Ocean Kayak "Prowler Trident 11" Hot

                                          

                                   

 

Kayak Make & Model

Manufacturer:

Ocean Kayak

Model:

Prowler Trident

MSRP ($):

899.00

Length (ft):

11.5

The Ocean Kayak "Prowler Trident 11" is a smaller kayak with many of the features of the larger fishing kayaks in the Ocean Kayak’s product line. With options like optional rudder, large bow hatch with battery compartment, Humminbird ready scupper, oversized tank well, and Rod Pod™, the Trident 11 makes a great bay or small lake fishing kayak.

Features: Rod Pod™ Comfort Plus™ seat back Flush mounted rod holders Battery storage bag Adjustable foot braces Paddle keepers

Specs: Width: 30.5" 77.5 cm Weight: 54 lbs 24 kg Capacity: 350-400 lbs

 

Editor review

This fishing kayak review is a long time coming. When originally purchasing this kayak I had 2 requirements. The kayak must hold a decent amount weight and be easy to transport on top of my vehicle. After weighing various options, makes and models I decided on the Ocean Kayak Prowler Trident 11.

Taking a close look at the Ocean Kayak Prowler Trident 11, you can see the thought that Johnson Outdoors put into this line of kayak.

Starting at the bow there is a drain plug perfectly located, allowing you to drain any water from the hull with ease. It doesn’t require any awkward twisting or turning of the yak to get all the water out, you just lift the stern and point the hull to the side. The bow handle has bungee going through it which pulls it tight against the kayak when not in use. A very simple fix keeping your bow tidy with less line snag points.

The bow hatch is very water tight; the hatch and gasket fit snuggly with the locking Cross Lock™ straps. Inside the hatch is a battery bag that is suspended inside the bow. This keeps your battery up and out of any possible water that might accumulate in the hull.

Another great feature of many of the Ocean Kayaks is the enlarged scupper hole that accommodates many Humminbird Fish finder model transducers.

All three of the Ocean Kayak Prowler Trident models come with the Rod Pod™. This ingenious solution for securely storing your rods and gear for surf launches or white water is one of my favorite features of this line of yak. I did opt to remove my locking straps and replace them with bungee for ease of use. This dose sacrifice the seal of the Rod Pod™ allowing a little water in, but not to the point where it’s a liability. The Rod Pod™ also has a built in cup holder that usually becomes my make shift lure holder.

Moving back the T11, has adjustable foot braces and paddle keepers on both sides. Right behind the seat are two sealed flush mounted rod holders.

The tankwell has been designed to hold a Plano dry box and also has a molded ring to secure a five gallon bucket.

Now to the good stuff…

Performance: The Ocean Kayak Prowler Trident 11 isn't going to win you any races. Its short stocky frame was created to find a happy medium, between speed, stability and mobility. The T11’s tracking isn’t great, but they do offer a rudder upgrade which should make a world of difference. This boat drains very well, with very little pooling of water. When installing your transducer in the scupper hole make sure you don’t add any sealant or goop. I did on my transducer install and now the right scupper doesn't drain… The hull handles well, and is much quicker and more maneuverable than the T13 or T15. Performance I rated the Trident 11 at an 7.

Fishability: This kayak is quite stable, allowing you to stand and sight fish with ease. The hull is very quite with no scupper slap. The Rod Pod™ is easily accessed while on the water, I’ve never had an issue getting out my gear. The 400lb weight capacity is considerable for an 11 foot kayak. I weigh 220lb’s and have never had an issue carrying all my fishing gear. The flush mounted rod holders are positioned very close to the waterline. This causes your reels to get extremely wet; a simple fix is to add PVC rod holder extension. Fishability I gave the T11 an 8

Portability: Because of its relatively light weight and short length. This kayak is extremely portable and easy to throw up on to your vehicles roof. Keep an eye on the side handles; I’ve had both of mine snap off. The handles are riveted in which after time allows the webbing to snap off. Ocean Kayak was quick to send a replacement free of charge. Portability I’d rate a 7.5 “It would have been higher if the side handles didn't snap off”.

In summery, the Ocean Kayak Prowler Trident 11 gets my stamp of approval. It's a great compromise between portability and performance, and a highly capable fishing vessel.

Overall rating		4.0
Speed		3.0
Stability		3.0
Durability		5.0
Features		5.0
Value		4.0

  Reviewed by YakSushi   

A great compromise between portability and performance

This fishing kayak review is a long time coming. When originally purchasing this kayak I had 2 requirements. The kayak must hold a decent amount weight and be easy to transport on top of my vehicle. After weighing various options, makes and models I decided on the Ocean Kayak Prowler Trident 11.

