Some Basic, Practical Advice About Rigging Your Fishing Kayak
There’s a new article available on the exciting, complex, confusing, and often daunting subject of rigging your fishing kayak.
The article is called Rigging Your Fishing Kayak: Some Basic Practical Advice
The main message it conveys is that there’s no need to hurry and start outfitting your W kayak for fishing as soon as you take it out of the box in which it came, and it’s advisable to use it at least several times as is before you decide if and what type of rigging you’d like to add to it.
The article discusses typical rigging questions like rod holders, paddle holders, rudder, seat, outriggers, motor, anchor, milk crate etc.
We recommend that prospecting clients as well as new owners of W fishing kayaks read it.
Tags: anchor, anchor system, kayak fishing, kayak outfitting, kayak seat, motorized fishing kayak, outboard motor, paddle clips, paddle holders, rigged fishing kayak, rigging fishing kayaks, rod holders, rudder, seat
February 1st, 2010 at
It boggles my mind to see how some yakers rig their kayaks for fishing. If I had to load up like them, I think I’d stay home and take up golf. When I go out, my W is rigged and ready to go the night before. All it takes is a minute to put on the truck, strap down and take off. Same at the launch site – rods go into the installed flush mount holders and off I go. With all the room available, my fully rigged and loaded W looks almost empty to the casual person, and do I ever appreciate having that space to move around, stretch or even lay down to take a nap when the fish aren’t cooperating.
While seats are not needed, I have found some handy self-adhesive knee pads which I’ve pressed down on the saddle. They’re 10 X 12 and 1/2 inch thick, and fit perfectly on the saddle. They add a little cushioning without getting in the way. I’ve positioned one midway on the saddle so I know I’m in the correct paddling position when I’m on it. I’ve also put one at the front of the saddle upon which I can place, pliers, lip grabbers, lures, etc. without having to worry about them sliding off the slicker saddle.
February 1st, 2010 at
Gary,
Funny you mention taking a nap in your W500.
It was one of my concerns when I designed it:
This is Sean Creighton, from Florida, who got one of the first 2008 redesigned W300.
As you can see from the picture, Sean loved standing in his W300 both for fishing and for paddling, but he wanted to be able to take a nap in it, and was afraid to do so because of alligators etc.
His input got me to think of ‘nap-capability’ as a requirement for the next generation W – the W500 series.
Yoav
February 2nd, 2010 at
I’ve laid down and could have taken a nap in my W500.
So yes, naps can be taken in the W500′s.
First rule of thumb in rigging your yak for fishing.
Don’t put anything on or in until you take it out fishing.
I have clamp on rod holders, so no need to drill holes.
Plus, if I don’t like it in on spot, I can move it to anyplace I want.
Take your time, the less holes you make in your W’s the better.
COME ON SPRING!!
Paddle Safe!!!
Rox
February 2nd, 2010 at
There are some who love to over rig a kayak. I never could understand how one could fish combat style with six or eight rods sticking out in every direction. But to each his or her own some folks just love all the stuff. We have some guys here in Florida with electronics on their kayaks that cost thousands of dollars. Full blown sounders with side imaging units, GPS, and cameras. I’ve oftern wondered how long it really takes them to prepare for a fishing trip. Worse yet the cleanup time after a trip in saltwater for all the gadgets. Nice thing about the W is that there is plenty of room for gear play. We have a few more weeks of the wintery cold here where fishing means long pants and fleece. Soon enough spring will be here and we can get back to fishing in lighter clothing.