Rigging a kayak

[ronaultmtd]

With the newer models of every major kayak manufacturer including some rigging features directly from the factory, new kayaks are a breeze to rig. Accessory for kayaks are as numerous as are the kayaks available to buy...YakAttack is my “go to” provider as is Hobie...other than electronics I have rigged my fishing kayaks pretty spartan- Less is more...I use a DIY pvc rocket launcher that slips into the two built in factory rod holders behind the seat for all my rod holder needs...it is a pretty standard design I copied that Snaggedliners have seen and used for many, many years...holds four rods vertical and two rods for trolling or bait fishing at a 45 degree angle. I mounted a 9 inch “H Rail on the right side forward of the cup holder for mounting a 1 1/2 inch RAM ball large electronics mount with a six inch dog bone extension for my Lowrance Hook 2-7TS chartplotter. The Lithium FePO4 12v 10ahr Dakota battery fits the Hobie battery holder perfectly and is mounted in the front hatch on the sail mast support. I opted to install the square hatch in my 2016 Outback and use the drop in box instead of the tackle tray. I have mounted the YakAttack anchor trolley on my left side of the kayak. The only other options are the turbo fins and sailing rudder...she is a clean, uncluttered kayak...I carry an emergency rope entry ladder under the Vantage seat in case of turtling. This life saver is easy to make and there are dozens of You Tube videos on making and using one...it even helps you right monster size kayaks like the PA14 although I don’t understand how someone could actually turtle that barge...

Backyard Boats in Woodbridge is my local source of Hobie accessories. Guys are really helpful as are the folks at the Annapolis store. For the first time in three years, there is absolutely nothing to change or fiddle with on Lady Luck...she is rigged and ready to go...just waiting on Spring...

[Mark]

I also like a clean uncluttered kayak.

Of my three fishing kayaks none has been touched by a drill.

I use the available gear tracks or mounting options for the few accessories I carry. That has worked well for me. The major kayak makers are providing more option-ready configurations. My only concern with that is that they add plastic and in some cases metal for foundational support to hold these options. That adds weight to the hulls.

One option that most kayaks offer today are cup holders. Two of my three kayaks have them. I've never put a cup, can or bottle in them. I've occasionally dropped a spent lure or fly in mine. But most of the time they sit empty except for the water they collect on trips. That's one option I could do very well without but cupholders have become as common in fishing kayaks as they have in cars. If all the ones in my Sienna were in use I couldn't drive 5 miles without stopping for a rest room for either me or my passengers! Our fascination with cupholders in boats and cars and now kayaks is one of life's mysteries to me.

The best advice I can offer to folks considering rigging is to fish with your boat often before you pierce the plastic to add options. Only with on-the-water experience will you know if the rigging option you just had to have is truly worth it or positioned in the right location on your hull. It's better to get it right the first time instead of patching and/or re-drilling.

[KeithQ]

Just getting started as a newby to fishing kayaks (but not to fishing). I bought a Kaku Wahoo 12.5 fishing kayak over the weekend. With the tracks that come on it, it looks like I have a lot of options. I have the gear to confidently transport it and hoist it into my garage. After a review of youtube videos, it looks like the priority of equipping is getting a fiberglass paddle and high-back PFD, trolley system, anchor, rod holders and milk crate to rig it up as we progress into warm weather. I'm hoping to be up and running shortly after the Mid-May REI sale now that I'm a co-op member. I'm also contemplating a fish finder, but am finding that a bit cost-prohibitive given the investments made so far. But perhaps that shouldn't be higher on my list until I'm confident in handling the kayak well? I've spotted a few used eagles on ebay that look promising. Any words of wisdom before I invest many more $$$?

[Mark]

Any words of wisdom before I invest many more $$$?

Most certainly a paddler's PFD is a key item. Buy one that is comfortable so that you will wear it, and not just stow it on you kayak. Also buying the lightest paddle you can afford at the appropriate length for your boat will pay dividends on the water for you. You'll find that paddles typically cost more the lighter they are. They can vary in weight by over a pound. If that doesn't sound like much, just multiply that difference by the number of paddle strokes on an outing. The extra weight will add to your fatigue.

However, beyond those two items, paddle your boat before you add a lot of fishing accessories. Fish with it too so that you can learn what ancillary items you really need and where they should be affixed/placed on your kayak to enhance your fishing experience. Gradually adding what you need is better than trying to rig a kayak all at once in my opinion.

Good luck and welcome to the forum.

[nhunter344]

Any words of wisdom before I invest many more $$$?

Learn from my mistakes. Before you put anything on your kayak, take it fishing at least a handful of times. Take note of your, "I wish i had a rod holder here" or "it would be nice to have a fish finder here" observations. Not only did I initially add everything including the kitchen sink to my kayak before it had even gotten wet, I added it in all the wrong places.

[Huntrava]

Any words of wisdom before I invest many more $$$?

Keep your gear leashed...

[mchottie]

Keep your gear leashed...

BEST ADVICE right here ^^^