Taking a close look at the Ocean Kayak Prowler Trident 11, you can see the thought that Johnson Outdoors put into this line of kayak.

Starting at the bow there is a drain plug perfectly located, allowing you to drain any water from the hull with ease. It doesn’t require any awkward twisting or turning of the yak to get all the water out, you just lift the stern and point the hull to the side. The bow handle has bungee going through it which pulls it tight against the kayak when not in use. A very simple fix keeping your bow tidy with less line snag points.

The bow hatch is very water tight; the hatch and gasket fit snuggly with the locking Cross Lock™ straps. Inside the hatch is a battery bag that is suspended inside the bow. This keeps your battery up and out of any possible water that might accumulate in the hull.

Another great feature of many of the Ocean Kayaks is the enlarged scupper hole that accommodates many Humminbird Fish finder model transducers.

All three of the Ocean Kayak Prowler Trident models come with the Rod Pod™. This ingenious solution for securely storing your rods and gear for surf launches or white water is one of my favorite features of this line of yak. I did opt to remove my locking straps and replace them with bungee for ease of use. This dose sacrifice the seal of the Rod Pod™ allowing a little water in, but not to the point where it’s a liability. The Rod Pod™ also has a built in cup holder that usually becomes my make shift lure holder.

Moving back the T11, has adjustable foot braces and paddle keepers on both sides. Right behind the seat are two sealed flush mounted rod holders.

The tankwell has been designed to hold a Plano dry box and also has a molded ring to secure a five gallon bucket.

Now to the good stuff…

Performance: The Ocean Kayak Prowler Trident 11 isn't going to win you any races. Its short stocky frame was created to find a happy medium, between speed, stability and mobility. The T11’s tracking isn’t great, but they do offer a rudder upgrade which should make a world of difference. This boat drains very well, with very little pooling of water. When installing your transducer in the scupper hole make sure you don’t add any sealant or goop. I did on my transducer install and now the right scupper doesn't drain… The hull handles well, and is much quicker and more maneuverable than the T13 or T15. Performance I rated the Trident 11 at an 7.

Fishability: This kayak is quite stable, allowing you to stand and sight fish with ease. The hull is very quite with no scupper slap. The Rod Pod™ is easily accessed while on the water, I’ve never had an issue getting out my gear. The 400lb weight capacity is considerable for an 11 foot kayak. I weigh 220lb’s and have never had an issue carrying all my fishing gear. The flush mounted rod holders are positioned very close to the waterline. This causes your reels to get extremely wet; a simple fix is to add PVC rod holder extension. Fishability I gave the T11 an 8

Portability: Because of its relatively light weight and short length. This kayak is extremely portable and easy to throw up on to your vehicles roof. Keep an eye on the side handles; I’ve had both of mine snap off. The handles are riveted in which after time allows the webbing to snap off. Ocean Kayak was quick to send a replacement free of charge. Portability I’d rate a 7.5 “It would have been higher if the side handles didn't snap off”.

In summery, the Ocean Kayak Prowler Trident 11 gets my stamp of approval. It's a great compromise between portability and performance, and a highly capable fishing vessel.

User Info

Waters Fished:

• Large Rivers
• Small Creeks
• Large Lakes
• Small Ponds
• Salwater Flats
• Saltwater Bays

Used:

31+ trips

Modifications:

Added center circular hatch with bag to the rod pod (I hardly use it). Added a no drill anchor trolley using the existing kayak hardware. link: No Drill Anchor Trolley

Pros & Cons

Pros:

Well thought out design, easy to manage

Cons:

Wet butt and unconformable seat, not the best tracking, wet

  

 

 

Source  

Mancing Ikan Baung Ditemani Hantu Wewe Gombel (Kisah Nyata)

 

Ikan Baung ( Sumber ilustrasi http://4.bp.blogspot.com )

Oleh J. Haryadi

Sore itu Balkan bersama mertua dan kedua rekannya bermaksud memancing ikan Baung di sebuah sungai yang cukup besar di pinggir sebuah desa di Kotabumi, Lampung Utara. Mereka berempat berangkat dari rumah mengendarai dua buah motor berboncengan. Lokasi memancing ikan cukup jauh dari desa dan agak masuk kepedalaman, sehingga motor hanya bisa parkir sampai ke sebuah gubuk ditepi ladang milik salah seorang petani. Motor lalu dititipkan kepada seorang lelaku tua paruh baya yang berpakaian lusuh.

