992017-12-28T09:59:00.000-05:002017-12-28T09:59:11.798-05:00Essential Kayak hunting tips for beginners.<div class="MsoNormal">
If you have followed this blog for long, you know I am a big
believer in kayaks. I absolutely believe they are the most fun you can have
fishing. The excitement of being down there with the action and having a large
fish pull <i>you</i> around is absolutely unmatched
in the outdoors. Couple that with the ability to go places boats cannot and the
ability to go there silently makes them the perfect fishing platform. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I am not the only person who recognizes this and kayaks are
getting more and more popular. Innovations are being made and the boundaries
are being pushed in what they can do. Gone are the days that kayaks are used
solely for touring. You name a water based outdoor adventure and someone has probably
done it in a kayak.<o:p></o:p></div>
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One of the last frontiers we are seeing with kayaks is
hunting. A few years ago I started seeing my friends go out duck hunting in their
kayak. Some have even attempted larger game, gaining access to hard to reach
public land for deer, turkey, and varmints.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can sneak up close to game in a kayak</td></tr>
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Like kayak fishing, kayak hunting requires careful planning and
gear selection. It takes a lot of effort, but the effort is often well worth it.</div>
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The first thing you need to look into is the laws concerning
both boating and hunting. It can get complex depending on your area. In my
state, it is illegal to shoot deer from a boat. You also must have safety
lights, even on a kayak, at night. Your state or country will have different
laws, so just go over them carefully before you do anything else.<o:p></o:p></div>
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After you make sure you are doing everything legally, you
need to make sure you do everything safely. For this you will need some gear.
The most obvious is a PFD. If you are in a kayak you should be wearing one. Period.
Other than drowning, the biggest danger is hypothermia. Hunting is mostly done
in cold weather. A dunk in a lake with your normal hunting cloths in near
freezing weather is deadly. You will get very cold very quickly. You need to be
wearing a good pair of insulated waders with a belt (so they do not fill up)
and a dry top. A dry top is a pullover type jacket that is designed to keep you
dry. They are somewhat expensive, but just as necessary as a PFD. Another
option would be a complete dry suit. Although they can be on the spendy side.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Another consideration is your kayak itself. A small kayak
might not cut it. It needs to be able to carry you, your gear, and your kill. Check
its weight rating and add at least 150 pounds to your weight. Can it handle it?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTifoAThhyphenhyphen3yQglcGj9IgvsH1QQA6LsypOrt3v2R1gI0tjP5FmyWIDcFlgEzvUGcwyj1JaoBy71HpPKSSp_fdIgqU7tblTJZEDtbVWMX_Vz8fc5Jka4KurXdmfB2jsXgg9tRMVa6PaYTo6/s1600/nature-731343_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTifoAThhyphenhyphen3yQglcGj9IgvsH1QQA6LsypOrt3v2R1gI0tjP5FmyWIDcFlgEzvUGcwyj1JaoBy71HpPKSSp_fdIgqU7tblTJZEDtbVWMX_Vz8fc5Jka4KurXdmfB2jsXgg9tRMVa6PaYTo6/s320/nature-731343_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of my closest wildlife encounters have been from a kayak</td></tr>
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Ok, so you have squared away the legal and safety stuff, now
onto the fun stuff!<o:p></o:p></div>
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The main purpose of a kayak when hunting is to get you to a
good spot, a spot no one else has access too. Sometime this means an hour or
more paddling. Be sure you have a good seat so you can <a href="https://kayakadvisors.com/best-kayak-seat/">sit comfortably</a>. A good
paddle is also important. I like a long touring paddle, but you will need to
try several to find a type that fits your style.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Depending on your quarry, you may need some specific hunting
gear. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Duck hunting requires the most gear. They sell some amazing
camo for kayaks. You can turn it into a small floating blind if you wish! Some people
I know tow a small raft for all their decoys and camo. Waterproof storage of
ammo and your gun should also be considered. My kayak has a waterproof opening in
the center that fits a shotgun perfectly, however not all do. You need to
carefully consider this.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I need to throw a blanket in there to protect my baby</td></tr>
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Deer and other larger game come with their own needs. Most
importantly, how are you going to bring your kill back? For small game there
are specially designed coolers to <a href="https://kayakadvisors.com/best-kayak-cooler/">keep your catch on ice</a>.
Larger game will need to be lashed to the deck of your kayak. This can get very
tricky. You need to have the straps and a good plan for accomplishing this. Having
a deer fall off your kayak or causing you to capsize is a nightmare I don’t
even want to think about!</div>
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Using a kayak to hunt can give you the edge you need,
especially on public land. However, it does come with a lot of extra
considerations. Do your homework. Make a plan. Get the right gear. You will not
regret it!<o:p></o:p></div>
Tim Borkerthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13595231283663439297noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9192391319921476014.post-61330733885268219702017-12-26T10:00:00.001-05:002017-12-26T10:03:20.218-05:00Gear Spotlight: Big Daddy Car Roof Bag<div class="MsoNormal">
Wow! I have been going through a lot of changes lately! Two
fairly big ones that affect this blog. <o:p></o:p></div>
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First, I got a new truck! I drove my old ’99 Toyota Tacoma
for most of my adult life and loved it. However, it had a major rust problem. I
could put my fist through some of the holes in its frame. Considering I drove
my kids around in it, I just did not feel safe in it any more.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, I got a Honda Ridgeline! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Big upgrade. It is nicer than the Toyota in almost every
way. Safer to be sure, but also much, much more cargo capacity. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Change #2: We are moving out of the city and into the mountains!
<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yea, this is the big one. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m not going to go into details, but moving is complicated.
The company is paying for the move, so we have movers. Naturally, there is a
gap between when our stuff leaves and when it arrives. So for this three or
four day period my family, complete with three dogs, will be living with just
what we can fit in that new truck. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Oh yea, I forgot to mention that the moving company will not
move some things. Namely firearms and ammunition……. I have a lot of those. So,
they need to find a place in my truck also.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As you can imagine, I am looking for ways to expand the
storage in my truck. There are many options, but for me the best bet is going
to be the <a href="https://bigdaddyoutdoors.com/">Big Daddy Car Roof Bag</a>. <o:p></o:p></div>
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This thing is amazing! First of all, I don’t need a roof
rack to use it. It works with roof racks, but if you don’t have one, no
problem. It uses straps that install
through your cabin making it super secure. It is also fairly easy to install. Easier
than a traditional rooftop carrier to be sure.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS5JtI7DWSWcdZL6Kk-3AsJkXaMi3sRwJGJkawNDOn2uj8kApXtkC4jFV83szf533kJDE5lPbj6zukSAPMUEw4cnan1t-EnChCIdZK9WpJqLz2S78IpIlhnfIR0G1jsYvqd1yWxIDLMch0/s1600/AJU_9106_clipped_rev_1_660x440.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS5JtI7DWSWcdZL6Kk-3AsJkXaMi3sRwJGJkawNDOn2uj8kApXtkC4jFV83szf533kJDE5lPbj6zukSAPMUEw4cnan1t-EnChCIdZK9WpJqLz2S78IpIlhnfIR0G1jsYvqd1yWxIDLMch0/s320/AJU_9106_clipped_rev_1_660x440.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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It is also large. 14 cubic feet large! That is the size of
the trunk in my wife’s car! We will be able to get most of our “extra” stuff up
there. If you are going camping it would fit your tent, four sleeping bags and
mats, plus your food with room to spare! 14 cubic feet might not sound like a
lot, but it is!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8jTdPzjVebY-GoPb0CYpsaXfb1_-tmUA5gQe34UeDE4wYo67QHfZzbZn-bwor0no-WBeguYudgga0jNEF4FydGxLaxgRzFN1ZAW7XYg-Ay1TvZEXCAREXL46wLKx25SMPdjd2Pnj7V5DT/s1600/AJU_9088_clipped_rev_1_660x440.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8jTdPzjVebY-GoPb0CYpsaXfb1_-tmUA5gQe34UeDE4wYo67QHfZzbZn-bwor0no-WBeguYudgga0jNEF4FydGxLaxgRzFN1ZAW7XYg-Ay1TvZEXCAREXL46wLKx25SMPdjd2Pnj7V5DT/s320/AJU_9088_clipped_rev_1_660x440.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now, some rooftop bags have a problem with leaking. Not this
one. It is rubberized and sealed. The stuff inside will not get wet. Period.
This was a big sticking point for me. We will be moving in the dead of winter
and it will be our household stuff up there, it cannot get wet. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ7SFnrkSajQ1o7BoKe0CoBkp6dApbTXYHTJtNhbH61-_8ghvxlePk1GnqdPU0PhDPnGPtwPW5uoyEFaZVp-ld-q34Oab7F3C0Oqby6rthsVux4TphF7bLoZDw7uWHOW2cYOch4klCs76n/s1600/AJU_9086_clipped_rev_1_660x440.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ7SFnrkSajQ1o7BoKe0CoBkp6dApbTXYHTJtNhbH61-_8ghvxlePk1GnqdPU0PhDPnGPtwPW5uoyEFaZVp-ld-q34Oab7F3C0Oqby6rthsVux4TphF7bLoZDw7uWHOW2cYOch4klCs76n/s320/AJU_9086_clipped_rev_1_660x440.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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I don’t plan on using mine often so storage of the
actual bag when I’m not using it is a concern. Thankfully it is fully collapsible
and stuffs down into a stuff bag. Much smaller than a sleeping bag. Easy peazy!
I can just store it with my camping gear. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I should probably mention how inexpensive it is. Very
inexpensive. You can buy them from their web site for £69.99 (about $94) or on
Amazon. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N2LFN9N">Here is a link to the
Amazon listing.</a> They are out of stock on Amazon right now, but I have been
told that they will be back in stock mid January. This comes with everything, including all the straps you need plus a roof mat and stuff bag!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeB0x2I_GdMjspcnPWCIF-hNYuaTT9zsu9gEERbfbqb4iK8YuCAllp-1Mu0Rgxy9B6PHet-PLIDvoAkdS4jwwAcCOItWkkfGsMjrO3hkYAthHphzhE3lnVOLQ4Ntt4769-FHMoBbu2ItJT/s1600/Roof_Bag_and_Accessories_2048x2048.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeB0x2I_GdMjspcnPWCIF-hNYuaTT9zsu9gEERbfbqb4iK8YuCAllp-1Mu0Rgxy9B6PHet-PLIDvoAkdS4jwwAcCOItWkkfGsMjrO3hkYAthHphzhE3lnVOLQ4Ntt4769-FHMoBbu2ItJT/s320/Roof_Bag_and_Accessories_2048x2048.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you are looking for roof top storage for your car or
truck, I recommend trying the <a href="https://bigdaddyoutdoors.com/">Big Daddy
Car Roof Bag</a>. I think it is a good choice!<o:p></o:p></div>
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While you are on their web site, check out their other products. They have a lot of unique, well designed products, including a kids camping cot. I think we will see a lot more out of this company in the future. </div>
Tim Borkerthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13595231283663439297noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9192391319921476014.post-5276483221842470982017-09-11T09:51:00.000-04:002017-09-11T09:51:03.258-04:00A Memory of My First Compound BowDo you remember your first real bow? By real I mean one that you could hunt or compete with. I remember my first bow.<br />
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For my 15th birthday my dad bought me a used Brown Bear compound bow. For the past year I had been watching a hunting show every Saturday morning. I don't remember the name of the show or the name of the hunter, but he was a bowman. A very good bowman. Each week he would go on an exciting hunt. I still vividly remember the episode where he hunted antelope by staking out a fence corner and shooting one as it ran by. One of my favorites was the time he hunted geese with a bow, successfully shooting one out of the air.<br />
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I had dreams of going on bow hunting adventures with my dad. Now that I had a real bow, I could. Oh! The innocence of youth! <br />
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My new bow was beautiful. Unlike most modern compound bows, the Brown Bear was made almost entirely of wood.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofDwiVFqGf0rgWbPH8byrkRW73jZ27iELYBE-6NaCh0yozq83_eE4T9NCkVMTkGD_LdV2lSUSpQmScoCl5lT_vSG7WvdAspwzVIoivr-OihVluzHq7nHLdtsugjJTJnUb3e2Mlsp5fyBY/s1600/s-l500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofDwiVFqGf0rgWbPH8byrkRW73jZ27iELYBE-6NaCh0yozq83_eE4T9NCkVMTkGD_LdV2lSUSpQmScoCl5lT_vSG7WvdAspwzVIoivr-OihVluzHq7nHLdtsugjJTJnUb3e2Mlsp5fyBY/s320/s-l500.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Compared to modern standards it was archaic. Have you seen the latest bow technologies? Check out the <a href="https://www.archery-den.com/best-compound-bows/" target="_blank">best compound bows</a> available now! Most of them look like something out of a sci-fi movie. Totally cool!<br />
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My bow was not like that, but I loved it anyway. I set the pull weight to 45 pounds (just like the guy on TV had his) and practiced, practiced, practiced. I originally could not afford a sight, so I taped hat pins to the bow with masking tape. You know what? Those hat pins served me well for months!<br />
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I also could not afford fancy aluminum arrows. I shot wooden arrows. Yes, wooden arrows out of a compound bow. I'm not sure if I was supposed to, but I never had problems with it. Probably because the bow was so weak and slow.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHSOBXzmSaXvECS4tw-uqc6nIxSqKj2tC4AZDdCVqFKmKSRFhNpIMIVMGB7SGoCCqhAaQC0EMM57h2-Of0VkJCBCYOpUxeQNvC_DBU6XaJWtTBa1OtYGrORkuc2Ddt_8Y_OgooDRMUO2XG/s1600/s-l500+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHSOBXzmSaXvECS4tw-uqc6nIxSqKj2tC4AZDdCVqFKmKSRFhNpIMIVMGB7SGoCCqhAaQC0EMM57h2-Of0VkJCBCYOpUxeQNvC_DBU6XaJWtTBa1OtYGrORkuc2Ddt_8Y_OgooDRMUO2XG/s320/s-l500+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We lived in a very small town. The only place to get archery supplies was in an old guy's garage. He was an old fashioned bow hunter. Re-curve bows were the only way according to him. He convinced me that the only good broad heads were these long single bladed things. They looked like something out of a Robin Hood movie.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpgbXFdPR4GZ5C0q-hdVKrooIs2m_PZk80Acay0vNV81iWO43ag0dgXjVRa5VgC4E5S3bBOWadqvwgioKULq73qjSfmExhfcVjCqkhWnv7RZcZ5SrwwVqOME_CPAB7dCZyicnx605IciSQ/s1600/s-l300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="222" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpgbXFdPR4GZ5C0q-hdVKrooIs2m_PZk80Acay0vNV81iWO43ag0dgXjVRa5VgC4E5S3bBOWadqvwgioKULq73qjSfmExhfcVjCqkhWnv7RZcZ5SrwwVqOME_CPAB7dCZyicnx605IciSQ/s1600/s-l300.jpg" /></a></div>
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His reasoning was that when you shot something it would run away from you with the arrow still in it. As the animal ran the arrow would wiggle around, cutting it up in the inside. A broad head with more than one blade would get stuck and not wiggle around, causing less damage.</div>
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It made sense to me at the time.</div>
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Those were good days. I practiced and practiced, never getting very good, but improving little by little. I used a paper plate as a target and hay bales as a backstop. I finally got to the point where I could hit the paper plate almost every time from 30 yards. I also got pretty good at stump shooting. Every time we would go into the mountains I would take my bow and practice by walking through the woods and shooting at random stumps. This was great for teaching me to judge distance. Wooden arrows came in handy here as they did not bend when they hit a rock and were cheap to replace when lost.</div>
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I never really went on ant big bow hunting adventures. Bow hunting is much harder than it looks on TV. I did, however, go on some great bow fishing adventures! Including one where I received my worst injury while on an outdoor adventure. </div>
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My bow came with a bow fishing kit that was essentially a spool of twine that screwed into the stabilizer hole and a fiberglass arrow. You simply tied the string to the end of the arrow and shot it at fish. It is so much fun!</div>
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I had days and days of fun shooing at "suckers" and "squaw fish" (what everyone called them) in the river on our local Indian reservation. Yes, it was allowed, and yes I had the proper permits. The squaw fish actually had a $2 bounty on them for eating salmon eggs.</div>
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My dad would drop me off in the morning and I would fish with my dog until the afternoon. My favorite tactic was to sneak up to a ledge and pop over the edge with my bow raised, shooting the fish sitting in the shade. It is seriously one of my favorite childhood memories.</div>
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Kinda dangerous when I think back on it. Once the twine got wrapped around the bows sight and slingshot-ed the arrow into my side. The nock of the arrow went in pretty deep. It happened so fast I had no idea what happened at first. I though that someone had shot me. There had been some racial unrest and some white men had been shot at while on the reservation that summer. I though someone saw me fishing on the reservation and decided to kill me. I honestly thought I was dying, so I curled up in a ball and waited for the end to come. After a while, I have no idea how long, I decided I was not actually dying, so I painfully sat up and checked myself out. It was ugly, but had stopped bleeding. Somehow I made it back to where my dad picked me up each time and sat there, slowly feeling better, until he arrived.</div>
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It's amazing all the memories one little object can bring back. </div>
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If you are looking into starting bow hunting, or are currently an enthusiast, check out this site for some great articles and reviews, including <a href="https://www.archery-den.com/best-compound-bows/" target="_blank">bow hunting prerequisites</a>! </div>
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Tim Borkerthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13595231283663439297noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9192391319921476014.post-10058550565121531962017-08-29T11:35:00.000-04:002017-08-29T11:35:36.955-04:00Why Camouflage Is Important<div class="MsoNormal">
Hunting can be as complex or simple as you want to make it.
