Rigging your yak

[tolle141]

Hi Everyone,

Thought I'd open this up for discussion. It's winter/project season and I've been thinking a lot about how to better rig a kayak. The main approach seems to be loading it with everything (5 rod holders, crate+4 more rod holders, fish finders, anchors, outriggers, down riggers, rudders, more rod holders) and packing every lure/rod you can fit. The result is something that weighs 300lbs, paddles like a dock, and has really limited casting angles. Basically you make your fishing platform worse.

Was thinking Pareto concept (20% of stuff that yields 80% of the results). What can't you live without? Where do your problems arise when you add stuff? What actually makes you a more effective angler?

Love to hear it.

[MN BassFisher]

I personally would love to have a ton of rods with me on an outting but to cut down on clutter and improved casting angles I attached a 3 rod holder to my milk crate which sits behind my seat. I'll sometimes bring a 4th rod if I plan on throwing a lot of different presentations. A nice paddle I think makes a difference (I like my fiberglass BB paddle) and make sure you buy/make a paddle leash. I would recommend an anchor, I believe mine is 2.5lbs and folds up pretty small. It's nice to have if you're fishing structure or if the wind really picks up - I installed an anchor cleat behind my seat for an easy place to tie off a bait bucket, anchor, rope, drag chain, stringer, etc. I installed an anchor trolley on mine for cheap but honestly, I never use it. Lastly, I think a fish finder is a must - you don't even need anything fancy just something to tell you depth, water temp, and some insight into structure.

[OnAFly]

paddle

rod (no more than 2)

small anchor (I have a 3.5lb)

life jacket

small cooler with a couple beers

forceps & clipper*

fly box*

(* means carried on your clothes)

That's all I carry.

[ted4887]

I'm pretty much the same as OnAFly, with the exception that I usually bring 2 big fly boxes that are way to big to fit into my shirt pocket. I also usually bring 2-3 fly rods/reels, with as many extra spools for sink lines.

[tolle141]

Thanks for the input.

Love the crate rod holder idea. How about camera mounting? I haven't committed to installing my fish finder in the actual hatch for it. I just strap it on top.

Also, how was install for the anchor? I've entertained the idea, but am holding off for the time being. In regards to anchor weight, what yaks are you paddling?

[ted4887]

I carry a 6lb or a 3.5lb depending on where I'm going. If I'm fishing some of the local rivers, I tend to anchor in a swifter current (highly recommend anchor trolley) and so I'll use my 6lb. If I'm fishing Mississippi backwaters or a lake, I bring the 3.5 lber.

I see your pictures is an Ocean Kayak. What model? If it's the Trident model, it might be worth looking at the mod pod. They will accept all of the scotty mounts, without hole drilling being needed. If that's the case, you can kind of swap out the needed accessories as you go on each trip.

[Slabasaurus]

I haven't rigged my yak up for the summer yet, but I have an anchor trolly for each side of the yak. I was only going to use one, but when MN Fish Hunter suggested one on either side, it actually made a lot of sense with how much river drifting I plan on doing.

From what I've seen of MN Bass Fisher's rig, it's pretty slick...

[tolle141]

I might have to go the 3.5 route.

I have the trident 13 w/ the mod pod. Love it to death. I do wish it came with the molded cup holder like the prowler trident 13 does though. I choose to leave off the accessories because I like the open space. Plus I spend so much time standing that if I lost my balance and dropped into the center I wouldn't have to worry about a scotty going where the sun doesn't shine.

Has anyone demo'd the scotty outriggers? I'm going to be spending a lot of time chasing muskies this year and the extra stability would be nice. Casting the mag dawgs standing up is like walking a tight rope....

[ted4887]

No, but I've been tempted to give them a try. At $300 though, that's a pretty steep price. I'm still hoping to get myself a small boat by the summer though. If I do, the kayak will likely get sold. I don't intend on dropping much money into accessories for it until I know if I'm going to be keeping it around.