Gear Information

Getting Started - Choosing a Kayak for Fishing

Safety-

PFD/VHS Radio/Compass / GPS/Kayak Pump/First Aid Kit/Whistle

Leashes

Rod Holders and Mounts

Coming soon:

Fish Finders

Seats

Anchors

Wheels

Getting Started - Choosing a Kayak for Fishing

There are many kayaks on the market to choose from. More and more kayak manufacturers are making kayaks for fishing with a platform to mount the gear you'll need. Our advice is to do your homework. Visit websites that have information on this subject such as:www.fishingkayaks.net. Check out the "e;Kayak Selection Guide"e; to help you choose a kayak. We recommend paddling the kayaks you're interested in. Each person has his or her own likes and dislikes and you really need to paddle the boat to see if you like it. Check out the kayak manufacturer websites (visit our links page for these mfg links) and read the details about the kayaks you're interested in. What is the weight limit? What is the width (for stability)? How long do you want your kayak - 12 ft, 14 ft, 15 ft?? Will you be launching in the surf? Look at the hulls and see which kayak will cut through the water and which kayak will drag. Chances are, if you post the question on a message board "e;which is the best kayak for fishing"e;, you will get many, many different answers. Also, if you go to a shop that carries one kayak brand, you will, of course, be told that it is the best kayak on the market for fishing. Visiting many kayak shops and viewing and paddling different brands is essential. Check the paddle shops for Demo Days where you will be able to paddle a variety of boats.

Safety comes 1st

Personal Floatation Device (PFD’s),is required by the USCG to have on a kayak. There are PFD’s that are made for paddlers and kayak fishermen. The best ones have places to attach things like a whistle, VHF radio, and a knife. Remember you need to wear your PFD. If you have it in your hatch you may not have time to get to it when you need it.

From the United States Coast Guard Website (http://www.uscgboating.org/safety/fedreqs/equ_pfd.htm):

Personal Flotation Devices (PFD)

All recreational boats must carry one wearable PFD (Type I, II, III or Type V PFD) for each person aboard. A Type V PFD provides performance of either a Type I, II, or III PFD (as marked on its label) and must be used according to the label requirements. Any boat 16ft and longer (except canoes and kayaks) must also carry one throwable PFD (Type IV PFD).

PFDs must be

• Coast Guard approved,
• in good and serviceable condition, and
• the appropriate size for the intended user.

Accessibility

• Wearable PFDs must be readily accessible.
• You must be able to put them on in a reasonable amount of time in an emergency (vessel sinking, on fire, etc.).
• They should not be stowed in plastic bags, in locked or closed compartments or have other gear stowed on top of them.
• The best PFD is the one you will wear.
• Though not required, a PFD should be worn at all times when the vessel is underway. A wearable PFD can save your life, but only if you wear it.
• Throwable devices must be immediately available for use.

Inflatable PFDs

• Inflatable PFDs may be more comfortable to wear.
• The best PFD is the one you will wear.
• Inflatable PFDs require the user to pay careful attention to the condition of the device.
• Inflatable PFDs must have a full cylinder and all status indicators on the inflator must be green, or the device is NOT serviceable, and does NOT satisfy the requirement to carry PFDs.
• Coast Guard Approved Inflatable PFD's are authorized for use on recreational boats by person at least 16 years of age.

Child PFD Requirements

Some states require that children wear PFDs

• applies to children of specific ages
• applies to certain sizes of boats
• applies to specific boating operations

Check with your state boating safety officials.

Child PFD approvals are based on the child's weight. Check the "e;User Weight"e; on the label, or the approval statement that will read something like "e;Approved for use on recreational boats and uninspected commercial vessels not carrying passengers for hire, by persons weighing __ lbs"e;. They can be marked "e;less than 30"e;, "e;30 to 50"e;, "e;less than 50"e;, or "e;50 to 90"e;.

PFD requirements for certain boating activities under state laws

The Coast Guard recommends and many states require wearing PFDs:

• For water skiing and other towed activities (use a PFD marked for water skiing).
• While operating personal watercraft (PWC) (use a PFD marked for water skiing or PWC use).
• During white water boating activities.
• While sailboarding (under Federal law, sailboards are not "e;boats"e;).

Check with your state boating safety officials.

Federal law does not require PFDs on racing shells, rowing sculls, racing canoes, and racing kayaks; state laws vary. Check with your state boating safety officials.

If you are boating in an area under the jurisdiction of the Army Corps of Engineers, or a federal, state, or local park authority, other rules may apply.

