Newbie Rigging – April 20 th 2010

1. Newbie Rigging – April 20th 2010

2. In The Beginning…

3. In the “other” beginning… I had to have everything on my kayak. • Today, I have minimized upgrades to my kayak. • Above Deck: • PFD • Carbon Fiber Paddle, with Paddle Leash • 2. Seat, High Back Comfort Seat • 3. Pliers, able to cut a hook in half • 4. Rod Holders • 5. Anchor + Stakeout Stick / “Cajun Toothpick” • 6. Personal Kayak Tether Line / Tow Line • 7. VHF Radio with Weather Channel • Rudder • Below Deck: • 1. First Aid Kit • 2. Dry bag with change of clothes Contributor: Ken Jennings

4. Clutter-Free Cockpit / Trailer 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

5. Kayak Storage Option Set up two folding stools to support the kayak off the ground. Rest the kayak against the wall. Store gear underneath. Contributor: Jim Richards

6. “Big Balls” Paddle Holder Recipe: 16” of 3/16” bungee cord (should be about 5 1/4”from top of knot to end of loop) • 7/8” to 1” outside diameter wooden ball with 3/8” inside diameter (craft store) • How to use your “Big Balls” • Lay center of paddle between end of eyelet and end of bungee loop • Insert bungee through eyelet on yak • Pull end of loop over ball • Heat shrink tubing Contributor: Barry Sandler

7. Attach – It – Cheap! 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. Contributor: Ron Romeis

8. 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

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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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)

13. Tackle Caddy Contributor: Saltwater Cowboy (Fla)

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