Most of us love gear and trying out new things, but the fact is you only need a
few things to hunt. The best and most experienced hunters I know carry very
little with them into the woods. In fact, a great way to tell if a person is a
good hunter is to look in their hunting pack. The smaller it is, the more likely
it is that they are a good hunter.<o:p></o:p></div>
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There are a few things you absolutely must have. You absolutely
need a gun or bow, a knife, and your license. After that things become optional
depending on what and how you are hunting. On the top of that list for me is camouflage.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi70iPCjiWGG54RjWIM0pHxZg2phGmtTQQLjKHHX0cqxW0MlHbIosDY1cLg2TBs708NnCGiHdmxmPT2JfVOCUyYra4-L7B0g8I_RnUEhGIhI2K0mYsa9aogc-_F70Sa2bFELda67BGWJSqz/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1009" data-original-width="1600" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi70iPCjiWGG54RjWIM0pHxZg2phGmtTQQLjKHHX0cqxW0MlHbIosDY1cLg2TBs708NnCGiHdmxmPT2JfVOCUyYra4-L7B0g8I_RnUEhGIhI2K0mYsa9aogc-_F70Sa2bFELda67BGWJSqz/s320/008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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You may not realize it, but the use of camouflage is
controversial in some circles. A surprising amount of people do not believe it
works or is necessary. Many states require you to wear blaze orange, and if you
can still be successful with that, why not just wear blue jeans and a flannel
shirt? It is not a bad point. I will
agree that it is not necessary for all quarry and types of hunting. Squirrel
and rabbit hunting does not require it. Neither does hunting from a blind or
tent (although it is a good idea). However, it is my opinion that camouflage
can only help you, and it never hurts you.<o:p></o:p></div>
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To understand why, you must know how camouflage works. There
are two basic things camouflage does. It matches your pattern with the
background and breaks up your outline. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjObhnS4bWKaINqRAO-dG3VlrvwOeJkDjy9W_h7V3Ci_X02vdPixb13PmvF7sfGT_4PS-I9XhrVYWnJDJm0Pe2sVnuKkNIDju-IeK0rNwvmtCCzvrqZS_HLSrmCBvw59TEwGUV__ChlkfR6/s1600/hunting+025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjObhnS4bWKaINqRAO-dG3VlrvwOeJkDjy9W_h7V3Ci_X02vdPixb13PmvF7sfGT_4PS-I9XhrVYWnJDJm0Pe2sVnuKkNIDju-IeK0rNwvmtCCzvrqZS_HLSrmCBvw59TEwGUV__ChlkfR6/s320/hunting+025.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Blending in with the background is more complex than it
sounds. To do this your camo needs to match the foliage (or lack thereof) that
you are surrounded by. For instance, a marsh pattern would not work in a tree
stand. In fact, that would make you stand out. This is why you may need several
sets of camo, even if you only hunt in one area. The green camo you use in
early fall will not blend well in the grey of winter. When the snow falls, you
need some snow camo. Remember when I said it is a good idea to wear camo in a
blind or tent? A simple all black outfit can be perfect for that situation. To
find the <a href="https://under-the-open-sky.com/12-best-hunting-jackets/">best
hunting jackets</a> available right now, check out that link!<o:p></o:p></div>
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For the same reason all of your camo should match. A woodland
set of pants and a marshland jacket will make you stand out, not blend in. Also,
don’t forget your gun and pack. If they are shiny or look unnatural then your
camo outfit will be wasted.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Blending in is especially important when bird hunting. Birds
can see in color and have good eyesight. Mammals, like deer, coyotes, and bear, are not
quite as picky about the pattern. For them the most important aspect of camouflage
is its ability to break up your outline.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjeOielqw8Xesc2SORuRyl9IqJBBhW9sGpoBNHLPbIdUXMBTjSTfQXDuVmZksPpsxskNO9kpmPEmb7Lb8lxBYxn848yfFODbmnWHhahko2EbiBhgWc5QctNOpuVuBnlXy4v_CYE_AaD9-C/s1600/verhy_1_.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1200" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjeOielqw8Xesc2SORuRyl9IqJBBhW9sGpoBNHLPbIdUXMBTjSTfQXDuVmZksPpsxskNO9kpmPEmb7Lb8lxBYxn848yfFODbmnWHhahko2EbiBhgWc5QctNOpuVuBnlXy4v_CYE_AaD9-C/s320/verhy_1_.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Most mammals cannot see color like we can. It is a myth that
animals see only in black and white. They do see color, but not quite as many
as we do. Deer see blues, greens and yellows the best. They cannot see red well
at all. To them, red looks very similar to green. They also cannot tell the difference
between shades very well. Camo that is a bunch of different shades green and
brown just look like a green blob to them. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDtxeac9A6ou7ykevWAGqiqkylPmNxJMs8_zYnFksjOLrFOKtrsWApAdhx0mgOn9LENwJFYPwXWzPpHIlDPmyIMpy9pEiW54ICBY_sTqrhdZmaPtZXA-ztwjXn3winAod_OaYD5cxhdMA9/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="478" data-original-width="640" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDtxeac9A6ou7ykevWAGqiqkylPmNxJMs8_zYnFksjOLrFOKtrsWApAdhx0mgOn9LENwJFYPwXWzPpHIlDPmyIMpy9pEiW54ICBY_sTqrhdZmaPtZXA-ztwjXn3winAod_OaYD5cxhdMA9/s320/1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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So with that in mind, when deer hunting you should
prioritize camo that breaks up your outline. The color does not matter as much.
Things like wide belts, backpack straps, hat brims, rifle scopes, and boots all
emphasize your outline and steps should be taken to minimize and camouflage
these areas.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Deer have amazing peripheral vision and notice movement very
easily. Keep this in mind when planning your camo. What do you move the most? Your
hands, feet, head, and gun (or bow). Make sure you have good camo on these
areas, especially your hands!<o:p></o:p></div>
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While you are looking into the best camo pattern and type
for your next adventure, check out <a href="https://under-the-open-sky.com/">Under
The Open Sky</a>. It has some excellent reviews!<br />
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Tim Borkerthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13595231283663439297noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9192391319921476014.post-34446147396149611122017-08-07T13:46:00.000-04:002017-08-07T14:05:46.683-04:00A Flashlight: The Most Important Piece of Outdoor GearI have two things I carry with me at all times, well five actually. My phone, wallet, and keys are always with me, but everyone has those! The other two "optional" things I always have with me is a good pocket knife (I personally carry a Swiss Army Champ) and a tactical flashlight.<br />
<br />
If I had to choose between the pocket knife and the flashlight...... I don't know. Day to day, I'd probably choose the knife, I use it dozens or times a day at work. But if I am going out into the woods or on the water, it would be the flash light 100% of the time. It is without a doubt the most useful tool I own and the most critical safety device I carry.<br />
<br />
Flashlights are not what they used to be when I was growing up. This is what I used for the first 15 years I spent outdoors:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE0HNWUEVDx_rozYPkz7x1asNb2zyTzq5f6-2mFCEn-z9Z81W_j9Q7ubcUp03iP90LKl4htHAbEYgH9_sx_mLjO92m91X12-OXUUSu1r3Rs1FcKO_oEHlivqQ1l2umTs7WUrPWMWEsPzLk/s1600/IMG_1542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE0HNWUEVDx_rozYPkz7x1asNb2zyTzq5f6-2mFCEn-z9Z81W_j9Q7ubcUp03iP90LKl4htHAbEYgH9_sx_mLjO92m91X12-OXUUSu1r3Rs1FcKO_oEHlivqQ1l2umTs7WUrPWMWEsPzLk/s320/IMG_1542.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I still keep it by my desk. Mostly for nostalgia. I have upgraded it with an LED bulb, but I never use it. It is simply inferior in every way to modern flashlights.<br />
<br />
Like many things related to the outdoors, modern tactical flashlights were first designed for military use. Don't believe me? <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tactical_light" target="_blank">Check out this Wikipedia article.</a> It is pretty fascinating.<br />
<br />
Thankfully outdoorsmen can now greatly benefit from these advances in technology. Modern flashlights are tougher, more efficient, and much, much brighter than those common just ten years ago.<br />
<br />
I have two main flashlights that I use often. My older one is a Mag-light LED.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQd7H4pokCrFI15DZ2YBP2vCSYd6Rdg0sKgutugM9QUaoifoqo8h3DnxU8D9BGvoBk5-1gXoz8Ejn_AyZbXhKbtshXPiDZUT_zbXIrPcGPyIp7gDupWQAmUn11cfRZ6WImw0ORSnpRmTPX/s1600/IMG_1539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQd7H4pokCrFI15DZ2YBP2vCSYd6Rdg0sKgutugM9QUaoifoqo8h3DnxU8D9BGvoBk5-1gXoz8Ejn_AyZbXhKbtshXPiDZUT_zbXIrPcGPyIp7gDupWQAmUn11cfRZ6WImw0ORSnpRmTPX/s320/IMG_1539.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I carried it everyday for several years. I liked it because it is small, light, and uses AA batteries. It is not the brightest light available, but it gets the job done.<br />
<br />
About a year ago, I retired the Mag-light to my trucks center console in exchange for this bad boy:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVuR33UCTjf16Ew1oCEh_QLYOOp75vNQX9JDiYKk7AkAqgwBfm_7Be-ILTcBXCYmFjuKowih260MZt1G11tD-VdLX3quUkJwEyue0pqxYxiBW9bCOwSIMxsGr61vRX1GL0fC23sg-Rc5s_/s1600/IMG_1531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVuR33UCTjf16Ew1oCEh_QLYOOp75vNQX9JDiYKk7AkAqgwBfm_7Be-ILTcBXCYmFjuKowih260MZt1G11tD-VdLX3quUkJwEyue0pqxYxiBW9bCOwSIMxsGr61vRX1GL0fC23sg-Rc5s_/s320/IMG_1531.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It is a Slyde 6267. This thing is amazing! It is about 250 lumens, which is enough to blind something at night and illuminate shadows in the day and takes AAA batteries (I don't like buying special batteries for my flashlights). It is made super tough and is weather proof.<br />
<br />
The cool part is that it slides open to reveal a worklight!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYLcpQ2JejKM6au46frOlaOS_yn9_mnZsRPXZFbXj01le9CXXFdb9hFdogbUDLnVisDBhPGXYtImMxtzwDyVAIytuVZUkX0Cl6nXYoIqpow57VPxuIwxI1SMOYZS_MPVCGfJ2ITLQcFE04/s1600/IMG_1534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYLcpQ2JejKM6au46frOlaOS_yn9_mnZsRPXZFbXj01le9CXXFdb9hFdogbUDLnVisDBhPGXYtImMxtzwDyVAIytuVZUkX0Cl6nXYoIqpow57VPxuIwxI1SMOYZS_MPVCGfJ2ITLQcFE04/s320/IMG_1534.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
Its base has a super strong rare earth magnet, which is also extremely handy. The only down side is that it is quite heavy at 10.6 OZ with batteries (I just weighed it!)<br />
<br />
It stays on my hip in a Night-Eyez sheath. You can pick these up a Lowe's. They fit just about any flashlight out there.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy-s21ENai7y30Y8_iANgeJSYp75AC0JjR1JclvE-vBFExEh5t0z73KPXIEW3GcCjsWHPVXx-voVF7bwXbmqTP8Hy5yZp5ypUcennVhT1OIQJcsoIGs-8sme9icgcdIXkk_gB0n1Yzcjwf/s1600/IMG_1540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy-s21ENai7y30Y8_iANgeJSYp75AC0JjR1JclvE-vBFExEh5t0z73KPXIEW3GcCjsWHPVXx-voVF7bwXbmqTP8Hy5yZp5ypUcennVhT1OIQJcsoIGs-8sme9icgcdIXkk_gB0n1Yzcjwf/s320/IMG_1540.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
Everyone has different needs from their flashlight. I'm not going to go over all of them out there because I don't have to! Thankfully There is a great gear review website that did this for us. If you are looking for an <a href="https://www.rangermade.net/best-tactical-flashlight/" target="_blank">outdoor flashlight</a> check out Rangermade! That link will take you directly to their flashlight review page!<br />
<br />
Wow! I got off subject! Why do I think a flashlight is the most important tool for an outdoorsman?<br />
<br />
Simple.<br />
<br />
You have to see to do most things outdoors. You cannot see without light.
Can you find your deer stand a 4:00 in the morning without a flashlight at least <span style="color: #111111; font-family: "amazon ember" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">occasionally helping you? I can't. Can you find a blood trail at dusk without one? Me neither. Can you tie on a fly predawn without a flashlight? Unload a boat in the morning? Find a dropped lure in the dark? Find your truck after the sun goes down? Make a fire at the campsite at night after a long day hiking? I need a flashlight to do these things and I bet you do too. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "amazon ember" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "amazon ember" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">The fact is, most of our prep work for a fun outdoors day is done in the dark. Almost everything we enjoy is done in the early morning or late evening. That requires getting up and ready before the sun does. Without a good flashlight we can't do these things.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "amazon ember" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "amazon ember" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">There is also the safety side of things. Aside from your PFD, a flashlight is the most important safety device you own. It prevents accidents by lighting your way and gets you out of tight spots by showing you the way. Once the sun goes down and you are on the water or in the woods </span><b style="font-size: 13px;">without </b><span style="font-size: 13px;">a flashlight, you are in trouble. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "amazon ember" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "amazon ember" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">If for some reason you do get in trouble and cannot make it out, a flashlight is the perfect signalling tool. It can be seen for miles in the dark and, aside from a cell phone or radio, is your best best for getting help. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "amazon ember" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "amazon ember" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">The thought of being in the woods at night without a light terrifies me! So much that I always have at least three lights with me when I am hunting. My standard flashlight, a headlamp, and a tiny emergency flashlight in my kit.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "amazon ember" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "amazon ember" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">What flashlight do you use? Why did you choose it? let me know in the comments!</span></span>Tim Borkerthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13595231283663439297noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9192391319921476014.post-21563728599046892532017-07-31T12:14:00.000-04:002017-07-31T12:49:01.959-04:00How to start Metal Detecting<div class="MsoNormal">
Every time I think I can’t come up with something else to do
outdoors, I stumble upon something fun and engaging! Have you seen the new
metal detectors that are on the market now? They are amazing!<o:p></o:p></div>
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I love the idea of finding treasure (or something of
historical value)! No matter where you live there is the potential to find
something interesting. I live in the historic Hampton Roads of Virginia. It is
rich in history from colonial days onward. Most here people metal detect for Civil War
artifacts. I know one guy in my area who found a saber on his property! The
second most popular use is on the beaches. This can actually turn into a small
source of income as people often loose jewelry at the beach.<o:p></o:p></div>
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If you are like me and are new to metal detecting, you will
need to pick up a just few things. Really, you probably already have a lot of
them! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<ol>
<li><b>Metal detector</b> (Obviously). There
are TONS of metal detectors on the market. It is beyond the scope of this post
(and my knowledge) to tell you how to choose the best one for you. Instead, I recommend
you head over to <a href="http://www.metaldetectorlist.com/">www.metaldetectorlist.com</a>
which is an awesome resource for researching metal detectors.</li>
<li><b>Headphones</b>. These are not going to
be always necessary, but if the area you are in is noisy they are necessary. Really
just about any headphones will work at first. You probably already have a pair.</li>
<li><b>A digging tool.</b> Some people carry
a small folding shovel, but I prefer a gardener’s knife. It does not do as much
damage to the ground (you can easily dig small holes) and it is lighter to carry.
Your choice here is going to depend on your area. If your ground is sandy or
rocky, you might want to go with something else.<br /><b><br /></b></li>
<li><b>A pinpointer.</b> Another fun gadget! A
pinpointer is basically a small metal detector that only goes off when it is very
close to metal. These are invaluable when trying to find something small. They
cut the time to find something in half easily! Like metal detectors, there are
a ton of these on the market. It would take all day to go over and compare the features
of all them, so <a href="http://metaldetectorlist.com/best-metal-detector-pinpointer/" target="_blank">for pinpointer reviews click here.</a><br /><br /><b>A bag to hold your loot</b> (and the
garbage). You will need a tough bag that can get dirty to put the stuff you
find in. MOST of what you find will be junk. While I guess it is not technically
littering to leave it where you find it, I like to pack it up and toss it appropriately.
