Kayak rigging for fly fishing

[Cameron Abbott]

Well I finally got my kayak today and wanted to see if the group had any suggestions about rigging it up for fly fishing. It is an old town vapor 12xt. It is a sit in but I got it on trade so I know the Simons are ideal but I am going to start here. I was thinking about putting some pontoons to make it stable and possibly a belly bar. Any suggestions on those or any other rigging ideas? The link below is to pics incase that will help for suggestions. Any and all suggestions are appreciated! Thank you in advance!

https://plus.google.com/photos/114773317011081971447/albums/5983713496173103953

[jake hamilton]

I would put Velcro on the kayak and on one box and when u start your day fishing pick the flies from your multiple boxes and put the in the Velcro box. Use really nice Velcro you can get it at home depot the main thing about fishing from a kayak is that there is not a ton of storage for you box's bags etc. Also go buy a 5lb dumbbell tie a clinch knot around it and attach it to the kayak if you don't already have an anchor.

[Vic Velasco]

Cameron -

This topic will prove itself to be very personalized.  Seems like every kayaker will have their own recommendations.  But the ability for any of the mods you may do to be flexible is pretty key - what I mean by this is instead of installing a fixed accessory point, try installing one of the newly released track bars.  You can slide the mount in the track and move it around giving you different options based on what you want to carry.  This is especially helpful if you are not sure what you want to do up front.  Do a google search on fishing kayak accessories and you'll see examples of the tracks and how people use them.

A lot of the forum members also have kayaks and have posted pictures of their setup here on the forum.

I sold my kayak last year and have been fishing off a standup paddleboard (Hooked SUP) - I like the height advantage and am just more used to paddling a SUP than a kayak.  Chris S on this forum also has one.  Fish catching machines!!!

On Sunday, February 23, 2014 4:48:35 PM UTC-5, Cameron Abbott wrote:

[TurbineBlade]

Kayak fly fishing is kind of like running a 5K with a mismatched pair of shoes and a live hamster in your pocket.  Weird things happen. Try it and you'll figure out what you prefer.

The only thing I can't stand is having anything attached to the side of the kayak on my casting side.  Mine had a velcro strap for the paddle and I kept tangling in it, so I promptly removed it.  

Also, sometimes my moderate to severe eczema acts up and velcro sticks in my craw.  

Gene

[Cameron Abbott]

Vic,

Thanks for the suggestion. I will take a look at the track systems!

On Sunday, February 23, 2014 7:22:24 PM UTC-5, Vic Velasco wrote:

[Cameron Abbott]

Jake,

Good suggestion. Thank you!

[Cameron Abbott]

Gene,

Thanks on the good advice!

[Billy K]

The idea of using a dumbbell for an anchor is a good one. Also, my buddy told me about using a retractable dog leash for the anchor line so that you can reel it in and it won't get in the way. I imagine it was one for a larger dog.

Vic, I have tried the SUP and l found that it was great to cast from standing position. Great visibility. The downside that I experienced was that I only got off a cast or 2 before being blown either into or away from the target area. Lots of readjusting course. How do you handle the wind and also bringing anything other than rod and paddle.?

Billy

[Vic Velasco]

Billy -

I actually use a dumbbell anchor.  It is not on a dog leash (although I did have a drag anchor for my kayak on a dog leash) - just on 550 cord that I spool around a hand line reel (big yoyo reel).  When I get to a spot that I think/know holds fish, I throw the anchor, clip in and start fishing.  I don't do this in fast current where swamping could occur (like the bottle neck under the Chain Bridge on the Potomac), but slower currents are no issue at all (like that off Fletcher's).  You can use a dog leash to manage the line more efficiently, but if the water is deep (like off Fletchers in some spots), you'll still drift.  In either case - don't forget to have a sharp knife with you in case you get hung up and have to cut away.  Another way to keep in place is ride up on to the weed beds (summer time).  Or if the wind is going against the current, you can use a sea anchor/drogue.  I use all three (anchor-drogue-weed bed) depending on the conditions.

My board is an aircraft carrier (google Hooked SUP, or life amphibious + hooked sup) and I can strap down a cooler (storage and a seat), I have two scotty mounts that hold multiple rods and two bungee grids that I tuck the odd stuff under.  If I were in the market now, I'd lean towards the rotomolded SUPs - you can beat those up agains rocks and not have to worry about dings - just like kayaks.  My board is tough but not that tough, but it is also much lighter.  I had a more "all-around" do it all type board earlier last year that I sold in favor of the fishing specific board - go in this direction first and you will be much happier.  I take mine out into the lower bay (Virginia Beach) during the warmer months and it is the perfect mothership for fishing (kids have their own boards and they come back to me for drinks, snacks, handing off their fish or crabs, or if they need help rigging - I spin and fly fish with complete stability).

There are a few guys here on the forum that have fishing SUPs - there was a get together last spring.  There are a bunch more that have kayaks.  If you have a specific question - I'm sure you'll get tons of answers (and everyone has an opinion - pick and choose what will work for you).  

[Terry C]

On Sunday, February 23, 2014 4:48:35 PM UTC-5, Cameron Abbott wrote:

Cameron, When you set up your kayak, rember that fly line finds a way to get tangled on everything in a kayak. Keep it simple and don't over do what you put on. I fish our of a wilderness pungo, it has a dashboard that I love and I attatced a rod holder to it and have a few places where I can hang some things. My anchor is the good old Potomac river / fletchers rock. I've had to cut away from two anchors over the years and I decided if a rock is good enough for Fletchers, its good enough for me. The rock is great and If I have to cut loose I don't feel so bad about it. I can also paddle over to shore and get another. You must carry a knife with you , ready to cut away. There are several good you tube videoes on rigging an anchor trolley. Not hard to do. Good luck and let me know I will go out with you sometime.