Kayak rigging for fly fishing

[Frreed]

After fishing out of a Sit In Kayak for several years I have finally picked up a new SOT. It is one of the infamous Pescadors that Academy sells. It is pretty much a clean slate with only a flush mount rod holder. I have a crate and all the normal gear. My request is for your thoughts on rigging. I use a fly rod 90% of the time and often use the yak as transport to wading spots.

I'm thinking about keeping it as clean as possible; maybe a Scotty flush mount up front and not much else. I have an anchor trolley on the SIK, but am seriously considering not putting one on the new boat. What do you do for safe carrying of extra fly rods. With the old kayak I could put them centerline inside the boat (broken down and in tube.

Just looking for some keen insights.

[gregorock]

Broken down in the tube, inside the hatch...

Kind of a pain but you don't have to worry about broken tips or tangles.

[eightweight]

You know Scotty sells a "fly rod" holder. Instead I picked up a piece of PVC, cut it to about 18 inches, then cut a slot halfway down the length to accept the reel. Slip the fly rod in the tube, drop the tube in a flush mount rod holder. Clean and simple. I used to carry two fly rods behind my seat.

Then early one morning I was paddling out, fly rod standing proud and tall behind me in the holder. Flipped my yak. after many years, I finally turtled. Four feet of water, nine foot fly rod . . . not pretty.

So now my fly rods are lashed to the deck in the rod keepers, horizontal.

[StuckInTheMud]

If you're planning to flyfish FROM the kayak, the scotty is going to drive you crazy. I had a similar line of thinking as you when I finally got my Ride. Put a scotty flush mount up front, and its nice when paddling around. When I am standing and casting at fish on the flats, naturally, the line loves to wrap around that thing. If you're only putting the rod holder in there for paddling around, or if you plan to flyfish sitting "side saddle", then the scotty isnt going to be an issue. Go with your instinct, keep it clean up front if you plan to actually fly cast in the boat, less headache when you're casting at that critical moment.

[hipshot]

I often carry two fly rods. I bought a Scotty gimbal mount and carry one behind me (in a Scotty fly rod holder). The mount is in the flush rod holder, horizontal, straight back. I have a short lanyard from the mount clipped to the boat. The other rod lies on the deck up forward, and when I'm paddling it's attached to a short leash. Now, if I could just find the time to get out on the water and use that stuff.............

[2FlyFish4]

the mokai
http://2flyfish4.blogspot.com/2011/10/mokai-mods.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

the native ultimate
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http://2flyfish4.blogspot.com/2011/03/u ... -mods.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Roofish]

In the begining I decked out my RIDE anchor, trolley, ruddder, crate, rod holders, cooler etc etc. Now however I carry rods, "tackle cooler" or collaspable cooler & a 1 gallon water jug & That Is It. & it is way more manageable, wouldn't want it anyother way