Post by Barrett Jones on Jan 10, 2010 18:59:20 GMT -6
Here is what I think about the system from instructions, installation, useage, and reliability thus far.
For pictures and more info www.goldendrake.com
I fish shallow marsh under 4' of water 95% of the time in Southern Louisiana in search of redfish, flounder, and trout. I used to always have what we call a Cajun anchor or stake out pole. In our marsh the bottom is smelly slop and gets on everything. Another thing is in the Summer we chase the birds diving on shrimp that hold speckled trout. With chasing these birds you are constantly pulling anchor and resticking as they move around. Well, I got tired of it. Also, when I fish for tailing reds I like the stealth of sneaking up and wetting a fly on them. By the time you pull out your anchor and stick he moves.
When I recieved my package from Goldendrake.com everything was packaged perfectly. The directions are in a small binder and has directions with pictures along the way. Every thing needed for a complete install is in the box. All you need for installation is drill, screwdriver or rivet gun, and sealant. It can't be any simpler than that.
How it works: You can order it in two ways, 1. mounted straight off the stern or 2. side stern mount if you have a rudder. I mounted mine on the side as I have a rudder as I have a Hurricane Phoenix 160 Kayak and like the rudder for turning and drift fishing in the wind. I used the supplied rivets and used a hand held rivet gun I had already. I drilled a couple holes, popped rivets with sealant and done on the back. Next you need a cam cleat up by you to hold your line. This was also supplied.When all mounted you have one heck of a stealthy anchor system. The stern mounting system is aluminum so no rust, the anchor rod itself is stainless so no rust again, nothing in the entire system can rust period.The Stinger(4' stainless rod) sits vertical in the aluminum mount on the stern with a line up to your cam cleat. When you are paddling it sits up and out the water and there is no drag what-so-ever! When you are ready to deploy, you release the line from the cam cleat and the stinger drops and sticks in mud, sand, rocks, grass, etc... I have used it in all these areas and it held perfectly with zero drag!
My opinion on useage thus far:
The first trip with it I was in a channel with 20mph winds and sand bottom. I tried it in water from inches to 4'. I was impressed to say the least. I deployed it in more than 4' where it would not touch bottom and once it touched it stuck, perfect. I have used it for chasing trout under the birds and this is my favorite part about this system thus far. I also used it deep in the marsh for redfish and its so quiet you spook nothing.
longevity:
Nothing to rust, all stainless and aluminum! Nothing to gum up with salt or mud as there is one pulley, simple mechanics. I believe this thing will be on other kayaks as they will outlast most kayaks made.
I will put some pictures up when I download them as camera is at work.
All I can say is visit www.goldendrake.com as I am definitely a believer in this system.
For pictures and more info www.goldendrake.com
I fish shallow marsh under 4' of water 95% of the time in Southern Louisiana in search of redfish, flounder, and trout. I used to always have what we call a Cajun anchor or stake out pole. In our marsh the bottom is smelly slop and gets on everything. Another thing is in the Summer we chase the birds diving on shrimp that hold speckled trout. With chasing these birds you are constantly pulling anchor and resticking as they move around. Well, I got tired of it. Also, when I fish for tailing reds I like the stealth of sneaking up and wetting a fly on them. By the time you pull out your anchor and stick he moves.
When I recieved my package from Goldendrake.com everything was packaged perfectly. The directions are in a small binder and has directions with pictures along the way. Every thing needed for a complete install is in the box. All you need for installation is drill, screwdriver or rivet gun, and sealant. It can't be any simpler than that.
How it works: You can order it in two ways, 1. mounted straight off the stern or 2. side stern mount if you have a rudder. I mounted mine on the side as I have a rudder as I have a Hurricane Phoenix 160 Kayak and like the rudder for turning and drift fishing in the wind. I used the supplied rivets and used a hand held rivet gun I had already. I drilled a couple holes, popped rivets with sealant and done on the back. Next you need a cam cleat up by you to hold your line. This was also supplied.When all mounted you have one heck of a stealthy anchor system. The stern mounting system is aluminum so no rust, the anchor rod itself is stainless so no rust again, nothing in the entire system can rust period.The Stinger(4' stainless rod) sits vertical in the aluminum mount on the stern with a line up to your cam cleat. When you are paddling it sits up and out the water and there is no drag what-so-ever! When you are ready to deploy, you release the line from the cam cleat and the stinger drops and sticks in mud, sand, rocks, grass, etc... I have used it in all these areas and it held perfectly with zero drag!
My opinion on useage thus far:
The first trip with it I was in a channel with 20mph winds and sand bottom. I tried it in water from inches to 4'. I was impressed to say the least. I deployed it in more than 4' where it would not touch bottom and once it touched it stuck, perfect. I have used it for chasing trout under the birds and this is my favorite part about this system thus far. I also used it deep in the marsh for redfish and its so quiet you spook nothing.
longevity:
Nothing to rust, all stainless and aluminum! Nothing to gum up with salt or mud as there is one pulley, simple mechanics. I believe this thing will be on other kayaks as they will outlast most kayaks made.
I will put some pictures up when I download them as camera is at work.
All I can say is visit www.goldendrake.com as I am definitely a believer in this system.