Mereka berempat sebenarnya belum pernah memancing ke daerah tersebut, namun mereka tahu lokasinya atas petunjuk teman mereka yang pernah memancing disana. Mereka bertanya kepada lelaki tua itu lokasi yang tepat untuk memancing ikan Baung, lalu pria ramah tersebut memberi tahu ancar-ancar lokasi sungai yang biasa dipakai orang memancing. Menurutnya, mereka harus berjalan ke arah Barat dengan menyusuri jalan setapak yang berjarak sekitar 3 km. Patokannya adalah sebuah pohon beringin tua, tak jauh dari sana akan ditemui sebuah sungai yang cukup besar.

Mereka berempat berangkat menuju sungai dengan menyusuri jalan setapak yang sempit dan dipenuhi dengan rumput ilalang. Kiri-kanan jalan masih banyak ditemui hutan yang cukup lebat, sesekali melewati beberapa ladang penduduk. Sekitar setengah jam perjalanan, akhirnya mereka menemukan pohon beringin tua yang cukup besar. Tidak jauh dari pohon beringin tersebut terdapat sungai yang cukup luas dan dalam. Air sungai berwarna kecoklatan mengalir dengan tenang. Beberapa pohon bambu yang cukup lebat menghiasai pinggiran sungai tersebut. Mereka lalu menyisir tepi sungai sambil mencari lokasi yang tepat untuk memancing. Mereka tiba ketika hari sudah menjelang Maghrib.

Balkan, mertua dan kedua rekannya mengambil posisi memancing dengan posisi berlainan, jarak diantara mereka kira-kira 30 m.  Diantara mereka tidak saling terlihat karena dihalangi oleh semak belukar dan pohon bambu yang rindang.

Sudah menjadi kebiasaan masyarakat di Lampung, kalau memancing ikan Baung menggunakan umpan kucur, yang terbuat ikan dan daging busuk yang dicampur kapuk. Balkan tidak menyia-nyiakan waktunya untuk segera memacang umpan kucur di mata pancingnya. Perburuan ikan Baung pun segera dimulai.

Sudah satu jam berlalu, langitpun sudah berubah menjadi gelap. Namun cahaya rembulan di malam itu cukup membantu membuat suasana menjadi remang-remang. Anehnya, sampai saat ini tak satupun ikan Baung diperoleh Balkan. Lalu dia beranjak dari tempat duduknya dan bergerak menuju tempat memancing temannya yang terdekat. Didapati temannya sudah mendapat dua ekor ikan Baung yang cukup besar. Entah karena solidaritas atau ingin memiliki privasi sendiri, rekannya itu justru  berpindah memancing  ketempat lain. Tentu Balkan tidak menyia-nyiakan kesempatan baik ini, lalu posisi rekannya digantikan oleh Balkan. Dalam hati dia berpikir, pasti akan mendapat ikan Baung seperti temannya tadi.

Kembali Balkan menyiapkan umpan kucur dan melemparkan mata pancingnya ke arah sungai, dibawah pohon bambu hutan yang sangat lebat. Tiba-tiba tali senarnya bergerak lincah kesana kemari. Pasti ikan Baung besar sudah memakan umpannya, pikir Balkan. Pergumulan pun segera dimulai. Balkan segera memainkan keahliannya menarik dan mengulur senarnya sedemikian rupa agar ikan Baung tangkapannya tidak lepas begitu saja. Beberapa detik kemudian pancingnya tersentak keras dan Balkan merasa mata pancingnya terlepas, karena tarikannya menjadi enteng sekali.

Segera digulungnya senar pancingnya untuk memastikan apa yang terjadi. Ketika ujung senar muncul ke permukaan air, ternyata mata pancingnya tidak putus, bahkan umpan dan timah pemberat pancingpun masih terpasang rapi. Alhamdulillah, hati Balkan tidak terlalu kecewa karena tidak perlu mengganti mata pancingnya. Namun dia mulai merasa aneh dengan kejadian ini.

