Surfshooter PRO
Ocean Kayak pro Richie Bekolay blogs about his fishing adventures at
www.hooklineandsinker.com. Based in Navarre Beach, Florida, Bekolay is a few paddle strokes from the Gulf of Mexico and the pelagic fish it hosts.
KAYAK Old Town’s Predator is a perfect combination of performance and ergonomics. The tri-hull has a rounded keel and full chines for improved handling in the surf.
PADDLE Don’t skimp on your paddle for offshore fishing, I can cover 10 miles of open water in a typical day. Werner’s Cyprus Hooked paddle in carbon fiber is extremely light for long distance and super strong to take a beating in the surf.
SEAT The Predator features an Element Seating System high-low seat that I can set in the low position for surf launching, then raise when I’m looking for signs of fish.
ROD HOLDERS I’m a huge fan of YakAttack Zooka Tube with the spline mount and plunger base. I mount the base to YakAttack’s Mighty Mounts. A T-bolt attaches the Mighty Mount to 12-inch sections of YakAttack GearTrac. This system provides a rock-solid connection that can be removed in seconds.
54…KAYAK ANGLER
REDUCE SURFACE CLUTTER AND TIE EVERYTHING
DOWN, THEN SHOOT THE SURF. PHOTOS: RICHIE BEKOLAY
TACKLE/GEAR When it comes to surf launching, expect your gear to get wet. I use Plano’s Waterproof Stowaway Utility Boxes. These boxes keep my lures dry and hold a lot of gear in a small area. I also use leader pouches so I can tie rigs before I launch and save time on the water.
GADGETS Gear leashes keep my rods and paddle secure in the rough stuff. I attach the leash where it won’t interfere with fishing or tangle should I fall out of the kayak.
ELECTRONICS A VHF radio is one of the most important pieces of safety equipment. Not only can I chat with my buddies on a pre-determined channel, but I can make a distress call in case of an emergency and monitor weather conditions on the water.
PFD Kokatat’s Bahia Tour is designed with anglers in mind. I keep my GoPro remote in the fishing license window so it is handy and I can see the display. The mesh lower back is cool in the hot Florida humidity and flotation on the upper back doesn’t interfere with the seat.
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