A lot of the stuff you find will be sharp and rusty. I’d hate for a kid or pet
running through the area to get hurt on it. Plus, trash looks trashy. I use a small,
old tool bag I have. You can find these in the hardware section of any
department store. They are the perfect size and are almost indestructible.</li>
</ol>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33fIx3PriHxO4C1cM0beodzfgxqasYm8R0KVdzsDzS7pnUbZV-Um0t9uCb4gw4cSlgzyOhyphenhyphenhX9QWLTxqPEjU3xQ9m8_XRDtoz2WJ2QhDOhfTelh0XgjJPCQ4V89y6hhjMDqTpzay_hx72/s1600/metal_detector_pinpointer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33fIx3PriHxO4C1cM0beodzfgxqasYm8R0KVdzsDzS7pnUbZV-Um0t9uCb4gw4cSlgzyOhyphenhyphenhX9QWLTxqPEjU3xQ9m8_XRDtoz2WJ2QhDOhfTelh0XgjJPCQ4V89y6hhjMDqTpzay_hx72/s320/metal_detector_pinpointer.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pinpointer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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See, not that much stuff!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Once you have collected your gear, you will need to find a
place to metal detect. I recommend starting in your yard. It will help you
become more confident with your equipment and will serve as a good dry run. Who
knows, you might find something valuable!<o:p></o:p></div>
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In the US there are a few places you CANNOT metal detect. Do
not metal detect on:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<ul>
<li><b>Private property </b>(without
permission). This includes seemingly abandoned property, property owned by
railroads, farmed and fallow fields, school playgrounds and sports fields, ect…</li>
<li><b>National monuments.</b> Want to get
arrested? This is how you get arrested.</li>
<li><b>National parks.</b> It is illegal to
take or leave anything on national parks, or to disturb the ecosystem.</li>
<li><b>Civil & Revolutionary War
Battlegrounds.</b></li>
<li><b>Native American Lands</b>. (unless you
are a member of that tribe assumingly)</li>
</ul>
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So where can you metal detect? Lots of places. Lots and lots
of places.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<ul>
<li><b>Private property with permission.</b></li>
<li><b>National forests</b>. (unless
otherwise posted)</li>
<li><b>Most BLM land.</b></li>
<li><b>City, County and State park</b>s. (unless
otherwise posted)</li>
<li><b>Wildlife Management Areas</b></li>
<li><b>Most beache</b>s (check local laws)</li>
</ul>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKIuzt2JDC21p9WVpM-2qUGqGqcwvM0b8uMjakWl4Vykmhurzs_0GLLV4jSQuXXwomsuEKycdzNe0XoQBoNzukxnNOYAxR9XPMUmBrvohNCllEhf0jzC-dE7xEPNKcgguAnTIthD6SXjXa/s1600/fortune-hunter-575084_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1070" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKIuzt2JDC21p9WVpM-2qUGqGqcwvM0b8uMjakWl4Vykmhurzs_0GLLV4jSQuXXwomsuEKycdzNe0XoQBoNzukxnNOYAxR9XPMUmBrvohNCllEhf0jzC-dE7xEPNKcgguAnTIthD6SXjXa/s320/fortune-hunter-575084_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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One Wildlife Management Area alone would give a lifetime of
metal detecting, so your options are very open.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
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So, with a few simple tools and a place to search, what will
you find?<o:p></o:p></div>
Tim Borkerthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13595231283663439297noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9192391319921476014.post-42119428389131251402017-07-26T13:13:00.002-04:002017-07-26T13:14:15.845-04:00How to Teach a Kid to Shoot - Part 1 Safety<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
I am so excited! My kids are finally old enough that I can teach them how to shoot a gun! I have been waiting for this for years!</div>
</div>
<br />
What I found surprising was how nervous I was for the kids safety the first time we went shooting. I am very comfortable around guns. The safety procedures come second nature to me. However, for them it was all new. Kids can be unpredictable.....<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Gwh8HzlQ5gl6m3Cmab7oLivEVmIV-3KDtDgO110qPYck3MU7jXFaKEuOhzYWVb0-sQ5ghvmF-OPz-E-O_fgwr3KP5JojvZyWkWCgah0Y5kZMA2I_lJ87u8PyuS1BRRhU__3hbfL50VlI/s1600/IMG_1451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Gwh8HzlQ5gl6m3Cmab7oLivEVmIV-3KDtDgO110qPYck3MU7jXFaKEuOhzYWVb0-sQ5ghvmF-OPz-E-O_fgwr3KP5JojvZyWkWCgah0Y5kZMA2I_lJ87u8PyuS1BRRhU__3hbfL50VlI/s320/IMG_1451.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So before we started I drilled into them a few basic rules. I tried not to be too complex, they are kids after all. These are what I cam up with:<br />
<br />
<b>1. Keep your finger off the trigger.</b><br />
<br />
<b></b>I simply taught them to not touch the trigger until they were looking down the sights. I was expecting this to be one of the hard ones to follow, but they caught right on.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>2. Never point the gun at anyone. </b><br />
<br />
This was the hard one. Kids are naturally oblivious to anyone and everything around them. Keeping a gun safely pointed is tough for even most adults I've taught, so this does not come as a surprise.<br />
<br />
What ended up helping was when I told them to imagine a laser beam shooting out of the barrel that cut anyone it touched in half. Being Star Wars fans, this game caught on quite well with them.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>3. Pretend the gun is always loaded. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
This was another easy one. They don't know enough to tell if it is loaded or not anyway, so treating it as if it was always loaded came fairly naturally.<br />
<br />
Using these simple three rules, and going over them religiously, has kept all of us safe and let us enjoy the process without worry.<br />
<br />
In Part 2 I am going to talk about the gun I chose to use when teaching them, and why I chose it.<br />
<br />
Would you like to see a video of our first shooting session? Here it is! (The shooting is at the end of the video.)<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5EIwM7Uf3Nk" width="560"></iframe></center>
Tim Borkerthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13595231283663439297noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9192391319921476014.post-76231689340685882392017-02-06T14:41:00.000-05:002017-02-06T14:41:46.762-05:00How To Consistently Catch Fish - Step 1: Act Like A FishMost people who want to learn how to fish give up in frustration because they do not catch much. It is very discouraging to fish for several days and either catch nothing, or only catch very small fish. For <i>twenty years</i> I tried and failed to be a good fisherman. Oh, some days I would catch a nice one, but most days I would catch nothing. Several times I gave up, going a couple years without fishing.<br />
<br />
Things changed about a year ago. I learned a few simple things that has helped me consistently catch fish. I still don't catch monsters, but I do catch keepers every time I go out. Your heard that right, I have not gotten skunked in over a year.<br />
<br />
The tips I am going to share in this guide are simplistic, no brainers to some. Seasoned fishermen will scoff, even disagree. However, if you are a beginner fisherman or a frustrated fisherman, I can guarantee you will catch more fish and have more fun if you follow my plan.<br />
<br />
There are some things you need to keep in mind:<br />
<br />
First, like all hobbies, it takes some money to get good at fishing. You will not need to spend a lot of money, but you will not be able to do it for free. <br />
<br />
Second, this guide is for warm, freshwater species and inshore salt water species. If you are want to catch cold water species, like trout or salmon, look elsewhere. Those species require a different technique.<br />
<br />
Third, this guide only entails what I did to succeed. Every successful fisherman has their own technique. You will eventually find your own. Don't be afraid to experiment.<br />
<br />
On to the guide.....<br />
<br />
<hr />
<b>Step 1: Act Like A Fish</b><br />
<br />
Fish live in the water. In order to catch them consistently, you need to get of the land and in the water.<br />
<br />
Now this is not the case for small bodies of water, and I know some people are very successful at fishing from shore. However, your odds go up dramatically when you get off the shore and on the water.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5KTw3chtOOIhR1g6k2sKr4_CCHUh98aB3afD9WDgc8CLm6jPiXuhOq4zcluGl9R4O3RDy_DOU5W0ZXeL1ThVUEvJ9YRkG1y6d9kyFp_vzYyrhgJM7peytPVN6V7lJ05tdryL0I4JUuhdS/s1600/kayaking2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5KTw3chtOOIhR1g6k2sKr4_CCHUh98aB3afD9WDgc8CLm6jPiXuhOq4zcluGl9R4O3RDy_DOU5W0ZXeL1ThVUEvJ9YRkG1y6d9kyFp_vzYyrhgJM7peytPVN6V7lJ05tdryL0I4JUuhdS/s320/kayaking2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plus, it's just more fun!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This puts you in control of the situation. No longer do you have to wait for the fish to come to you, you can go to them. You can go out and find the fish. Once you have found one, you are almost sure to find others. It is that first fish of the day that is the hardest.<br />
<br />
This means you either need a boat or some waders. Each have their benefits, depending on the situation. I use both. Although, if I could only choose one, it would be the boat.<br />
<br />
When I say boat I do not mean a $20000 bass boat (although they are great!). In fact, it is foolish to invest a lot of money into your first boat. The simple fact is that no matter what you choose, you will most likely realize that you want or need something else.<br />
<br />
I recommend a kayak as your first fishing vessel. They are inexpensive, can go almost everywhere larger boats can go, and can actually grant you access to places no one else can go.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdI_821UWIqN5TSvHA6ysqfWN4FVDTw4ArrzdwEGtKMmcqFPP-z8qXWuP_hFAnO2anaZB7pTQyWVWizqfQL1kBFtnEufb1uQcrLylXdFOOv96Z_vkget2U_QA8gbrhwpHTYSIPEDuq7l1I/s1600/kayak.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdI_821UWIqN5TSvHA6ysqfWN4FVDTw4ArrzdwEGtKMmcqFPP-z8qXWuP_hFAnO2anaZB7pTQyWVWizqfQL1kBFtnEufb1uQcrLylXdFOOv96Z_vkget2U_QA8gbrhwpHTYSIPEDuq7l1I/s320/kayak.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easy to transport, easy to use, kayaks rule!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
You don't have to spend much money on a kayak, I purchased my first one at Dicks Sporting Goods for just a little over $200. It was not a dedicated fishing kayak, so I added a crate to hold my gear and a couple rod holders. That cheap little kayak has helped me catch more fish than anything else.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi60OOwy4r3F0y0PrChXQOO-WFOKqVQv9gcCkWVLMV4ivXD87f6PypsUzoCDR03hAQlxNxke0OnijnMKIBn1IlpmaQqpeQJA4LGC0ivQO1wBL6-GtoZFj8Os_dAltg55SfnGNpLB3LFcdQP/s1600/big+Bass.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi60OOwy4r3F0y0PrChXQOO-WFOKqVQv9gcCkWVLMV4ivXD87f6PypsUzoCDR03hAQlxNxke0OnijnMKIBn1IlpmaQqpeQJA4LGC0ivQO1wBL6-GtoZFj8Os_dAltg55SfnGNpLB3LFcdQP/s320/big+Bass.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I mentioned earlier that I also use waders sometimes. Waders are slightly less expensive that a kayak and much easier to store and transport. If you live in an apartment with little storage, they may be your only choice. You can get a decent pair of chest waders for about $100, expect another $50 -$70 for a good pair of wading boots, a necessity.<br />
<br />
Waders works great on rivers and some bays. They let you get out to deeper water and explore the shore line from a different perspective. Fishing while wading takes a little more skill than with a boat. You must move slowly so as not to spook fish. I will say that landing a large fish while belly deep in water is one of the most exciting things a fisherman can do. Being in the water with a large fish is wonderful and frightening at the same time!<br />
<br />
There are also more dangers. I've had snakes come right to me, plus there is always the danger of slipping into a deep hole. A very large fish can literally drag you into deeper water. Be careful and act smart while wading.<br />
<br />
You are not guaranteed to catch fish just because you have a boat, or wade out to the fish. It is, however, the first step to becoming consistently successful.Tim Borkerthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13595231283663439297noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9192391319921476014.post-89655378810814344292017-02-06T14:40:00.000-05:002017-02-06T14:40:51.319-05:00How To Consistently Catch Fish - Step 2: Go Small and Use Magic<br />
Most people who want to learn how to fish give up in frustration because they do not catch much. It is very discouraging to fish for several days and either catch nothing, or only catch very small fish. For <i>twenty years</i> I tried and failed to be a good fisherman. Oh, some days I would catch a nice one, but most days I would catch nothing. Several times I gave up, going a couple years without fishing.<br />
<br />
Things changed about a year ago. I learned a few simple things that has helped me consistently catch fish. I still don't catch monsters, but I do catch keepers every time I go out. Your heard that right, I have not gotten skunked in over a year.<br />
<br />
The tips I am going to share in this guide are simplistic, no brainers to some. Seasoned fishermen will scoff, even disagree. However, if you are a beginner fisherman or a frustrated fisherman, I can guarantee you will catch more fish and have more fun if you follow my plan.<br />
<br />
There are some things you need to keep in mind:<br />
<br />
First, like all hobbies, it takes some money to get good at fishing. You will not need to spend a lot of money, but you will not be able to do it for free.<br />
<br />
Second, this guide is for warm, freshwater species and inshore salt water species. If you are want to catch cold water species, like trout or salmon, look elsewhere. Those species require a different technique.<br />
<br />
Third, this guide only entails what I did to succeed. Every successful fisherman has their own technique. You will eventually find your own. Don't be afraid to experiment.<br />
<br />
On to the guide.....<br />
<br />
<hr />
<br />
Like most long time anglers I have hundreds, even thousands of dollars invested in lures and terminal tackle. I've gone through many fazes. There was my topwater faze where I purchased just about every topwater lure made, from the Jitterbug to the Hula Popper to the Tiny Torpedo. Then there was live bait faze that came with about 20 pounds of sinkers and every hook size and shape possible. At one point I was convinced the only was to catch fish was with carved balsa crank baits. Thanks goodness that one did not last long! More recently there has been the very expensive fly fishing stage and the productive, but ultimately frustrating ultralight stage.<br />
<br />
All of these techniques are fun and can be <i>very</i> productive, but none of them are productive consistently. Plus, if you are going to catch fish consistently you need to carry a hundred or more lures, and the lure specific rods, with you so that you can find what the fish want.<br />
<br />
When I began fishing from a kayak I was forced to limit the amount of gear I could carry. I was limited to about 3 rods and two Plano stowaway boxes. Now that I have a little more experience I carry even less.<br />
<br />
You see, I have learned that you only need two lures to catch fish all day, every day.<br />
<br />
They are.....<br />
<br />
A small crappie jig and a Gulp! swimming mullet on a 1/4 oz jig head.<br />
<br />
I know, I know, you don't believe me. But it is true! I catch 90% of my fish on these two lures. The other 10% is caught on live bait. And let me reiterate, I always catch fish and I did not used to before I began to exclusively use these.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtw3BIEh-avSuLBUIpRhKsSmBZbX_AyJvZPGva6iACISr5WdTBJYec_bDvgCtHY6INk0TYcW0cRlC0n1VcLH_Lw8Xc7boGs2FLi6-bqq4RFMf0D3U7372QHcbR9dNVLMu4U88wv_7BEy6c/s1600/grub.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtw3BIEh-avSuLBUIpRhKsSmBZbX_AyJvZPGva6iACISr5WdTBJYec_bDvgCtHY6INk0TYcW0cRlC0n1VcLH_Lw8Xc7boGs2FLi6-bqq4RFMf0D3U7372QHcbR9dNVLMu4U88wv_7BEy6c/s320/grub.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the best lures ever invented.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Lets talk about the crappie jig first. The lowly crappie jig is most productive in fresh water. It should be fished with a long ultralight rod and with a maximum of 6 pound test line. I prefer 4 pound test. My favorite color is white, but I think the color is less important that its size and action. Be sure the grub tail swims with the slightest twitch.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3LCbOP3uJmN3xw3r5hEXGNa5B4DdAI4MJybl0Jl8A1sNACYT5xnZK6q5zFfLRRynP6QhILV_yeri8OgEjA-3QIDDawXXqbZ_9pfJZKdJVLubIUbMlDIDPPHpOSITtmYUqzt7QkewlcgEa/s1600/big+bass+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3LCbOP3uJmN3xw3r5hEXGNa5B4DdAI4MJybl0Jl8A1sNACYT5xnZK6q5zFfLRRynP6QhILV_yeri8OgEjA-3QIDDawXXqbZ_9pfJZKdJVLubIUbMlDIDPPHpOSITtmYUqzt7QkewlcgEa/s320/big+bass+2.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caught with a white crappie jig on 4 pound test line.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Many people think that you cannot catch large fish with a lure so small. This is a myth. Next time you catch and keep a large fish, open its stomach. In it you will most likely find all sorts of stuff, most of it small. At first, it will seem like you are only catching small fish, but the truth is you are catching the fish that would have ignored your large bait. The large fish that attack a large bait will also attack your small bait. Plus, you have a smaller chance of spooking a wise, old fish with the small bait.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirtJ-Zbj_V1sNkc3xmg2qiHNbEPIf2CbaDbRLY8RylfXuXrBdu3pfjS1q6aqhWhsDY94S1WtwGAXIRADeBtCDUuyEVTUTcWXPPRkT09GQ9zOhMXy6azOT2YxYttlUqdlW65CPCTruUwHrs/s1600/IMG_1184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirtJ-Zbj_V1sNkc3xmg2qiHNbEPIf2CbaDbRLY8RylfXuXrBdu3pfjS1q6aqhWhsDY94S1WtwGAXIRADeBtCDUuyEVTUTcWXPPRkT09GQ9zOhMXy6azOT2YxYttlUqdlW65CPCTruUwHrs/s320/IMG_1184.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another nice fish, courtesy of the white grub.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I switch to the white crappie grub when my magic bait does not work. Magic? Yes, rabbit out of the hat, levitating magic.<br />
<br />
There is one lure that out performs <i>everything</i> on the market. I am convinced it works even better than live bait in most instances. It is messy, delicate, and expensive. But, it is also imbued with the magic essence of the fishing gods. What is this wonderful bait? Gulp! Alive. Specifically. Gulp! Alive 4" Swimming Mullet.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h8IkwJKXmpk/T-OydtrDk9I/AAAAAAAABlw/dzaDWzY_uVI/s1600/uvs120619-002+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h8IkwJKXmpk/T-OydtrDk9I/AAAAAAAABlw/dzaDWzY_uVI/s320/uvs120619-002+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gulp!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Discovering this bait was one of the best things that ever happened to me (from a outdoorsmans perspective). Actually, I take that back. Discovering this bait was one of the best things that ever happened to me period.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hollyandtim/8093864481/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="fishing october 0191 by hollyandtim, on Flickr"><img alt="fishing october 0191" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8469/8093864481_3c3d072bec.jpg" height="376" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gulp!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Just place this lure on a 1/4oz jig head and start using it. You will catch fish. Inshore fish especially love it. I like to slowly retrieve it along the bottom using a medium fast action rod and ten pound test line. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg06iTfGAE5SRnsAEIb30Z-s5x73wltUw7T2M_9muu5C4MTkRyq1fJ96vTQd_3J3VeFa7nNtuK1oq0UtR9690wXFJykTaIMEa6-Ysu0LRlVnTpXYuavv1oQ_-Up_dK6oahXtGERhEZRg8SG/s1600/fishing+024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg06iTfGAE5SRnsAEIb30Z-s5x73wltUw7T2M_9muu5C4MTkRyq1fJ96vTQd_3J3VeFa7nNtuK1oq0UtR9690wXFJykTaIMEa6-Ysu0LRlVnTpXYuavv1oQ_-Up_dK6oahXtGERhEZRg8SG/s320/fishing+024.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gulp!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This summer I did several tests with this bait. I rigged two identical poles, one with Gulp and the other with a lure that looked and acted like Gulp, but was not Gulp. I made a cast with the Gulp, then a cast with the Gulp look alike. Each time I did this I caught all my fish on the Gulp, and barely got a strike on the "Not Gulp". The tests were very definitive in my mind.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jxu7XzpR_go/UAW-4wcUi8I/AAAAAAAABrA/ypWgAVGEuNs/s1600/100_0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jxu7XzpR_go/UAW-4wcUi8I/AAAAAAAABrA/ypWgAVGEuNs/s320/100_0008.JPG" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gulp!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Gulp is not perfect, however. It must be kept marinading in the special magic Gulp juice. So, every time you have to replace an old one you get all Gulpy. And replace you will. I feel lucky if I catch three fish on one bait. They are very delicate. Small fish will nip off its swimming tail quickly.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hollyandtim/8092344904/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="fishing october 006 by hollyandtim, on Flickr"><img alt="fishing october 006" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8332/8092344904_4898639315.jpg" height="333" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gulp! (as a trailer on a bucktail)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