Mata pancing kembali dilemparkan ke dalam sungai. Tak lama kemudian, kembali senarnya mengencang. Kali ini Balkan tidak mau menyia-nyiakan kesempatan dalam memainkan pancingnya. Dengan berbagai teknik dan pengalaman yang dimilikinya dia berusaha mengalahkan Ikan Baung yang sedang memakan umpannya. Pergumulan kembali terjadi dengan sengit, tarik menarik antara Ikan dan Balkan berlangsung beberapa menit lamanya. Sayangnya, kejadian pertama tadi terulang kembali. Tiba-tiba dia merasa ikan itu menyentak pancingnya dengan keras dan beberapa detik kemudian tarikannya terasa ringan sekali, pertanda mata pancingnya terlepas dibawa ikan.

Kembali kekecewaan Balkan terobati karena mata pancingnya ternyata masih utuh, seperti tidak terjadi apa-apa. Tentu saja Balkan semakin heran, seharusnya mata pancingnya putus karena tarikan ikan Baung tadi keras sekali. Tetapi dia masih penasaran dan kembali melempar mata pancingnya ke tengah sungai.

Baru juga masuk beberapa detik ke dalam sungai, umpan kucur di mata pancingnya terasa ada yang memakannya. Kejadian seperti sebelumnya kembali terjadi. Pergumulan antara Bakan dan ikan lebih seru dari sebelumnya. Tarik menarik berlangsung lama dan cukup menguras tenaga. Akhirnya kembali lagi Balkan dikalahkan oleh ikan misterius tersebut. Dia merasa mata pancingnya kali ini pasti benar-benar putus, karena tarikan senarnya sudah langsung mengendur. Tetapi ketika sampai ke permukaan air, mata pancing dan timah pemberatnya masih terpasang rapi, kecuali umpan kucur yang sudah tidak ada.

Mungkin karena kesal sudah mengalami kejadian ini selama tiga kali, kesabaran tukang ojek yang merangkap sebagai guru ngaji ini pun mulai hilang. Sumpah serapah keluar dari mulutnya.

“Dasar ikan sialan ! Kalau mau makan umpan ya makan saja, jangan main-main. Kalau kamu setan, muncul saja sekalian …,” teriak Balkan dengan kesal, setengah menantang.

Sambil duduk bersila, Balkan memegang mata pancingnya dan bermaksud memasang kucur yang ada disisi kanannya, sambil menyalakan batere kecil sebagai penerangannya. Ketika kepalanya menoleh ke kenan, alangkah terkejutnya karena disampingnya ada seorang nenek-nenak sedang jongkok berpakaian kebaya zaman dulu dengan kedua bola matanya yang panjang melotot dan wajah berantakan dipenuhi benjolan-benjolan seperti orang terkena penyakit kusta. Sontak semua bulu kuduk dan semua rambut yang dimiliki Balkan berdiri tegak seperti landak.

Beberapa detik lamanya badan Balkan tidak bisa bergerak dan saling pandang dengan hantu wewe gombel yang ada dihadapannya. Masih beruntung, dalam kondisi takut yang luar biasa, dia teringat nasihat almarhum ayahnya. Beliau pernah bercerita kalau ketemu dengan hantu, hujamkan pisau atau benda tajam lainnya ke bumi, maka hantu itu pasti akan hilang. Dengan sisa kekuatan yang masih tersisa, secara repleks Balkan mengambil pisau belati yang tersimpan dari balik bajunya dan menghujamkannya ke bumi sambil mengucapkan sumpah serapah. Sontak saja wewe gombel itu tiba-tiba menghilang dari pandangannya.

Kemudian Balkan segera berdiri dan berteriak minta tolong sambil memanggil mertuanya. “Toolooong …a..a..baaah !”

Beberapa kali Balkan berteriak, tetapi anehnya, suara dari mulutnya seakan-akan terganjal di tenggorokan. Dia merasa sudah berteriak sekeras-kerasnya, namun hasilnya justru nihil, tak terdengar suara sedikitkpun dari mulutnya.

Dengan sisa kekuatan yang ada, Balkan berusaha berjalan sambil mulutnya terus berteriak. Tetapi langkahnya terasa berat sekali. Satu langkah itu terasa seperti membawa beban yang sangat berat, tetapi dia terus berjuang sambil berteriak dan membaca ayat suci Al-Qur’an dalam hati. Baru pada langkah ke tujuh kakinya terasa ringan dan tiba-tiba teriakannya menjadi normal dan kencang sekali.

Sayup-sayup terdengar jawaban diujung sungai. Balkan segera bergerak cepat mencari rekan-rekannya, namun mereka tidak ditemukan. Balkan terus menyusuri tepi sungai dengan cepat. Akhirnya setelah bergerak beberapa menit mereka ditemukan. Ternyata rekan-rekannya berada cukup jauh darinya, sekitar 1 km dari lokasi kejadian.

