Calling All Kayakers - Must Have Add Ons

[mic]

19 hours ago, XP 590 said:

What he said.  First time or two out I just tied off my anchor in the carry handle right next to the seat.  Doing that puts you at the mercy of the wind as you pivot around where you're tied.  With the trolley, your attachment point can be anywhere from the bow to the stern so you can position yourself with the wind.   Since I'm a fly fisher, I don't mount anything in my cockpit as it just gets in the way. 

I to will fly fish some. I didn't think about that.

[jdmidwest]

Good Dry Bag and a nice comfy seat system.

[BilletHead]

Mic,

Pat and I have anchor trolleys on both sides of our kayaks. This way we are in good position no matter which way the wind is blowing. This is the link to where we got them. Also if you sign up with the monthly news letter you can get a ten to fifteen percent discount every month and more specials, http://www.austinkayak.com/products/16465/ACK-Anchor-Trolley-Kit.html

BilletHead

[Flyfsh]

Tie downs for everything. make sure you have everything tied down or leashed.

Jim 

[moguy1973]

2 hours ago, Flyfsh said:

Tie downs for everything. make sure you have everything tied down or leashed.

Jim 

Yes.  Bungees for everything.

I made a really cheap rod leash using the things on this webpage http://palmettokayakfishing.blogspot.com/2011/09/build-rod-leash-for-kayak-fishing.html

[XP 590]

One more thing I forgot: A paddle holder.  Mine came with a Scotty's Paddle holder that bolts right on to the side.

[mic]

Thanks all.

[Plastic_worm]

Congrats on the kayak purchase.  Lots of great info above, all I would add is to take it out several times and see what works for you.  I have a rudder,  anchor trolley, cooler, fish finder, paddle holder, rod holders, etc.  After time I started eliminating stuff...first was the FF (didn't like setting it up each trip), paddle holder-found way to secure it w/o adding attachments that snag fly line or make noise when I use it.  My point is every attachment will be useful at times but only you know what you need currently.  The best way to know that is to go fishing and see what you can't fish without.  

With all that said the rudder is something I use the most.  However, I never use it on Ozark rivers/streams, doesn't really work on fast flows and where you need maneuverability.  Better as tool to help guide you in the wind.    

I fly fish from mine so my suggestion for fly fishing is the more stuff you add, the more stuff your fly line will snag.  Knots in bungees, rod holders, knobs, and everything else in the kayak!! A paddle with hook removal tool has been really useful for getting to hard to reach snags.  I use that little slot in the paddle to rescue my fly line all the time...especially from the rudder, but also lily pads, my streamers from under the water.    

If you have any other questions, I check this weekly but I'm always on my FB and blog, give me a holler.  I'll help any way I can...I'm a kayak junkie.  Have fun!

http://looknfishy.blogspot.com/

https://www.facebook.com/looknfishy/

looknfishy@gmail.com

 

[ChiaPet]

I have a small cooler for beer, anchore and milk crate to hold my gear. I picked up a lifetime kokanee for cheap. I also added a Larry chair for comfort. I float and fly fish. 

[Kayser]

Paddle holder- I prefer the side-mounted bungee & hook type as opposed to the hard plastic clamps. The bungee can hold different types of gear (fly rods, etc) securely.

 

Paddle leash- you can drop the paddle in a hurry and not worry about it.