Fishing kayak

[EGbassing]

I've been trying to fish out of the paddle kayak I have recently, but it's really difficult because I have to try to put my fishing rod somewhere while I'm paddling, and then put the paddle somewhere while I'm fishing. Are there any oar/rod holders I could add to it, or should I just get a nice fishing kayak?

[PECo]

You sound like you’re trying to justify buying a new kayak. ?

 

I’ve owned eight or nine kayaks, all of which I’ve used for fishing. The one I’ve kept and used the most is a Hurricane Santee 116 Sport, which is a sit-inside kayak. When paddling, I put my rod in my lap with the tip forward. When fishing, I rest my paddle across my lap on the coaming. It has never been a problem for me.

 

[TimberTodd]

I just lay the paddle across my knees as Im fishing also.

[Darren.]

You can buy bungie straps that you can lash to the sides,

will require drilling to your yak, as would just about any

type of strap. I'm only listing from Austin Kayak because 

they have a large selection. Amazon, eBay, Dick's, BPS,

etc., all have things like these (some).

 

The strap: https://www.austinkayak.com/products/196/Kayak-Paddle-Keeper-Kit.html

 

Things like this: https://www.austinkayak.com/products/1180/Yak-Gear-Deck-Mount-Paddle-Holder.html

which is a Taco paddle holder.

 

And these: https://www.austinkayak.com/products/13671/Native-Cam-Lok-Paddle-Holders.html

 

More here: https://www.austinkayak.com/products/196/Kayak-Paddle-Keeper-Kit.html

 

Yak Gear, YakAttack, and a number of other brands all have 

paddle keeper products.

[EGbassing]

30 minutes ago, TimberTodd said:

I just lay the paddle across my knees as Im fishing also.

Ever had any issues with it while fighting/landing bass?

[flyfisher]

Add me to the lay the paddle across your lap group as well.  it has never gotten in the way for me as it is far enough back towards your waist to not be in the way.  I even grab it and make paddle strokes with one hand as needed while fighting fish.  It just takes some time to get used to how you are going to do it.  

[EGbassing]

11 hours ago, PECo said:

You sound like you’re trying to justify buying a new kayak. ?

 

I’ve owned eight or nine kayaks, all of which I’ve used for fishing. The one I’ve kept and used the most is a Hurricane Santee 116 Sport, which is a sit-inside kayak. When paddling, I put my rod in my lap with the tip forward. When fishing, I rest my paddle across my lap on the coaming. It has never been a problem for me.

 

Thanks. I'll be trying it out for the first time tomorrow. By the way, that's a nice pike in the picture. 

[bassguytom]

Like Darren said. Get a paddle keeper. Works like s charm. Also put a rod holder or use a milk crate with PVC pipes attached to be used as rod holders. Lot of options for you. 

[IgotWood]

If you're already in a kayak, I'd spend a small amount of money to make a few modifications to it, ie; rod holder, and maybe a paddle holder, etc. Use it for the season, or at least for a few trips. Get used to what you have. By the end of the season, you will know exactly what you're looking for in a kayak which will help you make a selection for a new fishing kayak. Darren made some great suggestions.

 

I keep my paddle in my lap while fishing, landing fish, etc. I even lay my rod in between my legs while paddling around. Like I said, fish out of what you have for while, and you will figure out what you'd LIKE to have in a future kayak. Check out the Kayak Bass Fishing group on Facebook. There are tons of threads on kayaks, mods, and plenty of people to get good advice from.

[kjfishman]

I do as the others but I have added a leash to the paddle.  You don't want you paddle floating off hard to paddle with your hands.   Some of things you might want to add are an anchor trolley, rod holders and a fish finder.  As mentioned before there are tons of information on setting up kayaks for fishing on the internet.

[Choporoz]

Paddle lays across my lap - never had any issues.  I have rod holders, but I generally end up with all four rods between my legs, pointed out the front. 

I wouldn't want my paddle lashed to the side - I make small adjustments from the lap-position all the time, frequently while fighting fish.  I bought leashes when I first got the kayak years ago, but hated them and haven't used them but the first 2 or 3 times out.  I do have a hand paddle in my crate as an emergency back-up, but I've never needed it....peace of mind, I guess.

[J Francho]

I have three rod holders up front, and five in the back.  My paddle is an ergo/bent shaft, so even if the wind is blowing, it rests naturally in my lap.  I also have a bungee rig up front where I can quickly stick my paddle when fishing, but grab it easily while standing to make an adjustment.

