Anyway I did get a 70cm kingie and a pannie when my reel screamed off. After a good fight where my braid was close to the backing I managed to get the fish up expecting another ratking but was very pleased to see the big red tail.

Thought it might go 15lb but the fattie went to 20lb. Managed to get a stringer onto it as wouldnt fit in my pod

Luckily yesterday I fitted a stringer just in case of the big one. Came in carefully thru the surfzone. Adrenalin still pumping.

Look at the guts on it

Read more in the forum

I’m not going to review the camera. Ask Mr Google for that but pictures and spec can be found here http://www.dpreview.com/

I wanted a camera that was small, could handle the kayak environment (eg very tough), easy to use and take a good picture. The FT1 does this and more.

Another feature I was prepared to pay a little more for was the the ability to shoot HD(720p) movies in AVCHD Lite format.

The camera has a very solid feel to it and is well constructed. I’m struggling to say anything bad about it but the zoom side and the shutter button are a little close together and a couple of times I’ve accidentally taken a picture when I was trying to frame a shot. No big deal.

I purchased a small Lowepro bag which fits the camera perfectly. I wear the camera on my right PFD strap so it sits up by my collar bone. Out of the way but really handy.

Camera can be seen here. (also another chance to post a good fish photo!)

This photo was not taken by my camera by the way. New2yaking took it with his.

One thing you need if you want to take movies is a large SD memory card. The camera will take up to a 32Gb card but they are $$$. I got a 16Gb one which was still a significant cost on top of the camera so include the card in any price/budget decisions. I think the camera currently sells for around the $550 – $600 mark. Not the cheapest in the lineup of these types of cameras but my previous camera was a Panasonic Lumix so I stuck with the brand.

I’m still amazed at the quality of photos given the physical size of the lens. (another plus, it has an internally focusing lens so no bits stick out when you zoom.) Have a look at any of my posts with pics from the last few months to get an idea.

In summary, a great camera that will handle the yak environment. (except don’t drop it as it doesn’t float!). Recommended.

Discuss this review in the forums

Specifications

Features

The new Prowler 4.7 builds on our core technologies(performance hull design, insert attachment system, Transducer scupper hole) and adds a number of inspired new features (live bait tank, rod tube, ice box and flip center lid) The result is a superior fishing kayak that has genuinely been designed by kayak fisherman for kayak fishing.

However, over the decades we have managed to talk ourselves into believing that bigger is better. Now we need a brand new six meter boat; 200 H.P. outboard and enough electronic gadgets to start your own space program! Often these rigs sit in the driveway or storage yard and see very little use after the novelty wears off.

It only took one trip in a conventional kayak to realize the quiet feel of slipping over the water to rendezvous with fighting game fish. Immediately I felt the same excitement I once knew while fishing as a youngster.

In a kayak, you are literally sitting on the water. Today’s sit-on-top kayaks are extremely stable. Unlike sea kayaks, they don’t feel “tippy” in the least.

Kayaks can be decked out with all the modern fishing conveniences of a motor boat. Fish finders, landing nets, bait live-wells, anchor systems, gobs of storage areas, You’ve always wanted to be the Captain of your own ship. Well, now you can be that and more. It’s all in your hands!

Before anyone uses a kayak there are some basic kayak safety information that you should know, kayak fishing whilst fun and rewarding can also as with any water sport be dangerous and carries the possibility of injury or death. Always use common sense and follow all safety rules at all times.

• Never mix alcohol, or drugs (prescription or non-prescription) with kayaking.

• Never exceed the weight capacity of your kayak.

• Always check your equipment for wear and tear before you paddle.

• Seek qualified instruction to learn proper paddling techniques, water safety and basic first aid.

• Wear your life jacket/PFD. New Zealand Coastguard regulations require that all kayakers wear a lifejacket/PFD at all times whilst on the water. Wearing your lifejacket will help keep your head above water and add insulation to your body, keeping you warmer in cold water.

• Tell someone your trip plan, which includes: where you are going, what you will be doing, how long you expect to be gone and how many people are in your party, where possible provide the contact details for these people aswell. Then stick to your plan.

• Paddling in the surf zone or in rivers can be dangerous. Always wear a helmet.

• Be aware of weather conditions and water temperature. Prepare for changes in weather and the possibility of a capsize. If paddling in cold water, a wet suit or dry suit can keep you warm and comfortable. In warm weather, a long sleeve shirt can provide sun protection.

• Stay hydrated. Always bring plenty of water and food.

• Beware of off-shore winds that make it difficult to return to shore.

• When paddling in a new area, check with the locals regarding currents, shoreline conditions and weather patterns. Plan an “escape” route – an alternative place to get off the water should environmental conditions dictate it.

