kayak gear/setup

[layincable]

almost saved up enough cash to go buy a kayak. i've been doing research and watching vids to see what i need . got the basics down,paddle life vest whistle flare etc, but am looking for advice on what else i should be carrying on board

[gnelson651]

I've done a lot of kayak fishing for the past 4+ years now. I started with an inflatible kayak and now use an Ocean Kayak Scrambler XT Angler.

What type of kayak are you saving for? Most kayak anglers prefer a sit on top. I bought my OK used on Craig's List for $275. I saw an OK there for $220 just posted on CL (includes paddle). Its not an angler model (built in rod holders) but it would be easy to install those yourself. And you would save some money for other things like a fishfinder.

So here is what I use:

-Small knife attached to the PFD to cut line or rope if entangled.

-waterproof flashlight

-Milk Crate with rod holders for carrying your stuff in the back. Plano boxes for your lures and tackle. Small lunch box for carrying iced bait.

-Paddle and rod leashes so not to lose equipment (you can make yourself using an old cellphone powercord or buy at the 99cent store).

- 3lb folding anchor (Bass Pro $18) with alteast 150ft of rope if you plan to fish Lake Mead, 50ft if you are fishing the reservoirs (i.e Eagle Valley/Echo Canyon, Ellipah, Sunnyside).

-Small First Aid kit (Big 5-$7-10)

-Water bottle even in the winter.

-Kayak carrier to transport on car/truck.

-Warm clothing if you are kayaking in the winter, esp. Lake Mead/Mojave-Polyester base layer shirt/pants, fleece shirt/pants, waders with two belts (one for the waist, one for the chest)., cheap tennis shoes with velcro straps (Walmart $12) NO cotton-it retains water and will not keep you warm! Use the formula of 100-If both the water temp and air temp do not equal alteast 100, then dress warm or don't go out. Cold water kills. I see too many kayakers inadequately dressed for the elements. Lake Mead can be dangerous with sudden winds and ocean size waves.

Optional:

-Fishfinder/GPS-I use both.
-Anchor Trolley to position your kayak
-Sea anchor for those windy days you want to slow your drift.
-WheelEze kayak cart
-stakeout pole for shallows
-paddle gloves (warmth and protection on long paddles)

I PM'd you, call me and I'll show you my rig. Perhaps we can go out together. I would love some company while fishing.

Here is my milkcrate for my smaller kayak:





My small 8' kayak for reservoirs



My first kayak I used for about a year to start:


My used Ocean Kayak with some mods-Anchor trolley, YakPak (work in progress):



Fishfinder on the OK:


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[layincable]

Thanks for the information! I was planning on a SOT by Ocean but then ran across Malibu kayak's web page and have been flip flopping between them.
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[gnelson651]

Both make good kayaks. Its more about what features you want and how much you are willing to pay. Just remember that you can customize your kayak later if you are good with power tools and have a little creativity. You can always add rod holders or even hatches later.

Size (length) does matter. Get something atleast 12 feet long if you plan to fish Lake Mead or Lake Mojave. There is alot of boat traffic creating wakes and the winds (especially in the summer in such canyon lakes) will come suddenly and strong enough to generate big waves.

As an example, when I was boardsailing in my younger years, I remember being out on Lake Mead when a fast T-storm pushed through generating mast high (that's 15ft) waves and 60+ mph winds. Luckily I was experienced enough and was able to make it back to shore. It was like being on an ocean. My friend and I kissed the shore when we dragged our tired butts off the water.

Also the wider the kayak, the more stable it will be. But the slower it will go and harder to paddle.

If you have an opportunity, try one out, even if its in the store. Sit in it to see if it is comfortable. You will be fishing for long hours and an uncomfortable seat will not enhance your fishing experience. If it comes with a seat, then sit in the seat also. There are aftermarket seats that can be found that may be more comfortable then the one provided by the manufacturer.

Good luck in your search for a new fishing kayak.
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