SOLO SKIFF PROGRESS THREAD - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

tak100 · 08-18-2020, 11:21 AM

3 gallons should be 60 miles or so. Catalina is 22ish miles from San Pedro.

Could always buy gas at the harbor. I am sure they have some for the bigger boats. Probably pay Disneyland prices but fishing in Catalina with a Solo, worth it!

FISH11 · 09-04-2020, 07:29 PM

After several trips to both bays and several out to La Jolla, I have to say this is a super fishing platform. It took a little getting used to , because I was not familiar with sitting up as high compared to my kayaks. The other factor is moving at a higher speed even when not full throttle the changes in direction happen so quick that, you have to learn to expect changes in lateral forces. I added a 9" Hobie H Rail to the starboard gunnel to help hold on. The rope from the bow was OK, but did not help in the side ways forces. Now I can hold onto the H Rail and stay stable over crossing waves, rollers or making turns. That and the time on the water has made it that I don't even need to look at boat wakes when drifting cause the Solo is so much more stable than any kayak i've used and even better so muck dryer of a ride. Love the speed of being able to cover water looking for bait or getting to bird action at a distance. Took my dog out to mission bay to get her used to the water and riding on the Solo Skiff. Once we got past the spray from the wind chop at speeds above 6 mph she started to relax and like even going out on the bow and didn't even get bothered when boat wakes came. Someday when she's more used to it and conditions make La Jolla like a lake as sometimes happens I'll even take her out there. Here's a video I put together from Wednesday. I also went out to La Jolla surf launched on Thursday and landed and released my first Yellowtail on the Solo Skiff. I you want to see that it's posted on the Fishing report section. If you visit my utube channel hit subscribe and you can see any future videos or from my library, past one that had a lot more Yellowtail action from the days when it was easy to almost get one on every trip.

tak100 · 09-16-2020, 02:54 PM

Got my seat installed! What a difference. Thanks for the tip Nick I went with the offset installation.

Took my first fishing trip, after two check out/engine break in sessions and figured out where I wanted to put some things. Another check out fishing trip this Friday before I start drilling more holes in my new toy.

So far loving the mobility. Not loving the extra weight and transportation headaches with the engine but I am still figure it all out.

Can't wait to join the fleet down in SD!

NICKWORN · 10-01-2020, 02:10 PM

She's all set for Lobster Season!! They'll be able to see me from Space! #SafetyFirst

FISH11 · 10-01-2020, 07:31 PM

Sweet I got all the lights and just about everything else. Unfortunately just don't have the $ for buying the hoop nets and harnesses right now, looks like everything else there must be shortages because there are no real discount deals on hoop nets and no used ones to be found. So I guess I will start a little later in the season. Good luck, Nick on the opener.

08-18-2020, 11:21 AM	#1
tak100 Recruit Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Long Beach, CA Posts: 153	3 gallons should be 60 miles or so. Catalina is 22ish miles from San Pedro. Could always buy gas at the harbor. I am sure they have some for the bigger boats. Probably pay Disneyland prices but fishing in Catalina with a Solo, worth it! Last edited by tak100; 09-08-2020 at 10:38 PM. Reason: Fixed typo

09-04-2020, 07:29 PM	#2
FISH11 Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Pine Valley when not fishing La Jolla Posts: 2,643	After several trips to both bays and several out to La Jolla, I have to say this is a super fishing platform. It took a little getting used to , because I was not familiar with sitting up as high compared to my kayaks. The other factor is moving at a higher speed even when not full throttle the changes in direction happen so quick that, you have to learn to expect changes in lateral forces. I added a 9" Hobie H Rail to the starboard gunnel to help hold on. The rope from the bow was OK, but did not help in the side ways forces. Now I can hold onto the H Rail and stay stable over crossing waves, rollers or making turns. That and the time on the water has made it that I don't even need to look at boat wakes when drifting cause the Solo is so much more stable than any kayak i've used and even better so muck dryer of a ride. Love the speed of being able to cover water looking for bait or getting to bird action at a distance. Took my dog out to mission bay to get her used to the water and riding on the Solo Skiff. Once we got past the spray from the wind chop at speeds above 6 mph she started to relax and like even going out on the bow and didn't even get bothered when boat wakes came. Someday when she's more used to it and conditions make La Jolla like a lake as sometimes happens I'll even take her out there. Here's a video I put together from Wednesday. I also went out to La Jolla surf launched on Thursday and landed and released my first Yellowtail on the Solo Skiff. I you want to see that it's posted on the Fishing report section. If you visit my utube channel hit subscribe and you can see any future videos or from my library, past one that had a lot more Yellowtail action from the days when it was easy to almost get one on every trip. __________________ MARK ......... 2016 MALIBU X FACTOR, 2020 SOLO SKIFF (Fishing Kayak on Steroids )

10-01-2020, 07:31 PM	#5
FISH11 Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Pine Valley when not fishing La Jolla Posts: 2,643	Sweet I got all the lights and just about everything else. Unfortunately just don't have the $ for buying the hoop nets and harnesses right now, looks like everything else there must be shortages because there are no real discount deals on hoop nets and no used ones to be found. So I guess I will start a little later in the season. Good luck, Nick on the opener. __________________ MARK ......... 2016 MALIBU X FACTOR, 2020 SOLO SKIFF (Fishing Kayak on Steroids )

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09-16-2020, 02:54 PM	#3
tak100 Recruit Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Long Beach, CA Posts: 153	Got my seat installed! What a difference. Thanks for the tip Nick I went with the offset installation. Took my first fishing trip, after two check out/engine break in sessions and figured out where I wanted to put some things. Another check out fishing trip this Friday before I start drilling more holes in my new toy. So far loving the mobility. Not loving the extra weight and transportation headaches with the engine but I am still figure it all out. Can't wait to join the fleet down in SD!