Rigging my kayak for fishing! Pretty much done!!!

[Allatoona GLOCKer]

My wife and I bought a small cabin on a local lake last summer and I bought myself a pretty basic kayak to enjoy.  Recently, I decided to get into fishing; why not combine the two?!

I'm starting with a pretty basic kayak; a Lifetime Zenith.

 

I bought some j-hooks with rivets and I'm thinking that I'll mount my milk crate kayak bag just in front of the cockpit.  I should be able to strap it onto the deck with the gear pouches facing me.  I've got stretchable lanyards on all my gear in those pockets so I'll be able to access them and use them without fear of giving them to the lake.

 

I've got two of these fishing rod holders that I'll mount on either side of the kayak behind the cockpit.

 

Some other things I've got for my kayak include:

• Pad eyes to clip a rod leash to
• Mesh sack that rivets to the inside of the cockpit for a little storage
• waterproof cell phone bag
• paddle holder to rivet onto the kayak
• life jacket
• anchor

 

At this point I have a small anchor that I found in a storage closet outside my cabin.  I need a suitable rope for it still and I'm thinking of eventually adding a trolley system to the kayak.  I'll also be picking up a simple, cheap cup holder to clip onto the lip of the cockpit for water bottles.

 

Is a trolley system all that necessary? 

Do you do trolley systems on both sides?

Do you guys have any recommendations or advice to offer?

 

Thank you for any help or suggestions!

[Allen Der]

You're going to mount a crate on the front of the kayak?  I don't see how that could possibly work.  I would go out a few times with just the flush mount rod holders.  You don't need that much tackle especially in a boat that size.  Just bring a Plano tray or two and some plastics.  

[Allatoona GLOCKer]

3 hours ago, Allen Der said:

You're going to mount a crate on the front of the kayak?  I don't see how that could possibly work.  I would go out a few times with just the flush mount rod holders.  You don't need that much tackle especially in a boat that size.  Just bring a Plano tray or two and some plastics.  

darn.  Alright. Too tall up front?  The milk crate bag is insulated so I was thinking it'd be nice to have a couple of waters in it.

[gnappi]

In a small vessel with minimal space, think minimalist... small and lightweight.

 

A soft insulated kid's lunch box will serve for water, a  pfd / vest will hold tackle. Consider going with one rod because a second would be in the way casting and landing fish. Spending a bit of time on it to flesh out what you need before jumping into accessorizing it is a sensible tack.

 

 

 

 

 

[Choporoz]

You're way out front...not sure you need our help yet.  You have more ideas and imagination about how to rig than I did after 3 years of kayak fishing.   Do a little at a time and see how it works for you....change it, or add something else.  I fully expect you will be modding a different kayak before next year's spawn.

As to trolleys, a single trolley on one side or other should be sufficient. 

[Dan C]

I would paddle that kayak around for a few days and see how your back appreciates it, then sell that boat and get a real fishing kayak. I would start looking on the website www.Austinkayak.com at fishing kayaks and reviews. Find what you like the. Go test paddle that exact boat and so on till you find what you like. Your ideas are great but not ideal and well suited for a yak like that.

[GeekOutdoors]

I did modify a similar yak for my stepdaughter.

 

Flushmounts are your best option. Pad eyes arent a luxury and a Pro trick is to use a pad eye inside as a washer, 2 holes, 2 padeyes

I also added 3D printed tracks so she can use Scotty Rod holders. She can carry 2 rods and a net. 1 rod in a flushmount, 1 in the Holder or her hands and the net in the other flushmount. You might add a 3rd flushmount behind another one if you have space to do it. Dont invest too Much in it as it Will get you addicted and Will likely end up as a guest boat

 

[J Francho]

For that boat, two flush mount rod holder, perhaps a Scotty adjustable holder in front of the cockpit, two 3700 containers, basic tools and a scale, and that's about it.  I wouldn't bring more than two rods.

[Hawkeye21]

Take very little with you the first time out because you have no idea how it 's going to feel or handle.  Once you get a good feel for it you'll have a much better idea of how you want to rig it.

[kenmitch]

I'd suggest getting into it and paddling around with minimal gear to see if you truly enjoy kayak fishing or not. It's not something everyone will get into, but those who do will want a more suitable fishing kayak.

 

[IgotWood]

As said previously, get out in the boat a few times. Get comfortable in it. It will only take a few outings before you know what accessories you’d like to have, and where to put them. You can very quickly rack up a pricey bill on accessories, and turn your kayak into Swiss cheese drilling holes. Holes are never exactly watertight after you remove something, no matter what you do to seal them. Spend a little bit of time in it before spending more money and putting in the effort. 

[kjfishman]

As mentioned before a milk crate won't work in front of you. Instead of a milk crate I modified a soft sided tackle bag that I can secure behind the seat. Lately I don't bring it along and try to be more of a minimalist.  As for rod holders I have 2 removable adjustable rod holders mounted behind me and one in front. If you fish shore line with low over hanging trees rods stored in  flush mount holders can get hung up in the trees. Recently I add 2 flush mounts just for trolling.  Home made anchor trolley and stake out pole are helpful with $5 9 foot tomato stake with 3/4 pvc tee.  A basic fish finder with the transducer reading thru the hull behind the seat and you will have everything you need. There good kayak rigging sites on the internet and Facebook.

[CountryboyinDC]

Sit inside kayaks are tough, unless it's a Wilderness Commander, Native Ultimate, Jackson Kilroy, or something similar.  If you were going to fish out of it, the first thing I'd think amount is what to do with my paddle while I fish.  I see the crossed bungees up front, but if the work at all I'll bet you'll be looking for another way to rig it after your paddle falls in for the 100th time.

