New Kayak

[okrod]

I bought a used L.L.Bean Manatee today and need to outfit it for fishing.  

If anyone is interested in paddling for some fish, PM me.  

I was also wondering if any of you kayakers use an anchor, paddle leash, or pole leash?

Okrod

[slomoe]

I've been thinking hard about getting one. Its just that the roof rack would cost as much as the kayak itself. Maybe by next season...

[Link]

I'm thinking of getting either a Kayak or a Canoe as those are the two things that my wife MIGHT even consider me getting.  Getting either of them ontop of a Dodge Durango might be an issue.

[okrod]

A foam kayak carrier came with it, but I see them for about $50 bucks and it goes on my Jeep Cherokee Classic pretty easily at about 40 lbs.

I swayed between a canoe and kayak as well, but yesterday I went on the L.L. Bean $15 kayak demo at Accotink and decided a kayak was the way to go.  It was so relaxing, but we'll see if that lasts the first time I drop my pole in the water.  

[A.Do?]

congrats rich! any time you want to go out and need a buddy let me know.

The first things i got for my yak was a milk crate and rigged a few rod holders on that. I then made a few quick release straps to strap down my rods when i was paddling.  I lost two rods in hunting run cuz I whacked them with the paddle, so i'm never making that mistake again. If you want rod leashes, you'll be ablle to make one a lot cheaper than the premade ones being sold.

[VolFan]

I have a canoe (Mad River 14') and a kayak (Dagger Delta 14') You can get foam cartop carriers for about $20 at REI and/or Dicks, I've found that the racks are more trouble than they're worth.  I don't use paddle/rod leashes anymore, they just seem to get tangled.  I do like having clips/loops to put the paddle in lengthwise to get it out of the way though.  Also, some rod clips along the deck are good to keep the rods secure while paddling or just to get them out of the way.  

GET GOOD SUNSCREEN!

[FishingJames]

A fellow Virginian kayaker!

I belong to a fishing club on the James River and I own a native kayak for the smallies on the river. I use a anchor that is attached to this pulley like rope on the side of my kayak so I can achor up and slide the anchor rope up and down the kayak for differant angles. Also have a paddle holder, no leash, kind of annoying when your trying to fish to have to tie the paddle to yourself. Also, I use a drift sock on my kayak for a slower drift so I don't have to paddle up the river as often. Also have a rod holder.

http://www.paddleva.com/richmond/index.htm

is where I got everything.

[okrod]

Good ideas.  I guess a paddle bungee thing-a-magic on the side could second as a pole clip while using the paddle.  

[FishingJames]

Also a good tip. Buy some time of tethers/bungee cords to tie your gear down incase you do happen to flip over, don't want to lose all your gear. And a good idea to tether your life preserver down if you don't wear it, don't want to tip over and lose that. Seen it happen.

[Link]

Anyone ever try out or have seen the Fish Cat Streamer from Cabela's?  Might be better for my situation, and pond/resevoir fishing.

[MusicMan]

I've fished from a Kayak for about a year now. It is a lot of fun and productive. I do not have mine all rigged up. My kids and others use it when we are camping. It is definitely a stealth mode of getting close to fish.

You do not need a kayak roof rack. Any factory roof rack on an SUV or van will do. I use ratchet straps to secure it.

I have roof racks for bikes but the kayak doesn't need it, imo.

[okrod]

When tying down the kayak on the roof, do you use front and rear traps over the hood and tailgate as well?  I have a short 10' kayak, and I'm thinking this may be overkill.

[slomoe]

Do you all think the foam supports would be sufficiant for a small (compact) car?

[okrod]

Absolutely, I used the pads today on my truck and they were only about 4 feet apart anyway.  Same as they would be on a car.  Unless you have a Smart Car, then you may take off.  ;D

[slomoe]

Unless you have a Smart Car, then you may take off. ;D

;D

Thanks for the help. I may start looking again. Dicks had a nice fishing kayak (pelican I think) that I was interested in.

[A.Do?]

Slomoe, wait for the next show or something where they let you demo different kayaks. If i hear of anything i'll let you know.

[slomoe]

Thanks bro.

[flippin4it.]

Unless you have a Smart Car, then you may take off.  ;D

;D

Thanks for the help. I may start looking again. Dicks had a nice fishing kayak (pelican I think) that I was interested in.

         Criagslist, seen them there and cheap.

[slomoe]

cool, I'll keep a lookout. thanks Rob

[AnglerNFuego]

Slomoe, check your pm.  I sent you a link to a blog that I subscribe to from the area and he hauls his canoe on a corolla.  I thought it might  give you some ideas.  

[armesjr]

check craigslist.  I got a really good deal on a 6 month old Tarpon 120.  With regard to the original post, either do the milk crate setup or get some flush mounted rod holders.  I have two flush mounted in the back and a scotty rod holder in the front.  FishingJames gave you the link to Appomatox River Company.  They are really helpful and knowledgeable.

On tying it down, just use ratchet straps like musicman said.

[okrod]

I got my kayak off craigs, but be aggressive they go quickly.  I was scheduled twice to see kayaks I really liked and they were sold before I got there.  

I don't know how to do a milk crate on the rounded back of the kayak.  What do you put in the crate?  My tackle fits between my legs and dry bag behind the seat.

[FishingJames]

http://www.3rdgrip.com/CrateMate.htm

A little pricey, but worth it. I have it and its nice to hold all your extra stuff around.

[A.Do?]

Rich, I just looked up your yak on LLbeans site and I think you're right. No room to put a crate. You'll just have to get some flush mount rod holders put in behind the seat or something.

I use my crate to hold everything, from water bottles and snacks to my tackle boxes and sunscreen.

[bigfruits]

ive hauled a canoe on a civic dozens of times with foam blocks and ratchet tie down straps. one strap through the front door and one through the back. never had any problems. make sure your doors are open when you strap down unless you like to climb through the windows.