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Need Some advice: Inflatable kayak, no rod holder

Im still a little new to fishing from a kayak, and would love to start trolling lake tarpon from my inflatable yak. The only problem (other than feeling vulnerable to curious alligators) is that my yak has no rod holders, and i would have to troll with my rod between my legs or something.
This is the kayak i have:

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_11151_10001_686615_-1?ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=686615&cid=sc_googlepla&device=c&network=g&matchtype=&gclid=CPPE9OqV57kCFcFj7AodS3wAWQ#.UkMqXz-la_I


Would it be possible to attach a rod holder to this kayak somehow?

Replies

  • kayakanglerkayakangler Posts: 207 Officer
    attach two shoulder straps to a set of rod holders. wear the rod holders like a back pack :-)
  • jcanracerjcanracer Posts: 4,343 Moderator
    attach two shoulder straps to a set of rod holders. wear the rod holders like a back pack :-)
    Actually, that's a brilliant idea. Wade-fishermen do something similar by tucking a rod in their belt or wearing a wade fishing belt with built in rod holder.
    Hobie Kayak angler for life!
  • ZimmerNoleZimmerNole Posts: 9,243 Admiral
    I don't know if I'd want to troll for TARPON with the rod strapped to my back. I've seen tarpon nearly rip rods out of rod holders while trolling plugs for them in the canals and off the beach.

    Brilliant idea though, I just don't know If I would do it myself.

    I'd look at someway you could zip tie some PVC to something. A small cooler, crate, etc.

    Of course if that is not possible, then the backpack style idea might work. Just be careful!
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  • Android77Android77 Posts: 499 Deckhand
    There are some good glue on mounts for Scotty's that I've seen but I think you need a quality inflatable to make them work.
  • Lt.FireDogLt.FireDog Posts: 1,112 Officer
    You could make up a poly or starboard plate that fits under the bungee's in front of the cockpit (maybe zip-tie plate to D-rings?) and mount a RAM rod holder to the plate. This would keep the rod in front of you for an easy grab when your trolled-bait is hit.
    This would also be a good place to mount your kayak bilge pump (you have a bilge pump right?) and a small Plano waterproof tackle tray.
  • jcanracerjcanracer Posts: 4,343 Moderator
    just keep your drag light when you're trolling with any of these suggestions, you can always tighten up the drag when the rod is in your hands.
    Hobie Kayak angler for life!
  • Nok21Nok21 Posts: 30 Deckhand
    ZimmerNole wrote: »
    I don't know if I'd want to troll for TARPON with the rod strapped to my back. I've seen tarpon nearly rip rods out of rod holders while trolling plugs for them in the canals and off the beach.

    I'd be trolling for bass most likely, on Lake Tarpon- Not trolling for tarpon, i don't think im quite experienced enough to fish for tarpon out of a kayak (And if i did fish for tarpon, i'd go all the way and use a fly rod). Lots of great advice, i'll try to make something that i can strap to the front of the kayak.

    Thanks for the advice everyone!
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