Aqua-Bound Manta Ray Carbon Review

For several years I have been trying to find the perfect paddle for myself.  I have tried many different ones, some were very nice and some were not so nice, but I couldn't find the right one for me. My days on the water were averaging between 8 and 12 miles. My arms and hands were hurting at times, and sometimes I would also develop blisters. I was really getting frustrated. In mid 2012, I decided to try the Aqua Bound Manta Ray Carbon. It felt really good in my hands from the moment that I picked it up. I took it out for a test paddle, and boy was I impressed.  The paddle felt very light and well balanced.  I also liked the fact that it has large blades to make paddling easier. The paddle that I got also came with the Posi-lok system. This system makes breaking down the paddle easy and smooth with just the push of two rust proof buttons. The paddle only weighs 29.5 oz. and comes in sizes from 210cm to 250cm.  

I really put this paddle to a test in March 2013. I headed down to Everglades City, Fl. for the Adventure World Championship fishing tournament. This tournament was going to consist of a minimum of 10 miles paddling against the elements of wind, tides, and current. My first day down there consisted of an average of 14 miles total. My hands and arms felt really good. The second day consisted of 9 hours on the water and 18 miles with ripping currents and winds between 20-30 mph. These were some of the worse paddling conditions that I had ever faced. Normally my arms would be falling off after two grueling paddling days, but surprisingly my arms and hands were in good shape. I knew after this trip that I had found the paddle of my dreams.

The Manta Ray Carbon will fit just about any paddler. I love this paddle and recommend it to anybody. If for some reason this paddle is not for you, then check out the whole line of Aqua Bound paddles and I'm sure there is something for you. http://aquabound.com/kayak-paddles/touring/MantaRay-carbon

I'm glad I decided to stick it out!

Woke up Saturday morning at 5:30 a.m. and decided to make my 45 minute ride to the north side of the No Motor Zone in the Banana River. I knew the day wasn't going to be ideal, but I thought I would have a couple of hours of decent weather before it got bad. Well got to the launch and already had thunderstorm clouds overhead and winds were blowing 10-15mph already. Debated in the truck to abort, or to just try it. I decided to launch the Native Slayer 14.5 and fish a little cove that I know would protect me from the wind, and would offer up some snook. Got to the area I wanted to fish, and right away I started seeing Tarpon rolling. That was a plus!! Sure enough, I hooked up with 3 of them only to lose them as soon as they jumped. Oh well!! I started seeing alot of bait being busted up behind me and was looking to see what it could be. Tails!!!! They were popping up everywhere. This little cove has never produced reds for me. I only target this place for snook and tarpon. I turned the Slayer around, and third cast I was hooked up. Decent size mid slot red to the boat on a Slayer Inc. SST in ghost color. For the next 2 hours I only moved the kayak about 20 yards and went on to catch a few more nice reds and a little snook. I used Slayer Inc. SST in "ghost" and "chicken off the chain".  It was a great morning and I'm glad I didn't bail!! Next two weekends will be very busy for me. Next weekend I will be up in Jacksonville fishing the IFA, and then the following weekend I will be back up in Jacksonville fishing the Jacksonville Classic.