It is also ridiculously expensive. I use between $10 and $15 of Gulp every time I go out. For me it is the difference between catching fish and not catching fish, so the expense is worth it. By the way, don't think you can cheat and marinade other plastics in the gulp juice and it will work the same. Gulp baits are like sponges that soak up the heavenly Gulp juice. Regular plastics just get coated with the stuff and then wash off after the first cast.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hollyandtim/8072004248/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="first day of school 083 by hollyandtim, on Flickr"><img alt="first day of school 083" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8033/8072004248_6d0efa7cbe.jpg" height="488" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gulp!</td></tr>
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It should be noted that not all Gulp! products are created equal. Some, like the sand fleas and earth worms are almost useless. Others like the Pogy and Mud Minnow are OK, but not great. Still others like the Peeler Crab and Swimming Mullet are real winners. Gulp has a real problem with creating action, their stuff is stiff.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hollyandtim/8072012989/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="first day of school 080 by hollyandtim, on Flickr"><img alt="first day of school 080" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8171/8072012989_bc13f7a2bb.jpg" height="500" width="491" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gulp!</td></tr>
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Of course, it is not just the bait. You have to find the fish and make a good presentation. We will cover that next.....Tim Borkerthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13595231283663439297noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9192391319921476014.post-38846600972200052592017-02-06T14:37:00.000-05:002017-02-06T14:37:32.829-05:00The Suicide Of The Small Outdoors ShopA recent thread on the TKAA forum caught my attention.<br />
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TKAA (Tidewater Kayak Anglers Association) is <b>the</b> best place to find information about kayak fishing in the Tidewater area. The forum members are smart and helpful. The threads do not get bogged down with flame wars and there are no overly opinionated, know-it-all-jerk-faces who ruin the experience, like so many other fishing forums have. You should check them out!<br />
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Back to the subject: The original poster stated a desire to start a small business specializing in kayak fishing equipment. He wanted some advice on doing so.<br />
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Most of the responses were encouraging, but skeptical. Competition and overhead were two of the obstacles brought up.<br />
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I'd like to add another obstacle. It is a roadblock to all small outdoors stores, not just tackle, bait, or fly shops.<br />
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Sportsmen are becoming fed up with the uninformed, rude, crappy service commonly found in these small shops.<br />
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It is not competition that is going to eventual kill the small tackle shop. Everyone knows when they enter a small shop that their prices are going to be higher and their selection is going to be smaller. I don't patronize small shops for their selection or prices. I do it for their service.<br />
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The expectation when shopping in a small shop is that you will be treated with kindness, that service will be prompt, and the sales staff will have a clue what they are talking about!<br />
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When I go to Bass Pro, I expect the staff to know nothing about hunting or fishing. Every time I try to ask a question I get a blatantly wrong answer. Once I overheard a sales man trying to convince a hunter that you needed at least a 7mm Mag to cleanly kill a deer in Virginia. (For those who don't hunt, a 7mm Mag is a very powerful round, almost overkill for the small deer in Virginia.)<br />
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The other day at Dicks Sporting Goods, I was discussing dolphin fishing with a staff member. He thought I was talking about the porpoise. I could understand this confusion from someone who never fished, buy anyone familiar at all with ocean fishing would know the difference.<br />
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In a small shop, I expect the salesman to know his product. However, in recent years I have found this to not be the case. When visiting a tackle shop in South Carolina, I asked a question about a reels gear ratio. The salesman looked at me like I had two heads. In the Outer Banks I asked what bait was recommended for surf fishing. The salesman just shrugged.<br />
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An even bigger concern than not knowing the answer to my question is that I have found small shop owners giving me wrong or bad advice. When purchasing a kayak recently, a $1200 purchase, the salesman answered many of my questions wrong. I only found out after doing my own research at home.<br />
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If this happened once, I would understand, but is happens <i>every single time</i> I go into a small shop. It does not seem to matter where or when I go.<br />
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<br />Tim Borkerthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13595231283663439297noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9192391319921476014.post-8515931010235278592016-10-25T08:24:00.001-04:002016-10-25T08:24:45.017-04:00Exciting new adventure!I just wanted to quickly pop in and tell everyone about a new adventure I am starting! I've started vlogging! I'm not talking about a boring talking head blog, I make entertaining and engaging videos of my family and life. Here is one of my recent vloggs:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tzqW6ygYtmg" width="560"></iframe><br />
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I think you will enjoy this journey with me!<br />
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I will not be updating here very often as not every video will have to do with outdoorsy stuff, so head over to my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFJ8Ncv66j3cllwn7RoxX2g">Youtube channel</a> and subscribe to it (it's free!) to make sure you don't miss anything!Tim Borkerthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13595231283663439297noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9192391319921476014.post-63897136565849192482015-10-26T09:57:00.000-04:002015-10-26T09:57:04.970-04:00So, what happened?You may have wondered why this blog died. Probably not, but I bet you are now!<br />
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The Unlucky Hunter's untimely death was a brought about by a series of dastardly events! Dramatic? Yes. True? Kind of.<br />
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It all started with a string of bad luck in the fishing and hunting department. I didn't kill a dear one winter and I didn't catch any big fish. I didn't have anything worthy of a blog post to write about, so why write?<br />
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Also, I started this blog with the hopes of creating a second income stream. Well, for all you aspiring blog authors out there, this is not realistic. I got good numbers. Posts went viral. I even had some stuff published in real life, print magazines. I felt successful. However, I could never make money. On my best months I made $100. Most months I lost money. Not much payout for the 40 or so hours of work I was putting into it every month.<br />
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So I was in a slump. I fully intended to get back to it eventually, but then my job changed. Where before I could do research and even write rough drafts at work, I no longer had the time. <br />
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My wife went back to school to get her doctorate, so now I am the primary caretaker of my kids and house. Which means no time at home either.<br />
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Then the disaster struck. I broke my right hand. Well, middle finger technically. It was not a bad break, but it was in a bad place. Right through the joint. Three months of healing and physical therapy completely wiped out my prime fishing and hunting seasons.<br />
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And there is permanent damage. I can't do anything that causes a whiplash like throw a frisbee or baseball without stupid amounts of pain. Guess what else causes a whiplash? Casting a rod.<br />
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I can do still fishing where you cast once every 30 minutes. But repeated casting of a lure.....not yet, and its been well over a year.<br />
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Plus I have early onset arthritis. I'm feeling it now as I type.<br />
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So basically, I have not been hunting or fishing in over a year.<br />
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In the mean time I have been pursuing other interests. I got a 3D printer which is fun. I make all sorts of inventions. I also have been working on my photography. Specifically black and white portraiture in natural light. I know, it sounds terribly pretentious and artsy fartsy. Here are a couple of my most recent photos:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlVFU74CugzcvRd7MYyKQIGtMWpwxX-t-IMnBjAUyC0kpJ1PgkEbreMOjie8RaQ4r6b954x2YAypgsU3yKTFc2F0tJLUmjt1wF_sSr7I4Eu7KHKeBeB1QhnO1VCpTNH2xTzcRpReP1GayP/s1600/IMGP1533-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlVFU74CugzcvRd7MYyKQIGtMWpwxX-t-IMnBjAUyC0kpJ1PgkEbreMOjie8RaQ4r6b954x2YAypgsU3yKTFc2F0tJLUmjt1wF_sSr7I4Eu7KHKeBeB1QhnO1VCpTNH2xTzcRpReP1GayP/s320/IMGP1533-Edit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMa5nnJOgJsju1dJC2ISXOGnoKce9Xb9Pi2L6W9SWWXQYWgCFWHNsWcOvV0wdmb-Wfd0mg0V6SSgUiuOQE_LkOBT5-wTrYC4646B3w9Sz3Ld5s-F0c-nsS8ErnLLG9x8yWGznHDqIL9JvH/s1600/IMGP3100-Edit-Edit+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMa5nnJOgJsju1dJC2ISXOGnoKce9Xb9Pi2L6W9SWWXQYWgCFWHNsWcOvV0wdmb-Wfd0mg0V6SSgUiuOQE_LkOBT5-wTrYC4646B3w9Sz3Ld5s-F0c-nsS8ErnLLG9x8yWGznHDqIL9JvH/s320/IMGP3100-Edit-Edit+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgxk9cbr3mJQgWaBNkirh6shtQTTkMbr7tEEF0Fhx4p9q7ZGIzWKOdSOtN4StmaziY1RSPhg8gc2Pa_9xN6h467aWXs1mlDO-fHJuoJ4XTt385dqOfjdPV_dtuJZnJvHci17R7VrrcACtD/s1600/IMGP3150-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgxk9cbr3mJQgWaBNkirh6shtQTTkMbr7tEEF0Fhx4p9q7ZGIzWKOdSOtN4StmaziY1RSPhg8gc2Pa_9xN6h467aWXs1mlDO-fHJuoJ4XTt385dqOfjdPV_dtuJZnJvHci17R7VrrcACtD/s320/IMGP3150-Edit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMDd9h4_114luU9Ks_yiW7yv35n0UbEqoBIrgHSQE9XZhxtBwr3DSYLPRn1Dqj9kG5NazJ2Zt_h7UnAgYtX_6ZLGDH-DFAL83iZPRpjbd4fLr05tWN7JavVWseneqcYjVEZKQLxbwfRXnE/s1600/IMGP3277-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMDd9h4_114luU9Ks_yiW7yv35n0UbEqoBIrgHSQE9XZhxtBwr3DSYLPRn1Dqj9kG5NazJ2Zt_h7UnAgYtX_6ZLGDH-DFAL83iZPRpjbd4fLr05tWN7JavVWseneqcYjVEZKQLxbwfRXnE/s320/IMGP3277-Edit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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You can follow my instagram at <a href="https://instagram.com/timborkert/" target="_blank">@timborkert</a><br />
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Since it does not fit the theme of this blog, I have not made a big deal of it, but I am into the fine arts. I go to art museums a couple times a month and dabble in several mediums. Poorly, mind you, but I still have fun. It is something I can do with my kids that does not require strenuous use of my hand.<br />
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So anyway, that is the long version of why I let this blog die. Will I ever pick it up again? Maybe. Just writing this post makes me miss it. My wife works in a medical field. When she gets her doctorate her income should allow me to retire or at least semi retire. Being retired before I turn 40 is very appealing and should allow me the time I need to do the things I've been wanting too. Hopefully, by then my hand will have healed by then.<br />
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Until then, goodbye and good luck!Tim Borkerthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13595231283663439297noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9192391319921476014.post-60010009970004479752013-06-28T21:13:00.002-04:002017-08-15T15:40:13.244-04:00YakAttack GTSL versus Scotty Slide TrackSince you came here then you are probably interested in <a href="https://kayakbest.com/kayak-accessories/" target="_blank">Kayak Accessories</a>. Check out that link for reviews of just about every kayak accessory imaginable!<br />
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A while back, both <a href="http://yakattack.us/index.html" target="_blank">YakAttack</a> and <a href="http://www.scotty.com/" target="_blank">Scotty</a> announced that they would be releasing a new, inexpensive polymer track. Up until now, if you wanted to use slide rails on your kayak you either had to buy a kayak that had them factory installed, or you had to spend some real money to buy them separately. These polymer rails let you inexpensively add a rail system to your kayak. While they are not as strong as metal rails (like <a href="http://kayakfishinggear.com/yakattack-geartrac-system-1.aspx" target="_blank">YakAttack's GT90</a>), they are perfect for camera or accessory mounts.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKGJY3bkUa0NuNYdO_MDzKAtFTHZZR0E3HviIWTI75znEkLOPIN5le06iiK9FZsa8PtilLU91zws87vZ52O2zWKm9xMmE5091B3WLhyphenhyphenYRDdZAEbmFCYKsX3Nygn406gIWxsCa3XrY5nlW/s1600/tournament+2+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKGJY3bkUa0NuNYdO_MDzKAtFTHZZR0E3HviIWTI75znEkLOPIN5le06iiK9FZsa8PtilLU91zws87vZ52O2zWKm9xMmE5091B3WLhyphenhyphenYRDdZAEbmFCYKsX3Nygn406gIWxsCa3XrY5nlW/s400/tournament+2+005.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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When I learned that they would be coming out, I contacted both Scotty and YakAttack. I told them that I would be doing a side by side comparison. Scotty politely thanked me. YakAttack graciously offered to give me a discount. In an effort to be unbiased, I chose to not take YakAttacks offer. The fishing world is plagued with Prostafers, sponsorships, and paid reviews that make it almost impossible to get unbiased information. <br />
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The biggest reason I chose not to take a discount on YakAttack's product was that I anticipated the GTSL to perform exactly like the Slide Track. On paper and in advertisements, they look exactly the same. With the Scotty Slide Track being less expensive, I hate to give a bad review to someone who does me a favor. <br />
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<em>Note: after rereading this review I just wanted to clarify. YakAttack was NOT trying to buy me off. They were just being nice. Scotty has sent me free stuff as a thank you for reviewing their products. It is just the way blogging works.</em><br />
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This assumption that they are the same proved to be wrong. There are several minor details that are different. These small differences make one product significantly better than the other.<br />
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On to the review:<br />
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I purchased a 24" section of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CMQ4OX4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00CMQ4OX4&linkCode=as2&tag=yummypotatoes-20">Scotty Slide Track</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=yummypotatoes-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00CMQ4OX4" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
on Amazon for $15. I have Amazon Prime, so it was delivered for free. I ordered two 12" sections of <a href="http://kayakfishinggear.com/YakattackGearTracGTSLGTSL90-RTI-BK122.aspx" target="_blank">GTSL from Hook1</a>. I used the coupon code "UNLUCKYHUNTER" (you can too!) and had it delivered for just under $30. It looks like the GTSL it twice as expensive, but this is deceiving. The GTSL comes with mounting hardware. I had to buy stainless steel screws, washers, and nuts for the Slide Track. They ended up costing exactly the same.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisjH9Wl6we3idcAvrIQeOMD6AM44B_0HEh7YBpg218JnWZrfbs9utI1hp6dMbwXZhWD-tev7Y0lJucUJetpdB8rYsziSMF5FosHyG-9QJWcdrB20rE69wCIPmZYwa8IbaSk2TDeMsH8l1y/s1600/tournament+2+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisjH9Wl6we3idcAvrIQeOMD6AM44B_0HEh7YBpg218JnWZrfbs9utI1hp6dMbwXZhWD-tev7Y0lJucUJetpdB8rYsziSMF5FosHyG-9QJWcdrB20rE69wCIPmZYwa8IbaSk2TDeMsH8l1y/s400/tournament+2+009.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left: Slide Track<br />
Right: GTSL</td></tr>
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My initial reaction to both products was positive. They were both very sturdy. As far as strength, I'd say they are a tie. The YakAttack GTSL has a polished, glossy look that is more attractive. <br />
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Both had a few inconsistencies common in most plastic products. Most people would not notice, but I studied over them very carefully.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhKAoG_k0_gMs-ZN7IDvpqIqH9tUPb0HwDAyQK8T3zA-Ta9iZF4N-v0op-6nGFs3f5Pzqg3X2tzFxpJSkJhahLnRMyfpoMmLO_1FBMJITnUyu2F9Yg73J6rgXcogRznwcXSSi5c2jgAyd/s1600/tournament+2+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhKAoG_k0_gMs-ZN7IDvpqIqH9tUPb0HwDAyQK8T3zA-Ta9iZF4N-v0op-6nGFs3f5Pzqg3X2tzFxpJSkJhahLnRMyfpoMmLO_1FBMJITnUyu2F9Yg73J6rgXcogRznwcXSSi5c2jgAyd/s400/tournament+2+007.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left: Slide Track<br />
Right: GTSL</td></tr>
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The Scotty Slide Track is noticeably taller than the GTSL. This would give you a little more room to play with if you make your own slide accessories, but also gets in the way more. It looks like a small amount, but the height difference is very noticeable on the water. Both rails would occasionally get caught on stuff, the Scotty rails did it much more often. <br />
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The GTSL came with holes pre-drilled. They were considerably easier to install.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivchuew1f0qiAHt_i9PkNTBw2ivfdhh2yb5QwNcORgs1KLp34QDsEodRzZePle2BtzvYD0jtDyq72ydX280hjYVNOI8jbHCjX8mqD_50X9qy4bcU7l-3t489iALe2KEirMfUT-v2Iar4GF/s1600/tournament+2+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivchuew1f0qiAHt_i9PkNTBw2ivfdhh2yb5QwNcORgs1KLp34QDsEodRzZePle2BtzvYD0jtDyq72ydX280hjYVNOI8jbHCjX8mqD_50X9qy4bcU7l-3t489iALe2KEirMfUT-v2Iar4GF/s400/tournament+2+014.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left: GTSL<br />
Right: Slide Track</td></tr>
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The GTSL has small ridges molded into its face. The Slide Track rails are smooth. I initially thought this was just cosmetic, but it actually makes a noticeable difference. Things simply lock down tighter on the YakAttack Product. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHvdjaauQTReTFwQ5By5elt-rJJMdJRMCLAOi6JqkEgPUbVf_KMCfZZ0dwcqxTu2Hg28hPNnt0fYbXzMd468YGKzqmCOR4V6eL54t19BOcIrr07mzCLDlOTBJLFMtdD6nDrP__TzAU3CkQ/s1600/tournament+2+030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHvdjaauQTReTFwQ5By5elt-rJJMdJRMCLAOi6JqkEgPUbVf_KMCfZZ0dwcqxTu2Hg28hPNnt0fYbXzMd468YGKzqmCOR4V6eL54t19BOcIrr07mzCLDlOTBJLFMtdD6nDrP__TzAU3CkQ/s400/tournament+2+030.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GTSL in use</td></tr>
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The GTSL is made in America and comes in a rainbow of colors. The Slide Track is from Canada and only comes in black. If you care. I don't.<br />
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Conclusion:<br />
