Thoughts a using an anchor trolley system on a kayak, and which net to purchase.

[kayaking_kev]

I picked up a new kayak and would like to get this YakAttack Kayak LeverLoc HD Anchor Trolley, unless somebody knows of a better one.

But my worry is of course is about drilling into the side of my kayak where the inside of the hull is open. Thoughts? (Kayak = Old Town Topwater 106)

 

My 2nd question is about fishing nets for kayaks since I'm now going to sitting up a lot higher, I'm in need of a longer net and I would like to get one that's friendly to fish and treble hooks, but one that stores easily because I will rarely need to use it as I usually catch smaller fish that I can just flip up.

The net I'm considering is https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Ranger_Nets_Pro_Floating_Collapsible_Fish_Landing_Nets/descpage-RPFX.html

 

Let me know if you think that is a good net or if you would recommend something different. Thanks!

[MN Fisher]

1 minute ago, kayaking_kev said:

I picked up a new kayak and would like to get this YakAttack Kayak LeverLoc HD Anchor Trolley, unless somebody knows of a better one.

But my worry is of course is about drilling into the side of my kayak where the inside of the hull is open. Thoughts? (Kayak = Old Town Topwater 106)

I installed that exact one on the canoe and it was wonderful. I could position the anchor so that no matter which way the wind was blowing, the canoe faced the direction I wanted it to.

 

Drilling holes isn't a problem as the screws seal the hole well enough to prevent leakage.

 

[casts_by_fly]

I probably wouldn’t use that net.  You don’t need a 4’ handle.  Consider that you won’t need a net- until you do. And when you need it, you really need it. So once I’m on the water I extend my net and have it ready for use. You’re not going to extend it while fighting a fish. In that case, you need something that is manageable and a 4’ handle plus hoop isn’t going to be. 
 

also, a wide mesh rubber net is the cats meow. I have a super collapsible fine mesh nylon net that was my favorite for a long time for trout and carp.  Single bass hooks are a pain but manageable. Trebles are a no go. I had to cut a couple out last year. The rubber net with a wide mesh is fantastic for not catching hooks (or if it does it comes loose easily).

 

for me, I went yak attack foldable with the bigger hoop (20” I think). I have a sportsman 120 and it works just enough in the rear tankwell. I sit to net fish (stand to fish) and always use my right hand for the net. My net sits with the handle next to the right side of the seat where I can grab it. My net has the offset handle.  I don’t think that’s needed and I probably wouldn’t get that again. I’d rather have a straight handle and grab the net by the end. But the yak attack is a great net.

 

thanks

rick

[schplurg]

I bought pulleys and cleats on Amazon and made my own for my Ride 115. Metal ring at Home Depot, paracord. Probably easier to buy one but DIY is an option.

 

I find it a very good thing to have, especially for a paddle ya.

[kayaking_kev]

3 hours ago, casts_by_fly said:

I probably wouldn’t use that net.  You don’t need a 4’ handle.  

 

Yes, I'm not real sure how long of a net I really needed, and yes I thought I would've be able to flip it open somehow when as I'm getting ready to net a fish.

 

About how long of a handle do most people need to net a fish from a high sitting seat in a yak?

 

I considered the YakAttack Leverage Landing Net, but I'm worried about spending that much for one that doesn't float.

https://www.fishingonline.com/collections/kayak-accessories/products/yakattack-leverage-landing-net?variant=4817955913761

 

If I'm not going to have it collapsed while on the kayak, then I might just do what I was originally going to do and that was buy the net Greg Blanchard uses and add 2 ft. of PVC pipe to it.

 

[kayaking_kev]

4 hours ago, MN Fisher said:

I installed that exact one on the canoe and it was wonderful. I could position the anchor so that no matter which way the wind was blowing, the canoe faced the direction I wanted it to.

 

Drilling holes isn't a problem as the screws seal the hole well enough to prevent leakage.

