Getting into Kayaking

Jacobguy · February 09, 2020, 04:50:11 PM

Hey everyone, so I'm gonna be a doing a little bit of Kayak fishing this summer and I wanted your opinions on a few things. First off I have a 10' Sundolphin Journey SS. It's a nice little kayak not the most stable thing in the world but its what I have and I'm gonna have to deal with it. Anyways my biggest fear is watching one of my setups plummet to the bottom of a lake... I couldnt even imagine, I know there is floats but those seem like they'd get in the way. Is there any other way to secure my rods? Also with a heavier rod on board it seems like it'd be susceptible to breaking, is that so? Additionally, is there anything specific I should know while kayak fishing? Any insider tips or easy upgrades I can do to my kayak to make it more functional? Thanks everybody!

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apiazza · February 10, 2020, 12:15:59 PM

You could install gear tracks with rod holders and then use tethers (check out robohawk) to hold your rods safely. Check out Yakattack and Yakgear for ideas on what they sell. Most do a yak crate that holds gear which you can secure in the boat in event of a tip. You can build your own crate for just a few bucks.

let me know if there are specific things you are trying to do and I will try to help out.

Jacobguy · February 11, 2020, 08:46:27 PM

Thanks! I hadn't thought of tethers, they wont get in the way of casting? I checked out robohawk, yakattack, and yakgear and they have some conveinent stuff on there. I ll definitely be looking into those crates. Thanks!

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kdubracing · February 11, 2020, 09:25:08 PM

Look at Amazon for a lot of this stuff if you want to save a few buck. They have lots of tethers to choose from for cheap, milk crates, rod holders if you don't want to make your own, etc. I've been playing around with a crate setup the last month or so and have done it really inexpensively.

apiazza · February 12, 2020, 03:20:50 PM

Quote from: Jacobguy on February 11, 2020, 08:46:27 PM
Thanks! I hadn't thought of tethers, they wont get in the way of casting? I checked out robohawk, yakattack, and yakgear and they have some conveinent stuff on there. I ll definitely be looking into those crates. Thanks!

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Personally the only rod not tethered is the one in my hand. That said, I have a yakattack omega rod holder which you can lock the rod in while paddling or doing whatever. As kdub mentioned check amazon for basic web tethers and you can make your own simple ones. I bought a milk crate and 6 rod holders for probably $30 and little creativity it becomes your yak crate.

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apiazza · February 13, 2020, 06:53:14 PM

Here is my homemade 6 rod crate. I spent almost as much at lowes on hinges, shorter screws and fender washers as I did on amazon for the crate and rod holders. All in maybe $35 or so.

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kdubracing · February 14, 2020, 02:04:51 PM

That crate looks very similar to the one I'm doing. I just went a little cheaper and used zip ties instead of hinges. I also used PVC and made rod holders. If I didn't like them, I would buy one like you did. I ended up liking the ones I made, although I haven't used them yet. I also put a 3" PVC inside to hold an anchor and will be mounting a retractable clothesline to attach to the anchor. I think I'm going to mount the anchor holder on the outside of mine, but my wife wanted hers inside for now. We'll see what I like better. I also attached pool noodle pieces around the bottom just for cushion.

One thing I figured out I like. I bought some very small d-ring type things I was going to use for attaching to the kayak. I ended up running the cord that came with the kayak through the bottom of the crate to attach to the stock holders. I liked that better, but I left the d-rings on and they should work great for attaching leashes to the rods, etc.

One question that I'm still working on with mine. What is the red thing you used for closing the lid? I haven't decided what I want there yet.

apiazza · February 14, 2020, 02:55:42 PM

Quote from: kdubracing on February 14, 2020, 02:04:51 PM
That crate looks very similar to the one I'm doing. I just went a little cheaper and used zip ties instead of hinges. I also used PVC and made rod holders. If I didn't like them, I would buy one like you did. I ended up liking the ones I made, although I haven't used them yet. I also put a 3" PVC inside to hold an anchor and will be mounting a retractable clothesline to attach to the anchor. I think I'm going to mount the anchor holder on the outside of mine, but my wife wanted hers inside for now. We'll see what I like better. I also attached pool noodle pieces around the bottom just for cushion.

One thing I figured out I like. I bought some very small d-ring type things I was going to use for attaching to the kayak. I ended up running the cord that came with the kayak through the bottom of the crate to attach to the stock holders. I liked that better, but I left the d-rings on and they should work great for attaching leashes to the rods, etc.

One question that I'm still working on with mine. What is the red thing you used for closing the lid? I haven't decided what I want there yet.

I went hinges just because it's a cleaner and I figured the zip ties would break in quick order. But if I have rust issues I will probably just go zip ties.

The red thing is just a solid core bungee that I had around. Cut one end off fed it through a hole and tied a knot.

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Jacobguy · February 14, 2020, 07:31:40 PM

Quote from: apiazza on February 13, 2020, 06:53:14 PM
Here is my homemade 6 rod crate. I spent almost as much at lowes on hinges, shorter screws and fender washers as I did on amazon for the crate and rod holders. All in maybe $35 or so.

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This is a perfect example for me, I could build this this weekend. I have everything here at my house to do it. I'll probably just use 2" or 3" PVC for the rod holders though. I'll go hinges too seems like itll work better.

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kdubracing · February 14, 2020, 09:43:13 PM

I used zip ties for everything and like how it set up. I used 5 on the lid. It's pretty sturdy. I'll let you know if I have any issues with it after I am able to use it for a bit. Won't be for another month or so. I used 2" pvc for the rod holders, cut a notch in them for the reel like the ones you buy, then used a dremel to round off the edges. Turned out pretty good. I drilled a couple of holes in the back and threaded a zip tie through them, then through the crate. Worked well also. The biggest thing I like about the zip ties is there is nothing protruding inside the crate to catch my hand on. Once I figure out how to post pics I'll put some up.