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From Canoe To Kayak

Ken — Sat, 25 Mar 2017 11:19:46 +0000

I am fortunate to have access to a private acre-sized pond where I enjoyed storing and using a fifteen and a half foot Mackinaw canoe. Many hours were spent on the water enjoying the surrounding woods while fishing along with family and friends. It held three adults and fishing gear. I have also taken it to a local reservoir and was able to explore various inlets and areas only accessible by boat. It was basically a two-man operation to load it up for transport. I learned how to do the “J” stroke with the single paddle and could maneuver quite well. For ten years I stored the canoe by the remote pond when one day I arrived to find it missing and was quite forlorn. Now that nearly a year has passed I decided to acquire a kayak which opens a new chapter in life for learning and experience.

This is an eight foot entry level kayak in a market that offers differing purposes, qualities, and price ranges. On my inaugural voyage I noticed some significant differences: I sat straight-legged, it had a smaller draft line with less stability, gear space was limited, it used a dual paddle whose technique differed than a single paddle, it carried a single person, and it was light enough to carry in one hand. It weighs only 27 lbs. and I can easily load it by myself for transport which enables me to store it safely at home.

Initially I tried to apply my canoe paddling techniques to the kayak but wobbled all over. Subsequently a friend has helped me to learn the ways of kayak paddling and had great suggestions for various accessories to make a more safe and pleasant experience.

I realize that the pond is a peaceful environment and someday I may want to graduate to a placid stream or white water river but that will require additional safety gear and training. That endeavor may also lead to a higher grade of kayak but for now I am getting acquainted with the fundamentals and I’m looking forward to making new memories with this versatile and affordable water craft.

Twitch-Up Fishing

Ken — Sat, 14 Sep 2013 11:54:33 +0000

Back in the sixth grade in elementary school I had a teacher who taught things beyond regular academics and shared real life skills. On one occasion he described how to set up an automatic fishing device using a sapling. On land we would call this a twitch-up snare, but when fitted with a hook and bait it becomes an effective fish catching “trap”.

Laws can differ from region to region so I would suggest that you inquire with local authorities before you try this for yourself in Public waters. I have access to a private stocked pond and thus have the liberty to try any and all fishing methods. I respect laws but continue to learn techniques that could save my life in an emergency situation.

A twitch-up trap uses a sapling or pole that is flexible which provides tension or spring action so that when it’s bent over it holds “potential energy” that when released quickly pulls a line that will close a noose or set a hook, depending on it’s application. Near the tip of the pole is usually a short notched stick that holds the bent pole in place until it is triggered.

I began to think of an alternate method to accomplish this and used a regular fishing pole instead of a sapling. I eventually bought a tiki torch clamp that I fastened on the edge of the dock to hold the handle of the fishing pole in place, then I attached a short stick with a trimmed branch forming a notch to catch the bottom edge of the deck planks. The trick is to tie the hook and bait just far enough to touch the surface of the water. The bait should be a small frog, grasshopper or cricket that will tickle the water surface that will aid in attracting fish. The fish will naturally grab the bait aggressively thus springing the trap and setting the hook.

Most fishermen like the thrill of the catch and prefer to reel in by hand but in an emergency situation this apparatus can be left unattended while you are busy building a shelter, fire, or other important work. If circumstances allow you the time to sit and watch it’s rewarding to see the twitch-up fishing rig in action.

Soda Straw Bobber – DIY Fishing Float

Ken — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 14:29:54 +0000

Have you ever gone fishing and forgot your bobber? I recently went fishing with a Czechoslovakian friend who told me that he used to fish using floats made from feather quills. I decided to explore that concept further and found that floats have been made from many air chambered items found in nature such as porcupine quills, swan feathers, and river cane, to mention a few. One rainy day, I stopped by the Post Office and upon exiting the car, I noticed a straw lying on the ground, and it struck me that it could be made to float as well. The following are the instructions on how to do the same.

Clip the tip of the straw at a slight angle, and then cut a 1/16th inch strip, which by virtue of the elongated shape, is larger than the straw’s diameter, and will slide onto the straw to use for fastening the fishing line. I took my Leatherman needle-nose pliers in one hand and clamped the end of the straw about 1/16th of an inch from the end, and with the other hand, I used a lighter to melt the end, thus sealing it. I repeated the process on the other end.

I took the fishing line and pinched it into a tiny loop at the place where I wanted to attach it to the bobber. By sliding the ring on the straw to the end, you can create a small gap through which to thread the fishing line loop, starting from the center portion of the straw and threading it out to the end. Once the line is passed under the ring, slide the ring towards the middle of the straw, thus exposing the fishing line loop which you pull over the end of the straw, then continue to pull it down to the other end and over, pulling it tight, thus creating a hitch on the straw. Now slide the ring within an inch from the end to provide the best results from the bobber. Once you bait your hook, you’re ready to cast out! It works great! You can view the entire assembly on my video posted on YouTube. Click HERE to watch.