PFD Flotation

There are three basic kinds of PFD flotation in the five types of PFDs with the following characteristics:

Inherently Buoyant (primarily Foam)

• Adult, Youth, Child, and Infant sizes
• For swimmers & non-swimmers
• Wearable & throwable styles
• Some designed for water sports

Inflatable

• The most compact
• Sizes only for adults
• Only recommended for swimmers
• Wearable styles only
• Some with the best in-water performance

Hybrid (Foam & Inflation)

• Reliable
• Adult, Youth, and Child sizes
• For swimmers & non-swimmers
• Wearable styles only
• Some designed for water sports

VHF Marine Radio and/or Cell Phone

Everyone should carry a Marine Radio or a Cell Phone on their kayak for emergencies. When buying a Marine Radio, buy one that is waterproof and one that is affordable. Clip this on your life vest/ PFD or leash it to the kayak. This might be your lifeline, so make sure you keep the batteries charged and ready to use! VHF radios have rules and are not to be used for idol chit chat. Any vessel that carries a marine radio must follow the rules of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

From the United States Coast Guard Website:

Radio Listening Watch

Vessels not required to carry a radio (e.g. recreational vessels less than 65.6 feet/20 meters in length), but which voluntarily carry a radio, must maintain a watch on channel 16 (156.800 MHz) whenever the radio is operating and not being used to communicate. Such vessels may alternatively maintain a watch on VHF channel 9 (156.450 MHz), the boater calling channel.

Distress Call Procedures

1. Make sure radio is on
2. Select Channel 16
3. Press/Hold the transmit button
4. Clearly say: MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY
5. Also give:
   • Vessel Name and/or Description
   • Position and/or Location
   • Nature of Emergency
   • Number of People on Board
6. Release transmit button
7. Wait for 10 seconds – If no response Repeat "e;MAYDAY"e; Call.

False Distress Alerts

It is unlawful to intentionally transmit a false distress alert, or to unintentionally transmit a false distress alert without taking steps to cancel that alert.

Kayak Pump

You may never use thisBUTit will save you from sinking if you take on water!!!! If you have a hatch open and a rogue wave comes by or you flip, your boat will take on water. We've seen it happen and luckily were able to help the person in need. They did not have a kayak pump on board. Sponges are also good to carry on your kayak. These can take care of small amounts of water, but they can't pump out a hull in an emergency.

First Aid Kit

Some sort of first aid kit should always be carried on your kayak. Home made or store bought, just make sure you have one. Some items that should be included: Band-Aids, gauze, tape, bug bite cream, bug repellent, suntan lotion. Know what is inside your kit and know how to use it. A kit that is in a water proof container works the best for kayak fishing. Also carrying some dykes for cutting hooks. It's been known to happen - getting a hook inbedded in your hand or leg or ?? Just a good thing to have in case of this happening.

Whistle

Carry a whistle on you while kayak fishing. Most PFD come with a whistle. These can be used in an emergency to sound your location and distress. Recreational vessel's are required to make an efficient sound signal to signal your intentions and to signal your position in periods of reduced visibility. When in need of help: Make an unmistakable blast on it three times. Be sure to pause for a few seconds between each blast and for a few minutes between each group of three. (A whistle sound will carry further than your voice, about 1/2 to 2 miles). The Scotty whistle we sell is theLifesaver #1 Safety Whistle. It is the world's most advanced all-purpose safety whistle. Designed by search and rescue professionals. The synthetic peas will not absorb moisture or freeze. Works when soaking wet and clears instantly. The ABS plastic will not stick to your mouth in cold weather as metal whistles do. It has a double chamber for multiple pitches.

Leashes
Leash it - Don't lose it !!!!

There are leashes for your paddle, rods and equipment. Don't make the mistake thinking it will never happen to you - flipping over and losing gear or dropping something or ?? It happens to the best of us.

Paddle Leashes- Low profile paddle leashes are really nice. There are two kinds on the market. Scotty sells one that has a rubber O-ring that stays on your paddle. You must have a two part paddle to use this type. The leash has clips on both ends with swivels and the clips will clip into the O-ring and a pad eye on your kayak.

The other type will have a velcro attachment to go around your paddle and a brass snap at the other end to attach to the pad eye on your kayak. Or you can loop the end of the paddle leash through the pad eye and not use a brass snap.

Rod Leashes- These can save you hundreds of dollars! They are pretty basic in that one end stays on your rod with a velcro attachment and buckle clip and the other end is attached to your kayak on a pad eye with a brass snap. The easy buckle clip can be released and re-clipped with ease.