 

 

Do you know if there's a big advantage between this kit over the YakGear Deluxe Anchor Trolley Kit? Or if I could at least change the color of the rope, the orange and black doesn't sit well with me. 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0097N2HNY/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_1?smid=A1CUI4TPR7GFPF&psc=1

[MN Fisher]

3 minutes ago, kayaking_kev said:

Do you know if there's a big advantage between this kit over the YakGear Deluxe Anchor Trolley Kit? Or if I could at least change the color of the rope, the orange and black doesn't sit well with me. 

I looked over both at a local place and went with the YA Leverloc as it was easier to lock it down. The YG you have to wind the line around the cleat to 'anchor' it in place...and (according to the guy I talked with) it still sometimes slips.

 

Far as the color - pick something...the 'rope' is just standard Paracord...but I don't remember if it's 425 or 550

[kayaking_kev]

1 hour ago, MN Fisher said:

I looked over both at a local place and went with the YA Leverloc as it was easier to lock it down. The YG you have to wind the line around the cleat to 'anchor' it in place...and (according to the guy I talked with) it still sometimes slips.

 

Far as the color - pick something...the 'rope' is just standard Paracord...but I don't remember if it's 425 or 550

Got ya, I'll go with the LeverLoc then, thanks.

[casts_by_fly]

2 hours ago, kayaking_kev said:

 

Yes, I'm not real sure how long of a net I really needed, and yes I thought I would've be able to flip it open somehow when as I'm getting ready to net a fish.

 

About how long of a handle do most people need to net a fish from a high sitting seat in a yak?

 

I considered the YakAttack Leverage Landing Net, but I'm worried about spending that much for one that doesn't float.

https://www.fishingonline.com/collections/kayak-accessories/products/yakattack-leverage-landing-net?variant=4817955913761

 

If I'm not going to have it collapsed while on the kayak, then I might just do what I was originally going to do and that was buy the net Greg Blanchard uses and add 2 ft. of PVC pipe to it.

 

if floating bothers you (it doesn’t me) then you can add a piece of pool noodle, use a retractor, or pick another net. The Ego nets were the other I considered. The s1 genesis large rubber with the 31” handle would be a good net. You have to unscrew the bag to compact it down but that’s a good length and size, plus it floats. The ego s2 I think has a similar one but retracting handle also. 

 

 

[kayaking_kev]

1 hour ago, casts_by_fly said:

if floating bothers you (it doesn’t me) then you can add a piece of pool noodle, use a retractor, or pick another net. The Ego nets were the other I considered. The s1 genesis large rubber with the 31” handle would be a good net. You have to unscrew the bag to compact it down but that’s a good length and size, plus it floats. The ego s2 I think has a similar one but retracting handle also. 

 

 

The Ego's are a little more than I want to pay, but what do you think about this net, the handle retracts from 35 to 56". It was one of the first ones I looked at and it has nice big rubber netting that should move through the water easier.

 

https://www.amazon.com/Wakeman-Fishing-Retractable-Rubber-Landing/dp/B01F3L668K/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8&th=1

[Koz]

If I had a paddle kayak I would think that a good anchor trolley system would be crucial. One of the primary reasons I bought a pedal drive instead of paddle was the ability to jog and pivot my kayak while fishing instead of constantly having to stop fishing to position the boat.

 

As for the net, I bought one (see link below) and it works just fine, but I stopped using it after a few outings, It was just another thing taking up space on my kayak, and space is at a premium. 

 

https://www.amazon.com/ForEverlast-Inc-Generation-Floating-Non-Snag/dp/B005OJQSQ2?th=1

[kayaking_kev]

19 minutes ago, Koz said:

If I had a paddle kayak I would think that a good anchor trolley system would be crucial. One of the primary reasons I bought a pedal drive instead of paddle was the ability to jog and pivot my kayak while fishing instead of constantly having to stop fishing to position the boat.

