I'm A Fish'n Yaker & A Solution Is Needed To Help My Rods Float

[YaknCole23]

Any ideas on how to help rods float if they fall out of the yak?  I see the pool noodle idea just above the reel, but that seems so bulky. Anyone know of any products that are sold or ideas?

[00 mod]

http://lunaseasports.com/

Jeff

[Fun4Me]

You could leash the rods to the Yak, and eliminate any floating device.  

[A-Jay]

Besides the Floatation / Buoyancy type devices, there are a number of rod tether / leashes on the market that attach your equipment to the boat.  In the event it's dropped or knocked over the side one only needs to pull it back in.

 

Both  types have their pros & cons.  Admittedly it's a little different, but I fish from a canoe and do not use either.  I've never splashed one ~  At least one I couldn't recover . . . .

 

Knock Wood.

 

A-Jay

[(='_'=)]

i saw an add once that featured a small torpedo strapped to the rod.... when in contact with the water (at least 5 feet deep i believe), the torpedo would react and launch to the surface, with a string attached to it..... you would just retrieve it and pull your rod.....

[bstephenson1225]

Tackle warehouse offers rod butt floats. http://www.***.com/Rod_Care_Maintenance__Storage_/catpage-RCMS.html

I think these are priced high for what they are. I just use paracord attached to a carabiner on each end and keep my rods tethered to my yak that way. I usually have 4-5 rods on my yak at all times and the floats are just not cost effective IMO. Bass pro offers a similar product as well. I believe they come in a 3 pack. Something to think about.....your yak tips and you have rods floating away hat you have to try to chase down if you're in any type of current, if you have a fish its gonna drag that rod away with the float. Tether them and there's nothing to chase. just grab the tether and pull it back into the yak.

[Nick94]

For el cheapo, I just use heavy braid and tie it to the butt of the rod and the other end to somewhere convenient on the kayak, or a carabiner that i can clip onto parts of my kayak if it gets too annoying. Although recently I have been living life dangerously and haven't leashed at all! 

[Subaqua Adinterim]

Just get some of the foam insulation - the gray tube shaped hollow in the middle stuff they use to put around copper water pipes. Comes in 6 foot lengths. This works beautifully and is cheap. Cut the length you need (cuts with scissors or a bread knife)and you can tie wrap it or use a thin piece of wire to wrap it tight on the ends and put it around the rod above the reel or below the reel if you have a split grip pole.

One 6 foot length will be more than enough as you only need to use a foot or so to keep your rod & reel floating enough to retrieve it if you drop it in the water.

Best of luck to you in your kayak fishing.

[duckmaster1]

I have rod harness, clips onto your yak and if it goes over, you pull it up.

[RB 77]

I yak and have lost some gear before, it isnt pretty. The best solution is to teather your gear. You can also build kayak specific rod. Heavy on the foam grips.

[Bruce424]

Watch shaw grisby rods. The butt end has a yellow foam on it called "cush it". It floats he says.

[J Francho]

My Avids all float without any additional help. I guess the cork is enough. I avoid as much loose cordage in the kayak as possible. Tangles are a pain, and a safety hazard. Scotty and RAM both make locking rod holders. Yakattack has all the stuff you need to attach them.

[dave]

http://kayakjakpe.tripod.com/shopshack/overboard-rods.html

[J Francho]

Also, just curious - is this a solution to a *real* problem, or are you just worried? I don't leash my rods or anything for that matter, and I can't remember losing anything. I probably lose more out of the bass boat, lol.

[Master Bait'r]

You could leash the rods to the Yak, and eliminate any floating device.  

 

 

 

This.  Find a carabiner that can clip on somewhere.  It takes a little longer to get it out but at least they're safe! 

[Subaqua Adinterim]

Also, just curious - is this a solution to a *real* problem, or are you just worried? I don't leash my rods or anything for that matter, and I can't remember losing anything. I probably lose more out of the bass boat, lol.

John, when it comes to dropping or losing things out of a boat or kayak, it's better to be worried and prepared before something goes bad. More likely to happen in a kayak than a boat due to proximity to the water and tight quarters.  It's a case of everything is o.k. and then in a split second, it's not.  I know from personal experience, having dumped my WS tarpon several years ago after being hit by a wake from a boat pulling away from the launch - the wake hit me from the side as I was facing into some small waves.  Lost two rods with reels, which just a few inches of foam copper pipe insulation would have saved.  Since then, I use the foam insulation and it doesn't get in the way and if something happens, my set up will float.  Also, there are no leashes to get in the way of anything.  I recently dropped a pole over the side and was able to easily get it back as it was bobbing next to me in the water.

 

No matter how anyone wants to go about preserving their equipment, it's most important to actually be around to retrieve the equipment if the ultimate snafu happens and you tip over.  So the first order of business should be to wear a PFD, especially if you are in a kayak.

[J Francho]

None of the kayaks I've owned were what I call "flipable," save for the Coosa. That boat would overturn easy. Tarpons can go over too. My C140, Moken 12 and 13, Freedomhawk 12 UL, 12, and 14, Prowler Big Game, and Rides 135, 115 were boats I'd fall out of before they overturn, barring some unusual wave or current.

A PFD should just be worn automatically. Not something I did initially, but a rule I've adopted.

[Falltumn]

I just use a key lanyard that I got for free from college. Tie it off on the yak and then Clasp it on your hook seat on the rod.

[desmobob]

My Avids all float without any additional help. I guess the cork is enough. I avoid as much loose cordage in the kayak as possible. Tangles are a pain, and a safety hazard. Scotty and RAM both make locking rod holders. Yakattack has all the stuff you need to attach them.

 

 +1

 

I have a St.Criox rod with a full cork grip and it floats well with a Lew's Tournament Pro reel on it spooled with braid.  I think it's MUCH safer to use a floating rod than a tether.  If the stuff hits the fan, you don't want line and cord to get tangled in!  I have a fully-serrated Spyderco Pacific Salt knife clipped into a pocket of the paddling PFD I wear whenever I'm in the kayak.  Getting tangled in something on your own 'yak can turn a minor incident into a very serious situation....

 

Tight lines,

Bob

[J Francho]

I have an NRS "Green Knife." It's perfect for emergencies. Keep it clipped to your PFD.

[buzzed bait]

i too avoid anything that would tangle me up should that flip ever occur.  i'm also in a ride 135 which will dump me before it flips.  but should i ever get caught in an anchor line or something crazy, i also have a river knife always attached to the PFD.  

i'll lose a couple hundred bucks in gear before i lose my life....