Hi advice welcomed

[steve]

Hi everyone I am an old angler from maidenhead and have fished the Thames and lakes since a boy but was given a ocean frenzy kayak last summer and had great fun on the beach with the kids.now I would like to chance my arm in 2014 lure fishing the Thames .so as a newbie any advice welcome,rigs reels and if I get the bug that I think I will ,kayaks that would be suitable . I bought a seat with rod holders that I used on the sea ( feathers for mackerel no luck) that is suitable but a bit of a compromise .look forward to learning from the old hands .steve 

[philpot]

ver warm welcome Steve. The question you ask is a little more than we all ask at first but the answers do take a little longer.

The Frenzy is a nice little kayak but you need to check if your weight is within the levels stated on the Frenzy which is 125-147kgs. Now the first thing is to accept that these maximum capacities are calculated on flat water with no account of tide strength, wind and surface conditions so please look into that. I have an Ocean Mysto, very similar to yours and at 16st I have fun in the surf on holidays but do not use it for fishing. The Thames is a big water which can have some demands so you need to be aware of those.

It is fair to say that most anglers go for longer kayaks because they are faster and offer greater stability as well as keeping in a straight line but all that said, there is always a place for the smaller kayak as long as you do not over gun yourself and keep your tackle to a minimum. During the warmer months you can get away with shorts, t-shirt and the all important PFD (personal floatation device ) but in the colder months you will need a drysuit or something similar as the water will sap your strength in a few minutes should you fall off. Learning how to self rescue needs to be high on your to do list so that you know what to do if you do come off the kayak.

The rod holders that are fitted to seats are not ideal and a look at H2o kayaks web site will offer you a selection of good rod holders.

There is also a very good book for UK kayak anglers which I will try to recall the name, it is written by Andy Blenham and offers some good information.

Please feel free to ask as many questions as you like and we will try to help.

Phil

[steve]

Thanks for reply Phil great info and safety points all noted self rescue is brilliant point . There are some lovely perchy, pikey back waters that don't seem to
Move much even in flood so I will be cutting my teeth in the slacks and traveling light Steve

[greygoose]

Read a lot of what has gone before and learn from others experience,nice to have to here,enjoy the fishing you will love it !

[Deleted]

Hi Steve.

I am new to kayak fishing this year myself and the main bit of advice I can offer is to do as much research as possible before you purchase your next kayak. I say before you make your purchase because I'm sure you will get the bug, its a fantastic way to enjoy our sport.

I bought my first one in April and am now on my 3rd. I am now happy with what I have(for now!!)but should have researched a lot more. The one thing I did do that saved me money was to buy nearly new 2nd hand ones that had not been modified so I could set it up myself. If you buy well these things do tend to hold there price. I got my money back on the one that I did re-sell.

Its hard to take advice on which kayak is best for the individual. The ones I first bought were all very good, reputable kayaks but were not right for me.

Check out the shops, look out for demo days and do your homework and you should be fine. I'm sure you will get some valuable advice from the experienced guys on this site with regards to kit, tackle and rigging, I certainly have.

Ian

[greygoose]

Try to meet up with someone already out there, you'll become proficient far faster.

[Izzetafox]

There are one or two here that fish the Thames area. Hopefully one will be along to help you out.

Welcome to the site and the sport Steve.

Terry

[Stevew]

Great to have so much knowledge shared with me guys .think I shall spend the winter months researching ,closed season paddling and getting my sea legs and come June should look forward to some summer jacks. There's a great kayak shop in reading and spoke to the chap there(again really friendly must be the way with the kayak community) and although he had little stock at the moment invited me to try a few out in the spring looking forward to 2014 again thanks

[Izzetafox]

Steve,

Take a look at the canals in your area as well. Great waters for getting some safe paddling in and some fine perch and pike and no Closed Season.

Terry

[steve]

Thanks Terry plenty of waters you described around the Newbury end of the county didn't know there was no closed season on canals do you find that many clubs allow members to fish from kayaks .Steve