Xmas Present Request Issues

[dgkasper58]

So I am literally the guy that just buys what he wants when he needs it (aren't we all).  This past year I bought a sportsman 120 pdl and tricked it out to my liking so far. But when everybody keeps asking me what I want for Xmas I come up blank.

 

What's next that could I add to the yak to make it better/more functional.

 

I am debating:

Some kind of anchor trolley (I want 0 holes)

Marine lights (this has kept me off the water at night) Red/Green or just Visipole

Pedals

 

Or any other ideas?

 

 

 

[king fisher]

Maybe livescope sonar?  Have you been good?  I have been asking Santa for a bass boat for Christmas for the past 40 years and always get a new sweater instead.  Better than a lump of coal, but I am starting to doubt the existence of Sant Clause.  

[MN Fisher]

10 minutes ago, dgkasper58 said:

Some kind of anchor trolley (I want 0 holes)

If you don't want holes - then epoxy is the only way to go...and removing that is a pain-in-the-rumpus if you do decide to get rid of it. Sealing holes in polyethylene is relatively easy.

When I put an anchor trolley on the old canoe - I just drilled the holes.

[Jmilburn76]

Yak gadget has a nice pole style anchor system. Don’t go with red/green Navi lights unless you have an electric trolling motor. I’d say without a doubt pedals would be my #1. 

[dgkasper58]

34 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

If you don't want holes - then epoxy is the only way to go...and removing that is a pain-in-the-rumpus if you do decide to get rid of it. Sealing holes in polyethylene is relatively easy.

When I put an anchor trolley on the old canoe - I just drilled the holes.

I have seen a few utilizing the track system and carabiners in front/back that didn't look too bad but I have no experience with them.  Currently using the ol' retractable dog leash w/weight.

[MN Fisher]

8 minutes ago, dgkasper58 said:

I have seen a few utilizing the track system and carabiners in front/back that didn't look too bad but I have no experience with them.  Currently using the ol' retractable dog leash w/weight.

This one is the Yak Attack LeverLoc...pulleys fore and aft, a couple line guides along the length.

[Bankc]

If you want 0 holes in your kayak, then get a plastic soldering kit.  I recommend a 15-30 watt soldering iron with a flat tip.  Though they make higher wattage ones especially for plastic, but I'd be afraid of them generating too much heat.  That's the good thing about the low wattage ones, is they melt plastic slowly, so you have more control.  That way, you can drill your kayak full of holes, and then easily plug them back up again.  

 

But yeah, and anchor trolley is essential if you ever fish in the wind or current.  I have two, on one each side of my kayak, because if I'm going to anchor my kayak, then it needs to be pointed at the correct spot.  Otherwise, there's no use in anchoring.  

 

Check your state regulations for lights before making a light decision.  Each state is different.  My state just requires a solid white all around light pole or even a handheld light within reach.  Red and green lights aren't required unless your vessel is capable of speeds over 7mph, which even with a trolling motor, mine is not.  

[J Francho]

USCG would poopoo the colored nav lights. It's a dumb idea anyway since other larger boats will see you as a power boat underway. Ask for a Visi-pole. They're great. 

[TnRiver46]

1 hour ago, dgkasper58 said:

(aren't we all).  

 

 

 

Not quite, haha. 
 

new life jacket? Black lights/fluorescent line for night fishing? Kayak cart if you don’t already? Could always use more tackle 

[dgkasper58]

1 hour ago, J Francho said:

USCG would poopoo the colored nav lights. It's a dumb idea anyway since other larger boats will see you as a power boat underway. Ask for a Visi-pole. They're great. 

Does it light up enough to provide your cockpit area some light?  

 

I am just not sure I would be comfortable @ night especially when it is just so much easier to just take the boat out.

 

Definitely would want to do the visipole first 

[J Francho]

1 hour ago, dgkasper58 said:

Does it light up enough to provide your cockpit area some light?

It could, but mine is in the back, and it might be distracting if it was in front of me.  A headlamp works better for me.

[Darth-Baiter]

4 hours ago, dgkasper58 said:

So I am literally the guy that just buys what he wants when he needs it (aren't we all).  This past year I bought a sportsman 120 pdl and tricked it out to my liking so far. But when everybody keeps asking me what I want for Xmas I come up blank.

 

What's next that could I add to the yak to make it better/more functional.

 

I am debating:

Some kind of anchor trolley (I want 0 holes)

Marine lights (this has kept me off the water at night) Red/Green or just Visipole

Pedals

 

Or any other ideas?

 

 

 

Guardian Angel kayak navigation light kit?  $160ish.   I’m in CA. I just wait till the sun comes up. 

Cal coast Donkey leash.   Game changer on my kayak. 

[flyfisher]

Visipole is nice if you think you need it, I use mine in a few places but not all the time.  

Drilling a hole in the kayak is no big deal and screw holes can be easily repaird as can larger holes too.  Yak Attack leverlock is a great anchor trolley and i would definitley recommend.  If you are anchoring in current more often than not, don't bother with the anchor trolley and get a chute from anchor wizar and mount it directly off the bow, you'll save yourself a lot of potential issues.

Pedals would be a nice addition but if you already have the motor then why bother with pedals.

Fish finder with side imaging would be high on my list if you fish lakes often.

[J Francho]

1 hour ago, flyfisher said:

Visipole is nice if you think you need it, I use mine in a few places but not all the time.

Mine goes on every trip, just for the flag.  I feel it helps with visibility in the daytime.

[flyfisher]

21 minutes ago, J Francho said:

Mine goes on every trip, just for the flag.  I feel it helps with visibility in the daytime.

I fish a lot of electric only lakes so I don't feel the need.  I specifically bought it for one place I frequent that is a swampy type river and people hunt there and with the brush on the bank combined with the lower height of the river, in some places the only thing that is sticking out is that flag.  I've also run into a few hunters out there who weren't real happy with me being out there so I want to make sure they can see me.

[Darth-Baiter]

If the gift is “mega” I would go for a high end bending branches paddle.  
 

I got no shot. 

[WRB]

Trip to Lake Baccarat would be a nice gift?

Tom

[MN Fisher]

27 minutes ago, WRB said:

Trip to Lake Baccarat would be a nice gift?

Tom

I'd settle for a PCA to watch the wife so I can get out on the local lakes more often.

[dgkasper58]

Ha! You guys have been great! I may have to splurge and get an anchor wizard and trolley system now... Will probably go with the rear mount adapter kit from navarre and add a trolley system.

[Koz]

On 11/22/2022 at 12:21 PM, dgkasper58 said:

Does it light up enough to provide your cockpit area some light?  

 

 

I have a VisiPole that I put in one of the rod holder spots in the crate just behind my seat. It casts a soft light over my cockpit area that isn't too intrusive. But if I change baits or unbutton a fish I turn on my head lamp.

 

What puts off the most light - and causes glare and night focus issues at times - is my 7" Humminbird unit that sits just to my left. I have yet to find a color palette and brightness setting that allows my old, bespectacled eyes to clearly read the display and not cause focus issues in the pitch black darkness.