The Northern California Fly Fishing Board

Edk,

I know that you have a kayak. I got a sit on top kay (Ocean kayak Scrambler XTA) fo use for fishing lakes, and slowwww rivers. How did you equip yours?

I got a anchor trolley setup on both sides of my yak so I can anchor from either side. I got paddle and rod leashes plus fish finder and a milk crate that I can tied down behind my seat and attach my dry bags to. Plus as you know, I ALWAYS wear a pfd out on the water even when I am wading. I can taking a yak basics class next month with my friend who also has a yak. I got a cart to transport the yak down to the beach.

Now to build up thoses upper body muscles to get the yak on top of my subaru.

Any help or pictures would be greatly appreciated.

Loretta

Loretta,

I think my buddy Sawmill Tom has a Scrambler - nice boat.

I am something of a minimalist (read Cheap) Got no anchor, got no trolley, got no milk crate, got a PFD (cheap, not crazy). Made my own spare one handed paddle, both for emergancies and for paddle flyrod joint operations. Could have used a ping pong paddle, but I didn't know Long's sold them.



I put two rod holder bases behind me, and one between my legs. I have two rod holder tops. Lets me keep a rod in the back holder (left side, I am right handed) and have a rod in the 'trolling/ready' position while I paddle.

I put a ten foot floating painter on the bow with a inside splice, and spiced a brass hook on the other end. Made a five foot line with brass shackles sliced onto each end. Any of the shackles will snap onto a kelp frond. Lots of flexibility.

I keep my stuff in a large tupperware type tub in the rear well. Held in by original straps; includes water, two power bars, compass. GPS a good thing too. Spare fly boxes, etc. If you are going out on the ocean you MUST have (Cal DF&G) a landing device with an opening at least 21 inches. Cheap landing net.

I have a very sharp double edged boot knife attached to my PFD where my right hand touches it automatically - you want a knife right handy on the water - only had to use it to cut kelp so far, but a line is not out of the question.

This is the whole thing, nekkid - all ghear left ashore until we assessed the surf. Good think too, but you can see the general layout.

I use mine mostly on the ocean. On rivers, it's great transportation, but needs constant attention to position. Paddle, stop, fish. On lakes it's better for fishing from, but not as good as a Pontoon or float tube - hands free issue again.

Bug may chime in - he has a kayak, as does Charlie S. I know Bug uses his on rivers.

Good luck, and BE CAREFUL!!!