 

As for the net, I bought one (see link below) and it works just fine, but I stopped using it after a few outings, It was just another thing taking up space on my kayak, and space is at a premium. 

 

https://www.amazon.com/ForEverlast-Inc-Generation-Floating-Non-Snag/dp/B005OJQSQ2?th=1

I bought a Native Slayer PDL first, but I couldn't use the pedals very good due to a weak leg from brain surgery. I tried out a friends first, but apparently not long enough. I got tired of waiting for the Sportsman 106 MK to come in stock for over a year and ended up finding the topwater on sale locally. So, I'll still be paddling for awhile.

 

That's the net I mentioned earlier about modifying to make it longer.

[casts_by_fly]

9 hours ago, kayaking_kev said:

The Ego's are a little more than I want to pay, but what do you think about this net, the handle retracts from 35 to 56". It was one of the first ones I looked at and it has nice big rubber netting that should move through the water easier.

 

https://www.amazon.com/Wakeman-Fishing-Retractable-Rubber-Landing/dp/B01F3L668K/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8&th=1

 

the bag and hoop size looks fine.  That's still a long handle and overall long net.  That's basically 5' total length.  You're in a 106 kayak.  If you're standing it up in a crate or in rear facing rod holders then maybe its not an issue.  If you lay it down the hoop will be at the rudder and the handle will be past the backrest on your seat.  My Yakattack is 47" overall extended length and I'm in a 120.  The grip end sits right at the backrest of my seat (I found a clever use of a spare rod holder) and the hoop almost touches the end of the rear tank well.  I can try to remember a picture later today when I'm out.

 

rick

[Bankc]

Anytime you drill a hole in your kayak to install something new, put a dab of Marine Goop in there.  Most of the time, it's not necessary, as most of the methods of installing things are self-sealing.  But it never hurts to add a little extra insurance, and the Goop is easy enough to remove, should you ever change your mind.  

 

As for trolley anchors, buy whichever one you like.  I bought the cheapest one I could find, and it's never been anything but a joy to use.  They're simple designs.  

 

I can't help you with nets.  I don't use them.  Space is very limited in a kayak and a net would just slow me down.  So there's no real upside for me.  I either flip the fish into the boat, or pull them up along side to either lip them or grab them by the belly, depending on the hook situation.  Sometimes I'll even grab them by the back, just be sure to slide you hand slightly down their back as you do it (push that dorsal fin down), and don't lift their head up so you don't get stuck by a dorsal spine.  Landing a fish with your hands isn't hard after you've done it a dozen times or so.  

[flyfisher]

I have had the yak attack trolley since it came out and have had zero issues.  As far as it being watertight, the screws will generally self seal and it should be well above the water line anyways.  Also you didn't mention if you are on lakes or moving water but on moving water you have to be much more careful when anchoring.  You do not want an anchor anywhere but directly off the bow or stern or things can get squirrelly real quick.  

[Bluebasser86]

Have the pulley system and did the net extension like Greg Blanchard shows in that video, very happy with both and both were easy to install/do. 

[casts_by_fly]

18 hours ago, kayaking_kev said:

The Ego's are a little more than I want to pay, but what do you think about this net, the handle retracts from 35 to 56". It was one of the first ones I looked at and it has nice big rubber netting that should move through the water easier.

 

https://www.amazon.com/Wakeman-Fishing-Retractable-Rubber-Landing/dp/B01F3L668K/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8&th=1

here’s the picture I promised. 18” less tankwell and 8” more handle would add up to too much for me.

 

 

[kayaking_kev]

14 hours ago, Bluebasser86 said:

Have the pulley system and did the net extension like Greg Blanchard shows in that video, very happy with both and both were easy to install/do. 

That's the route I'm going to take.

8 hours ago, casts_by_fly said:

here’s the picture I promised. 18” less tankwell and 8” more handle would add up to too much for me.

 

 

Thanks for that, it does help to see it.