[Allatoona GLOCKer]

I appreciate the advice. I'll start minimalist and go from there.

 

Upgrading to a different kayak probably won't happen. I want to keep my marriage AND I'd like to get my hands on a bow rider this or next lake season. So I've got to make what I have work.  Last season I found it comfortable enough for tooling around in the coves near my cabin. 

 

I'll start with the flush mount rod holders, paddle holder, and the net-bag storage in the cockpit for now.

 

My plans have always been to start out with one rod and see if I could manage two from there.  In my line of work we're fond of the "two is one, one is none" idea when it comes to gear. That's why I'd like to eventually have two rods on board and why I was considering bringing that gear bag to have whatever lures and tools neccessary to get my rod back into action should I screw something up.  But I'll start minimal. 

[Allatoona GLOCKer]

Let me preface this post with this; I didn't just ignore the advice I was given about mounting my milk crate bag on the front of the kayak.  I took it under careful consideration, and after actually trying it out, I discovered it actually works for me!  I think it works because I'm 6'3".  It's not in the way; I can cast and paddle without issues and see over it nicely.  It puts my tools right where I need them!

 

Anyways,  I worked on my kayak and here is how it turned out:

 

Before:

 

After:

 

 

 

It's very comfortable!  Everything is mounted so it doesn't get in the way of any other function (the rods don't interfere with paddling, when stored, the paddle doesn't interfere with casting, etc.).  I backed almost all of the rivets with metal washers, so I'm hoping for some longevity there.  I have to say, I've only riveted one other thing in my life (a replacement exterior door handle on my 1998 Ford Explorer lake-house-hauler lovingly referred to as "The Turd"), and it's a royal PITA!!!  

I still need to install the mesh storage bag in the cockpit, and rig up an anchor trolley.  I'm also going to get a cheap cup holder for the cockpit too.

I really like this thing!!!!  And I'm all in for about $380 so far!!!

[CountryboyinDC]

That's the great thing about kayaks.  You don't have to spend a ton to get on the water.  Just a little warning, though - 'mission creep' with kayaks is pretty common.  A lot of people started the same way you did and now have more than that in a paddle.

[Allen Der]

You did ignore everyone's advice.  There's no good reason you need that huge bag on your bow.  If you're 6'3" you are probably over the weight capacity of the kayak with all the gear you are planning on bringing.  The bag could make the yak tippy with that extra weight up high on the bow where it's not designed to be

[Subaqua Adinterim]

2 hours ago, Allen Der said:

You did ignore everyone's advice.  There's no good reason you need that huge bag on your bow.  If you're 6'3" you are probably over the weight capacity of the kayak with all the gear you are planning on bringing.  The bag could make the yak tippy with that extra weight up high on the bow where it's not designed to be

LOL Yes, but love the enthusiasm of Allatoona GLocker.  I think we have all been there on something, maybe not just kayak fishing setups.  At one time, most of us have charged ahead, and ignored experienced advice in the process of figuring out what we really need and what will finally work best.

 

Allen Der - I thought the same about the stability issue created by the upfront elevated weight.  Another unintended consequence will be decreased aerodynamics, i.e., the bag will be like a small sail and catch any wind blowing, causing the kayak to be pushed around, making it harder to control.  Additionally, the bag may restrict the casting motion, and be yet another thing for a hook on your lure to catch on.  My experience is that a dangling hook will find something to snag into, usually at the worst possible time (not that there is ever a better time for this).

 

Allatoona GLocker, down the road you'll probably end up with a much different set up; in the meantime have fun figuring it out and best of luck fishing.

 

 

[Darren.]

Congrats on the new rig, but I'm left scratching my head as to 

the front. That's a lot in the way of fishing, especially with the

net in front of you, as well.

 

I think that'd get in the way of casting, fighting a fish that makes

a run across the bow, etc.

 

But try it since you're determined to do so  . Make sure you

wear a PFD 100% of the time.

[Allatoona GLOCKer]

11 hours ago, Darren. said:

Congrats on the new rig, but I'm left scratching my head as to 

the front. That's a lot in the way of fishing, especially with the

net in front of you, as well.

 

I think that'd get in the way of casting, fighting a fish that makes

a run across the bow, etc.

 

But try it since you're determined to do so  . Make sure you

wear a PFD 100% of the time.

The net will actually be riding in one of the two rod holders on future outings.

I found myself casting to my left side out of the kayak so the bag was not any trouble.  As for the PFD; always.  It's on me unless I beach the 'yak to get out and swim.  Same for my wife.

13 hours ago, Allen Der said:

You did ignore everyone's advice.  There's no good reason you need that huge bag on your bow.  If you're 6'3" you are probably over the weight capacity of the kayak with all the gear you are planning on bringing.  The bag could make the yak tippy with that extra weight up high on the bow where it's not designed to be

I'm pretty sure I didn't ignore the advice.  I'm pretty sure because I DIDN'T IGNORE THE ADVICE.  As I already mentioned, I CAREFULLY CONSIDERED IT.  It ended up sitting out front anyways after I looked at mounting it to the rear.  I had pretty much written off mounting it to the front until I fooled around with other ways of bring gear with me.  I discovered it isn't as big as it looks in the photos and is pretty manageable.  Hell, it's a KAYAK BAG.  Yes, it'd be better used with a sit-on kayak, I know.  And after trying it out, it actually works for me.  But thank you for your concern.