Mereka berempat sepakat untuk menghentikan kegiatan memancingnya dan kembali ke gubuk petani. Sesampainya disana Balkan menceritakan kejadian yang dialaminya ke pak tua. Petani itu kemudian menjelaskan kalau tempat tersebut memang angker dan Balkan bukan orang pertama yang mengalami hal serupa. Beberapa pemancing pun pernah mengalaminya. Ternyata menurut pak tua, tidak jauh dari lokasi kejadian terdapat makam tua yang tidak terurus. Mungkin penghuni alam gaib yang ada disana merasa terganggu dan marah dengan kehadiran mereka sehingga menakut-nakuti mereka.

Sejak saat itu Balkan tidak berani lagi memancing ikan Baung ke daerah tersebut dan kejadian itu menjadi pelajaran berharga baginya sampai sekarang.

***

Kamus :

- Ikan Baung : Sejenis ikan lele yang biasa hidup di air tawar.    Baung adalah nama segolongan ikan yang termasuk ke dalam marga Hemibagrus, suku Bagridae. Ikan yang menyebar luas di India, Cina selatan dan Asia Tenggara ini juga dikenal dengan banyak nama daerah, seperti ikan duri, baong, baon (Malaysia.), bawon (Betawi), senggal atau singgah (Sunda), tagih atau tageh (Jawa), niken, siken, tiken, tiken bato (Kalimantan tengah), dan lain-lain.

Baung masih sekerabat dengan lele (bangsa Siluriformes). Nama marganya, Hemibagrus, berasal dari kata bahasa Latin hemi yang berarti “setengah” atau “separuh”, dan bagrus, yang dipungut dari pelafalan Muzarab bagre atas perkataan Yunani pagros, yakni nama sejenis ikan laut (Inggris: seabream).

- Kucur adalah sejenis umpan untuk memancing, khususnya terhadap ikan baung. Umpan kucur ini terbuat dari bahan dasar ikan. Sebelum menjadi umpan yg dinamakan kucur, ikan ini akan melalui proses pembusukan dengan bahan campuran kapas. Setelah masa atau proses pembusukan selesai maka ikan yg telah membusuk tersebut sudah siap utk djadikan umpan memancing. Perlu anda ketahui bahwa umpan ini mengeluarkan aroma yang tidak sedap disaat pemakaiannya.    

Sumber

Walking shark species discovered in Indonesia

 

A newly identified species of 'walking' shark is a boon for conservationists in Indonesia.

 

     

The epaulette shark species of 'walking' shark, discovered in Indonesia. (Conservation International/Mark Erdmann)

Published: Aug. 30, 2013 at 2:18 PM

By GABRIELLE LEVY, UPI.com | Blog

A new species of walking shark has been identified in the reefs of Indonesia, a discover conservationists hope will grow biotourism interest in the area.
"This is the third walking shark species to be described from eastern Indonesia in the past six years, which highlights our tremendous shark and ray biodiversity," said shark expert Fahmi. "We now know that six of the nine known walking shark species occur in Indonesian waters, and these animals are diver favorites with excellent potential to help grow our marine tourism industry."
The shark, identified as the epaulette shark, or Hemiscyllium halmahera, was first photographed in 2008 and formally identified as a new species in the journal Aqua.
Walking sharks like the epaulette shark uses its pectoral and pelvic fins to move across the sea bottom while foraging for food. A distinctive pattern of brown spots on its head distinguishes the epaulette shark from other working sharks.
Indonesia has been the largest exporter of dried shark fins and other similar animals such as rays and skates, but the economic benefit of these creatures alive -- up to $1.9 million in over the course of its lifetime, rather than $40 to $200 in meat -- has given the government incentive to protect them.
"If you asked me a year ago about the long-term future of shark populations in Indonesia, I probably would have responded: 'Bleak,'" wrote Dr, Mark Erdmann for the Conservation International Blog. "But what an amazing difference a year can make!"

Follow @gabbilevy and @UPI on Twitter.

