It's Tournament Time Again

The AnglersAfloat British Open Species Hunt kicks off on the 1st of July 2008, the event is free to enter and open to all kayak fishermen/fisherwomen in the British Isles.

This year we have drawn up a list of 24 species, chosen by a panel of kayak fishermen based from Scotland to the south of England. Some of the species will be harder to target than others, some will require a little travelling, others will require a wait for cooler water temperatures, to even things up we are allowing three discards of the competitors choice, leaving 21 species to be caught to become a worthy British Champion. The outright winner will be the kayak fisherman/fisherwoman to catch 21 species from The Tournament Check List posting his/her catch on the AnglersAfloat Forum with each target species photograph including the special AnglersAfloat Coupon.

Please read the Tournament Rules before entering.

Good luck to all that enter.

Ocean Kayak Launch Prowler Trident 11 and 13

We heard rumours in the spring but now the rumours have come to fruition, the Ocean Kayak Prowler Trident 15 has two smaller siblings, the Trident 11 has a Rod Pod and the Trident 13 Rod Pod and Sonar Shield, both are all new designs and are not replacements for the popular Prowler 13, the Trident 13 is a very different kayak. Here are some photo's from the dealer launch in the States.

   Trident 13 in camouflage.

   Trident 13 on the water.

   Trident 11 on the water.

For more photographs of both Trident 11 and Trident 13 click here.

Kaskazi Dorado II

We have just heard that there is a new Dorado being produced, the Dorado II as it's known at present will be 2" longer than the existing Dorado, the footwells have been widened at the expense of some gunwale width, leg room was a problem for some paddlers. The fish box has been extended to the bow and integrated into the deck moulding, giving greater strength.

A vaccuum bagged version of the Dorado II will cost £1895, a full carbon version £3200.

Production is in the early stages but we hope to see some photo's of the new craft soon.

The original Dorado will still be available.

Check out www.kayakuk.com for more details of the kaskazi range.

SWLT Grand Slam Kayak Fly Fishing Competition

The South West Lake Trust Grand Slam Kayak Fly Fishing Competition takes place at Siblyback Lake on the 20th July 2008. Briefing at 9:30 am. Entry fee is £35 includes BBQ supper. 1st prize an Emotion Grand Slam kayak, for more details contact Wellard and Scott Ltd 01566 780393.

Pacific Action Sails, new distributor

The availability of the excellent Pacific Action sails has been patchy here in the UK to say the least, well those nice people at Johnson Outdoors Watercraft have added the distribution of the sails to their portfolio and should now be available through their network of Ocean Kayak dealers, the sails are available as 1.0m, 1.5m and 2.2m, prices ranging from £229 to £269. Separate rigging packs are also now available to allow the same sail to be rigged on different kayaks. We've been using the 1.5m on the Prowler 13 and Trident 15 their a lot of fun and very useful if you like to travel some distance to your marks, in the right conditions you can paddle to your mark and sail home, very relaxing.

   Sailing back on the Hamble River.

Two more Projects for 2008

With the season well under way and the summer holidays fast approaching we have taken delivery of two more Project Kayaks.

Project Trident is complete, we're near to finishing the final how to guides and rather than kick our heals and get bored, we have decided to take a look at another family orientated project, this time for a child who wants to paddle their own kayak, but with mum or dad close at hand. The chosen kayak is the Ocean Kayak Kea, we will also be reviewing the kea, both from an adults point of view and from a childs, in their own words.

   Ocean Kayak Kea.

The second Project Kayak will be the Ocean Kayak Scupper Pro, this kayak has proved particularly popular with those looking to replace an existing model and those looking to do more paddling for fitness.

We intended to have a Project Scupper Pro a couple of years ago, but the Malibu II XL was begging for our attention, the the Trident 15 was released putting our plans on a back burner, until now!

Thinking about having a go at kayak fishing

You might like to read our new Getting Started Guide, click here.

If this is your first visit, welcome to Anglers Afloat.

Whether you're thinking about kayak fishing, already doing it, or just interested this site is a great place to start. Many experienced fishermen and women find kayak fishing a great way to boost their catch rate.

If you're new to kayak fishing or would like to know more, check out our project page. You'll find plenty of useful advice about the accessories available, rod mounts, where to position them, fitting your fishfinder, GPS, anchors, compasses and leashes.

Please take a moment to read the safety page, it may influence you in your purchase of a kayak and the gear that you have onboard.

Most of the major manufacturers are now selling their products in the UK, giving all a bigger and more difficult choice, there will also be more accessories available with some of the manufacturers expanding their product lines. We will be continuing our project series, developing some of the projects that all ready appear, there will be more product reviews and a revised pictures page including more of your kayaks and catches, so please keep the pictures coming.

Your feedback is really helpful, so if you already fish from a kayak we would love to hear from you.

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