rod length for yak fish

[craig scott]

I'm toying with the idea of getting a kayak for doing some way upstream stuff, aswell as out of the way places with no ramps.
I've seen varying ideas put forward in the past about what is considered the ideal rod length when fishing from a yak. It seems some like the ease of small rods, around 5'6" for better leverage and tight spaces, though there is also the argument for the longer rod, say 7' to 7'6", so the fish can more easily be steered around the front (or back) of the craft.
Who's using what at the moment, it'd be great to hear from some yakkers (zac87, are you still a paddler?) with their comments.

Secondly, as far as yak choice goes, I'm very open to suggestions in this department. And while I'm at it, anyone want to sell one?

Cheers , Craig.

[panger]

I find 7' rods too cumbersome in a kayak (although I am about to give them another trial). 6'6" is about as long as I'd recommend from a kayak and probably would go 6' if I could find a suitable rod. Getting tangles in the tip of the rod can be a pain with longer rods as you can't easily get at the tip without risking dunking your reel. Longer rods will also get in the way if you a fishing and maneovering close to structure. You wont always have a choice how far you can stay away from structure in a yak, hooked fish will move the yak as will current and wind. You also risk high sticking your rod if you use a long high modulus rod when you land the fish, as to get the fish to hand you need to get your rod tip up due to the length.

[Simmsy]

I use a 5'6" loomis and couldn't be happier for when i fish in the Kayak. All the reasons that panger mentioned are spot on.
Stick with a rod between 5'4 and 6'6 and you should be right, and you can still manouvre the fish around bow&stern of the 'yak.

[Simmsy]

as for your choice of kayak i've got a Spirit funski. Its pretty good and stable as far as yak's go. Not the best though if you want to cover heaps of ground compared to racing skis though.

[Zac 87]

hey craig
i am no longer a paddler but back in the day i used a 6' rod for most of my fishing from the yak. i fished the margaret river mainly so i was more worried about over hanging trees damaging my gear. i found the shorter rod just alot easier although i did use a 7' rod when fishing the blackwood as it is alot more open and i could use the extra casting distance.

good luck

[Hammerhead]

Craig,
Pretty sure this has been mentioned before, but there is an Australian kayak fishing site www.akff.net.
Loads of good information and friendly advice.

Rob

[Brad Y]

Craig- i used a 6'6 on my kayak which i still have and dont use. If your keen on a cheap kayak with seat, paddle etc give me a pm. Ive tried to sell it before but never got the enthusiasm going to actually get rid of it.

Brad