New BTB fisherman

Dylan316 · Post by **Dylan316** » Thu May 15, 2008 7:53 pm

Seeking willing teacher who will be willing to disciple a new BTB fisherman. I'v got my yak rigged out and am ready to go but dont want to go alone. Fiahing partner available?

Fla-Fish · Post by **Fla-Fish** » Thu May 15, 2008 8:09 pm

Practice Re-Entry
Practice Re-Entry
Practice Re-Entry
Practice Re-Entry
Practice Re-Entry
Practice Re-Entry

and then

Practice Re-Entry

300yds or more offshore is NOT the place to figure out if you can get back in.

Good fitting PFD that will NOT ride up over your face when you get flipped.
A rescue stirup and know how to use it.

Then go to the beach with just a PFD, Paddle and a kayak and practice going out through the surf and back a dozen times.
A helmet might be a good idea at first. That yak hurts when it hits you in the head.

Only after you have practiced re-entry then watch the BTB forum and join us.

What kind of kayak ??

Mythman · Post by **Mythman** » Thu May 15, 2008 8:22 pm

Looks like BTB groups at High Island and off Galveston this weekend. The High Island group is a for sure thing and the Galveston bunch is dragging their feet, watching the weather.......probably make definite plans tomorrow.

The best approach is to make sure you got the right kayak and equipment and then join a group with your eyes and ears open. Experienced BTB fishermen/women can shorten your learning curve.

We all were newbies at one time or another and most of us learned from others and with lots of experience.

BTW, experienced BTB fishermen don't fish alone......you shouldn't either.....you are smart looking for partners.

Hope this helps and join in on one of the groups this weekend.

Niko5 · Post by **Niko5** » Thu May 15, 2008 10:08 pm

Anyone have some tips on the re-entry procedures? Iv herd that you dont want to "surf" the waves back in.. but in my experience just "playing" in the surf... surfing the wave into shore seems to be the quickest way to get back in and i felt pretty stable in the yak the whole time.

Fla-Fish · Post by **Fla-Fish** » Fri May 16, 2008 5:17 am

Practice Re-Entry as in can you get back in your kayak 400-600yds
from shore in 3-4 FOOT swells. Stay on the beach if you have NOT practiced.

As for the surf zone. Remove all hooks and stow safely.
Tie everything else down.
You will flip it is just going to happen.

Just don't want to loose or break anything when you do.

preacher · Post by **preacher** » Fri May 16, 2008 7:54 am

I have a group of men from our church down and will be yaking baits for them tomorrow morning. Won't be doing any BTB but you're welcome to join us. Paddling baits out is very good practice for re-entry and breaking through the surf.

Dylan316 · Post by **Dylan316** » Fri May 16, 2008 12:37 pm

Hey thanks Preacher, I'm busy Saturday, but maby next time.

Also, the best days for me are thursdays. Anyone available on thursdays?