Gear Leashes -These very low profile, small leashes can be used on gear and rods. When storing rods behind you, these small leashes are great. They come with zip ties with an eye in them and these zip ties stay on your gear/rod. The leash comes with a carabiner to attach to a pad eye or seat clip on your kayak and the other end has a clip to clip into the zip tie "e;eye"e;. These will keep your gear on your kayak and keep it from going over. These can be used on rods, small tackle boxes, lip gripers, gaffs,and what everyou don’t want to lose.

Rod Holders and Mounts

 Choosing a rod holder, or more likely multiple rod holders, for your kayak can be a task. There are many to choose from, different makes, models and sizes. It really boils down to a personal choice. We would recommend looking over the information on this page; checking out the rigged kayaks on ourRigged Kayakpages; ask friends who have experience with kayak fishing; read the message boards on the various kayak fishing websites across the nation.

You should first paddle your kayak without rod holders and get a feel for your kayak, reach to the areas you would like to put rod holder(s) and really think it through before drilling into your boat. Watch your paddle stroke and make sure you don't put a rod holder (or other equipment) within this area.

We haveHow-Topages to instruct you on installing rod holders and other gear, but remember, you may be voiding the manufacturer's warranty if you drill holes in your boat. Please read ourdisclaimerbefore attempting any installations we give instructions to.

Please feel free to give us a call with any questions you may have - (866) 486-8412.

There are two major manufacturer's of rod holders - Scotty and Ram. We will go over key points on each. Scotty products are all interchangeable. They can be adjusted up and down and rotated 360 degrees. Scotty products work with a locking tooth system. Ram products are also interchangeable, but keep in mind if the part number is Ram-117 - this means the ball mount size is 1 1/2"e;. If the part number is Ram-B-107 - this means the ball mount size is 1"e;. B = 1"e; ball mount size. Ram products can be adjusted in endless directions with this ball mount system.  

Scotty Powerlock
Scotty Baitcaster
Scotty RodMaster II
Scotty RodMaster
Scotty Fly Rod Holder

Powerlock, Baitcaster, RodMaster, RodMaster II, Fly Rod Holder  

The first Extender shown raises the Rod Holder 6 1/2"e;. The second one shown raises the Rod Holder 8 1/2"e;. Click on the next picture to see this in action.  

The newest additions from Scotty are the Rod Holder Height Extender Mini and the Adjustable Rod Holder Extender

If you have Flush Mount Rod Holders and want to use a Scotty Rod Holder in it's place, you can use the Scotty Gimbal Mount:

Click on Scotty Gimbal Mount in use to view larger.  

Ram makes the Ram Rod Holder and the Ram Tube Rod Holder:

The first two Rod Holders use the base that measures 2 1/2"e; in diameter. The third Rod Holder, the Ram Tube Rod Holder - R119-23 uses a 2 x 3"e; rectangular base. This base works very well on the Hobie kayaks where spots are limited in size for mounting.

Ram makes a Ram Post that will fit into a Scotty Mount and it has a 1 1/2"e; ball for mounting:

This Ram Post is secured in the Scotty Mounts with the washer and screw on the bottom. You have to be able to reach the underside of your Scotty Mount to secure this. The Ram Post does not have the locking tooth design to lock into the Scotty Mounts.

The newest addition and replacement for the Ram Post seen above is this mount:

Here are the RAP-340 and RAP-341, Rod Holder and Fly Rod Holder respectively.

These rod holders are lighter in weight,composite material, same reputation and Made in the USA!

The newest addition to the Ram rod holder family are the Revolution Rod Holders 2008. These are made with the Hobie kayak in mind, but can be used on any mounting surface and application.

"e;Unlike anything you've seen before, and performance beyond your expectations describes another great product for "e;Pros and Joes"e; alike. Integrating two sought after features into a single system makes this new Rod Holder versatile to the extreme. Offering not only the patented RAM Rubber Ball and Socket Feature, but a ratcheting feature as well, there is literally no limit to where this holder can be put or how it can be fished. With RAM, you're never limited by your mounting equipment. No matter whether you're on the water to lose stress or gain tournament dollars, Ram Rod Holders only add to your success."e; (taken from the RAM website - see the website for a video on this new rod holder - www.ram-mount.com)

Ram also makes the Ram Rod Holder with the Flush Mount base and the Deck Mount base similar to the Scotty system. It is the Ram Rod 2000:

Mounts and Mounting Bars:

Scotty Mounts for rod holders, fishfinder posts and height extenders:

Scotty Mounting Bracket #241- Combination Side or Deck Mount.
Dimensions: 4"e; x 2"e; x 2"e;. Bolting Dimensions: 1 5/16"e; x 3 3/16"e;

NEW - Locking #241 - Just push your Scotty post in and it locks! Put the button to release.

