What is the best way to set up a fishing Kayak?

SSG Carlos Madden — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 10:36:26 -0400

I just got an Old Town Vapor 10 and I'm trying to figure out the best set up. It has a dry storage in the back, anchor pulley, and two rod holders behind the seat. I typically bring 4 rods out with me.

Any suggestions on the best set up?
Modifactions?

Response by SGT Kristjan Rahe made Jul 10 at 2015 10:40 AM

SGT Kristjan Rahe — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 10:40:11 -0400

None from me but when finished post a pic as I want to do something similar. I live on Lake Norman and want to hit the New River.

Response by MAJ Matthew Arnold made Jul 10 at 2015 12:11 PM

MAJ Matthew Arnold — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 12:11:24 -0400

Never used a kayak before. I fish from the shore mostly, and use small boats occasionally. I would be interested in seeing how this works out.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 1:48 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 13:48:31 -0400

SSG Carlos Madden, this is what I have on my kayak. I use two taco paddle holders, a 3.5 lb. anchor, an anchor trolley. I installed rod holders on my dry storage cover. Here's my kayak.

Response by SA Harold Hansmann made Jul 10 at 2015 9:41 PM

SA Harold Hansmann — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 21:41:01 -0400

I use a canoe or a johnboat

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 11:42 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 23:42:18 -0400

SSG Carlos Madden, I have an almost identical kayak. I have an Old Town Trip10 Angler from Dick's Sporting Goods. I made no modifications to mine and I love fishing from it. Kayaks can get to places most other boats cannot. I did get a waterproof container for my wallet and cell phone. I have it attached to the inside sidewall with very strong velcro. I also bring an additional pad for the seat so my cheeks don't go numb.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2015 6:17 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 18:17:13 -0400

Carlos, this the fish I was telling you about. We didn't catch it but a guy in his yak did. Notice the fishing rod in his mouth. He fishes catch and release. I fish catch and eat. Lol this a speckled trout, also known as a spotted sea bass.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Aug 27 at 2015 6:41 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 18:41:26 -0400

As I fish the salt a lot, my first piece of advise, why 4 rods? I try to be a minimalist. I carry 1 normally maybe 2 at the most. Sit insides, not my favorite boat for angling, but for fresh water it will get the job done. Keep your tackle to basics, for what your after. Practice what you are going to do if you roll. Wear your PFD. Have a knife ready to cut your self free if you get hung up in anything. When paddling avoid strainers. A strainer can be a rock or tree submerged that you can get hung up on. The force of water can bend your boat in half, and it doesn't have to be fast moving water. Learn to Kayak first, fish second.