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The Scotty Slide Track is a good product. It is sold in lots of stores, so finding it is easy. I like that you can get it in long sections. However, it is bigger than it needs to be and is ugly. <br />
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The YakAttack GTSL is also a good product. It is beautiful and better designed. Very few retailers are selling it, so you will probably have to buy it online. <br />
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For me the choice is a no brainer. Go with the YakAttack product. <br />
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That said, if you buy the Scotty product, you will most likely be pleased with your purchase.Tim Borkerthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13595231283663439297noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9192391319921476014.post-83157008093998486522013-06-15T13:35:00.001-04:002013-06-15T13:35:36.620-04:00My New Custom Redfish Rod (Made By Me)When shopping for a new rod, I discovered that I could not find anything that fit my needs exactly. So, I began to explore the possibility of purchasing a custom rod. After doing a little research, I realized that making a rod was within my skill-set. <br />
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After purchasing the tools and materials, I came out slightly better financially than I would have ordering a custom rod from a builder. Although, the biggest benefit is the satisfaction of making my own rod. The process was very easy and only took me about ten hours to very slowly and carefully build it. The most complex part was deciding what I wanted and what materials I needed.<br />
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It is a 7' conventional medium heavy rod with a moderate fast action. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8eef1v6hy7kndzvDCkWgtsPSwNDSCs9ecOaF2Ojkpl36TBy-nSaoEB5Y84JkQR8gQ9LNIfIrOBZp3r0BGz2AHSu7AyIc9TCs6D_vUxd_GlyqVPJgpWoAcpVgOH-cFZtxzNao1ixifeId4/s2048/custom%252520rod%252520001.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="281" id="blogsy-1371317150561.5957" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8eef1v6hy7kndzvDCkWgtsPSwNDSCs9ecOaF2Ojkpl36TBy-nSaoEB5Y84JkQR8gQ9LNIfIrOBZp3r0BGz2AHSu7AyIc9TCs6D_vUxd_GlyqVPJgpWoAcpVgOH-cFZtxzNao1ixifeId4/s500/custom%252520rod%252520001.JPG" width="500" /></a></div>
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I created a shorter than normal butt to make it easier to use in a kayak.<br />
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The reel seat is solid maple. It adheres directly to the rod blank without needing an arbor. I'm hoping this will help increase sensitivity.<br />
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I also chose to not add a fore-grip. When reeling, my hand grips the blank directly, giving me the best feel. <br />
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Adding the threading was the fun part. It was tedious, but I am pleased with the result, especially for my first attempt. I figured that I would be looking at this rod for countless hours, so I might as well make it look nice.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ql3YKYfv_MTSisiZuq0TWuUWGRlDQlmw-bEDIymZuHzJndPjjAd1RvsvhORQ3rkdGQla6zjYOJUT2CFRs3Fugg-VueoT7k1mLUfXbwC8AhqiUiafkSwql8-QgeOP5iNbHWMTUiPP4pOZ/s2048/custom%252520rod%252520004.JPG" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="281" id="blogsy-1371317150520.115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ql3YKYfv_MTSisiZuq0TWuUWGRlDQlmw-bEDIymZuHzJndPjjAd1RvsvhORQ3rkdGQla6zjYOJUT2CFRs3Fugg-VueoT7k1mLUfXbwC8AhqiUiafkSwql8-QgeOP5iNbHWMTUiPP4pOZ/s500/custom%252520rod%252520004.JPG" width="500" /></a></div>
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I wanted to use micro-guides, but decided that they may be too much of a challenge for my skill level. I went with reinforced saltwater grade guides. Each guide is under wrapped.<br />
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I currently have an Ambassador C3 6500 on it. After fishing with it a few times, I think this reel is too big for this rod. I'm in the process of looking for a quality low profile reel for it. <br />
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I can say that this rod is exactly what I wanted, which is why fishermen pay the big bucks for custom rods in the first place!<br />
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I haven't caught the Bull Red I want yet, but I have given it a good workout with this decent catfish!<br />
I'm guessing this cat went about 12 pounds, maybe larger. My lip gripper is only rated to 15 pounds, and it could not hold up this fish. A baby by James river standards, but fun nonetheless! <br />
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<br />Tim Borkerthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13595231283663439297noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9192391319921476014.post-76086503381330810902013-06-07T10:36:00.000-04:002013-06-07T10:37:20.490-04:00Kayak Catfish RigIn the south, catfishing is one of the surest ways to get some heavy pullage. Catfish can get big and are fairly easy to catch. Like all other fishing, catfishing is particularly fun in a kayak. However, when targeting large catfish you need to adjust your tackle a little.<br />
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When fishing from a boat or shore I use your typical heavy gear for catfishing. A Penn 309 reel spooled with 40 pound test on a short heavy rod usually does the trick. For terminal tackle I usually use a 60 pound mono leader with a 7/0 - 9/0 hook on a fish finder rig with 8 -12 OZ of weight. This will handle any catfish in America.<br />
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In fact, it is the rig I caught this monster on:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hollyandtim/8680479967/" title="catfishing 019 by hollyandtim, on Flickr"><img alt="catfishing 019" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8121/8680479967_c97b730ae2.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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When fishing from a kayak, you are a little more limited.</div>
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First, you do not need a big reel. A quality reel with a nice drag is all you need. I like the Abu Garcia C3 line. A big fish will haul you around more than you will haul it, so you don't need to worry about it pulling a lot of line off your reel. Also, most of your fishing will be done by simply dropping the line over the side of your kayak or with short, precise casts. Long casts are rarely needed.</div>
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One feature that your reel should have is a clicker. This allows you to set your reel to free spool. The clicker alarms you when something takes you bait. This is important because you never know how big of a fish is going to take your bait. A very large fish could break your rod holder, or even capsize your kayak if it takes the bait and runs while you have the drag locked down. This risk can be mitigated by using light line, but using a clicker is always the better choice.<br />
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A heavy fighting rod is also not ideal. Something with the strength and action of a musky rod is perfect. It needs to be small enough not to be cumbersome in the small constraints of a kayak, but stout enough to handle a 50+ pound fish.</div>
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Line should be lighter than normal also. You do not need super heavy line because in a kayak you fight the fish instead of horsing it in. It is amazing how large of a fish you can land with light line in a kayak. I never use anything higher than 20 pound test. The reason is mostly safety related. I want the line to break if it gets snagged and I am caught in a current or if the fish is too big. It is possible to hook a 100 pound fish in my waters. There is no way a person at my skill level could handle a fish that big in my 'yak. It would be dangerous. </div>
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I target fish in the 30 -50 pound range. 20 pound test is plenty for this size of fish.</div>
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Here is the terminal rig I use:</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hollyandtim/8971563107/" title="047 by hollyandtim, on Flickr"><img alt="047" height="281" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7341/8971563107_e499e25ffe.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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It is a 5/0 - 7/0 circle hook attached to an 80 pound mono leader. The leader attaches to a barrel swivel which attaches to the main line. A fish finder slider attached to a 2 OZ weight goes on the main line above the swivel. A bead protects the main line knot from being damaged by the weight.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hollyandtim/8971553167/" title="049 by hollyandtim, on Flickr"><img alt="049" height="281" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5445/8971553167_1ba8142a94.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I like to use a Snell knot to attach the hook to the leader. This seems to work better with heavy line. </div>
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Speaking of heavy line, I use 80 pound for one reason only. It is thick. Try dragging a 20 pound fish on your kayak by grabbing a 20 pound leader. It hurts! Now double that. Thin line under strain turns into a knife. I get cut all the time fishing. Never from a knife, always from line. 80 pound test gives me more to hold on to when landing big fish. It is simple as that.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hollyandtim/8972740468/" title="050 by hollyandtim, on Flickr"><img alt="050" height="281" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2893/8972740468_1aaf0123dd.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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The leader attached to the swivel with a clinch knot (not an improved clinch knot). The clinch knot works better than the improved clinch on heavy mono.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hollyandtim/8971543239/" title="051 by hollyandtim, on Flickr"><img alt="051" height="281" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2852/8971543239_deb0d15850.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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When purchasing fish finder sliders, look for these blue ones. They seem to hold up a lot better than the yellow, snap on ones. </div>
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A 2 OZ weight seems perfect for keeping bait down when you are simply dropping and drifting. Sometimes I use less, sometimes more. It just depends on how fast I am drifting and how deep I am going.</div>
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The bead is just a plastic bead.</div>
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There you have it. This is rig I use for hunting river monsters on the James in a kayak. What is your favorite rig?</div>
Tim Borkerthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13595231283663439297noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9192391319921476014.post-3767648348134875722013-05-25T14:22:00.000-04:002013-05-25T14:22:11.033-04:00How To Pour Your Broken Soft Plastic Lures Into New Ones<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Soft plastics catch fish. They are my favorite type of bait, hands down. The problem with soft plastics is that they do not last long. If I can catch 3 fish on one before it is destroyed, I feel lucky. </div>
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Instead of tossing my old torn soft plastics, I recycle them into custom poured baits.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVMzUzWsGe1MmdhSLT5AcXwRTWNt_WxrDhuwkk1Jgv4wskJ2fqHWLgFZFqdGPSwaCEOB6bFL3EsZU7wCCBndzCzAD7RNnYfX5IT_uRaswmzX4Vzg_Y-FJknumhU-Wj30aENN98PyjPqQK-/s2048/soft%252520plstics%252520001.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="281" id="blogsy-1369500335399.1814" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVMzUzWsGe1MmdhSLT5AcXwRTWNt_WxrDhuwkk1Jgv4wskJ2fqHWLgFZFqdGPSwaCEOB6bFL3EsZU7wCCBndzCzAD7RNnYfX5IT_uRaswmzX4Vzg_Y-FJknumhU-Wj30aENN98PyjPqQK-/s500/soft%252520plstics%252520001.JPG" width="500" /></a></div>
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It is stupidly easy and inexpensive. All you need is a small glass container, some gloves, a microwave, and a mold.</div>
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The mold is probably the only thing you will need to buy. I got mine on ebay for $7 shipped. So, for about the price of one bag of soft plastics, I can make an infinite supply from my broken baits. </div>
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I chose a 5.5" lizard mold as it is my confidence bait and can be hard to find. You can find a mold for just about anything.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilR-Uol2STVXds9_FVd4Og1_cM3ifpMs3k2x8AUJzmX0uYkzLxWwg-YfycpYIMifrNxNZkTPRMXP5mNRbZHyAx3XG6bGDweeoFUdOuI9eedPl6qFmSljnl1srM8MVYu05fOEgCxRC_veUJ/s2048/soft%252520plstics%252520005.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="208" id="blogsy-1369500335342.8577" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilR-Uol2STVXds9_FVd4Og1_cM3ifpMs3k2x8AUJzmX0uYkzLxWwg-YfycpYIMifrNxNZkTPRMXP5mNRbZHyAx3XG6bGDweeoFUdOuI9eedPl6qFmSljnl1srM8MVYu05fOEgCxRC_veUJ/s500/soft%252520plstics%252520005.JPG" width="500" /></a></div>
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The first step is to put a couple baits in the glass container. Don't put too many in at first.</div>
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Then microwave them until they are melted. I start with 1:20, but check it constantly. You do not want to burn it. It is very stinky, so have an open window or exhaust fan going.<br />
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Put on your gloves and stir the molten baits with a toothpick or something.<br />
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It will be extremely hot. I often get burnt through my gloves. Be very, very careful!<br />
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Slowly, and carefully pour the melted plastic into the mold.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj1vGK3O2kZoJtQ6uvd3s6CMLmzfVypIBa-v4fV9t03N2zsyRrthvWTku31QPUGmKjgD0xZKPfTBKDvmUonYmoJNhmlHOU9LbuppocJnxtw_dCIS8ZIRq6yPNuunyA-Wjr0_yDXwYSL3x7/s2048/soft%252520plstics%252520012.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="281" id="blogsy-1369500335388.0447" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj1vGK3O2kZoJtQ6uvd3s6CMLmzfVypIBa-v4fV9t03N2zsyRrthvWTku31QPUGmKjgD0xZKPfTBKDvmUonYmoJNhmlHOU9LbuppocJnxtw_dCIS8ZIRq6yPNuunyA-Wjr0_yDXwYSL3x7/s500/soft%252520plstics%252520012.JPG" width="500" /></a></div>
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The more careful you are, the less trim work you will have to do.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihlzedUm9seUcL31LnY31NfKhfeNN-QiY0IxEbS8EdunXpixGF-npX_NQfawZqi_8pX5782G5OHTOyWvpu8zRkKaJaXUiO8TlIzonl0us_Xr0vy6l5iGGZsFoBQC-ZBpDJqh_hBTRxLxj9/s2048/soft%252520plstics%252520013.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="280" id="blogsy-1369500335367.077" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihlzedUm9seUcL31LnY31NfKhfeNN-QiY0IxEbS8EdunXpixGF-npX_NQfawZqi_8pX5782G5OHTOyWvpu8zRkKaJaXUiO8TlIzonl0us_Xr0vy6l5iGGZsFoBQC-ZBpDJqh_hBTRxLxj9/s500/soft%252520plstics%252520013.JPG" width="500" /></a></div>
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The plastic cools quickly. After a min or two, carefully peel your new bait out of the mold.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23jAzBZY9X4BRGdp0ArxLoQbPVrmm0yQ3zuJehBElAaeCxdJeCKs9hyphenhyphenrCQ-1dU92ZXV0aEZ8Zsn_qNFM_FgJP5Y5c_-wtf7nTHHVVoH8lO0rDkDKgBzBw4Um40de0e7GZ_Hu8-wlo-e3b/s2048/soft%252520plstics%252520014.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="293" id="blogsy-1369500335362.1672" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23jAzBZY9X4BRGdp0ArxLoQbPVrmm0yQ3zuJehBElAaeCxdJeCKs9hyphenhyphenrCQ-1dU92ZXV0aEZ8Zsn_qNFM_FgJP5Y5c_-wtf7nTHHVVoH8lO0rDkDKgBzBw4Um40de0e7GZ_Hu8-wlo-e3b/s500/soft%252520plstics%252520014.JPG" width="500" /></a></div>
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Notice the areas you will need to trim.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rMuCG3V8iiPBY_rq4jMC8-dE43SesHPMgCGs2kr4tOgYSMQhnWZkWRLTwoSuaKI1ycl9eB7W9ZTlxvI91hLCwzKVfam5SNZyR7idQSLIxEurzGSB9pbnyUtC4ttgoAti4e1TBIq_t0G2/s2048/soft%252520plstics%252520015.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="281" id="blogsy-1369500335376.0403" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rMuCG3V8iiPBY_rq4jMC8-dE43SesHPMgCGs2kr4tOgYSMQhnWZkWRLTwoSuaKI1ycl9eB7W9ZTlxvI91hLCwzKVfam5SNZyR7idQSLIxEurzGSB9pbnyUtC4ttgoAti4e1TBIq_t0G2/s500/soft%252520plstics%252520015.JPG" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin6ncmIBJgk96T-sD_06nD-ZSazK5E1ECnvR4n-GZV6_llYXAqwBa2QX4_7JOAZXMdaQnoFD9D5lONymmsKYk-mUS_yNsfX4QF0YInh6igz5mzno1XKYeUzLTtNMs9u07Memj8EF3wVmks/s2048/soft%252520plstics%252520016.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="281" id="blogsy-1369500335416.5505" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin6ncmIBJgk96T-sD_06nD-ZSazK5E1ECnvR4n-GZV6_llYXAqwBa2QX4_7JOAZXMdaQnoFD9D5lONymmsKYk-mUS_yNsfX4QF0YInh6igz5mzno1XKYeUzLTtNMs9u07Memj8EF3wVmks/s500/soft%252520plstics%252520016.JPG" width="500" /></a></div>
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Take a sharp knife or scissors and trim up your bait.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1o96_WYgM2r_QpSAoiscnVWHTvBdfKxuz1xFCdU2ZAfnHGPfUGGy2HwT7JnW7nkvNM50xT5x1OEoXRCblUb9l75QyI8ak9JiFeecBj-AWLqic-bKdNn99HXFwcbQbG6Rt12XbDZEm5YdY/s2048/soft%252520plstics%252520017.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="281" id="blogsy-1369500335429.824" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1o96_WYgM2r_QpSAoiscnVWHTvBdfKxuz1xFCdU2ZAfnHGPfUGGy2HwT7JnW7nkvNM50xT5x1OEoXRCblUb9l75QyI8ak9JiFeecBj-AWLqic-bKdNn99HXFwcbQbG6Rt12XbDZEm5YdY/s500/soft%252520plstics%252520017.JPG" width="500" /></a></div>
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Your hand poured baits will probably not look as nice as ones from a factory. They will have some jagged edges and uneven areas. Don't wory, they will fish just as well. In fact, your baits may have some unique action. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSL1P6h92qw7iOD-hV2XTx04Ua9pLby5dJ6qo1uGK76IkrnGPo_DfIfIZAnnuBGMbqRIKntQ_tcnamVLquzXL16If7k23Y2Q9a0cOdlzQEAZkQnS-0KM6-wVE4xXQXE1v4_NGR7uS4O9nr/s2048/soft%252520plstics%252520018.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="281" id="blogsy-1369500335427.7297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSL1P6h92qw7iOD-hV2XTx04Ua9pLby5dJ6qo1uGK76IkrnGPo_DfIfIZAnnuBGMbqRIKntQ_tcnamVLquzXL16If7k23Y2Q9a0cOdlzQEAZkQnS-0KM6-wVE4xXQXE1v4_NGR7uS4O9nr/s500/soft%252520plstics%252520018.JPG" width="500" /></a></div>
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Once you get the hang of it, you can try to make some neet two tone baits. You can make some cool baits that you simply cannot find in stores. </div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Hezg8RhmFQM/UaCjpn_chTI/AAAAAAAACWE/BbaPOogJCkc/s2048/soft%252520plstics%252520020.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="281" id="blogsy-1369500335416.3877" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Hezg8RhmFQM/UaCjpn_chTI/AAAAAAAACWE/BbaPOogJCkc/s500/soft%252520plstics%252520020.JPG" width="500" /></a></div>
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In one evening, I was able to make a nice pile of lures at virtualy no cost. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_Ak2BmXZM4EYIQkKb1kpk7xSnwior3Tyv7pfxRuBIMFjzlE8IlaiartntshgKALq_D2Zpm3ygWKmmo3nqqZtmtGYDwG8_IU5EaIeYkzDOh9_p19BI75UQ1l__oN-6oUKhh2k1aQFX0Lb/s2048/soft%252520plstics%252520022.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="315" id="blogsy-1369500335390.2625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_Ak2BmXZM4EYIQkKb1kpk7xSnwior3Tyv7pfxRuBIMFjzlE8IlaiartntshgKALq_D2Zpm3ygWKmmo3nqqZtmtGYDwG8_IU5EaIeYkzDOh9_p19BI75UQ1l__oN-6oUKhh2k1aQFX0Lb/s500/soft%252520plstics%252520022.JPG" width="500" /></a></div>
Tim Borkerthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13595231283663439297noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9192391319921476014.post-73602778101077008962013-05-22T17:44:00.000-04:002013-05-22T17:44:04.774-04:00Kayak Anchoring SystemI have been working on the rigging of my new Trident 13 for several months now. I am finished and am going to start a series of post on what I did and how I did it. I plan on finishing with a monster overview post, showing all of my customization. This is the tenth post in the series.<br />
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1st post: <a href="http://www.unluckyhunter.com/2013/01/how-to-install-fish-finder-in-ocean.html" target="_blank">Installing a Fish Finder </a><br />
2nd post: <a href="http://www.unluckyhunter.com/2013/02/kayak-rigging-upgraded-plano-dry-box.html" target="_blank">Upgrading a Plano Dry Box </a><br />
3rd post: <a href="http://www.unluckyhunter.com/2013/02/how-to-install-supernova-fishing-lights.html" target="_blank">How To Install SuperNova Fishing Lights On Your Kayak </a><br />