Read more: http://www.upi.com/Odd_News/Blog/2013/08/30/Walking-shark-species-discovered-in-Indonesia-VIDEO/6481377886635/#ixzz2dpV3lmuh

Top 7 wouldn’t be withouts when kayak fishing

I’m in the middle of getting all my kit together for a Far North kayaking expedition; I have equipment checks underway, gear lists to sort through, and tackle to accumulate.
Everything is sitting in one, big, well-organized heap (as Tui succinctly put it: Yeah, right…!) when a bright spark wanders past and asks, “So what can you leave behind?”
The none-too subtle reference to the size of the mountain in the middle of the floor, and a purely coincidental thread on a kayaking forum (thanks Mental, “Et tu, Brute?”) had me thinking about my most critical accessories.
I’m not talking about essential safety equipment; that’s a non-compromise area I would struggle to rank for importance. Also, I’m not considering items like leashes and anchoring systems, which I consider essential to efficient kayak fishing. What I’m looking at here is the rest of the equipment I wedge onto my kayak: what’s the most important, and are there any items I would miss severely if they weren’t there?
Here are my top seven non-essential ‘must have’ items – the ones that would severely hamper my fun if I left them behind on any expedition.

#1: Fish stringer

This piece of equipment goes right back to my earliest saltwater kayak-fishing days. I had the good fortune to get amongst monster Northland moochers almost from the first bait in the water. Consequently, I was suddenly confronted with trying to get heavy fish into the rear well of my Swing, and have them stay there, regardless of conditions.
As an avid freediver and spearo, it was a natural extension to pioneer the use of fish stringers for securing catches on kayaks. Then, as the system improved and simplified, it didn’t take long to discover how valuable the fish stringer could be in managing one’s catch in the cockpit, at the side of the kayak, and for assisting in getting bigger fish into the rear well (the Swing had a longish rear deck between the seat and rear well, making it a reach getting fish into the back).
Over the years I’ve developed the habit of using my fish stringer so I can work with my catch at the side of the kayak without having to bring it into the cockpit. This has greatly reduced the risk of being spined or bitten, and nor have I been nailed by any spare hooks not imbedded in my catch. Now, the only time I bring fish straight on board is when targeting tuna (you never know when there’s something lurking around to snatch your catch) or when needing a photo.

#2: Sounder

Forgetting my fish-finder is one of the few times I’ll consider losing valuable fishing time and heading back home to collect it.
In the early days I used to be content with sneaking around known marks (or new ones spotted from high ground while on land-based excursions) and stopping to anchor and berley the fish to me. With all the paddling involved in getting to and from these known areas, I had to be passing over equally productive spots, but had no way of knowing for sure.
As a result, my first sounder had a dramatic impact on my paddling and fishing; suddenly in some areas I was covering only a fraction of the distances and catching bigger and bigger fish. Case in point is the fishing I was doing in the Bay of Islands. Instead of heading straight out to classic locations like Red Head and Whale Rock, or paddling all the way to Cape Brett, I was boating and releasing multiple eight–10kg fish only minutes from my launching spots. These fish were all coming from small spots boaties ignored (because it’s too easy to put the throttle down and head for the horizon), but needed a sounder to locate.
Now it’s gone full circle and I’m back paddling for the horizon, but I’m using my sounder, too. Nearly all my current crop of prime fishing locations have come from watching the sounder closely. Whether I’m trolling lures for pelagics or simply heading for some distant location, any bump or bit of structure is noted, no matter how small. Some of the best spots are no larger than a couple of coffee tables pushed together, yet they produce fantastic fishing time and again!

#3: BCD knife

This is the little yellow knife that resides on the front of my PFD. Though it does have a safety role as backup to my larger free-dive knife on my leg, its primary role is as a utility blade and iki jime tool. It has become indispensable, simply because it’s so convenient, ready at hand, and ALWAYS there.
Having it on the front left of my PFD makes it easy to locate and grasp with my right hand when dealing with big fish. The shorter blade also makes it safer to use than my larger/longer knife when dispatching fish. One very important point is that by using this smaller BCD knife as my utility tool, my free-dive knife stays razor sharp and ready for use in an emergency.

#4: Sun glasses

These have definitely become a ‘no compromise’ item, and leaving them in the vehicle on a pre-dawn start will trigger an automatic return to the beach to get them. They’re so important I always carry spares in the vehicle. Our high UV levels create plenty of glare, even on cloudy days, and there’s always the very real risk of the kayakers equivalent of snow blindness creating damage, because we sit so close to the water.
I’ve tried many different types of fishing glasses for kayaking and have decided the following features are critical to my needs:
•Broad spectrum UV protection – obviously I don’t want to suffer any damage.
•Polarizing – greatly reduces glare, allowing me to see the areas of weed and reef better, as well as my catch during the last stages of the battle at the side of the kayak.
•Polycarbonate lenses – these are 20 times more impact resistant and three times lighter than glass, while still allowing excellent clarity of vision. Most of the better quality lenses have a scratch-resistant coating to improve durability.
•Hydrophobic coating on both lens surfaces – repels water and fogs less when paddling hard for a clearer field of view.
•Semi-rimmed design – I’ve fallen in love with frames that don’t have a bottom rim on the lenses. This eliminates the buildup of salt as drips run down the lenses and drop off the bottom of the glasses. It also makes it much easier to give your sunnies a squirt of water from your drink bottle to clear them of crusted salt on heavy wind days, rather than wiping them and risking scratched lenses.

