Beginners guide to choosing a fishing kayak for the UK Coast Part 1

A short video based on my journey into the world of uk coastal kayak fishing. We discuss and look at different kayak types. Some of the advantages and disadvantages you may experience and the reasoning behind your decision to buy your first kayak

[@user-zc5ft9nw9b]

Hi, thank you for the very informative video, you touch on questions that havent really been covered(for UK) online at all, so the info is greatly appreciated. I have recently bought a galaxy force, which i think is a slightly cheaper and scaled down cruz, there are no reviews online about the kayak so been having a nightmare finding any info about it. The kayak came with no instructions too. Your info about larger kayaks makes absolute sense so whilst I am currently enjoying this little galaxy I can see many areas that could be improved. A few questions regarding the cruz you own(if you dont mind) what are the indents under the (behind seat) cleats for? and is a bigger kayak like the hobie too big for the top of the car? My galaxy nearly flew of the car on my first journey, so i have bought extra straps. Thanks for your time. Lee. New subscriber.

[@carperblue]

Hi Lee, thanks for your comments and sub. I really appreciate it. Welcome to kayak fishing. I will try and answer your questions assuming I understand them correctly. The indents I am unsure what you mean , there are some for mounting of trolling motor? Possibility that is to what you are referring. Small kayaks have few advantages, transport and car topping possibly the main ones. However larger kayaks are easy to transport on a car. Lifting them not so easy but there are all sorts of modifications and methods people use. Cars also come in different shapes and sizes I have a few mods on my channel. In terms of security sometimes upside down may be better. Have a bit of give or foam between hard kayak and roof bars. Pipe or scaffold insulation is perfect. Put the bars as far apart as possible, and if able a longer pair of bars between them will help especially to transport right way up. Many will say don’t use ratchet straps as you will damage or crush your yak. I use ratchet straps , and apply a bit of common sense, ie don’t go crazy. Do a mile or so and pull over just to recheck your method. Then a bit further you will find out what works for you. You will find it much easier to fish off a bigger yak. I hope to have more content soon . Just in process of changing careers and generating more time for myself. Good luck with it all. Where are you based

[@TheDogsPollox-Fishing]

I bought a variant of the Galaxy Cruise about 4 yr ago (about 9ft) just for messing about on, but this summer I've really got into sea fishing so I adapted it with an anchor trolley, fish finder and a few more rod holders. I have to admit it works great for me. I do make sure I check the weather before I go out as I'm not sure of it's full limitations but I found anything up to a 10kt wind and a swell no more than 0.7 metres its fine anything above is stressful as u can't focus on fishing because the waves sneak up on ya. Defo don't go broad side above those conditions (use a drift chute). Storage is very limited but easily doable, I keep my anchor in the rear just behind the seat and tackle in the middle storage and jacket. I prob will upgrade to a larger yak in time but anyone starting off its fine.

[@carperblue]

Thank you for watching and the comment and congratulations for trying our wonderful hobby. You won’t regret a bigger yak. Since I made this video I have tried several times to use the cruise on the river. It is just so hard to fish on compared to the outback and my most recent purchase a 2nd pro fish. It cost me £600 and I have to say it’s a cracking well laid out kayak. It’s relatively stable , fast and I am yet to find anything I don’t like about it. Good luck. As winter approaches I hope to do more for this series of videos

[@TheDogsPollox-Fishing]

@@carperblue wow £600 that's really good, I've noticed the prices of Yak's since the pandemic has sky rocketed but I'm sure the cost will come down again once the world gets back to normal. I'll prob upgrade in a year or two but atm I'm still learning the yak's limitations and how to fish different species as I'm completely self taught in both aspects. Thanks to utbers like urself there is a wealth of information online so I study the vid's and use the advice on the water and so far so good.

[@carperblue]

@@TheDogsPollox-Fishing wishing you the best of luck with it all. Yes I was very pleased with it. Been waiting for one at a sensible price for a while

[@carperblue]

Thanks for the sub, let me know what you would like to see in future videos

[@Skinhead-201]

Great video. I've been sea angling since the late 70's both boat and mainly shore. I'm looking to dip my toes in the water (pun intended😁) with Kayak fishing. Cheers!!!

[@carperblue]

Thank you glad you enjoyed watching it.

