ULs in the yak

[INFrank]

With the weather warm enough for a couple weeks and the water temp up to 64F, I took the kayak out for the first few times this weekend. I only took a couple poles with me at a time so as to have some variety, but not too much.

There's a small reservoir not even a half mile from my house, which is super convenient. I hadn't fished it at all last year thinking the big reservoir a little further out was a better bet. Turns out I was missing some good fishing in my own backyard!

Combos used were:

- TCB rod, Ultegra 1000, 4lb Xbraid (used on both trips)
- Imprimi 5'6", Tsurinoya Lanius 800, 2lb Reaction Tackle Ice mono (trip 1)
- Major Craft Aji Do 5'6", Miravel 1000, 2lb Reachtion Tackle Ice Mono (trip 2)

Four species caught (the ones below, plus a yellow bass that slipped off into the yak and got its head stuck in a scubber hole before I could get a pic) and 15 or so fish between the two trips. Myself, I was rusty and clumsy at first, and kept getting tangles, snagged on stuff in the boath, and landing lures in trees. Also had an issue with the Xbraid catching on the velco traps of my rod floats -- I ended up taping those down on the second trip since it was fraying the braid.

While I caught the most fish using a 1/32oz tube jig on the Aji Do rod, I had the most fun running spoons on the Iprimi. Anything over 6" feels like a battle on that rod! The TCB is a great all-rounder, and I mainly used 1/16oz spinnerbaits with it.

[skeetbum]

Sounds like a fun trip. Can’t eat the convenience either. In FL I had three ramps in ten minutes from the house. Same river but each place fished different. Gonna miss that. I’d be at your spot pretty often if I was in your shoes.

[SuperDave336]

It’s nice having waters close by. My buddy and I usually fish one of the closest (about 10 minutes) and do ok. Then if we decide to mix it up there are many other choices less than an hour drive. Can’t beat a half mile though….lol. Good job.

[MidnightCodeX]

Sounds like a solid weekend on the water! Love when a nearby spot surprises you like that — nothing beats easy access for quick trips. Also, juggling different rods and lines keeps it interesting. I’ve definitely had my share of tangled lines and trees too, haha. That little tube jig doing work on the Aji Do rod sounds perfect for those smaller fish fights. Bet those spoons on the Imprimi were a blast to throw! Do you plan to keep exploring that reservoir more this season?

[gillchaser999]

Congrats on getting out .
I’ve own a solo canoe and a couple of yaks.
Liked the canoe the best .
I spent more time trying to keep them in-line with the bank than I did fishing. LOL!
Even got hooked on a rod in the rod holder behind me once . I’m glad nobody was around to witness me trying to get turned around and trying to get unhooked.
Thanks for bringing back memories.

[INFrank]

Do you plan to keep exploring that reservoir more this season?

Oh most definitely.

While the closest part of the lake is only a half mile away from my house, the only ramp is more like 3 miles. There are a few places accessible by hiking in, but terrain is steep close to the water and makes it a bit tough. It's also small (109 acres) and sees heavy rec use -- there must have been 20 kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards, and a couple bass boats when I was out there yesterday evening. Not a ton of territory to explore, in other words, but I'll take the convenience any day.