The owners of the Lara Star MV (Redquarters) have offered up a prize to KayakFishingNZ.com for one of the forum members to come along for free on our next Great Barrier trip, to enter for a chance to win this prize you need to enter a fish into our regular monthly online fishing competition, all entries over the month will then be judged by the Lara Star Skipper, Red, the angler who caught the fish he deems to be the best will be selected as the winner!

Simple as that, catch a fish in December, post it up in the competition thread, and you could be heading to the Barrier for free in January!

Any questions feel free to ask, terms and conditions are all below but basically the prize is the trip only, all other costs such as getting too and from the boat, your kayak, food & drink, fishing tackle, etc are your responsibility.

To see more about how our last trip went, have a read through the trip reports here: viewtopic.php?f=8&t=1286

If you wish to come along on our next trip you need to be quick as places are filling fast – see here for the current trip planning thread: viewtopic.php?f=7&t=1376

Find out more about the Lara Star here: http://www.redquarters.co.nz/

Good luck guys!!!

Cheers, Mental

UPDATE Hairy Little Dwarf won the competition for his almighty Tope, and he has chosen to pass the prize on to Spraty

http://www.solarlightcap.com/SLC_KayakWork-email.pdf

I didn’t start out intending to buy this hat. I was after a legionnaires style cap, in bright orange, in a light waterproof fabric. I just happened to come across this unit for $50 as a clearance item.

Control of the light is achieved with just one button. Functions include on/off, dimmer, and three flashing modes. In terms of the actual hat the visor is fairly substantial stiff black rubber. There is an elastic adjustable head strap with a reflective strip, and there is a loop to attach a keeper of some kind. The legionnaires flap wraps right around the neck, and overlaps with two plastic snap domes to secure. In this position it covers your mouth, nose and cheeks. You can also tie the flap into a ‘ponytail’ at the back using the elastic strap, or you can snap together with the flap overlapped behind you to shade forehead, neck and ears

Charging of the unit is achieved by storing it somewhere it can get direct sunlight. A full charge from empty requires several days. Some charging is also achieved in ambient light levels. I just keep my hat on a shelf where it gets a bit of direct sun each day. It has never gone flat on me.

In terms of it functionality as a light source I find it really useful for doing things on the yak, or gearing up in the dark. On full brightness it is strong enough to walk around with in complete darkness. On its dullest setting, it provides enough light to work with tackle, unhook fish and the battery will last for many hours. I tend to leave it on the lowest setting the whole time. This is not a long range light and I still carry a bigger light for distance work, signalling or surf crossings.

The one button operability is very useful. A single press turns it on/off, press and hold activates the dimmer and “double-click’ cycles through the various flasher patterns including SOS. I personally don’t see the flashing functions as very useful, as the LEDs are not that powerful. Seems to be very waterproof though I have yet to fully dunk it.

In terms of wearability, the visor feels a little heavy, but adjusting the strap properly relieves that sensation. It has not bothered my neck in anyway. The fabric is very light, semi-perforated and breathable, but also blocks the sun effectively. It does not hold water, and dries quickly. The fabric that covers your head is unstiffened so feels soft to wear.

If you fully close the legionnaire flap then it traps a bit of heat on a still hot day. I tend clip it at the back unless windy. The heat trapping is a good thing for night fishing. The keeper loop is very handy, and I clip mine onto my PFD with one of those neck lanyards you get at conferences.

The hat is very visible, with orange day-glow on the wearers head it conforms with Maritime NZ advice to highlight your highest points. The silver reflective strip works well too, although not as well as SOLAS tape, more like the silver piping you tend to find on cycling gear.

All round I give this product a high rating. Its is a versatile, visible, sunsmart hat, and the built in light function is extremely useful. A clever comfortable and convenient piece of kit that you can wear all day and night. I haven’t had it for a long time, so durability remains to be proved. My only other caveat would be that you still need a torch or headlamp for longer range work. 8/10

Review by MikeAqua

Discuss this Product/Review in the forum > Click Here

Well what can I say, this is a NEW Prowler, lots of changes, about the only thing that is related to the previous Prowlers is the name… This is a ground up design which according to Ocean Kayak has taken over 18 months and close to $100,000, all done here in NZ “Designed by kayak fishermen for serious kayak fishing”

I’ll start at the front and work backwards through the whole kayak…

Even from the bow you’ll notice something new, the old toggle type lifting handle has now been replaced by a solid handle, no more snagging your line…

You’ll also see in the picture above there is a small flat section to add your GPS or VHF aerial.