# 5: Insulated fish storage

Not a lot needs to be said here. I grew up with the adage ‘if you’re not going to eat it, don’t kill it’. If you’re bringing catch home, you need to keep it in good order. Insulated covers give fast, easy access to the rear well in rough conditions, and allow easy transport of larger or longer fish like big kingfish. Fully insulated bags are affordable and give better insulation. For those doing lots of surf transitions, they’re also better at keeping your catch retained if you turn turtle in the waves. Chill-Pods provide the ultimate in catch storage and minimize any fishy leakage while on the water or when transporting your catch home.

#6: Seat cushion

I must be getting old, but this is one item that’s unashamedly about comfort. I’ve served my apprenticeship in the numb-butt department, and my seat cushion is now a constant companion on the water. It’s warm during the cold winter months and truly makes the difference between a fun and enjoyable day on the water, and one that becomes a trial that has you asking why you took up this crazy sport in the first place!

#7: Lightweight carbon paddle

Yes, I know a paddle is essential and possibly shouldn’t be on this list, but in this case I’m talking about upgrading from your average ‘armstrong outboard’ to something a whole lot better. I would find it difficult to be without my incredibly light, diabolically rigid, fully adjustable piece of high-tech carbon fiber. This non-essential upgrade greatly improves performance and efficiency, but the gain I find most significant is the reduction in weight. Most good quality glass-shaft paddles weigh just over 1kg; the paddle I’m currently using comes in under 700g without compromising robustness and reliability.
My average kayak-fishing session throughout the year sees me cover up to 30km for the day – further if I’m chasing tuna or plumbing the depths for puka. Since I roughly average a metre per paddle stroke, that’s going to mean somewhere between 20,000–30,000 paddle strokes each trip; a daunting thought when so baldly stated! Based on that very simple piece of mathematics, I have no problem justifying the extra cost. Grams definitely do count, and a 30% weight reduction is always going to be significant!
 

- See more at: http://www.fishing.net.nz/how-to/top-7-wouldn-t-be-withouts-when-kayak-fishing/#sthash.GET9i0sn.dpuf


Source

Syurga pencinta alam

 

Kehidupan haiwan, keindahan tumbuhan semula jadi dapat dirasai di Setiu Wetland

Oleh Siti Salmiah A Hamid
salmiah@hmetro.com.my

DAMAI…pelbagai tumbuhan menghijau tumbuh subur di sepanjang sungai.

PENYU, batik, ulik mayang dan keropok lekor – antara koleksi cukup sinonim dengan negeri di Pantai Timur ini.
Terengganu Darul Iman memang kaya dengan adat budaya, warisan dan sejarah yang menjadi tunjang kepada perkembangan ekonomi dan sosial masyarakat setempat.
Sempena Tahun Melawat Terengganu 2013, kerajaan Terengganu aktif mempromosikan negeri ini bagi menyingkap keunikannya di mata dunia.
Tanah Lembap Setiu (Setiu Wetland) antara lokasi yang menjadi tarikan utama di negeri penyu bertelur itu.
Terletak di Kuala Setiu, kira-kira 50 kilometer dari Kuala Terengganu kawasan ini berkeluasan 230 kilometer persegi.
Bagi pencinta alam, Setiu Wetland memang kawasan yang kaya dengan pemandangan alam semula jadi selain keindahan flora dan fauna.

MUDAH…tiram yang dibiarkan hidup secara semula jadi.

