Newbie Rigging – April 20th 2010

In The Beginning…

In the “other” beginning… I had to have everything on my kayak.

Today, I have minimized upgrades to my kayak.

Above Deck: 1. PFD2. Carbon Fiber Paddle, with Paddle Leash2. Seat, High Back Comfort Seat3. Pliers, able to cut a hook in half4. Rod Holders5. Anchor + Stakeout Stick / “Cajun Toothpick”6. Personal Kayak Tether Line / Tow Line7. VHF Radio with Weather Channel8. Rudder

Below Deck:1. First Aid Kit2. Dry bag with change of clothes

Contributor: Ken Jennings

1. One thing I've given lots of thought to is keeping the cockpit as clutter-free as possible. One thing I did is hang two small mesh bags from my "safety light" which is right behind me. Its about 18" -20" high. In one bag I have my VHS radio and in the other is my stringer. I also rigged it so it also holds my needle nose pliers. Its simple and it works. 2. A quality, lightweight, foldable trailer

Contributor: Joel Berry

Clutter-Free Cockpit / Trailer

Kayak Storage OptionSet up two folding stools to support the kayak off the ground. Rest the kayak against the wall. Store gear underneath.

Contributor: Jim Richards

“Big Balls” Paddle Holder

1.7/8” to 1” outside diameter wooden ball with 3/8” inside diameter (craft store)

1.Heat shrink tubing

Recipe:16” of 3/16” bungee cord (should be

about 5 1/4”from top of knot to end of loop)

How to use your “Big Balls”

1. Lay center of paddle between end of eyelet and end of bungee loop

2. Insert bungee through eyelet on yak

3. Pull end of loop over ball

Contributor: Barry Sandler

Lots of uses for these common fishing tackle items.

Cut a length of leader material, put it through a handy hole in any item, crimp the ends together, and attach it to your lanyard, wade belt, even make a strap to keep your sun glasses from falling off.

Let your imagination run wild.

Attach – It – Cheap!

Contributor: Ron Romeis

Floating Lanyard

• Bad about dropping things into the water? I use an inexpensive pool noodle, about $4 at wallyworld.

• Cut it to an appropriate length and attach to anything you don't want to sink. You can also see that I've attached the tools to the lanyard with split rings hanging around.

• If you don't mind looking like a cheap Christmas tree, this works great.

Contributor: Ron Romeis

Kayak Tankwell StorageConsists of two stackable plastic file crates (Officemax, $6.99 ea)and three rod holders (if desired)All plastic, no rusting, easy to clean

Cut the bottom off one of the crates and use it as the lid.Use tie wraps to connect the top cover to the bottom crate.A bungee cord or other method can be used as a latch to close the lid.Add a loop with carabineer on one end for attaching to pad-eye on the kayak

Sits in the kayak tankwell. Needs to be tied to the kayak in case kayak turns over.

Good way to keep gear together between trips and during transport

Contributor: Will Henderson

Live Bait Well• I put this live well together for the

occasional live bait outing. I bought the dog food box from Pets Mart. Tilted, it fits perfectly in a rectangular crate.

• The bilge pump I had on hand, and the waterproof battery box came Wmart for $8.

• I used a 6 volt battery vs. 12 volt as I wanted to slow the 500 gph down as well as reduce the noise.

• The rubber grommet through the side and hose are Home Depot items.

• The battery was found at Batteries Plus. 6 volt 12 amp hour.

• The pump is rated at 1.9 amp hours. I don't typically run a live well non stop.

• The over flow is accomplished simply by letting the water run out the tank lid into the kayak tank well and out through the scuppers.

Contributor: fishcometrue

Contributor: fishcometrue (Fla)

Tackle Caddy

Contributor: Saltwater Cowboy (Fla)

You need a gaff for saltwater fishing! Don’t you??