I grew up near Claytor Lake. I remember my parents taking me to the dedication of the dam in 1939. For me it was never an easy lake to fish. It's only about 5k acres and the main body is mostly 40 to 80 feet deep. A bridge crosses the lake about the midpoint and above that it's not as deep but is becoming badly silted in. When I wanted to catch fish I went to Buggs Island (Kerr) Lake at Clarksville VA. Over 50k acres and much more fishable. Usually went in late march or early april and again in early october camping for a week. COE lake so no development on shore. We had waterfront (Longwood on Rt15) campsites and didn't have to do the boat ramp every day. Most fish caught on plastic worms and jigs. In your favor it's just west of I95. Bass, pickerel, striper, catfish. Haven't been there since '07. That was the end of 33 memorable years. Good luck!
Sea Eagle still has the 285. Check their website.
I mixed gas and oil most of my boating life and never had a problem. Just pay attention and be sure the mixture is right ratio. Not as convenient and a little messy sometimes but one less expensive part to worry about.
If you're going to keep the fish cut em off. If not leave em be.
I bought a Sea Eagle 285 this summer and think it's great. Very stable. I use a 35ah battery stored in a plastic ammo box. Installed a small voltmeter and momentary switch and a cupholder on the top. I don't use the oars. Instead I use my 250cm kayak paddle. Mounted a sonar to the motor mount. The Minn Kota that comes with it is enough but just barely. Made a rack for my Ranger bed to carry it as I keep it inflated most of the time. I'm 85 and my kayak is getting a little heavy but I can load the 285 on my truck easily.
I remember now. Jitterbug had the big scoop. Made by Arbogast.
Heddon crazy crawler. Jitterbug had a skirt.
I second the Vibe Yellowfin 100. Stable, comfortable seat, 57lbs. For $699 it's hard to beat. Owned one for 3 years. The Sea Eagle 285 inflatable is also good for small waters. I have one of those too. Wouldn't recomend either one for fast moving water.
Damp grass. Alive and clean.
I didn't realize there was water in the panhandle.
I bought a 285 recently and have only been out once. I like the lighter weight,ease of inflation and it fits the bed of my Ranger. I am a total loss trying to use oars. I use the 250cm paddle from my kayak. I looked at the sts10 also but decided it was more than I needed. Being 85 I am always looking at being able to handle things by myself. My kayak is 57lbs and gets heavier every year. Do you like to fish alone or with someone? That would seem to be a big factor.
Try trolling parallel to these steep banks and bluffs as close as you can get without constant hangups. Make several passes increasing the depth each pass. Change lures and/or add lead to get deeper.
Flyrodding is just another way to fish but it takes that sensation of having something on the other end of the line and amplifies it many times.
Thanks FixorFish. I just ordered mine this AM. Been using a kayak but just turning 85 I need a little more stability. Been fishing most of my life and just hate to give it up. It's good to hear from an owner. I've been caught between the gloss from Sea Eagle and the gripey reviews from people who probably don't take care of their equipment. I like the layout and there is plenty of casting room. About half of my fishing is with flyrod and I've learned to cast pretty good from a sitting position. Thanks again for your comments. Tight lines!