Kayak rod leashes

[optimator]

My wife has wanted us to get kayaks for years. My first and only experience was less than stellar so I haven’t been too enthused. I ended up finding a pretty good deal on a used pair so I grabbed them. I actually enjoyed our first trip out. A Perception Sound 10.5 for me and a 10’ Pelican (unsure what model) for her. I got both for $300. What rod leashes do you guys use?

[Bankc]

I don't.  I made some out of some rope and velcro once.  But they were always getting in the way.  I've only lost one rod in several years of kayak fishing, and that was from a tree branch overhead sneakily grabbing my rod tip, pulling it out of its holder, and silently placing it in the water behind me.  I didn't even know I lost it until an hour later.  Heartbreaking, but it taught me to be mindful when passing under tree branches.  It also allowed me to upgrade my rod and reel!  

[optimator]

44 minutes ago, Bankc said:

I don't.  I made some out of some rope and velcro once.  But they were always getting in the way.  I've only lost one rod in several years of kayak fishing, and that was from a tree branch overhead sneakily grabbing my rod tip, pulling it out of its holder, and silently placing it in the water behind me.  I didn't even know I lost it until an hour later.  Heartbreaking, but it taught me to be mindful when passing under tree branches.  It also allowed me to upgrade my rod and reel!  

I'm not concerned about having one on while I'm fishing, just while I'm moving. This is my first yak and tipping it and losing stuff really concerns me. 

[you]

I don't either. I use a couple of mounted Scotty's rod holders. They have a rubber tab that you can use to secure the rod when not in use. They're great for trolling and drift-fishing too.

 

If you don't want to drill holes in your boat to mount a holder, I'd recommend those foam flotation devices that attach near the handle. Having loose leashes/straps on deck can be a hazard if you capsize. Been there.

[Darth-Baiter]

i dont either.  i tried some, and one my practice flip, i noted they really added to the excitement.  i got kinda tangled.    i put plumbers pipe insulation on the rods.  i only need about a 6" section on the rod and it all floats.  

 

my practice flip was in a swimming poles so it was pretty harmless. 

[MediumMouthBass]

I have rod floats (like smaller pool noodles) on my rods, i dont know if they can actually float with the weight of the rod and reel but i prefer having them on.

I wouldnt suggest using a leash on the rod you are casting with but for rods you take with you that you arent using right then the Yakattack Black Pack (new version) has the rod holders with a bungee clip that attaches to your rods. Fits in the rear tankwell of almost any kayak.

Edit. It allows the user to take up to 6-8 rods depending on the size pack used.

[optimator]

Thanks guys. I appreciate all the info! I’ll check the store for floats at lunch. And I’ll use a cheap rod ?

[Darth-Baiter]

to be clear.  this is the stuff i used.

 

my friend thru his rods into his pool and they floated.  

 

 

[optimator]

1 hour ago, Darth-Baiter said:

to be clear.  this is the stuff i used.

 

my friend thru his rods into his pool and they floated.  

 

 

We've got a winner. I'll make a couple of leashes out of paracord to hold the ones in the back, and make some floats for the ones in the boat with this stuff. I also grabbed a locking Scotty rod holder for the front mount. 

[Darth-Baiter]

sounds like a plan.  i tried casting with the foam in place and it is awkward.  

 

i play the odds at that point.  i take the foam off the rod i am actively using.  then put it back when it goes into storage.  the rod is only in danger when i am using it.  

[airshot]

My fix to stop loosing rods was to get a bigger boat !  My kayak was fun, but to much work. My 16' aluminum is far less work and much more fun.

[optimator]

5 minutes ago, airshot said:

My fix to stop loosing rods was to get a bigger boat !  My kayak was fun, but to much work. My 16' aluminum is far less work and much more fun.

I have 2 other boats. My wife doesn’t care for fishing but she loves kayaking. I’m killing two birds with one stone here.

[optimator]

Got the rod holder mounted, new shock cord and a coat of 303. Ready for the weekend!

[Crankin4Bass]

You got a good deal! That will work well. I also tried the leashes and found them to be cumbersome.

 

PS: Don't use the rod holders behind the seat on the perception sound. The holes are too big and it's easy for a rod to fall out of them. Don't ask how I know.

 

Perception makes this rod holder to jam in there.

https://www.perceptionkayaks.com/us/rod-x-pro-fishing-rod-holder

 

This design doesn't make much sense to me. I wish they had just put in normal rod holders like you have on the Pelican and every other kayak. If you want to take multiple rods you can just get a crate and add a multi rod holder like this with some zip ties:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ozark-Trail-3-Position-Marine-Rod-Holder-White/812534809?athbdg=L1600&from=/search

 

 

Perception also offers this ram ball style mount base for those screw in holes on the front cockpit for other accessories.

https://www.perceptionkayaks.com/us/solo-mount-base-15

 

Enjoy!

[you]

Looks great, have fun!

[Bankc]

12 hours ago, Crankin4Bass said:

You got a good deal! That will work well. I also tried the leashes and found them to be cumbersome.

 

PS: Don't use the rod holders behind the seat on the perception sound. The holes are too big and it's easy for a rod to fall out of them. Don't ask how I know.

 

Perception makes this rod holder to jam in there.

https://www.perceptionkayaks.com/us/rod-x-pro-fishing-rod-holder

 

This design doesn't make much sense to me. I wish they had just put in normal rod holders like you have on the Pelican and every other kayak. If you want to take multiple rods you can just get a crate and add a multi rod holder like this with some zip ties:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ozark-Trail-3-Position-Marine-Rod-Holder-White/812534809?athbdg=L1600&from=/search

 

 

Perception also offers this ram ball style mount base for those screw in holes on the front cockpit for other accessories.

https://www.perceptionkayaks.com/us/solo-mount-base-15

 

Enjoy!

Or do what I did.  Put some PVC pipes of appropriate width into each rod holder and span a 1x4 board between them and attach it to the pipes with U-bolts and wing nuts.  This way you can remove it without tools, since the original rod holders are angled, you won't be able to pull it out otherwise.  Then, attach some 1-1/4" PVC pipes cut to an appropriate length and place them at spaced intervals along the board and attach them with U-bolts and regular nuts (these won't need to come off).  That way you can carry more rods, put them upright (which lessens the chance of one getting snagged), and the 1-1/4" PVC pipe is just about perfect for a snug fit so your rods won't fall out by accident.  Some rods with wider handles may need a 1-1/2" PVC pipe.  

[optimator]

2 minutes ago, Bankc said:

Or do what I did.  Put some PVC pipes of appropriate width into each rod holder and span a 1x4 board between them and attach it to the pipes with U-bolts and wing nuts.  This way you can remove it without tools, since the original rod holders are angled, you won't be able to pull it out otherwise.  Then, attach some 1-1/4" PVC pipes cut to an appropriate length and place them at spaced intervals along the board and attach them with U-bolts and regular nuts (these won't need to come off).  That way you can carry more rods, put them upright (which lessens the chance of one getting snagged), and the 1-1/4" PVC pipe is just about perfect for a snug fit so your rods won't fall out by accident.  Some rods with wider handles may need a 1-1/2" PVC pipe.  

I like this idea. Especially since the wedge fit will hold everything in.