The Flexiwing Delta Kite can be used to -
- Cast lines offshore as far as your reel capacity allows
- Troll for kahawai or kingfish
- Bottom fish for snapper and gurnard
- Mid-water troll for john dory
- Easily set one to ten hooks
Assembly
Upon removing the Flexiwing fishing kite from the bag you will find one semi-detached black carbon rod. This is the cross spar which holds the wings apart during flight.
DO NOT REMOVE THIS ROD FROM THE KITE
The cross spar is equipped with a wire hook at each end held in place by plastic end caps. To assemble the kite simply loop the rubber bands (threaded through eyelets on each of the Flexiwing Delta Kites' wings) over the wire hooks.
The rubber bands allow the kite to alter its wing span in various wind conditions. To maximise the kites pull in light to moderate winds thread both ends of the rubber band over the wire hooks.
Be sure to set both rubber bands the same. In strong winds, to allow the kite to spill wind, retain stability and provide manageable pull, thread one end of the rubber band through the other (like a cats paw) and attach only one end of the rubber band
over the wire hook.
The stronger the rubber bands are the more pull the kite will deliver. Your Flexiwing Delta Kite has been supplied with size 62 rubber bands.
You will note there are two eyelets on the keel of the kite. Depending on the strength of the wind and the amount of pull you require, these eyelets alter the angle the kite will fly at and therefore alter the amount of pull delivered. In most conditions
you will attach to the eyelet on the corner of the keel patch.
Your flying line (kiteline) is attached to the kite keel by using a high quality coastlock clips. (Swivels are not required or recommended)
Be sure the clip you use is strong and provides the ability to be securely locked closed. Clips vary in quality so be sure to select one of high standard and strength.
The small card in the Flexiwing Delta Kite package holds both the pre-tied dacron bridle and the drogue.
These must be used at all times when flying your Flexiwing Delta Kite. Unwind the bridle from the card.
This bridle is a length of dacron cord with a clip tied to each end and a loop tied in the centre of the cord.
Attach one clip to each end of the wing spars. Simply open the clip, thread it between the wing spar and the cord, and securely close the clip again.
Unwind the drogue cord from the card. This is a length of dacron cord with a clip at one end, a swivel, and a small wind sock at the other end. Attach the clip of the drogue to the pre-tied loop in the centre of the bridle.
The drogue hangs freely from the dacron bridle and provides stability for the kite during flight. Your kite is now ready to fly.
How to Make a Delta Kite Tack
There are many ways to make a delta kite tack off the wind. The easiest way is by creating drag on the side of the kite you wish it to fly to, the kite will tilt over and fly off the wind up to 45 - 50 degrees. The stronger the wind the more effective
the tack will be.
Drag can be created by -
- attaching a small section of plastic bag to the bottom of the wing spar
- connecting a small weight to the bottom of the wing spar
- a combination of the two above methods is very effective, or
- tying a 50 to 125 mm loop (4 - 5 inches) in the bridle
If you know other ways of how to make a delta kite tack, please send us an email and we will include it here.
Kite Safety
Should your kite fly erratically or loop during flight it is likely that either the two rubber bands are too weak for the wind conditions or you have over tacked the kite (attached too much drag).
Replace your rubber bands regularly. Be sure to have the same size and strength rubber band in each wing.
Floatation for the Flexiwing Delta Kite can reduce any chance of the kite being damaged should it enter the water through lack of wind or by over tacking the kite. An ideal solution is to use a long magicians balloon. (The type used for making animals
etc.)
Blow the balloon up until there is about 2 inches spare at each end.
Tie the balloon directly to the cross spar at the back of the kite or from front to back under the kite.
This will assist in keeping the kite on the surface and often allows the kite to fly up from the water when you begin retrieving the line. A great article on flotation for fishing kites here.
Caution
- Always fly your kite well clear of swimmers, areas where the rescue helicopter operates, or where boats may be prevalent.
- The sand dropper rig is designed to be fished over clear sandy snag-free areas only.
- Aviation regulations prohibit the flying of kites above 400 feet or within five miles of any airport or aerodrome.
- Some areas of our seaways are used by amphibious aircraft or for Air Force exercises. If in any doubt phone your local Civil Aviation Department.
- Current New Zealand fishing regulations allow 9 snapper per person per day plus 20 other fish on the east coast. West coast fishers are permitted 10 snapper per person per day plus 20 other fish.
|