4th post:<a href="http://www.unluckyhunter.com/2013/02/install-scotty-flush-mounts-on-kayak.html" target="_blank"> Install Scotty Flush Mounts on a Kayak</a><br />
5th post: <a href="http://www.unluckyhunter.com/2013/02/yackattack-geartrack-gt90-install-and.html" target="_blank">YackAttack GearTrack GT90 Install and Review</a><br />
6th post: <a href="http://www.unluckyhunter.com/2013/04/the-ultimate-diy-kayak-crate-part-1.html" target="_blank">The Ultimate DIY Kayak Crate - Part 1</a><span id="goog_1302121316"></span><span id="goog_1302121317"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><br />
7th post: <a href="http://www.unluckyhunter.com/2013/04/the-ultimate-diy-kayak-crate-part-2.html" target="_blank">The Ultimate DIY Kayak Crate - Part 2</a><br />
8th post: <a href="http://www.unluckyhunter.com/2013/05/kayak-silent-traction-system-install.html" target="_blank">Silent Traction System Install</a><br />
9th post: <a href="http://www.unluckyhunter.com/2013/05/a-few-little-improvements-to-trident-13.html" target="_blank">A Few Little Improvements To The Trident 13</a><br />
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I have put this post off because it has been done a hundred times. And yet, it is one of the most asked questions on kayak forums. "How do you use an anchor on a kayak?"<br />
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It is an important question because A) Most kayak anglers will need to use an anchor and B) anchoring a kayak is dangerous.<br />
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When I say dangerous, I mean it can kill you if done improperly. If a strong current or large wave hits you while anchored incorrectly you will capsize. If you get tangled in a caught anchor when overboard, you can drown. In some situations, even while wearing a PFD. Sometimes you have to move NOW to get out of the way of a boat or position yourself to take a wave. An anchor will prevent you from doing this.<br />
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So, what are the considerations when using an anchor in a kayak?<br />
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First, the anchor needs to be attached to your bow or stern. This will allow you to ride out a wave or current. If it is attached to the side of your boat, a wave or strong current can flip your kayak very easily. This creates a challenge as most kayakers do not have easy access to their bow or stern while paddling. There are a couple ways to combat this, but I believe the best way is with an anchor trolley.<br />
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An anchor trolley is a loop of rope attached at one end to either or bow or stern and the other end to the side of your boat where you can reach it. The loop of rope has a ring tied on it. You attach your anchor line to this ring and then by pulling on the loop of rope, run the ring to the front (or rear) of you kayak. It is confusing to explain, but actually quite simple.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeRJ-Nzm3Dyn8RVpUQC4kP-WpxIJTjonFKOhgbo9oUrogEqzkbJ8DjradIFPMfDVj7ZOqUIFbp81zyJs4G6B8UvgS8_KpkYEK35QwZ00LpmYCLers9jues-QD3cYkrqrFCQpwxqTztgTJ9/s1600/anchor+trolly.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="123" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeRJ-Nzm3Dyn8RVpUQC4kP-WpxIJTjonFKOhgbo9oUrogEqzkbJ8DjradIFPMfDVj7ZOqUIFbp81zyJs4G6B8UvgS8_KpkYEK35QwZ00LpmYCLers9jues-QD3cYkrqrFCQpwxqTztgTJ9/s400/anchor+trolly.png" width="400" /></a></div>
There are a lot of fancy anchor trolley designs out there. You can even buy a pre-made kit <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0039L34JG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0039L34JG&linkCode=as2&tag=yummypotatoes-20">like this one.</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=yummypotatoes-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0039L34JG" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
A lot of them use pulleys. I prefer to keep things simple, pulleys bind at the most inopportune times and complex things are hard to repair in the field.<br />
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My anchor trolley is simply made of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00664KXGA/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00664KXGA&linkCode=as2&tag=yummypotatoes-20">Paracord</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=yummypotatoes-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00664KXGA" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
, a two <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005EHQLUC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005EHQLUC&linkCode=as2&tag=yummypotatoes-20">Stainless Steel Rings</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=yummypotatoes-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B005EHQLUC" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
, a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000QGIT92/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000QGIT92&linkCode=as2&tag=yummypotatoes-20">Pad Eye</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=yummypotatoes-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000QGIT92" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
, three <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0084BI4LO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0084BI4LO&linkCode=as2&tag=yummypotatoes-20">Carabiner</a>s<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=yummypotatoes-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0084BI4LO" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
, and a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005JRI9/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00005JRI9&linkCode=as2&tag=yummypotatoes-20">Cutting Board</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=yummypotatoes-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00005JRI9" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
.<br />
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I actually put two anchor trolleys on my Trindent 13, one for the stern and one for the bow. This way I can point myself in any direction I want.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKzw_S1sy7ozxow4P_tKQLy9GfJw2dxAVB1J20-dMhNi6N7Qq3qod-POOymNk9NXUA1GFIhsEefG0fKiYtbXQI6Qm-NEq3D1mwz8JPCJXjCvTCJL61Y-THuhmi4qJTe_45ZpXNLjY1bvnj/s1600/kayak+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKzw_S1sy7ozxow4P_tKQLy9GfJw2dxAVB1J20-dMhNi6N7Qq3qod-POOymNk9NXUA1GFIhsEefG0fKiYtbXQI6Qm-NEq3D1mwz8JPCJXjCvTCJL61Y-THuhmi4qJTe_45ZpXNLjY1bvnj/s400/kayak+017.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I started out by adding a pad eye to the bow of my kayak and running a carabiner through it. Then I attached one end of my trolley rope to the carabiner.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WhRs1-rqUYs/UX7xyGwrhWI/AAAAAAAACHg/lLE1omHASIU/s1600/kayak+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WhRs1-rqUYs/UX7xyGwrhWI/AAAAAAAACHg/lLE1omHASIU/s400/kayak+015.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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At the other end, right where my elbow is when I an sitting, I added another carabiner. I was able to attach it to existing hardware on my boat. You may need to add a pad eye here. Again, I ran the trolley rope through the carabiner. Here is another picture of this:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xgajHDG5h-PGKibtU_xOcBxs2_ocL35DKhCATWN8zhqoJ5PQ9JjqLZpf200Sw1F3EJD0bgg5ZcBDucg_sooS-zy_lfLAsCXtBiwPHwGlLww9Y_FtZN_0LXTgVoyrRBPeBq9IeAeyIlA5/s1600/blog+anchor+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xgajHDG5h-PGKibtU_xOcBxs2_ocL35DKhCATWN8zhqoJ5PQ9JjqLZpf200Sw1F3EJD0bgg5ZcBDucg_sooS-zy_lfLAsCXtBiwPHwGlLww9Y_FtZN_0LXTgVoyrRBPeBq9IeAeyIlA5/s400/blog+anchor+001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, my kayak is always this dirty. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The rear anchor trolley is very similar except instead of adding a pad eye to the rear, I made a mount out of a cheap peace of cutting board and attached it to the rudder mount.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGdL0wV8REir89deObde1_O5gEoQ0Rd-zNFJd8pRJpH1lLUj7qyC4eOZo0exzkAFt9nLaJsH_igXgj3wcIBoIwBylonZYWEBEhqBJAmexa_9gak9D5BOKWm7SFl2z-EvOwn2ihg09oVK-1/s1600/blog+anchor+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGdL0wV8REir89deObde1_O5gEoQ0Rd-zNFJd8pRJpH1lLUj7qyC4eOZo0exzkAFt9nLaJsH_igXgj3wcIBoIwBylonZYWEBEhqBJAmexa_9gak9D5BOKWm7SFl2z-EvOwn2ihg09oVK-1/s400/blog+anchor+003.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This allows me to get the anchor all the way to the back.<br />
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This solves the problem of keeping our anchor to the bow or stern, but how do we keep from getting caught up in our anchor?<br />
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We have to create a quick disconnect. This is vitally important. There will come a time when you will need to dump your anchor. You will either need to get out of the way of something FAST, or you will hook a big fish and want to go for a sleigh ride (one of the most exciting parts of kayak fishing).<br />
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This is how I do it: (Warning: it is slightly complex.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6665cL9Qil53uVxjED4k7Ocv1z7mmVQWiShOXcMtx95MAi_W4MWWiKJVsnGpB_WwUN1apiBAzca740GW409gcXM9NbLyWTqTdQDu7BZ_n8jSNY4Muq-TYmam0Sexqa3Z5MjMbmAqJ8VeM/s1600/blog+anchor+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6665cL9Qil53uVxjED4k7Ocv1z7mmVQWiShOXcMtx95MAi_W4MWWiKJVsnGpB_WwUN1apiBAzca740GW409gcXM9NbLyWTqTdQDu7BZ_n8jSNY4Muq-TYmam0Sexqa3Z5MjMbmAqJ8VeM/s400/blog+anchor+005.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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That is the big picture, lets zoom into the important part.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNe_m0MpzU_hZbFfnO5Kv4kJT-ox1BZBTTnwwnZcQzUh4S83HU8_QpkFK8Wf_8eVE5_B7IGfl05B_o5bTHz1vSGg1PnpF4JUCGis_TgSDIqn0APXco3Z6oh4RMjMKESh9ZtFetP3J1qP7t/s1600/blog+anchor+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNe_m0MpzU_hZbFfnO5Kv4kJT-ox1BZBTTnwwnZcQzUh4S83HU8_QpkFK8Wf_8eVE5_B7IGfl05B_o5bTHz1vSGg1PnpF4JUCGis_TgSDIqn0APXco3Z6oh4RMjMKESh9ZtFetP3J1qP7t/s400/blog+anchor+006.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Take your anchor line and create a loop. Run that loop though your trolley ring, position your anchor trolley to the stern or bow, and cleat it off. Now, if you need to dump your anchor, you just have to un-cleat it. The loop will pull itself out of the ring.<br />
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The cleat I currently have installed is a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BNTZNJ0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00BNTZNJ0&linkCode=as2&tag=yummypotatoes-20">Zig-Zag Cleat</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=yummypotatoes-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00BNTZNJ0" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCkmnfpBaik2hyJDcc_O0DOBm2xMpPqwBMQqf06cW6b3zLt9Cf1Gw3G9kK42XEwQvnJuKpXOEIGRE80IHaVj7xhk0oQkgZegBmBYGOgXK04kJ-haU6y5Jvn9im8M7ePtdCdC6vvX0WQsg1/s1600/blog+anchor+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCkmnfpBaik2hyJDcc_O0DOBm2xMpPqwBMQqf06cW6b3zLt9Cf1Gw3G9kK42XEwQvnJuKpXOEIGRE80IHaVj7xhk0oQkgZegBmBYGOgXK04kJ-haU6y5Jvn9im8M7ePtdCdC6vvX0WQsg1/s400/blog+anchor+007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is not the best. It is much faster to disconnect a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003XTKOS8/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003XTKOS8&linkCode=as2&tag=yummypotatoes-20">Cam Cleat</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=yummypotatoes-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003XTKOS8" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
. I will be making this upgrade soon.<br />
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As for the anchor itself, I use a homemade one.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DH_LwYMeIDY/UZwE7_fl-sI/AAAAAAAACS8/EHPk41PftLA/s1600/blog+anchor+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DH_LwYMeIDY/UZwE7_fl-sI/AAAAAAAACS8/EHPk41PftLA/s400/blog+anchor+004.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I just used some scrap metal I had laying around and welded it up. It works as well as those collapsible anchors and is lighter. A kayak anchor does not have to be heavy, it just has to be able to grip the sea floor. This is why makeshift anchors like bum-bells do not work well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikkSrNLXYsOLgWzDlnIo3manpeQ09i0DVM0LqBm0WjnaVhQG5gImE_Ybj_DwzWlds9b2nMlHyKP0Klh7-T72maaJiYyPYDKmB4JGwM_9D4LDKIn6clP2odjGkscCpAVam98wztjtipLKlh/s1600/anchor+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikkSrNLXYsOLgWzDlnIo3manpeQ09i0DVM0LqBm0WjnaVhQG5gImE_Ybj_DwzWlds9b2nMlHyKP0Klh7-T72maaJiYyPYDKmB4JGwM_9D4LDKIn6clP2odjGkscCpAVam98wztjtipLKlh/s320/anchor+001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Notice how the anchor rope is tied to the front of the anchor and then attached to the end of the anchor with a piece of 20 pound mono. This is so that if my anchor gets caught, I can pull hard and break the 20 pound mono. This will reverse where the anchor is being pulled and release it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixCXk09OckJbANbi72CeGYgNvUXakA2TAjcPgX5YgxTcpYFToOd54All5KcNjmkbR1jgkWrzlutb2z_DjQt4FKjBd9XQGCX4PlNVHRwdrpe6pEHZf9L7xUqDR2NlxMusGLE3fxLzrQb19G/s1600/anchor+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixCXk09OckJbANbi72CeGYgNvUXakA2TAjcPgX5YgxTcpYFToOd54All5KcNjmkbR1jgkWrzlutb2z_DjQt4FKjBd9XQGCX4PlNVHRwdrpe6pEHZf9L7xUqDR2NlxMusGLE3fxLzrQb19G/s320/anchor+002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Also notice that instead of threading the anchor rope through the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000AXTID/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0000AXTID&linkCode=as2&tag=yummypotatoes-20">Float</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=yummypotatoes-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0000AXTID" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
, I attached the float with a carabiner. This prevents the float from knocking against my hull when the anchor is out. You need a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000AXTID/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0000AXTID&linkCode=as2&tag=yummypotatoes-20">Float</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=yummypotatoes-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0000AXTID" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
so that you can recover you anchor if you ever need to dump it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG74XTlw-zGoSx2GSEOHwP8JMoWkXEKXR0nQGhw-xjj1ltB0e5xuOTYk_YtjSsqZ-ED2dcSq_iPUhJjXMyAXwI0Q2_2EukXdLupglPdMv73uKo-TB94ZQASSH1RyG0XHQDrv9lPXG2J8a3/s1600/anchor+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG74XTlw-zGoSx2GSEOHwP8JMoWkXEKXR0nQGhw-xjj1ltB0e5xuOTYk_YtjSsqZ-ED2dcSq_iPUhJjXMyAXwI0Q2_2EukXdLupglPdMv73uKo-TB94ZQASSH1RyG0XHQDrv9lPXG2J8a3/s320/anchor+003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The anchor rope itself is simple <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004XADE10/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004XADE10&linkCode=as2&tag=yummypotatoes-20">nylon rope</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=yummypotatoes-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004XADE10" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
. Do not use rope sold as "anchor rope" in stores. This is usually floating rope which is very dangerous to a kayaker. If you flip you kayak, all of that floating rope will be floating around you, making it easy to get tangled up.<br />
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Remember, you need three times the depth you are anchoring in rope to get a good hold. So if you are anchoring in 10 feet of water, you need 30 feet of rope out. I keep 50' of rope always attached to my anchor. If I need more, I simply tie on another 50' with a strong knot.<br />
<br />Tim Borkerthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13595231283663439297noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9192391319921476014.post-6053928068510748752013-05-15T09:27:00.000-04:002013-05-15T09:27:32.059-04:00A Few Little Improvements To The Trident 13I have been working on the rigging of my new Trident 13 for several months now. I am finished and am going to start a series of post on what I did and how I did it. I plan on finishing with a monster overview post, showing all of my customization. This is the ninth post in the series.<br />
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1st post: <a href="http://www.unluckyhunter.com/2013/01/how-to-install-fish-finder-in-ocean.html" target="_blank">Installing a Fish Finder </a><br />
2nd post: <a href="http://www.unluckyhunter.com/2013/02/kayak-rigging-upgraded-plano-dry-box.html" target="_blank">Upgrading a Plano Dry Box </a><br />
3rd post: <a href="http://www.unluckyhunter.com/2013/02/how-to-install-supernova-fishing-lights.html" target="_blank">How To Install SuperNova Fishing Lights On Your Kayak </a><br />
4th post:<a href="http://www.unluckyhunter.com/2013/02/install-scotty-flush-mounts-on-kayak.html" target="_blank"> Install Scotty Flush Mounts on a Kayak</a><br />
5th post: <a href="http://www.unluckyhunter.com/2013/02/yackattack-geartrack-gt90-install-and.html" target="_blank">YackAttack GearTrack GT90 Install and Review</a><br />
6th post: <a href="http://www.unluckyhunter.com/2013/04/the-ultimate-diy-kayak-crate-part-1.html" target="_blank">The Ultimate DIY Kayak Crate - Part 1</a><span id="goog_1302121316"></span><span id="goog_1302121317"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><br />
7th post: <a href="http://www.unluckyhunter.com/2013/04/the-ultimate-diy-kayak-crate-part-2.html" target="_blank">The Ultimate DIY Kayak Crate - Part 2</a><br />
8th post: <a href="http://www.unluckyhunter.com/2013/05/kayak-silent-traction-system-install.html" target="_blank">Silent Traction System Install</a><br />
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Before I begin to show a few little improvements I made to my kayak, take a look at these trophy fish my good friend Jonathan Walker caught:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXCINRPMX-Qle7cj9v7O5Qf1bVIjX8gjMtjP57a2rtpdmeRUiPJRezYC5BFTJUxzC8ZWzdzT9mrDerlWbVe-qszaHHadV82TYf7EBUBQnuLni-uRd1cXPaKUzdextFxzwxi0Ssu3lk7jq/s1600/shellcracker2.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXCINRPMX-Qle7cj9v7O5Qf1bVIjX8gjMtjP57a2rtpdmeRUiPJRezYC5BFTJUxzC8ZWzdzT9mrDerlWbVe-qszaHHadV82TYf7EBUBQnuLni-uRd1cXPaKUzdextFxzwxi0Ssu3lk7jq/s400/shellcracker2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Jonathan has had trouble getting on the fish this year, but got into them in a big way on the Western Branch Reservoir. This 13" Shell Cracker is the largest I have ever seen!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglSgXqDh2fNZYGJ4rqX8Hy2bOEdYajJj1u5hHlwDXfZQSC8av0FaGJQQmB7DLyKsd8-mjNLhEEIzaUCJWlaviRwnOfHzjsc6HLgmuAZWoqIPH3toa4EBg3dMPj828nnWctgUueFPJk4KUt/s1600/gar2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglSgXqDh2fNZYGJ4rqX8Hy2bOEdYajJj1u5hHlwDXfZQSC8av0FaGJQQmB7DLyKsd8-mjNLhEEIzaUCJWlaviRwnOfHzjsc6HLgmuAZWoqIPH3toa4EBg3dMPj828nnWctgUueFPJk4KUt/s400/gar2.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
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This Trophy 43" Gar gave him a big surprise! He was using a light reel and rod while drifting a 3" dead shad in 15' of water, looking for a catfish or rockfish. This bad boy made his day!</div>
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If you have a trophy fish you would like to show off, <a href="mailto:timborkert@gmail.com" target="_blank">email me a picture of it</a>. I'll add it to the beginning of my next post!</div>
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On to the main subject....<br />
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I love my Ocean Kayak Trident 13. It is a great, versatile boat. Many things are well thought out on it. The rod pod, sonar shield, and hull design are just a few of its great qualities. However, there are a few minor, nitpicky things I dislike about it.<br />
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<b>The paddle holders</b><br />
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The paddle holders on the Trident 13 hold a paddle very, very securely. I have not removed them for this reason. There are times that I want to <i>know </i>that nothing will strip my paddle from the side of my boat.<br />
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Realistically, those times are rare.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr7qWB-O9CPgAeUyxiZboEV9Al9oXcJSbZBQLy2iW6IyaoBjAiCUioXmUwpA3ocfyS90Z8RsiLuNI36M-uXkfOxYag6sHd2U2901wigIdIrt18KYOlfvay350r3gbVDPW6gw83Z3EDSJRc/s1600/minor+kayak+change+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr7qWB-O9CPgAeUyxiZboEV9Al9oXcJSbZBQLy2iW6IyaoBjAiCUioXmUwpA3ocfyS90Z8RsiLuNI36M-uXkfOxYag6sHd2U2901wigIdIrt18KYOlfvay350r3gbVDPW6gw83Z3EDSJRc/s400/minor+kayak+change+003.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The standard paddle holder</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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What the Trident 13's paddle holders do not do is allow you to easily stow your paddle. It takes me two hands and a good deal of effort to do it. Now, someone with larger, stronger hands may be able to do it one handed, but not this guy.<br />