Scotty Flush Deck Mount #244 - With Splash Cover.
Dimensions: 4"e; x 2"e; x 2"e;. Bolting Dimensions: 1 5/16"e; x 3 3/16"e;.

NEW - Locking #244 - Just push your Scotty post in and it locks! Put the button to release.

Scotty Round Flush Deck Mount #344 - Sealed Base with Splash Cover.
Dimensions: 3 3/4"e; diameter. Bolting Dimensions: 2 3/16"e; x 2 3/16"e;.

Scotty Compact Threaded Deck Mount #444 - Fits gunnels up to 2"e; thick.
Dimensions: 2 1/2"e; diameter. 1 1/4"e; hole is drilled to mount this deck mount.

Ram Mounts:

Ram Ball Mount # RAM- 202
Material: Powder Coated Marine Grade Aluminum, Ball Size: 1 1/2"e;

Ram Ball Mount # RAM-B-202
Same information as above, Ball Size: 1"e;

Ram's 1 1/2"e; ball mount that is made out of the lighter weight composite material.

Ram's new Wedge Mounts to fit into the Scotty mounts or the Hobie Sail Mount. 1 1/2"e; and 1"e; ball mount sizes.

Flush Mount Rod Holders:

Sea Dog Angled Flush Mount Rod Holder.
Dimensions: Depth: 9 1/2"e;.
See ourHow-To Pageon installing this rod holder.

The new 90 degree Flush Mount Rod Holder by Sea Dog:

Both of these rod holders are sealed on the bottom and there is no separate cap on the bottom.

New from SEA-Dog is the Cap and Gasket for the Flush Mount Angled Rod Holder:

Mounting Bars:Mounting Bars can be very useful and utilize space efficiently.

Scotty's Mounting Bar comes with a built-in lure and accessory rack which gives you quick access to your lures and tools. It comes with three molded mounting areas ready for any of the Scotty Rod Holders, Fishfinder Mount or other Scotty products.

The Johnny Bar: The perfect application for the kayak fisherman who doesn't want to drill holes in his/her boat. Black in color 21 3/4"e; or 27 3/4"e; in Length, 1 3/4"e; x 5 3/4"e;. Durable and stable. Choose either Brass Clips or Scotty Nylon Clips to attach to your boat. Attachment point can be pad eyes or leader line threaded through your boat rigging hardware. Get creative and make your own optional mounting surfaces using cutting board. For more information see the Johnny Bar home:www.madfroggear.com

Comes in black and has the following accessory carried here in our store:

Lilly Pads are highly versatile accessory mounting platforms, designed specially for decked kayaks. They provide an ideal anchoring point for fishing equipment, safety gear, navigational tools and anything else you need to secure to your kayak, while protecting the deck from wear and abrasion. Without drilling holes in your boat, you can securely mount these items within easy reach of your cockpit. When you don't need them, they can be quickly removed. Lilly Pads are sized to fit in the day hatch or behind the seat of most touring kayaks.

The Lilly Pad's rubber feet rest gently on the deck, while it is held securely in place by soft nylon straps that attach it to your existing deck hardware. The Lilly Pad's unique pivoting feet adjust to compensate for the slop of your kayak's deck, insuring that the unit sits firmly on your deck. The strap system allows you to mount Lilly Pads in a variety of configurations, even combining more than one unit to increase the amount of mounting surface. They can be mounted vertically or horizontally, to orient your equipment in a fashion that maximizes the presentation of your accessories.

The Lilly Pad is constructed out of Starboard, which resist prolonged exposure to saltwater and sun. It is lighter and stronger that other materials, yet easy to drill into. The unit's feet are attached with stainless steel hardware. The twenty inch military grade nylon straps slide easily through the hardware, allowing for quick installation or removal. The uses are limited only by your imagination.

The Lilly Pad measures - 10 1/4"e; x 5"e; and 1 1/2"e; tall.

The Rhynobar:

The Rhynobar is a heavy-duty, stainless steel mounting bar. It is affixed permanently to your kayak. Stainless steel 3/4"e; diameter x 30"e; length w/ss hardware.