Kayak Accessories?

[THE GAME]

I just got a new Tarpon 120 from Santa Clause. Iwill fish saltwater bay, flats and ship channels.After I finnish my contract i will be moving back to freshwater fishing.
What I would like to know is what accessories do you long time kayakers suggest. ( paddle,pfd,anchor,compass,gps,rod holders etc.)
What works and what you are not happy with. This will save me time and money rigging mine out.
Thanks

[ruge13]

Yep you will probably need the paddle, sorry couldn't resist:D You might want a leash on it though.

PFD is a must, make sure it is comfortable for a full arm motion, important for casting and paddling. Safety gear is the first thing. Since you are going to be near other boats, wouldn't hurt to have a flare or two, they are small and water proof. Whistle is also a must have. Don't get a wussy one either, get one that can be heard at a distance.

If you plan to fish at night, you will need a light. A headlamp would be fine, but make sure its nice and bright so other boats can see you.

Cell phone is always good if you have one. Just in case.

As for the GPS and compass. Compass is always good for when the GPS fails and you hit some fog or at night, should be included in safety gear. GPS is a great tool, but certainly not necessary. Once you start using it though, you will be adicted to it! Makes for great trip planning.

Some guys use fish finders, might be good since you are fishing channels but again not necesary. If interested, search this forum for fish finders, you will find a few threads that go into detail with mounting, batteries, models, etc.

Anchor you won't need. Probably never use it. But thats just me, some guys do.

Rod holder is a must have I think. There are several makes, most popular are the Ram mount holders. They offer an easy swivel option that makes them very convenient. Play around with mounting locations. If you are going to be doing more casting than trolling, behind is convenient and out of the way. But some people like to be able to keep an eye on the rod/ or rods. The ram mount also has interchangeable parts for fish finders, gps, etc. Great for a SOT. I have a scotty and its fine, does the job, but the features of the Ram mounts are far superior.

Other than that, keep it simple. The less you can carry the more comfortable you will be. The only must have's I think are saftey gear and the rod holder.

Having said that, you might also want to look into a dry bag or something along that line to hold things you don't want to get wet like sunglasses, keys, cell phone etc.

Also, not sure what kind of water temps you are looking at but clothing is also a consideration.

One other thing you may want to think about is a rudder. Not necesary but certainly a luxury when padling in wind, or moving a boat with fish. Helps control drift directions some, enough to add a little more comfort to windy situations, but if you plan to go back to freshwater, the wind factor will be reduced and money may be better spent on other items like a finder or GPS.

[Punchshot]

Hi GAME, I've got the T120. like it alot, I hooked mine up with a Scotty mounting bar, it can hold up to three mounting brackets - 2 fly rod holders and a fish finder on mine. I bought a compass, but just got a GPS for x-mass so I'll be using that instead on those foggy days, and like Ruge said get a PFD and definitly a paddle:)

[THE GAME]

I knew i was setting myself up when i listed those items,ie. paddle. I was just wondering if anyone had a reccomendation of the best paddle for the money.
Thanks

[ruge13]

As for paddles, you should be able to find a decent one for less than $100. No need to drop $250 on a carbon Harmony paddle or something like that for fishing. I would recomend a regular blade though over a touring blade. Since your distance will probably be shorter (less than 5 or 10 miles in a day) and quicker bursts of speed are more often. The choice between wood or glass is one or personal preference. I have a wood paddle just because I like the way they look. No other reason. If you plan on doing some distance weight may be a concideration, but not enough to make me really think about spendign more money on a lighter paddle. Length can be an issue. For a SOt I would stay away from shorter paddles, i.e. 230cm or so. I would stray more towards a 240 or 250. Helps to negotiate the width of the boat I think.

As for PFD's take a look at Lotus Designs. They are not exactly cheap compared to others but the designs are nice. They are made for paddlers so they have nice high backs and pockets in the front. The shoulders are neoprene and comfortable.

You may think about gloves for paddling and blisters, but you don't need them.

[Ray]

Checkout the REI link from the RT homepage. They have a wide range of yak stuff. Bought most of my stuff their.

Ray

[Birdman]

I agree with the above. I'm still experimenting with various items but one "must" in my opinion is a set of clips to hold the paddle. I have a Pungo so it's a SINK and therefor a different rig. I made two clips out of 2"PVC electrical conduit (plumbing would be the same but I prefered the gray color over white) I cut a section about 2" long then cut out about 90 degrees of the circumference. I through bolt them to the side with a ss carriage bolt and wingnut. I find when I'm trying to stalk fish in skinny water I can put the paddle in this rig without a sound. Laying the paddle in my lap put it in the way and it rattled around.
I have and use an anchor but that's a matter of choice. I find it helpful sometimes.
I don't use a leash but I do carry a spare telescoping paddle under the deck rigging. My compass, whistle and paddle float never leave my boat. Safety First!
Cheers.

[Ray]

When I bought all my stuff I spared no expense on the lifevest. You will be wearing it for along time and it must be comfortable.

