New kayak/rigging ideas?

[basspilot]

Finally just picked up a new kayak from Jon over in Fairfield at the kayak fishing store. It definitely took a while to pick out the right one for me as I already have one, but that was a failed attempt at saving money. Got myself a redfish 12 so hopefully ill start rigging it out this winter for some open water trips in early spring or even possibly a warm winter day. So does anyone have any rigging ideas that you feel are essential? Im already looking at putting on some rails for a fishfinder mount, flush mounts, rod holder up front, and possibly a rudder.

[acabtp]

congrats, good luck with it!
i would recommend that you take it out a few times before you start adding things to it though. you would be disappointed if you mount something in an area that your hand needs to move through while paddling, etc.

[dfish28]

Nav lights
Anchor trolley
Paddle leash
Beer holder

[Skunk City]

Can't go wrong with the usual rod holders, paddle holder, fish finder, camera mount (I use a GoPro camera mounted next to my fish finder), anchor trolley and anchor, etc. I mounted a milk crate behind me for more usable/secured storage. Lots of guys cut pieces of PVC and mount it to the milk crate to be used as rod holders.

[NJ Dave]

Check out KFS Kayak Fishing Stuff . Com.
No longer a store but a very informative site kayak specific.
I do believe the original shop was owned and started by Jon.

[ScowardNJ]

I'm a big fan of slide tracks. They give you all kinds of options. I use Scotty stuff, and their new "gear head track adapters" make it easy to set rod holders(or any other accessory) at any angle or location when ever you want.
Also, if you plan on installing a fish finder, the way to go with installing your transducer is using Duct Seal. It's like $2.50 from Home Depot and has performed better than any epoxy i have used.

Jon S. has been a great resource also.

[JerryC]

Check out my thread about my hobie modifications. Grab ideas there..

BTW where is this kayak store in fairfield?

[njfish4life]

JerryC sent you a PM

[msgdan]

What ever you decide to rig up, I would keep one side of the kayak free of anything. I have seen too many people rig the kayak with just fishing in mind. If you go over and have to get back in the kayak, it's a real PITA trying to get back on with rod holders, fish finders, or anyting mounted to the side that you will climb back on.

When the weather gets warm and you have fished out of the kayak a few times, you will find out what would have made fishing easier as far as rigging the kayak. And practice getting back on the kayak in open water a bunch of times before you mount anything. Some people can get back in from only one side.....that's the side you want free of anything.

Good luck with the new kayak !!!!!

Danny V

[JerryC]

What ever you decide to rig up, I would keep one side of the kayak free of anything. I have seen too many people rig the kayak with just fishing in mind. If you go over and have to get back in the kayak, it's a real PITA trying to get back on with rod holders, fish finders, or anyting mounted to the side that you will climb back on.

When the weather gets warm and you have fished out of the kayak a few times, you will find out what would have made fishing easier as far as rigging the kayak. And practice getting back on the kayak in open water a bunch of times before you mount anything. Some people can get back in from only one side.....that's the side you want free of anything.

Good luck with the new kayak !!!!!

Danny V

^^^

What Dan said.. he is the master of the yack and put me on my Hobie kayak, in fact this is my 2nd hobie!

[basspilot]

Didn't really think about that dan but now I will definitely take my time putting things on the yak. I have a few mods in mind that will be a must but as far as where to mount ill probably do it throughout the summer. From what I've seen I will use the KISS method because I've seen some nightmares of setups with far to much nonsense on it.

[JerryC]

Didn't really think about that dan but now I will definitely take my time putting things on the yak. I have a few mods in mind that will be a must but as far as where to mount ill probably do it throughout the summer. From what I've seen I will use the KISS method because I've seen some nightmares of setups with far to much nonsense on it.

Stay away from clunckiness, try to flush mount as much as you can.