[NYWayfarer]

1 hour ago, Choporoz said:

I do have a hand paddle in my crate as an emergency back-up, but I've never needed it....peace of mind, I guess.

Is it this thing? http://www.backwaterpaddles.com/hand_paddles.htm  I have been thinking about getting one.

 

Paddle in my lap while fishing. I have made one handed paddling adjusments to my position using the forearm of my rod holding arm as leverage. Rod is in its holder or between my legs while paddling.

 

NO issues yet losing my paddle but I did purchase a set of paddle and rod leashes after losing a combo overboard when grabbing for my paddle.

[J Francho]

2 minutes ago, NYWayfarer said:

Is it this thing?

I had a wooden prototype for review many years ago.  I did not find as useful as I thought I would.  It did work, though.

[Choporoz]

8 minutes ago, NYWayfarer said:

Is it this thing? http://www.backwaterpaddles.com/hand_paddles.htm  I have been thinking about getting one.

 

Yes.  That's the one.  Haven't used it, but takes up almost no room and it does give me peace of mind.

[Hook2Jaw]

Buy a Hobie and never paddle again!  Just messing.  I never break out the big paddle on the PA14, but I do have one of those hand paddles to make tiny adjustments or to back out of a tight spot.  It sirs on the deck of the kayak.

 

If I were you, I'd get a hole saw and some PVC, heat it up with a heat gun and shove a beer bottle into it to widen it out.  That's what I did for my old Wal-Mart kayak.  Shove that pvc into the hole you made and you've got some solid rear rod holders for trolling, as well as taking more setups with you onto the water.  If you've got a rear tankwell, get a crate and attach PVC to that.  Mine has 9 rod holders on it and holds 6 3700 plano boxes.

 

As far as paddle holding goes, I always liked the taco style paddle clips and had two mounted on my old sit-inside close enough together to still be able to clip into for longer periods or to outright just sit on top of for short periods of time.  Unless I directly knocked the paddle off, it wasn't going anywhere.  Alternatively :

 

https://www.yakattack.us/YakAttack_Paddle_Holder_p/grp-1001.htm?fullSite=1

 

Lots of people swear by these guys.

 

[MassYak85]

On 5/20/2018 at 8:29 PM, TimberTodd said:

I just lay the paddle across my knees as Im fishing also.

x2. I have a bungie spot so I can store it on the side if I am anchored and want it out of the way for a while. But generally I keep it across my lap. It comes in handy when the wind or a fish takes you somewhere you don't want either yourself or the fish to go and you can awkwardly paddle with one arm with the rod in the other (I'll let you figure that one out lol). 

[EGbassing]

Well, I went out today with my kayak and it was just so difficult... It's a sit in kayak, so it's hard to move much in it, and casting definitely isn't easy. I loved the feeling of actually being out on the water instead of standing on the shore though.

[TimberTodd]

On 5/20/2018 at 6:00 PM, EGbassing said:

Ever had any issues with it while fighting/landing bass?

Nope. I have a paddle leash on it so if it was to become an issue I could lay it to the side or let it float beside the kayak. I like having it handy to mauever quickly if the need arises.

[The Kangler]

On 5/21/2018 at 2:21 PM, Hook2Jaw said:

Buy a Hobie and never paddle again!  Just messing.  I never break out the big paddle on the PA14, but I do have one of those hand paddles to make tiny adjustments or to back out of a tight spot.  It sirs on the deck of the kayak.

 

If I were you, I'd get a hole saw and some PVC, heat it up with a heat gun and shove a beer bottle into it to widen it out.  That's what I did for my old Wal-Mart kayak.  Shove that pvc into the hole you made and you've got some solid rear rod holders for trolling, as well as taking more setups with you onto the water.  If you've got a rear tankwell, get a crate and attach PVC to that.  Mine has 9 rod holders on it and holds 6 3700 plano boxes.

 

As far as paddle holding goes, I always liked the taco style paddle clips and had two mounted on my old sit-inside close enough together to still be able to clip into for longer periods or to outright just sit on top of for short periods of time.  Unless I directly knocked the paddle off, it wasn't going anywhere.  Alternatively :

 

https://www.yakattack.us/YakAttack_Paddle_Holder_p/grp-1001.htm?fullSite=1

 

Lots of people swear by these guys.

 

I have those Yakattack roto paddle holders.  They are a godsend. 

[the reel ess]

Most people use their lap for the paddle. About the only way I could see needing a paddle holder is if you had a pedal kayak.