When is used to race bikes I told people new to the sport not to go cheap on a helmet. It may save your life someday and only needs to work once!!!! Same thing with a lifevest.

[BluesCruiser]

a great life vest check out SOSpenders they have a beltvest that is the size of a rolled up newspaper with ripcord inflate co2 cartrage very light you won't know its there.. if it's not comfortable you will take it off trust me. (#$119)


do not go out without one~

[titusg]

Went fishing twice with it. Second time I took it off in the garage and discovered that the co2 bottle had worked it way lose. It's still hanging on a nail in the garage, cause it can't sell it to someone and be responsible for them if it failed. I hate to differ but I think, it's better to spend the time and money to find a vest you can wear all day and not notice it. I found one, I feel safe, now.

[THE GAME]

Ive wondered about that myself. What if you hit your head and got KO'ed. Whos going to pull the rip cord.

[BluesCruiser]

co2 bottle had worked it way lose :eek: has anyone else had this happen??!!
I always check to see the green ready indicator is green not red but have not had a c02 canister come loose.. did you let anyone at SoS know ?

[titusg]

co2 bottle had worked it way lose :eek: has anyone else had this happen??!!
I always check to see the green ready indicator is green not red but have not had a c02 canister come loose.. did you let anyone at SoS know ? Nope, besides I keep it was a reminder that there are fail-safe systems and then those that represent risk. I tested the unit shortly after I first got it. Then replace the cartridge. The fact that I could make such a huge mistake and it go un-noticed, I blame on me. :eek:

[BluesCruiser]

will always check in future I always have a boat cushion under my legs and a spare vest . I also have a pool float down by my feet in case I have to sit in the water to bail the kayak if needed.. oh ya add sponge/scoop to list. I am still sold on the SoSpender belt though --127-3-

[titusg]

will always check in future I always have a boat cushion under my legs and a spare vest . I also have a pool float down by my feet in case I have to sit in the water to bail the kayak if needed.. oh ya add sponge/scoop to list. I am still sold on the SoSpender belt though --127-3-
I like the pool float. May get one myself.

[FLYRODER]

I would stay away from buying the SOS type inflatable PFD. I've been with other kayakers that had them and 3 out of 10 didn't inflate. Check out the USCG site and you will see a hugh list of these SOS type PFD's that are defective. I wear a regular PFD all the time while on the kayak even when it's 90 degrees out in the middle of the summer. You get used to it just as you would wearing anything else.

[BluesCruiser]

well I did go to there site and the only one the USCG and SoS recalled for that problem was the auto/inflating model (and that is old news) and that problem has been fixed on those.. and they now have a 100% tested tag on all there products . another sorce stated that the USCG uses the SoS brand go figure..(maybe I need more facts) but as I said before a spare float or vest is just a good idear just like a spare paddle.. and that accessories list just keeps growing . oh was that me flamming --126-3- did not meat to be

shuttin up now :)

[THE GAME]

I have added a few more things to my yak accessories. I accesdently won 4 scotty rod holders on ebay.I am going to put one in front on the deck and maybe one in the back. I have not got them in the mail yet but they will be here next week.And I built a tackle holder out of a milk crate to go in the tank well behind me. I put a couple PVC rod holder on the sides of it.
nex I guess i will get a drift anchor and/or a regular anchor.
There are a few SOS type pfd's on ebay pretty fairly priced but they are camo colored.I guess that does not matter much.

[BluesCruiser]

anchors can be very dangerous on a kayak, tie on front or back only.
I use a 2lb. lifting waight I got a walmart cut in half drill a hole just below the cut and tie kite string to it .. it is plenty strong for holding the kayak in slow moving water and if it gets stuck or hungup you can break it with your hand and your only out a few bucks and your yak don't flip or get pulled under..

the rubber coated ones work great for this at about $2.00 a pop

Be Safe ;)

[RJ]

Game,

I use the SOS suspenders too! Considering your location and the heat and humidity on the southern Texas coast in August, I recommed it as the way to go. Tuck the rip cord toggle under the suspener to keep it from snagging and popping your vest. Not a big concern, but something to check.

Using a SOT will in itself eleminate most of the accidental discharges that might occur.

:) :cool:

[RJ]

Game,

I use the SOS suspenders too! Considering your location and the heat and humidity on the southern Texas coast in August, I recommed it as the way to go. Tuck the rip cord toggle under the suspener to keep it from snagging and popping your vest. Not a big concern, but something to check.

Using a SOT will in itself eleminate most of the accidental discharges that might occur.

:) :cool:

Check out noreast.com and the kayak article in the features section I'm the
proud author of that little old thang! :brow

And go to the archives section on this site. Lots of rigging suggestions , etc.

[THE GAME]

I could not find the kayak article. Although it could be right on the front page and I looked over it.

[ruge13]

Game, if you click onm the current issue, then into features, or "whats inside" you can find it there.

[hal11]

I just got my Cabelas salt water catalog and lo and behold they have a selection of 3 different type on pliers/cutters that float. I think I have too many tools on tethers and I will order a pair soon.