Articles
Fishing from the Adventure Island FAQ
- Category: Technique & strategies
- Published on Saturday, 26 December 2009 08:19
- Written by Josh
Q: Do the amas ever get in the way? Can you fold them in, and is it easy to do?
A: No, as of yet I haven't found the amas get in the way. That is because yes, you can fold them in fairly easily. Be advised, however, that it is harder to fold them forward under sail (due to the forces of on-coming water), and downright stupid to try and fold the load-bearing ama. If you attempt to pull in the load-bearing ama under sail in medium to strong winds, you stand a reasonable chance of capsizing.
Q: Does the sail rigging ever get in the way?
A: I can only answer that by saying 'not really'. I think there is potential for it to get in the way, but it's yet to happen to me (and I think I'll be able to deal with it when and if it does). Unless I'm trolling at the time, I will usually unclip the mainsheet furling line, which gets it out of the way. That's pretty easy to do.
Q: As far as being better suited for kayak fishing, how do you rate the AI vs the Adventure with a standard Hobie sail kit?
A: Whilst I rate the AI to be superior in several ways, I should also mention that it was sailing the Adventure with a standard sail kit that made me realise how much potential kayak fishing with a sail really has. It was using the Adventure with the standard sail (with sidekick amas) that influenced the decision to upgrade. My main reasoning behind it was that the AI has a furling system, which makes it much simpler and much faster to get the sail out of the way. I've also found the extra speed offered by the larger sail to be an advantage, as well as the extra stability offered by the amas.
Q: Do you use the Island mainly for trolling, or do you also take advantage of it's sailing capability to reach distance areas that would be harder to reach by kayak?
A: I use it for both, often trolling to destinations (reefs, beaches, gathering birds) but I think the latter scenario is probably it's biggest advantage towards improved catches. Trolling is great, and well worth doing on the way to a destination, but it's the ability to reach distant areas that is of most benefit to catch more fish.
Q: What do you do when you get a solid hook up under sail?
A: It isn't hard to lose a good fish if you hook up while trolling, especially at speeds of 10kmph or more. You do have to think fast and be methodical. Every second counts because generally speaking, you'll be sailing one way and the fish will be tearing off line in the opposite direction. So there's the threat of being spooled, or in the case with fish like kings, giving them enough line for them to reach a reef and cut you off (I speak from experience on that count). The first thing I generally do is swing the rudder left or right, depending on which I think will help slow my forward movement the most. Then I grab the furling lines and pull the sail out of harms way. If I think I have a spare second up my sleeve, I'll then unclip the furling line from the mainsheet to get it out of the way. Then I grab the rod and prey the fish is still there. If I'm quick enough, usually it is these days.
Q: Do you ever use the Island with just one ama fitted to use it as an outrigger style kayak?
A: Yes, often. And I'd say it's my preferred way to fish (Carl feels the same way). I will generally go 'polynesian style' when I don't plan to go terribly far, or otherwise expect windy conditions.
Q: How much does a single ama slow down the typical pedal speed of the Adventure?
A: Not as much as I would have guessed, though wind and water conditions play a part in the variance. Using the boat as an outrigger I seem to be able to keep up with others OK.
Q: Have you tried sailing with a single ama?
A: No... and I'm not sure that would be a good idea. The leeward side must have a supporting ama to keep it upright while sailing, which is why 2 pontoons are required.
Q: Have you tried the tramps, and do you think they will assist for kayak fishing purposes?
A: Yes, I own a set of tramps and not only do I think they are great for sailing, are also excellent for kayak camping and of course fishing. You can sit on the tramp easily, making it a perfect platform for drift fishing. It is also very handy to have the tramps next to you, effectively giving you an extra 12 square foot of usable deck space per tramp. Very very handy indeed.
However, I prefer using only one tramp (fitted to the port side). That offers enough usable space and gives me a platform, but also leaves the starboard side free so I can fold the ama in, not to mention paddle. I also think a single tramp is easier to manage in higher winds. It is a shame Hobie currently only sells them in pairs.
Q: Word has it the front hatch can be tricky to access on the Adventure. Is it difficult to get to on the Island?
A: Not at all. With both or just one ama fitted to the hull, you have enough stability to stand up, let alone climb forward to the front hatch.
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