 

They make rod holders as well. But a fishing kayak will make everything easier. Mine has 2 flush mount angled rod holders. I took a milk crate and zip tied a bunch or PVC pipes inside it for 5 additional holders. I put it in the rear well and use the bungee that came on the rear well to hold it in and down. I can take up to 7 rods without holding one. And the crate holds used baits and empty bottles, etc. until i get back home. I usually just put several bags of soft plastics behind my seat. It is a little awkward to reach all the way to the bottom of the crate from the seat.

[the reel ess]

On 5/21/2018 at 9:59 PM, EGbassing said:

Well, I went out today with my kayak and it was just so difficult... It's a sit in kayak, so it's hard to move much in it, and casting definitely isn't easy. I loved the feeling of actually being out on the water instead of standing on the shore though.

It sounds like you've decided you need a different kayak for fishing. If I may make a suggestion, don't go too cheap. I bought one for $500 that has served me well and i still use it. But I can see the need for a better quality one next time. I'd like a stadium seat and an all-around more stable kayak. I wouldn't dare stand in mine (Pescador 120-not the PRO). I tried to use one of those seats you take to FB games and even it sat too high to be stable. The Pescador mold is the old Wilderness Systems Tarpon mold. It will do the job, but technology has passed it by.

[Hook2Jaw]

Vibe makes good, affordable fishing kayaks and they're what I suggest to everyone on a budget.  Of course, budget is subjective.  Still, they're one of the better more affordable boats.

 

If you end up falling in love with Kayak fishing like myself and many others, go ahead and take the jump into a nice, comfortable boat with features and room for more.  It's not unheard of to drop 10k into a fishing kayak.

[kenmitch]

On 5/21/2018 at 6:59 PM, EGbassing said:

Well, I went out today with my kayak and it was just so difficult... It's a sit in kayak, so it's hard to move much in it, and casting definitely isn't easy. I loved the feeling of actually being out on the water instead of standing on the shore though.

I've been Kayak fishing for about 6-7 months now. I have a Slayer 10 and sit down 99% off the time. I can relate to the casting while sitting down as it's a new ballgame compared to standing. It's going to take some practice but once you get used to it there really isn't much difference as the rod and the lure pretty much to all the work in the end. I'm getting much better at it with practice. Depending on what combo I'm using and how my thumb is reacting I can pretty much plop my lure wherever I want. When I first started I'd just go into open water and practice casting as it was strange casting while sitting down. To this day I will still do some open water casting while peddling out to where I want to fish. Just remember that your so close to the water that it's possible to dip the tip of the rod and lure into the water when going for the super long casts....Baitcaster and tip/lure dipping can make a nasty backlash scenario.

[Riazuli]

I started kayak fishing with a sit in kayak and loved it.  It was great to be out on the water and having just started then, I was just happy to be out on the water - but I began to notice where things became difficult...managing rods, paddle, etc...they do have paddle clips (easy to use ones that clip on and don't require drilling, etc.: https://www.amazon.com/Cascade-Creek-YAKCLIP-Paddle-Holder/dp/B000TQB7VG/ref=sr_1_19_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1527459417&sr=8-19-spons&keywords=yak+gear+paddle+clip&psc=1&smid=A2SI41RLEE9XR9)

 

I started with one rod, then moved to 2...had to keep the second in my lap if I wanted to have easy access to it - or I could just fold it up and keep inside my front bungie straps...well, eventually I wanted to use more rods...and I wanted to be more comfortable and having more freedom and mobility for casting...and I wanted something more stable and secure for my added investments of rods and such...so, it only made sense for me to upgrade.  The main feature I was looking for was stability - and ability to stand up comfortably and fish while standing.  I also did not want to spend over 3k on a Hobie (although they look like great kayaks and are probably some of the best, if not the best on the market for kayak fishing, and I might look to get one one day when it seems feasible in terms of transportation, storage, etc...I drive a coupe vehicle (scion Tc), so a Hobie would be a bit tough to manage...and I don't want to burden my wife by using her suv.)

 

I ended up with a Feel Free Lure 11.5 - I am so happy with this kayak.  It really allows me to comfortably fish and enjoy my outings so much more than before.  I am grateful I was able to start out with something, but the difference between this stable sit on kayak is incredible compared to my old sit-in kayak, in terms of casting, mobility, room for gear instead of having stuff on me, between my legs, or stuffed around my legs and in the way...

 

I see this as in investment into something I love that helps me recharge for work and school, and keeps me in a better mood for my wife, family, and others.  The cost is completely justified when I think of it like that - and completely true for me.  The center console (feel free sonar pod) has a fish finder mounted to it now, with plans to upgrade to a pedal drive, and then a motor module in the future.