Video · Fishing & Trips
Shark Fishing from a Vibe Inflatable Kayak After Durability Tests
I try to destroy a Vibe inflatable kayak with durability tests, then take it shark fishing to see if it holds up with a big fish on.
What’s in this video
First I wanted to know how durable this Vibe inflatable really is. I’ve run it over with my truck, thrown it off my roof, and dragged it almost a block down my street and back. The fins wore down quite a bit and there was a hot spot, but it didn’t wear through. Still solid.
Then I rigged the Vibe Uptown with a milk crate and rods and went shark fishing with Red Dog, the guy who got me into it. He ran one of my old Bixpy J1 motors. The Uptown runs in really skinny water. Because it’s so light it drifts more, but the pedal drive keeps that manageable. We caught a few sea trout on light tackle while a dolphin kept the bait fish deep, and finally got a ladyfish for bait.
Then Red Dog hooked a big shark, maybe a 6 or 7 footer. It towed us around like a sleigh ride, and we traded off on the rod while I mostly just flipped my rudder to steer. We got him flipped over, got a good look, and let him go.
Key moments
- 0:00 Inflatable durability tests
- 4:18 Setting up for shark fishing
- 7:24 Baiting and light tackle
- 9:00 Hooking a monster shark
- 16:31 Shark release and wrap-up
Quick takeaways
- If you hook something big from a kayak, set your drag so a hard run doesn't pull you over.
- A light inflatable drifts more, and a pedal drive with a rudder makes it manageable.
- After being run over, thrown off a roof and dragged about a block, the Vibe hull did not wear through, though the fins showed wear.
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