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I need to be able to quickly stow my paddle one handed. So, I added a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0062BXBVG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0062BXBVG&linkCode=as2&tag=yummypotatoes-20">Scotty Paddle Clip</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=yummypotatoes-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0062BXBVG" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
to the side of my kayak. It is not as secure, but I can stow and retrieve my paddle one handed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizJMq305Nasi2fT70yuVTeo1VELE7kVivHmckqmjU86vEur4FYWhG9VfzWs28fyhOPN57R29YEm6R9qYtzdZc0kJ-YR3Po9gV02RY_lqkiY6d5IgWhyWv7jy8i9_OEYZWfkz9Kz78oxA3f/s1600/minor+kayak+change+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizJMq305Nasi2fT70yuVTeo1VELE7kVivHmckqmjU86vEur4FYWhG9VfzWs28fyhOPN57R29YEm6R9qYtzdZc0kJ-YR3Po9gV02RY_lqkiY6d5IgWhyWv7jy8i9_OEYZWfkz9Kz78oxA3f/s400/minor+kayak+change+002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Just this past week I hooked a fish that felt large. When I hooked it, I had my paddle and an extra rod in my lap. You want your deck clear when a big fish comes on board. As I fought the fish, I quickly put the extra rod in a rod holder and clipped my paddle to the Scotty paddle clip. I could do this without even looking. The fish ended up only being a little 23" catfish, but it was full of eggs and fought like a 10 pounder!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCIECObx_BepojkBIKTkG1o7tf5UEhf4v3fazyYjLUOlOemxqGCUxAwnV5BCTGZmkZh2qsafk_kwmEefONQvYR19S5E6WvRPgKWCmkhB7uLNodBCUUmuGdVZfod7fbCZVwZ0gXqiBvMwqP/s1600/fishing+andblog+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCIECObx_BepojkBIKTkG1o7tf5UEhf4v3fazyYjLUOlOemxqGCUxAwnV5BCTGZmkZh2qsafk_kwmEefONQvYR19S5E6WvRPgKWCmkhB7uLNodBCUUmuGdVZfod7fbCZVwZ0gXqiBvMwqP/s400/fishing+andblog+004.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Towing Handles</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
The towing handles on the Trident 13 are some of the strongest you can find. That is the only good thing I can say about them.<br />
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The way they give and flop around make loading my kayak into the bed of a truck very difficult. Since they are attached to bungees, it is difficult to obtain the leverage need. So, I <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007FJVGOS/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007FJVGOS&linkCode=as2&tag=yummypotatoes-20">added a handle</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=yummypotatoes-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B007FJVGOS" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
to the front and rear of my deck.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwWNpIdUgfqJb8eYvaSabUp4m6X_kkTzphfAtvaT3QsnTAvXQgJCJqSqi5Wl64gq-rZa69g9HSpyPHuKzigm8tLu_htCbzXC8FKA48oog3k-lvQiqw77Qko6Jmqz6kyA4M7b2ZwpjO3MMV/s1600/minor+kayak+change+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwWNpIdUgfqJb8eYvaSabUp4m6X_kkTzphfAtvaT3QsnTAvXQgJCJqSqi5Wl64gq-rZa69g9HSpyPHuKzigm8tLu_htCbzXC8FKA48oog3k-lvQiqw77Qko6Jmqz6kyA4M7b2ZwpjO3MMV/s400/minor+kayak+change+001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now I can grip it with both hands and I have a solid grip to work with.</div>
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Take a close look at the picture above. See the drain plug in front of the handle? It sucks. In a $1200 kayak you would have thought they could have come up with something better. It works fine for draining, that is not the problem. The problem is that any time you try to drag your Trident 13 up a hill the handle of this plug digs into your fingers. It is very uncomfortable. I have yet to figure out a practical solution to this problem. <b>I would love for someone at Ocean Kayak to read this and fix this problem in future kayaks. </b></div>
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<b>The Seat Snap</b></div>
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This one is very nitpicky. </div>
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The seat on the Trident 13 can fold down for transport. It is held in place, up or down, by a bungee and plastic clip. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VqgCTESHba4/UZLN_qiFacI/AAAAAAAACRk/Geg6x0WltG0/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VqgCTESHba4/UZLN_qiFacI/AAAAAAAACRk/Geg6x0WltG0/s400/photo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This system works well, and I like it. However, the clip provided is a cheap plastic deal. It is hard to fasten and unfasten. I replaced this clip with a small <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007R9TUZ8/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007R9TUZ8&linkCode=as2&tag=yummypotatoes-20">Carabiner</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=yummypotatoes-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B007R9TUZ8" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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It's things like this that annoy me. They saved maybe 25 cents by using a cheap clip. Why not just do it right, your customers notice the little things.<br />
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The Trident 13 is an amazing boat. No boat is going to have everything I want. When you think about it, this is a very short list.Tim Borkerthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13595231283663439297noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9192391319921476014.post-49539020691972585892013-05-08T11:21:00.000-04:002013-05-08T11:22:04.261-04:00Camping With ToddlersI have a dirty secret. Something few people know.<br />
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I hate camping.<br />
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Oh, I'll do it in a pinch. I'll camp on an overnight hunting or fishing trip, or if my destination is just too far from a town. However, if there is a lodge, cabin, or hotel close by, that is where you will find me.<br />
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My two and three year old daughters have a different opinion of camping. After watching Curious George do it on TV, they have decided it is the most fun possible. So, a camping we will go!<br />
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Take it from someone who does not like to camp, without the proper preparation and equipment it is no fun. Everyone with young kids knows that things go down hill fast when the kids are not having fun. So before you try camping with young kids, you need to head over to a outdoors store like <a href="http://www.basspro.com/" target="_blank">Bass Pro Shops</a> (or <a href="http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/equipment" target="_blank">Cotswold Outdoor</a> if you live in the UK) and stock up on kid friendly camping gear.<br />
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Before I go any further I should note that this guide is for casual campers. You know, the families that camp once or twice a year. If you bring your kids out every weekend, then they are real troopers by now and can handle more camping hurdles.<br />
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There are three enemies to camping with kids, the weather, biting bugs, and poisonous plants. Any one can ruin your trip in a matter of minutes. If you can overcome these enemies, then you are almost guaranteed a positive trip.<br />
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<b>The Weather</b><br />
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Cold, Heat, or Rain will ruin your camping trip. Kids cannot handle chilly weather or extreme heat. Rain will keep you all cramped inside a tent. Kids cannot adequately expel energy in a tent.<br />
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The fix for this could not be simpler. Check the weather report before you leave to go camping. If it is going the be cold, very hot, or raining, simply change your plans. Do not go camping.<br />
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<b>Biting Bugs</b><br />
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Mosquitoes, ticks, chiggers, and gnats will ruin your trip in an instant. Fortunately, there are a lot of things to protect you from them.<br />
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Start with a bug repellent. Not one of those crappy all natural repellents. They simply do not work well. Find something with at least 30% DEET. DEET is the most effective insect repellent available. Before you start whining about rubbing a chemical over your precious little children, remember this: Not one person has died from DEET, but millions of people have died insect born diseases. I'd rather expose my kids to a safe chemical than to a disease.<br />
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Next, wear proper outdoor clothing. This will create a physical barrier to the insects. Most people have no problem buying nice outdoor clothing for themselves, but neglect to get it for their kids. This is a mistake. Clothing made to camping and hiking is made with a tighter weave than the stuff in the kids section at Target. <a href="http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/the-north-face" target="_blank">North Face</a> has a nice children's line.<br />
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Lastly, you can keep bugs at bay around the campsite with a nice smokey fire or even better, a Thermacell. The Thermacell is probably the best outdoor product made in the last decade. They are expensive to run, but create an invisible force field that keeps the bugs away.<br />
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<b>Poisonous plants</b><br />
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Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac will not only make a camping trip miserable. It will make the next three weeks of your kids life miserable. The only thing to do here is scout your camp for these plants and teach your kids to avoid them. Use the rule "Leaves of thee, Let it be!" Of course, young kids can't count, so you are going to have to watch out for them. <a href="http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-to-identify-poison-ivy-oak-and-sumac.html" target="_blank">Here is a good site on how to identify these plants.</a><br />
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Now, there are also a few things you should do to make things more fun for the kids.<br />
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<b>Cook Familiar Foods</b><br />
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Most young kids are picky. While, normal camping foods taste great, they often look yucky. Bring the peanut butter and jelly, hot dogs, juice, and cereal that your kids like to eat. They will eat better. A hungry kid is a grumpy kid.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hollyandtim/8114713471/" title="Untitled by hollyandtim, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="374" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8334/8114713471_11d8e07b92.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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<b>Give them a comfy place to sleep</b><br />
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Sleeping in a tent (or under the stars!) is the highlight of most camping trips. Make it comfortable. Find a nice, smooth, level place for your tent. <a href="http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=products.list&query=fh_eds%3D%25ef%25bf%25bd%26subsite%3D%26fh_view_size%3D30%26store-region%3Duk%26fh_refview%3Dlister%26fh_refpath%3Dfacet_24%26fh_reffacet%3Dsleeping_type%26fh_location%3D%252f%252fcatalog01%252fen_GB%252fcategories%253c%257bcatalog01_c5%257d%252fcategories%253c%257bcatalog01_c5_c50%257d%252fsleeping_type%253e%257bsleep_mats_pillows%257d" target="_blank">A mat or cot </a>can really help everyone get a better nights sleep. Buy your kids their very own sleeping bag. Quality kids sleeping bags can be hard to find, <a href="http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/browse-by-activity/camping/sleeping-bags" target="_blank">here is a link to some</a>. Give them their own flashlight or a glow stick. Don't forget to bring their favorite doll, stuffed toy, or blanky.<br />
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Most of all make it fun!<br />
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<b>Light a fire</b><br />
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You need a fire. A fire gives your campsite a focal point. It will keep your kids entertained. Building it is a fun activity. (<a href="http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/browse-by-activity/camping/firelighters" target="_blank">Try using different fire starters for extra fun!)</a> Cooking over it is fun. Poking it is fun. Staring in it is fun. Fire is fun!<br />
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It is also a great way to teach your kids about the dangers of fire and fire safety.<br />
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<b>Keep your activities short</b><br />
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Please don't drag your 2 year old on a five mile hike! <a href="http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/osprey" target="_blank">Unless of course, you have one of those fancy child backpack carriers.</a> Keep you hikes short and bounce between activities. This makes for an exhausting day for the grown ups, but a fun day for the kids!<br />
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<b>Know when to pack it up</b><br />
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There is a fine line between a fun trip and a bad trip. The longer you stay camping the higher the chance something will go wrong. It is better to quit while you are having fun than to stay to long and have a bad memory.<br />
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Camping with young kids can be one of the best memories your family can have. You just have to limit your expectations and know what your kids can handle.Tim Borkerthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13595231283663439297noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9192391319921476014.post-45747157059291062022013-05-07T06:33:00.000-04:002013-05-07T06:33:17.488-04:00An Ultralight Kind Of DaySometimes I have to remind myself that fishing is all about having fun. It does not get more fun than ultralight!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNiVmnf52Hpz2w-Xzu1VRDhpKEzwe-MoDKqUoLSQPqJD0GgiclMdGR0S-xNpfn6m-iwlHPc7VK4An7LYHE6va7BBu_qkUniUZVBiDdWaNcBFlTapL89NB2MvuSect-Irz_ukUjnpiST3fj/s2048/fishing%252520001%252520%2525282%252529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="375" id="blogsy-1367884550308.5486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNiVmnf52Hpz2w-Xzu1VRDhpKEzwe-MoDKqUoLSQPqJD0GgiclMdGR0S-xNpfn6m-iwlHPc7VK4An7LYHE6va7BBu_qkUniUZVBiDdWaNcBFlTapL89NB2MvuSect-Irz_ukUjnpiST3fj/s500/fishing%252520001%252520%2525282%252529.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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So, when the big fish decided not to bite a few weeks ago, I took out my ultralight rod and slew the dinks!<br />
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Bass and Crappie mostly on an unweighted 4" lizzard and top water Teeny Torpedo. 2 pound test at least made the fights a little challenging.<br />
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I've had that same Teeny Torpedo for almost 25 years. I think I got it when I was 9 years old. It has caught me hundreds of fish.<br />
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Topwater Crappie are always a nice surprise!<br />
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My first Blue Gill of the year, a nice handful.<br />
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A dozen or more bass were landed.<br />
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All under 14"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxCLwDxaNScX4qa_64yifJCk1E102HTI6UNuOmGNzzu_-Rr8iAX0sYtQZuwTn8PxOevJbciNqkO0sgNLMd0vnzoRxg6I8kJaV4BiSNpXGNv-Knh5zcp67Z-aG5MUpFzCVjX_AghUOHFlH/s2048/fishing%252520008.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="375" id="blogsy-1367884550304.0356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxCLwDxaNScX4qa_64yifJCk1E102HTI6UNuOmGNzzu_-Rr8iAX0sYtQZuwTn8PxOevJbciNqkO0sgNLMd0vnzoRxg6I8kJaV4BiSNpXGNv-Knh5zcp67Z-aG5MUpFzCVjX_AghUOHFlH/s500/fishing%252520008.JPG" width="500" /></a></div>
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The ultralight rod I used is 23 years old. It was a gift for my 10th birthday. I found it this winter in an old chest of keepsakes. It still has good juju!<br />
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fpbGw3qoGvQ/UYQCK8EDddI/AAAAAAAACLY/Kc303-ozt9s/s2048/fishing%252520009.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="375" id="blogsy-1367884550253.0283" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fpbGw3qoGvQ/UYQCK8EDddI/AAAAAAAACLY/Kc303-ozt9s/s500/fishing%252520009.JPG" width="500" /></a></div>
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As I was leaving this ugly buzzard landed in a tree just a few yards away from me. He gave me the stink eye, so I backed off. It hopped to the ground and picked up a tiny dead mouse. I found it amazing that it saw such a tiny dead thing from way up high.<br />
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<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-S_1FyvND7u8/UYQCT9hZoFI/AAAAAAAACLw/AUml6_-_j_k/s2048/fishing%252520012.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="375" id="blogsy-1367884550296.905" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-S_1FyvND7u8/UYQCT9hZoFI/AAAAAAAACLw/AUml6_-_j_k/s500/fishing%252520012.JPG" width="500" /></a></div>
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No monsters to brag about today, just a lot of fun using tackle from my childhood. Sometimes it is good to enjoy the little fish in life! <br />
Tim Borkerthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13595231283663439297noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9192391319921476014.post-80162546612413416022013-05-03T06:27:00.000-04:002013-05-03T06:27:51.203-04:00What We Can Learn From Old World Hunting GearHunting is cultural. Every culture does it slightly differently.<br />
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Last year when my Grandma saw a picture of me in a tree stand, she asked my Dad what I was doing up there. She is from the west and had never heard of someone hunting from a stand. It is all stalking where she is from.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr-OgNv-iv7T5MkuEHYFmTI28J_oXqXt6pt_mGoWAz-6tutfBnum5D9ozgi6Q1dgKSJkTQr0yvs0UjiAFWcnb6yam38VbAHfj-RspbYVb4dJgu3b8STcwLqnxkDZcwE2fU7Hhb40rj4T-x/s1600/262083_10151231571438810_312516262_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr-OgNv-iv7T5MkuEHYFmTI28J_oXqXt6pt_mGoWAz-6tutfBnum5D9ozgi6Q1dgKSJkTQr0yvs0UjiAFWcnb6yam38VbAHfj-RspbYVb4dJgu3b8STcwLqnxkDZcwE2fU7Hhb40rj4T-x/s400/262083_10151231571438810_312516262_n.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is kind of silly now that I look at it</td></tr>
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On the flip side, when I describe the thrill of spot and stalk hunting to my friends in the east, they are often dumb struck. The idea of hunting in that way had never occurred to them.<br />
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Those two example are <i>within </i>the same country, the US. Imagine how differently people must hunt in other countries or even other continents!<br />
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We can learn a lot from other cultures. Look at Japan. They are innovators in popular American fishing. They have developed some awesome Bass lures and look at Tenkara, a fast growing fly fishing technique.<br />
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The differences in how we hunt in America and how they hunt over in Europe was made clear to me when I was introduced to <a href="http://www.bushwear.co.uk/index.php" target="_blank">BushWear</a>, a popular hunting retailer out of Scotland. I could not stop looking at their products, products not available or popular in the States.<br />
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Check out some of the differences:<br />
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The first thing I noticed is that while in the States you will get laughed out of your stand if you are not clad head to toe in camo, European vendors do not focus so much on camo. <a href="http://www.bushwear.co.uk/index.php?ClassID=158" target="_blank">Check out their clothing line. </a> There is some camo, but not much. It is mostly drab greens and browns.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg64CvcPNcxPabk-pRl5L20GPlJpGCqM3umsQLN6lO5w8eTVxt8Qug7lY-H8IyCzCsAaNF-Jx7EXH3AwwhVJjy4eAWfOMN1p0b90reAlQbCl7Skk7h8Whyphenhyphen9H7RfKXtNjEDEWC83Cvvm514P/s1600/111024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg64CvcPNcxPabk-pRl5L20GPlJpGCqM3umsQLN6lO5w8eTVxt8Qug7lY-H8IyCzCsAaNF-Jx7EXH3AwwhVJjy4eAWfOMN1p0b90reAlQbCl7Skk7h8Whyphenhyphen9H7RfKXtNjEDEWC83Cvvm514P/s320/111024.jpg" width="243" /></a></div>