[@pa_maj.MARTINI-van-MAN]

I fancy something like the First one you showed but with attachable outriggers and a trolling motor. I think that would sort most of the issues out plus it would fit inside my camper. 12 foot would probably work too but wouldn't fit so easily into my shed lol. I would only be fishing a few hundred meters off the coast but mostly lakes and rivers. A ZANDER SINGLE SIT ON TOP KAYAK at 9'2" with a trolling motor would do a part timer, not so serious fisherman like myself I think 😆 Good video!

[@carperblue]

Thanks for watching and your comment . Good luck

[@pa_maj.MARTINI-van-MAN]

@@carperblue After watching a few more videos I've noticed most saying as you have, 12 foot minimum for the sea is way better, I'll have to measure the length inside my van. I guess I could store it outside and cover it from sunlight although Good ones are usually UV protected anyway. Cheers again 👍

[@carperblue]

@@pa_maj.MARTINI-van-MAN much faster , better handling and easier to fish from

[@chucky2316]

Thanks for the video I've been looking at buying the galaxy Im a bit put off. The sea is not to be messed with

[@carperblue]

It’s where I started and ok for bays and close in I guess. You are right though, there’s many more better options. Thanks for watching

[@chucky2316]

@@carperblue where is the best place to get a decent kayak in the torbay area. I was looking at galaxy other models. The bay is great but you soon venture into deeper water out there

[@carperblue]

@@chucky2316 here’s been some good stuff on Facebook market place recently. I think I saw a tarpon 140 for £350 . Second hand and upgrade when the bug bites 🙂😉

[@carperblue]

Prowler 4.3 st Austell ! £460 bargain

[@davidsalmon7388]

really usefull

[@carperblue]

Hope you find a good Yak David

[@graffitij1608]

This helps me alot thanks struggingling to find what's what 🤣

[@carperblue]

Excellent, check out part 2 and look at that, as often people get hung up about stability and end up with something you can’t paddle well. There’s some suggestions on there, but look at shape and style etc . Thank you for watching and feel free to subscribe if you not already done so

[@instantcarper9645]

a great video can you do a series

[@carperblue]

instant carper that is the plan a walk through everything to get people kayak fishing in the uk 🇬🇧 as safe as they can be. It can be wild but also very beautiful out there

[@SilasMoleCatcher]

I couldn't fish from a kayak. What if a shark grabs you by the ankle and drags you into the water then bites you in the groin lacerating an artery and you bleed to death as it devours you? What if that happens? I'd rather just nip down to the chippy for me cod.

[@carperblue]

Well I guess that would be rather unlucky 🤔.

[@daftjedi5328]

I have the same fear lol..still going to go tho 😅

[@russelllyndoe7567]

Where in the UK did you use the cruz? I have one, I use it in the Thames estuary in the southend area. Definitely struggling with the intake of water. I'm 16 stone. Your reply would be greatly appreciated. Good vid bud too 👍

[@carperblue]

Russell thanks for watching, I used the cruise for a few trips in the bay at Eastbourne and a fair bit on the river. My weight went up from 13 to approaching 15st and had issues. I would say it’s too small for you based on my experience

[@BigMikeD10001]

cool

[@carperblue]

mike deem cheers

[@DaveChip-vx9ln]

You need to speed up your reviews . Sorry but its a bit slow for me :) :)

[@carperblue]

Thank you for feedback, much appreciated

[@abodeless]

💙

[@carperblue]

Abodeless thank you

[@leemurf337]

👍

[@carperblue]

Lee Murphy thanks Lee

[@quaysidetiling1152]

Galaxy kayaks are Chinese copies arnt they ?

[@carperblue]

They are made in china yes. The sturgeon is much like the perception triumph 13 .

[@quaysidetiling1152]

@@carperblue yes ive got a triumph lol I got it 6 years ago an back then the galaxys had series horror story , it does look like they've improved quite alot though !

[@carperblue]

@@quaysidetiling1152 the sturgeon is alright pretty good, the cruise ok for small people close in. I would say having put on a few pounds and used it on the river over winter there’s certainly a lot more suitable stuff out there

[@DaveChip-vx9ln]

Your so laid back have you taken a smoke

[@carperblue]

Yes two man 🤣