Hi NCKA Buddies

After more than one year preparation, finally I was accepted by R2AK racing, and this activity will be started at Jun/9/2024, from Port Townsend Washington all the way to Ketchikan Alaska, 700 Miles without motor, only nature or human being power.

For me, it's not a racing actually, because I get no chance to win with my small Kayak. I just want to take this chance to merge fishing and long-distance kayaking together on the rural area, merge myself into real nature world which I do like. I will enjoy this journey, the only thing which need me to take care of is: keep certain speed, don't let the sweep boat catching me

For me, if no fishing, this long-distance trip will be boring, if only for fishing, it's boring too and meaningless.

I will be trolling most of time on these 700 miles and eat the fish on my kayak. Below is the basic information about this R2AK

R2AK main page：https://r2ak.com/
R2AK introduction video: https://r2akthemovie.com/
2024 all the racing team: https://r2ak.com/2024-teams/
My team name is Mr. X which from this NCKA forum, and one team (TEAM VICTORY OAR DUFF) even from Canada Navy, can you believe?)
 
Below is what I need your help, I knew someone has lots of experience fishing on that area:
1. What fish I can be expected? and what way is the best way for fishing? like what kind of Jig? what kind of bait?
2. Any information and experience do you want to share with me for this long-distance fishing?
3. I originally from warm area, I hate cold, but this trip is in cold area. My question is, at midnight the real feeling at this area in June is kind of similar as December Monterey Bay?
4. I want to use my Hobie TI for this journey, but unluckily my TI bottom area got crack yesterday when I was fishing on Monterey Bay, please check below attached picture. I will use plastic welding kit to repair it, this kit from Amazon and will be delivered to me tomorrow. Anyone has repaired experience? What I need to take care? and the most importantly, the repaired area if weaker? or same strong as before crack? or even stronger?

Thank you very much!
Mr. X

Just got back from Sitka. 

The weather and swell forecast changed dramatically on a daily basis, nothing was predictable more than a day out.  In a 4-day span we got the variety pack of rain, wind, extreme wind, freezing cold wind, sunshine, blue skies and more wind.  Sometimes a short move to different spots resulted in a different climate, sunshine to wind and rain.

Water temp was upper 40’s and the swell was up on day one of the trip, mixed up 7-9’ and reverb off the islands had things messy in exposed areas. We got offshore the second day when the wind laid down, swell was still present but spaced out a bit. Our skipper was super dialed on tides, current, wind and swell.  We waited on windows where everything aligned to fish and travel in certain areas.  It humbling when you realize how easy we have it here.

I’ve been to SE AK twice now, once this month and last year in September, both trips had some pretty wild weather variation.  I don’t know what it’s like in June but I’d imagine it’s got the same range of beautiful to frozen hell on earth.  I’ve also fished SCI down in SoCal where you got caught last time, it gets nasty between the gaps and on the windward side of the island…..and Monterey has its moments in winter time…..but  I don’t think they’re comparable to AK.  The cold and volatile weather are something else.  If you’re intent on going through with it, I’d highly suggest you invest in cold water survival gear, commercial grade equipment.  And get really good at reading weather reports, plan out your route so you have a plan b to duck out of the weather if you need to.

The fishing……lings, salmon, rockfish, halibut and other cool stuff.  The biggest challenge is gonna be the regulation book for every area you’re going to be traveling through; knowing what fish you can retain and size limits are crucial…..it’s not as easy as it is here. And don’t forget to buy licenses for each zone you’re in.

And I concur on that cracked hull….you’re equipment is your lifeline, why risk it with a compromised hull?  At a minimum I’d contact hobie to see what they’d be able to help out with. 

You can get weather updates on Garmin InReach I think

I would start with Mustang Survival.  Personally, I’d contact the company to let them know what I’m up to, specifically that you’re sailing a kayak to 700 miles to Alaska and potentially being exposed to cold air and being wet for extended periods, then see what suit and layering options they’d recommend.

As far as fishing regs. I have called my local fish and game officer for any regulation questions. Most times I leave a detailed message and he will return my call with answers. So, guessing u will have to call a few different state fish and game officers to get information on the different areas you will be crossing. Good luck on your information gathering and good luck on your travels.

I’m going to be on the west side of Vancouver island mid July. I’ve been reading the regs on the site linked below. They are very detailed. I’d recommend getting started ASAP on checking the maps and zone regulations for your travel route. I would share my notes with you, but I won’t be spending any time on the inside passage once leaving Port Hardy and heading out Quatsino sound.

I’ve also been collecting gear, if you want any details on what I’m bringing shoot me a PM and I’ll share we’re I’m sourcing the various items needed for Halibut, Salmon, rockfish, and crab

https://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/index-eng.html

Great video on welding plastic.

Its great, thank you!
Looks I don't have hot air blower, but i bought the welder from amazon, i will start to repair at this weekend.
Hope it good quality:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=K1CAdLAYQ7c&pp=ygUcaG93IHRvIHJlcGFpciBhIGtheWFrIGNyYWNrIA%3D%3D

Thank you to recommended the gator too, i will prepare some just in case

Thx
X

Good luck