Moving back we come to the hatch, this is a standard Prowler hatch, the Ultra will be shipped with the standard neoprene hatch seal, to close the hatch you’ll see there is a new four-way buckle, this is an Ocean Kayak designed item and makes for a much better fitting system.

Before you get into the cockpit there is a small bungy set up for securing any gear on deck.

In the photo above you will also see you have a standard Scotty rod holder mount and the new flat section allows for two more flush fitting rod holders if you want to fit them later. In front of the Scotty mount you’ll find the transducer access scupper. Also on either side of the foot wells you have two small areas that can be used for storage, these are scuppered.

Now the bit you have all been waiting for, the cockpit…

Yes that’s right you are seeing a fishing kayak, what do you mean “where’s the fish finder?”. Time to introduce the multi-function hatch cover… Time to turn it over…

Ah there you go, time to go fishing!

The hatch cover is double sided you lift, rotate, and place back down! One side for safe surf entry and exit one side for the serious stuff, so yes that does mean there is a well inside and yes it is sealed.

Plenty of room in here for a truck load of gear, place for up to two 7Ah batteries, this is where you will also get access to the optional rod tube, the rod tube goes back under the seat all the way to the stern, will take a couple of eight foot rods.

There are two more rod holders on the sides of the cockpit too, great place to drop you rod in while rigging up or unhooking your fish.

There is also storage areas under your legs fort a couple of small boxes, good for softbaits.

The side handles have also been replaced by flush mounted solid handles.

The seating area has been raised, to keep you dryer. The standard seat on the Prowler Ultra 4.7 will be the Deluxe Comfort Seat.

Behind the seat there is a new well, which can with an optional kit be converted into a live bait well, and the two rear rod holders.

The kit comes with cover, manual bilge pump, and scupper bung for the unused scupper, the well is symmetrical so the pump can be fitted to either side to suit the paddler. Of course if you are not interested in a live bait well this area can be used to store your gear or your anchor.

Moving further back we now have the BIG WELL, yep this is BIG, 1.1m long, bring one those big fish!

And for all those old Swing owners who miss their pods for putting your fish in, take a look at this…

That’s a full roto-molded foam insulated fish bin, roughly sixty litres, and only weighs in at around 5kg. The opening hinge is reversible so will suit left or right handers.

Nearly finished, the rear lifting toggle has also been replaced with another solid handle.

And finally the rudder, this is the standard Prowler rudder we are all used to.

Well that’s the top, now lets look at the hull, the hull has also been re-designed, the bow has been narrowed and flared giving much more lift and keeping the ride drier as the kayak will ride over the waves and chop and shed water.

The hull has retained the tri-formed hull for stability and tracking but much harder and fuller chines have been added. The Transducer scupper is retained but will now take the Humminbird Sideimaging transducer out of the box.

One final change to the hull is at the stern where there is now a sacrificial wear strip.

Specifications:
Weight: 35kg (unruddered)
Length: 4.7m
Capacity: 250kg+
Width: 74cm

Pricing:
Standard Prowler Ultra 4.7 kayak with rudder: $2599
Rod Tube kit: $99
Live Bait Tank kit: $129
Ice box storage pod: $399

Availability:
Will be available nationwide from November 30th – if you want one before the holidays I’d suggest you talk to your dealer sooner rather than later…

So all that out of the way, I then took it for a paddle… This test paddle was done on Lake Pupuke, in Auckland.

This is a different kayak, you are not just getting in another Prowler, I paddle a Prowler Elite on a weekly basis, this boat is faster (apparently 15% faster), and although you sit higher in this kayak it seems more stable, way more stable, probably from the filled in chines. I was able to lean further out in this than my Elite before it got tippy. The biggest thing I did notice though was how quiet the hull is, the slap had gone, may be it was the lake factor, so I jumped in an Elite and yep there it was…

The cockpit is a better layout, will be good to see how it works in a real fishing situation, the hatch was easy to un-clip and flip over, everything seems to be within reach and no concerns turning around or sitting side saddle but again this was a lake…

I have requested a full sea trial and will post that review as soon as I can secure access to a kayak for a weekend, fingers crossed this weekend…

Hope you enjoyed this

Cheers, Mental

Photos were taken at the Dealer Launch event Nov 10th 2009, please note the final production model may differ slightly
For more photos and discussion see the forums > Click Here

Come and see what 18 months of development brings you with the introduction of this new state of the art serious fishing kayak.

Also you have the opportunity to view the new Torque motorized kayak.

This is also the same night as the monthly meeting of the Hibiscus Kayak Fishing Club, also being held at the Jonson Outdoors factory, and all are welcome to attend the meeting too.

Factory Address:

2 Furnace Place
Silverdale
Hibiscus Coast 1461
New Zealand