Pelbagai spesies burung seperti helang, bangau, raja udang dan tiong mudah dilihat sama ada hinggap di tunggul kayu mati, di sarang atau di dahan pokok.
Pengunjung pastinya terpegun dengan pelbagai spesies, warna dan saiz hidupan liar di Setiu Wetland selain lotong, kera, belacak dan pelbagai spesies ikan.
Spesies tuntung laut (callagur borneoensis) dan tuntung sunqai (batagur baska) yang jarang ditemui turut terdapat di sini malah tanah lembap ini menjadi pusat pemuliharaan tuntung di bawah Tabung Alam Sedunia (WWF) Malaysia.
Setiu Wetland dikatakan unik kerana mempunyai sembilan ekosistem yang saling berhubung iaitu antara pantai, laut, lagun, dataran lumpur, muara, sungai, pulau, hutan pantai dan hutan paya bakau.
Malah, pertembungan secara semula jadi antara air tawar dan air masin yang membentuk air payau membolehkan habitat semula jadi seperti tiram hidup di kawasan ini.
Kelihatan sekumpulan kecil nelayan sibuk mengutip kerang, kepah dan lokan di kawasan air cetek malah kegiatan itu antara sumber rezeki utama.
Justeru, kawasan berair seluas 880 hektar itu memberi pelbagai faedah kepada masyarakat setempat serta flora dan fauna yang bergantung hidup dengannya.
Setiausaha, Persatuan Pemandu Pelancong Negeri Terengganu, Putih Dalib @ Intan, berkata Setiu Wetland berfungsi sebagai habitat kepada pelbagai spesies hidupan liar termasuk mamalia (29), reptilia (28) dan burung (112).
“Industri perikanan dan aktiviti pelancongan berjaya meningkatkan sumber ekonomi setempat menerusi pelbagai program yang diusahakan sendiri penduduk di sekitar Kuala Setiu.

KREATIF…menggunakan lidi pokok kelapa untuk hasilkan bakul.

“Industri memproses makanan laut seperti budu Terengganu selain keropok ikan, ikan bilis dan belacan.
“Aktiviti komersial seperti menternak ikan siakap dan kerapu dilakukan menerusi rakit atau sangkar.
“Seorang pengusaha mempunyai lebih daripada 20 petak rakit namun bergantung kepada kemampuan individu.
“Namun, hanya 60 peratus daripada 1,000 benih anak ikan diternak,” katanya.
Pada masa yang sama, penternakan tiram turut dijalankan sebagai aktiviti sampingan kerana proses menternak tiram secara komersial perlu dilakukan secara teliti dan teratur.
Namun, tiram yang hidup secara semula jadi turut menghasilkan pulangan yang besar kerana mendapat permintaan setempat terutama daripada Terrapuri Heritage Village yang terkenal di Kampung Mangkuk, Penarik.
“Isinya besar, pejal dan lazat, justeru tidak hairanlah ia mendapat permintaan tetap daripada pusat peranginan terbabit yang menyajikan makanan ini sebagai menu utama,” ujarnya lagi.
Setiu Wetland tidak pernah sunyi dengan aktiviti penanaman bakau justeru kumpulan media turut diperkenalkan dengan pokok kayu bakau kurap dan bakau minyak yang masih terpelihara.
Kawasan di bawah kelolaan Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) ini sering dijadikan tempat lawatan bagi penyelidik tempatan dan luar negara.
Jurucakap Ping Anchorage Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd, Wan Masria Wan Mohd, berkata pakej lawatan ke Setiu Wetland membolehkan pelancong mengenali lebih dekat peranan pokok kayu bakau.
Meskipun kawasan paya bakau dipantau agar tidak lagi berlaku sebarang penebangan haram, penduduk Kuala Setiu berharap lebih banyak pihak memandang serius usaha memelihara dan memulihara kawasan penanaman bakau di Setiu Wetland ini.

LAZAT…dimakan segar dengan perahan limau.

 
>>INFO:
> Di bahagian utara dan barat laut Terengganu bersempadan dengan Kelantan manakala di bahagian selatan dan barat daya pula bersempadan dengan Pahang.
> Jaluran pantainya menganjur sejauh 225 kilometer dari utara (Besut) ke selatan (Kemaman).
> Sebelum tahun 1947 terdapat sembilan daerah di Terengganu – Kuala Terengganu, Kemaman, Kemasik, Paka, Dungun, Marang, Hulu Terengganu, Besut dan Setiu.
> Kemudian dikurangkan kepada enam – Kuala Terengganu, Kemaman, Dungun, Marang, Hulu Terengganu dan Besut.
> Bermula 1 Januari 1985, sebuah daerah baru iaitu Setiu dibentuk dan menjadi daerah ketujuh di Terengganu.
> Jarak Setiu Wetland dari Kuala Terengganu (50km), Kota Bharu (100km) dan Kuala Lumpur (490km) melalu Lebuh Raya Pantai Timur.


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