Dan Carroll,
Vermont W Kayak Fisherman
Dan is a kayak angler who knew exactly why he wanted to get a W kayak for himself: He wanted to fish standing up comfortably, and not have to worry about 'what if' he loses balance, which can happen any time.
The first time he called he told us about his experience with other fishing kayaks he had owned in the past that are advertised as 'stand up' fishing kayaks, and he didn't sound very pleased - to say the least...
Vermont W Kayak Fisherman
Dan is a kayak angler who knew exactly why he wanted to get a W kayak for himself: He wanted to fish standing up comfortably, and not have to worry about 'what if' he loses balance, which can happen any time.
The first time he called he told us about his experience with other fishing kayaks he had owned in the past that are advertised as 'stand up' fishing kayaks, and he didn't sound very pleased - to say the least...
-"Standing's not a problem"
Dan's First Impressions, springtime:
-"I had the W out the other day and I thought it handled nicely. I stood for most of the time. It took a short time to get use to it but it was nice. I did a few spins in the cockpit that was not too bad. I need a little more practice. The weather has not been all that great yet. I'll play some more when it warms up."
Conclusion:
-"I have used the W about 10 times or so. I am enjoying it and getting more used to it each time I use it."
Dan's fishing machine - rear view
-"I had the W out the other day and I thought it handled nicely. I stood for most of the time. It took a short time to get use to it but it was nice. I did a few spins in the cockpit that was not too bad. I need a little more practice. The weather has not been all that great yet. I'll play some more when it warms up."
Conclusion:
-"I have used the W about 10 times or so. I am enjoying it and getting more used to it each time I use it."
Dan's fishing machine - rear view
About his 2007 W Fishing Kayak:
-"Just to give you some more info on my fishing machine.
I got the milk crate and mounted it to an aluminum plate attached the rod holders then I used velcro to attach it to the W. That way I can just pull it off.
The paddle: I just had a piece of alum tubing and just spliced it in to the proper length.
The bucket fits anywhere on the W. I use that for pliers, sunscreen, glasses - quick and easy access to whatever you want to bring. It could be used as a bait bucket as well.
The PVC hooks for paddle holder.
The seat is made from thin light plywood with a piano hinge and packing material I got from work...Very comfortable, and that too is applied to the W with velcro that's easy to remove.
I also have a rope cleat that I am going to attach today to use for a small anchor."
-"Just to give you some more info on my fishing machine.
I got the milk crate and mounted it to an aluminum plate attached the rod holders then I used velcro to attach it to the W. That way I can just pull it off.
The paddle: I just had a piece of alum tubing and just spliced it in to the proper length.
The bucket fits anywhere on the W. I use that for pliers, sunscreen, glasses - quick and easy access to whatever you want to bring. It could be used as a bait bucket as well.
The PVC hooks for paddle holder.
The seat is made from thin light plywood with a piano hinge and packing material I got from work...Very comfortable, and that too is applied to the W with velcro that's easy to remove.
I also have a rope cleat that I am going to attach today to use for a small anchor."
Dan's fishing machine warming
up in the sun...
Dan fishing and paddling standing in Lake Champlain, Vermont
Dan planning his next fishing trip
Weather's changing...
-"Catching fish, sweet!"
Dan and his fishing machine, lake Champlain, Vermont.
Dan's daughter Emily and her friend Tunie had no problem paddling standing the first time they got in Dan's W fishing kayak
Dan fishing standing in his rigged 2007 W Fishing Kayak