Kayak Trip Report, Swan Creek WMA

I took my new (new to me) boat for a test ride to Swan Creek today. Everything worked well with no issues. I'll post some photo's tomorrow. I have to admit, nice to sit in a full-size seat after so many years in a kayak, LOL!

I did catch 9 Crappie on a jig and bobber tossing at isolated brush. All were 12 to 13 inch Black Crappie and released. Seems hard to find the little ones I like to eat lately. I still need to finish up my Nav lights, but should be fun in the small lakes that don't allow outboards or have horsepower restrictions.

Congrats on the boat. Sounds like a great trip

I can’t wait to see the pictures. I want one of them little boats so bad. They are hard to find for a decent price, and in good shape. Great job catching them like always!

Thanks for the report. Looking forward to seeing your pictures

Can’t wait to see the machine. I already couldn’t keep up with you. Lol


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Great catch. Looking forward to seeing your set up as well. You ever catch any crappie in the Lilly pads? I have to Locate some crappie and blue gill over there. I have the bass figured out but not the blue gill and crappie.

Well frustrating morning. After a test run without any issues yesterday to Swan Creek, I returned this morning with a coworker planning to look for big Gills. After 30 minutes of so we found that water was entering to boat from somewhere. Best guess is the thru hull inlet for the livewell pump. Yesterday, with only me in the boat, it would have just barely have been in the water. Today with a second person the boat it sat level in the water, but a couple inches deeper. Looks like I have more work to do before another test run. Here's what I have so far.


Attachment 429648

Attachment 429649

12 volt, 55 foot pound Minn Kota Terrova on the front with shortened shaft. Garmin transducer mounted to the bottom of the trolling motor so I have side view.

Attachment 429650

Two 29DC batteries in the back with a switch to change between them when one is dead. I also have a Minn Kota Deckhand with a 15-pound anchor in the back. Switch to drop or winch back up is in the front.

I still need to get the Nav lights wired and the LED lights below the edges on the inside. I should have all the comforts of a big Bass boat, just slower in the water. Lite weight, easy to pull and floats in just a few inches of water with the trolling motor up. I put a big boy seat up front for comfort and cooler in the summer. I'll also be mounting rod holders for slider rigging also!