Crossing My Fingers in a New Kayak

First of all, I'd like to thank Vic from Appomattox River Company.  He was very knowledgeable, helpful, insightful and just overall awesome.  The customer service was unbeatable.  If you're thinking about getting a new or used kayak, give Vic a call at the ARC store in Kiln Creek.  They have a huge inventory at the store and additional kayaks are constantly being delivered from their main warehouse in Farmville.  They also have every known accessory for kayaking.  Aside from actual fishing tackle, ARC has just about everything else you would need.  Once again, THANKS VIC!

 After long deliberations, I got an Ocean Kayak Trident 13.  I wanted something lighter, faster, and something that would protect my gear during an oceanside surf launch.  Don't get me wrong, I love my Heritage Redfish 12.  I can even say I've got an emotional attachment to it since it was my first and I've done so much in it.  I've had it for 3 years and I've been able to do everything I've wanted to in it.  Except surf launches.  I've been wanted to launch from Sandbridge and other ocean side beaches but not being able to stow my rods and reels inside kept me from venturing into the potentially dangerous and expensive waves.  The Trident 13 will remedy this, plus it's 10lbs lighter and 1.5 feet longer.  The hull is thinner so I won't be beating it up like I did my last one.

Old Hull

New Hull

 I'll put up an entry about rigging and outfitting soon.

 

            In the mean time, here's a fishing story. I went to HRBT Sunday  night and got into the stripers again with Marty. The wind picked up pretty bad and the current was ripping.  I had two rods with me but had to put one in my lap since the water was high and I didn't want the top of the rod to scrape or break against the underside of the bridge.  The rod pod came in handy on my first trip.  I ended up with a little over a dozen with the biggest three going 23", 24" and 25".                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       As the title of this entry implies, I'm crossing my fingers because I caught a striper with a Diamond Jim tag in it.  It was dated back in 2009 but I called in anyway and left a message with the tag number.  It's crazy to think that this tagged fish was possibly worth up to $25,000.  A decent consolation prize would be nice.  Hope they call back soon!                                                                                                                                                                                              Stay tuned!                                                                                     

Either way, I'm off to a great start on my lucky new kayak!