ray-uk

Ok, you get your first yak, where do you start??

Simple, for the first few trips out, you want to keep it basic and bare, a simple milk/beer crate or bucket, with a couple of bits of pvc tube/pipe attached, will be enough to get you started.
You will be able to carry enough rods/tackle to set you on your way to catching fish.

Do not be in a hurry to add permanent rod holders or anything else for that matter, take a few trips out until you are sure that you are making the right decisions before drilling any holes in your yak.

 

On your first trips out, you will find out where best to stow your gear to suit yourself.
It is worth carrying a tipex type marker in your pfd, you can make marks on the yak where you think your rods would be best placed to suit, which will help you once you decide on your final rigging.

 

Take time to have a good think, and do not be in a rush, the rigging possibilities are endless.

Take a good look around some of the other kayak fishing webs sites, most have posts/articles about rigging yaks for fishing, take ideas from them and use/adapt them for yourself.

 

Get to know your yak, sit side saddle, reach around, think what items of kit you will need on a regular basis, these items will need to be kept within easy reach.

There are a few of things you can do before you even get your yak.

 

A paddle/rod leash can be made easily from a bit of old telephone wire and a cheap cat collar, your gonna need one for your paddle, and one for every rod you intend to take out with you, so get making them while you are deciding on your kayak.

 

Do you intend to fit an anchor trolley?? if so, get the bits and bobs your gonna need, that way you have them there for when you want to fit them.

 

What about the anchor itself? you will need to make it up on its winder, ready for use.

T hink about what you will do with the likes of your car keys, wallet etc, while you are on the water?

 

Dry boxes are readily available from various stores, i.e. wilkos.
These are cheap but excellent for storing basically anything as they come in a range of sizes and shapes.
So it’s worth picking some of them up, or get the missus to do it for you while she is out shopping.

 

Think about your safety box and what you are going to put in it, you could start preparing that, again, while you are waiting for your yak.

 

Think about any lighting you are going to have, with a bit of thought, you can quite easily make a 360 white light, and for minimum cost.

Just remember, you are going to be parting with your hard earned cash for your yak, think before you get a drill out, its far better to wait a bit and get it right, than rush and regret.

 

Enjoy rigging you yak, and please let us know how you get on with it.