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This makes sense to me. I've always questioned the benefit of camo. Don't tar and feather me! I know camo is effective and important, but I've always felt that staying still and quiet is much more important.<br />
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When they wear camo it is often <a href="http://www.bushwear.co.uk/index.php?ClassID=159" target="_blank">3D suits.</a> This is also my preferred camo.<br />
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Another difference was in their knives. I am a knife junkie, so most people would not pick up on this. While they use the same brands and steels that we do, most of their knives are much more practical. <a href="http://www.bushwear.co.uk/index.php?ClassID=206" target="_blank">Short, sturdy blades and no-nonsense handles</a>. Compare this with <a href="http://www.basspro.com/Knives-%26-Tools/_/S-12425008000" target="_blank">the knife page on Bass Pro's site.</a> Americans tend to prefer more tactical type knives.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBloboNYlVgoSfkL-giT7K04qy9wWCHEj1f3Nrr_1zMhqYj_g3DLvyrIAOOBXgl9kL0u44ljiKKMe7u6uk5N8ZHZ-Dd6fEogXUmKKnwi8oDOXKxIYP3LnS5lMgmKHn-ZMflv-aVMIP3vsy/s1600/stringer+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBloboNYlVgoSfkL-giT7K04qy9wWCHEj1f3Nrr_1zMhqYj_g3DLvyrIAOOBXgl9kL0u44ljiKKMe7u6uk5N8ZHZ-Dd6fEogXUmKKnwi8oDOXKxIYP3LnS5lMgmKHn-ZMflv-aVMIP3vsy/s400/stringer+019.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top: Typical American Style Hunting Knife<br />Bottom: Typical European Style Hunting Knife</td></tr>
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I have to say, I've always preferred European styled blades.</div>
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Some of the differences are due to the type of quarry available to them. I believe the deer there must be smaller than ours. A popular item in the BushWear catalog is a <a href="http://www.bushwear.co.uk/nostyles.php?ProductID=316911&ClassID=252" target="_blank">Roesack</a>. I had never heard of this before. It is basically a backpack that you can put a small deer in. In the US, we usually just grab an antler or foot and start dragging.<br />
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Many things are the same. Hunting is hunting after all. A fascination for <a href="http://www.bushwear.co.uk/index.php?ClassID=281" target="_blank">Bear Grylls and his product line</a> is everywhere. So is the need for <a href="http://www.bushwear.co.uk/index.php?ClassID=46" target="_blank">solid shooting rests</a>. I was even surprised to see a <a href="http://www.bushwear.co.uk/index.php?ClassID=249" target="_blank">full line of game cameras</a>. Not sure why this surprised me, I guess I just picture them as being more old school. A poor assumption on my part.<br />
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I think it would do every hunter good to look at different cultures and how they hunt. It is not only interesting and educational, you may learn a new trick or two!<br />
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If anyone has experience hunting in another country I would love to hear how you do it!<br />
<br />Tim Borkerthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13595231283663439297noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9192391319921476014.post-15211277192474536822013-05-01T13:20:00.001-04:002013-05-01T13:21:01.028-04:00Kayak Silent Traction System InstallI have been working on the rigging of my new Trident 13 for several months now. I am finished and am going to start a series of post on what I did and how I did it. I plan on finishing with a monster overview post, showing all of my customization. This is the eighth post in the series.<br />
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1st post: <a href="http://www.unluckyhunter.com/2013/01/how-to-install-fish-finder-in-ocean.html" target="_blank">Installing a Fish Finder </a><br />
2nd post: <a href="http://www.unluckyhunter.com/2013/02/kayak-rigging-upgraded-plano-dry-box.html" target="_blank">Upgrading a Plano Dry Box </a><br />
3rd post: <a href="http://www.unluckyhunter.com/2013/02/how-to-install-supernova-fishing-lights.html" target="_blank">How To Install SuperNova Fishing Lights On Your Kayak </a><br />
4th post:<a href="http://www.unluckyhunter.com/2013/02/install-scotty-flush-mounts-on-kayak.html" target="_blank"> Install Scotty Flush Mounts on a Kayak</a><br />
5th post: <a href="http://www.unluckyhunter.com/2013/02/yackattack-geartrack-gt90-install-and.html" target="_blank">YackAttack GearTrack GT90 Install and Review</a><br />
6th post: <a href="http://www.unluckyhunter.com/2013/04/the-ultimate-diy-kayak-crate-part-1.html" target="_blank">The Ultimate DIY Kayak Crate - Part 1</a><span id="goog_1302121316"></span><span id="goog_1302121317"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><br />
7th post: <a href="http://www.unluckyhunter.com/2013/04/the-ultimate-diy-kayak-crate-part-2.html" target="_blank">The Ultimate DIY Kayak Crate - Part 2</a><br />
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Most of the upgrades I have made to my kayak has been either for convenience, or for safety. Very few actually increase my ability to catch fish. The stealthy nature of my kayak and good bait presentation to the fish catching. This upgrade actually helps me catch fish.<br />
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Before I got a kayak I used to be a very, very poor fisherman. I would take my Jon boat out and fish, but would never catch much. It was not until I went fishing with my Dad, him in the Jon boat and me in a kayak, that I began to understand why I used to rarely catch fish.<br />
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Jon boats are loud. When I fish with Dad I feel like someone is playing the drums right next to me. Every dropped weight, setting down of a pole, or shifting of the feet reverberated through the lake. When I fished next to him, I caught nothing. When I moved a hundred yards away, I began catching. Every time we go out I end up catching ten fish to his one, no exaggeration. This is using the same baits and rigs.<br />
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Keeping quiet on the water is vitally important. Now, I am extra careful to not make a sound against my hull.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpWPgnHzId4jMYwidoVrOoVLeG0cMhU6mU3RRvsKyT_lXocyyaDRGDdmMOA-7FBQQTrE42OTAEneBSHY7qi1_IF3zh58paPKiC_Jr9kigLtnFgX9tMaq_hp5S0lHIMVphFaseuaT0Hf4U0/s1600/kayak+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpWPgnHzId4jMYwidoVrOoVLeG0cMhU6mU3RRvsKyT_lXocyyaDRGDdmMOA-7FBQQTrE42OTAEneBSHY7qi1_IF3zh58paPKiC_Jr9kigLtnFgX9tMaq_hp5S0lHIMVphFaseuaT0Hf4U0/s400/kayak+007.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The black stuff is Silent Traction material</td></tr>
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The Silent Traction System is one of the few products you can attach to your boat that will actually help you catch fish. It is an adhesive backed rubber that you can attach to virtual anything, making it absolutely silent. It also makes things very "grippy", meaning you or your stuff will not slip off of it.<br />
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It is easy to apply.<br />
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Silent Traction material comes in a big sheet. You simply have to cut it with scissors to fit the contours of your kayak.<br />
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I like to make a template to ensure a nice, clean fit.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghcqmpnZ1sybPfGOrwswRRYDlVxVIFhFYym0holqaOV8X7W__Zb6f6jDLGP2Uda5Kss2mib7CuBhNyi54eUPr_cuK8_YVgsJbqB2Q7YXHaJHRURnOjHdESn84e9QtBD_D6-wc53EBIq208/s1600/STS+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghcqmpnZ1sybPfGOrwswRRYDlVxVIFhFYym0holqaOV8X7W__Zb6f6jDLGP2Uda5Kss2mib7CuBhNyi54eUPr_cuK8_YVgsJbqB2Q7YXHaJHRURnOjHdESn84e9QtBD_D6-wc53EBIq208/s400/STS+004.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I start out by masking off the area I want to cover with masking tape. Then I gently peel off the masking tape and transfer it to the sheet of Silent Traction material.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wcpfa8H8n7M/UUJcQeddrfI/AAAAAAAACCo/KbUdzWd6kLc/s1600/STS+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wcpfa8H8n7M/UUJcQeddrfI/AAAAAAAACCo/KbUdzWd6kLc/s400/STS+005.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I then cut it out, peel off the adhesive backing, and attach it to my kayak. It is a good idea to clean and dry your kayak before applying the material. This will ensure a good adhesion.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjma3XU6cz7dDCywmcT9GBJqdYjLxAoxrUPztqm3HNbOOHmn9XuXD68G1HpL1PwhluiBLRmnnViPINUCqtL1JcegT2WJYlAyBNKNnmf1dE_FBMA2L74UtLst4BK03y2a_cBfgOOOHhDydbk/s1600/STS+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjma3XU6cz7dDCywmcT9GBJqdYjLxAoxrUPztqm3HNbOOHmn9XuXD68G1HpL1PwhluiBLRmnnViPINUCqtL1JcegT2WJYlAyBNKNnmf1dE_FBMA2L74UtLst4BK03y2a_cBfgOOOHhDydbk/s400/STS+006.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Doesn't get much easier than that.</div>
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I'm not sure what they use as an adhesive, but it is strong. Treat this like a permanent addition to your 'yak.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2tVUnaUjz6s/UX7xmFQxG1I/AAAAAAAACGw/rMxLHe1QmmM/s1600/kayak+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2tVUnaUjz6s/UX7xmFQxG1I/AAAAAAAACGw/rMxLHe1QmmM/s400/kayak+006.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Every time I go out I take note of where I tend to rest my rods and other junk. What makes the most sound? Then, when I get home, I add Silent Traction material to that area.<br />
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Don't forget to add it to the bottom of your tank well. Not only will it keep things quiet, it will keep your stuff from sliding around.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiErZ5P9FdMIlPMyi-LIz0XuR4UIdtBNXWm4qxyCEZo0dlK6yLpsmpN6Mk0DmQ5fMQUYErhA4U95hQrXLo5DdicsFCXc9NRWEMxQiqOnpKW6bakIteUlSXUG7nEbq-1xaQzNjKuLdEQPkZu/s1600/kayak+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiErZ5P9FdMIlPMyi-LIz0XuR4UIdtBNXWm4qxyCEZo0dlK6yLpsmpN6Mk0DmQ5fMQUYErhA4U95hQrXLo5DdicsFCXc9NRWEMxQiqOnpKW6bakIteUlSXUG7nEbq-1xaQzNjKuLdEQPkZu/s400/kayak+008.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Silent Traction material can be hard to find, and it goes by other names. It is sold as <a href="http://kayakfishinggear.com/silenttractionsystem-kit-2.aspx" target="_blank">Conseal at Hook 1</a>. This is probably the best place to buy it. You can get enough for your whole boat for around $40. Money well spent. </div>
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If you do order it from Hook 1 be sure to use coupon code UNLUCKYHUNTER for 10% off!</div>
<br />Tim Borkerthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13595231283663439297noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9192391319921476014.post-57673770717474072222013-04-29T13:43:00.001-04:002013-04-29T13:43:28.797-04:00The Ultimate DIY Kayak Crate - Part 2I have been working on the rigging of my new Trident 13 for several months now. I am finished and am going to start a series of post on what I did and how I did it. I plan on finishing with a monster overview post, showing all of my customization. This is the seventh post in the series.<br />
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1st post: <a href="http://www.unluckyhunter.com/2013/01/how-to-install-fish-finder-in-ocean.html" target="_blank">Installing a Fish Finder </a><br />
2nd post: <a href="http://www.unluckyhunter.com/2013/02/kayak-rigging-upgraded-plano-dry-box.html" target="_blank">Upgrading a Plano Dry Box </a><br />
3rd post: <a href="http://www.unluckyhunter.com/2013/02/how-to-install-supernova-fishing-lights.html" target="_blank">How To Install SuperNova Fishing Lights On Your Kayak </a><br />
4th post:<a href="http://www.unluckyhunter.com/2013/02/install-scotty-flush-mounts-on-kayak.html" target="_blank"> Install Scotty Flush Mounts on a Kayak</a><br />
5th post: <a href="http://www.unluckyhunter.com/2013/02/yackattack-geartrack-gt90-install-and.html" target="_blank">YackAttack GearTrack GT90 Install and Review</a><br />
6th post: <a href="http://www.unluckyhunter.com/2013/04/the-ultimate-diy-kayak-crate-part-1.html" target="_blank">The Ultimate DIY Kayak Crate - Part 1</a><span id="goog_1302121316"></span><span id="goog_1302121317"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><br />
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In <a href="http://www.unluckyhunter.com/2013/04/the-ultimate-diy-kayak-crate-part-1.html" target="_blank">part 1</a> of making this crate I showed how to make a two tiered crate with hinged lids that can be secured. In part 2 (this part) I'll quickly go over accessory attachments, how I like to secure it to my kayak, and then go over the pro's and con's of this design.<br />
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On one side of the crate I have zip tied PVC pipe for my safety flag, camera pole, and net. I have rod holders on my Plano box, so they are not needed here. You could just as easily add rod holders to the side.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj620hIFtFiwQdJlZYrx0bhgxxUm0bmr3Z-NMAXF992LPZu4l6vxBznT0r4y3FLqSi59eIS6uc2C3Lw8xbStAFpQeAqtbdE1VZrjdQko54bNPOxCXadg7eTJoJCaABZSryQfjVZkh4hdjsf/s1600/kayak+stuff+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj620hIFtFiwQdJlZYrx0bhgxxUm0bmr3Z-NMAXF992LPZu4l6vxBznT0r4y3FLqSi59eIS6uc2C3Lw8xbStAFpQeAqtbdE1VZrjdQko54bNPOxCXadg7eTJoJCaABZSryQfjVZkh4hdjsf/s400/kayak+stuff+013.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Zip ties work well, but be sure to use at least three times more than you think you need. I personally prefer to use pipe clamps where I can. They rust quickly, but hold much better.<br />
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These PVC holders are fairly standard. The only improvement I made was adding a little silent traction material to the inside of the tubes.<br />
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On the other side I added a bungee and foam ball to hold my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AL1DTL0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00AL1DTL0&linkCode=as2&tag=yummypotatoes-20">Hawg Trough</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=yummypotatoes-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00AL1DTL0" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. The Hawg Trough is probably the best fish measuring device available right now. It is also ungainly and difficult to store. This is the best method I have found.<br />
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As for securing it to my kayak, the best way I have found is to use <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005LFOHVC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005LFOHVC&linkCode=as2&tag=yummypotatoes-20">Nite Ize Gear Ties</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=yummypotatoes-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B005LFOHVC" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. They are easy to attach and undo, but are remarkably secure. Just twist one end though a hole in your crate and twist the other end through a pad eye. Super easy!<br />
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The Pro's of a crate like this are obvious. It can hold a lot of junk and will stay closed if you flip your kayak.<br />
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It is not without fault, however.<br />
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This type of crate is very tall. Not only is it difficult to grab stuff out of it, it catches wind like a sail. In even moderate wind, it makes positioning you kayak very difficult. Also, it is heavy, especially when fully loaded.<br />
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I use this crate on calm days when I know there is a good possibility that I might get wet. What do I use most of the time? Stay tuned for my simple, every day crate.Tim Borkerthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13595231283663439297noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9192391319921476014.post-28856322438992950012013-04-22T07:20:00.000-04:002013-04-22T07:20:50.272-04:00Floating bait board / knife holderA couple weeks ago I lost my <a href="http://www.unluckyhunter.com/2012/12/review-scotty-bait-board.html" target="_blank">Scotty bait board</a> and nice bait knife in a <a href="http://www.unluckyhunter.com/2013/04/i-flipped-my-kayak-some-hard-lessons.html" target="_blank">kayak disaster</a>. I would love to buy another, but I only have so much money to replace my lost gear. Until I replace more important gear, a fancy bait board and knife is not a great priority.<br />
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But, I still needed a bait board. <br />
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So, I decided to make one. Instead of just a plain old cutting board, I decided to put together a supper awesome one. The one I made floats and securely holds a full sized chefs knife. <br />
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I spent $2 for two cheap cutting boards and $3 for an old chefs knife at a local bait shop. The rest of the stuff I needed, I already had. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9kp4wKZvRXu0aPkG5j0ILywT-hCD3yHQ0RtvKbaCyUvWb8aJFOL-vnG7F9vrnrJ3gikuPh9pGKFBpZpmFViKdCV_zrGVrxSkR7NM2GbpbKIzZHq_eXzM0LadUEK-uEJBGPGVZocp5jW6U/s2048/kayak%252520stuff%252520003.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="375" id="blogsy-1366588495514.5137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9kp4wKZvRXu0aPkG5j0ILywT-hCD3yHQ0RtvKbaCyUvWb8aJFOL-vnG7F9vrnrJ3gikuPh9pGKFBpZpmFViKdCV_zrGVrxSkR7NM2GbpbKIzZHq_eXzM0LadUEK-uEJBGPGVZocp5jW6U/s500/kayak%252520stuff%252520003.JPG" width="500" /></a></div>
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I started by tracing the outline of the knife blade on one of the cutting boards. Then I took my plunge router and routed out a trough for the blade the same thickness as the knife blade.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWESOtGuYqJScGx-kHCHtCf7dOTr584fHnIOswz1tFvu-TXe9UzEcOZHvZTTeai6E9jyoc0a2Me_T65sfMxqvG8LxOW8TOWqxB8WIOmx3N8iWY8C2khxHX0h9yzCDl77VWa3jMFswfD8Bj/s2048/kayak%252520stuff%252520005.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="375" id="blogsy-1366588495457.471" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWESOtGuYqJScGx-kHCHtCf7dOTr584fHnIOswz1tFvu-TXe9UzEcOZHvZTTeai6E9jyoc0a2Me_T65sfMxqvG8LxOW8TOWqxB8WIOmx3N8iWY8C2khxHX0h9yzCDl77VWa3jMFswfD8Bj/s500/kayak%252520stuff%252520005.JPG" width="500" /></a></div>
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Once the second cutting board is placed over the trough I routed, the knife slides right in. Unfortunately, it was routed a hair to deep, so I had to add a couple of pieces of duct tape into the trough to "grip" the knife blade and to keep it from sliding out.</div>
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I connected the two boards with simple stainless steel screws at each corner. Pilot holes need to be drilled as cutting boards can be surprisingly brittle. Don't try to glue them together. The plastic used in cutting boards is made to resist everything, including glue.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5kR_c5djlh49TSXcHohWKWTxVpYjWcQZ4htCILsjj_dVZ6TM4Ep5LSBffICIL0EJYWN4Jh9jT-Ui9BJDDJ97-plpaPFywTpazno-BLwfFPSdTthIG5zeF7UEhSYTeqxU-wFdQf4oDUpm/s2048/kayak%252520stuff%252520008.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="375" id="blogsy-1366588495437.6704" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5kR_c5djlh49TSXcHohWKWTxVpYjWcQZ4htCILsjj_dVZ6TM4Ep5LSBffICIL0EJYWN4Jh9jT-Ui9BJDDJ97-plpaPFywTpazno-BLwfFPSdTthIG5zeF7UEhSYTeqxU-wFdQf4oDUpm/s500/kayak%252520stuff%252520008.JPG" width="500" /></a></div>
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Looks good. Now we just need to make it float.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg55oxHe0pQ1jtZXa1hkW6YMNvECR_KAiIW-yRRmcpi0oWeu-17uwQf9pKxbYe8snk6Hfxkfq6VIDHzyoHJH9qVsOY6_tZVR5IPVuhqFEvA1pH_aaKAn6a79dyWeHbkiX5l1EL7_KJnJN5o/s2048/kayak%252520stuff%252520010.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="375" id="blogsy-1366588495464.4897" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg55oxHe0pQ1jtZXa1hkW6YMNvECR_KAiIW-yRRmcpi0oWeu-17uwQf9pKxbYe8snk6Hfxkfq6VIDHzyoHJH9qVsOY6_tZVR5IPVuhqFEvA1pH_aaKAn6a79dyWeHbkiX5l1EL7_KJnJN5o/s500/kayak%252520stuff%252520010.JPG" width="500" /></a></div>
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A pool noodle cut down the center and zip tied to the handle works great!<br />
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It is a little larger and heavier than I would have liked, but serves its purpose beautifully.Tim Borkerthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13595231283663439297noreply@blogger.com