mikek

I have received several emails asking about my Kayak. I also was asked why I don't have my own yak on the rigging section of the website. Well here ya go guys. I hope you can get some ideas on rigging up your yak from my pics.

Depending on what type of fishing I will be doing for the day will depend on how it will get rigged the night before. The pics I have posted is the typical way I rig it for most of the fishing I do. If I tend to throw plastics I will usually rig it light. If I go live baiting I will leave out my milk crate and take what tackle I will need and store it in the cockpit with me. I then put my O2 system in the tankwell. I will also put my castnet and small wading bucket in my front hatch. I also like to fish with cut bait as well. I attach my cutting board in my cockpit where I can easily get to it for rebaiting. Well you get the idea now. It will always change to the fishing areas I cover.

The rod holders I have near the tankwell can be used for several applications. When paddling to my spot I will usually angle them straight up to stay out of my paddling area. Just for the record I don't take this many rods with me. Its only for the picture and demo:) Once you get to your area you want to lay or angle then down. Its a good idea to do this for two reasons. One being if you get a fish on that likes to circle the yak you will be free and clear of any obstructions when fighting your query. The second is when you cast out your lure or bait it will keep them from being the catch point of your casting area. The two aluminum holders I mounted to the crate for trolling, The two Scotty holders are used usually for trolling and fishing live or dead baits. The plastic ones in the milk crate are used when in route to my spot. I'm actually thinking of taking them out soon. The rods make great antennas while in these holders and tend to always stay in my way!

The cooler was a bear to try and find. I looked high and low to find that perfect fit for my yak. It holds a 27" red with ice , food and drink very nicely. It has the typical zipper that goes around the top like normal. The real feature that sold me was the Velcro hatch on top. You can turn around without fumbling or being loud and lift the Velcro top and get out or put in what ever you need to. I found this one at Wally world for about 25 bucks.

I try and keep my cockpit as clean and clutter free as I passably can. The little compartment box that is between you legs helps do that. Its a great idea that perception came up with. It holds my hooks. a few lures , leader and pliers. I have my rapala lip gripper clipped off to my seat clip. It has a quick connect release so I can get to in in a hurry if need be. I try and tie everything I can down. The anchor I use is a custom design by me. Its aluminum and weighs about 1.5# The barbs on it are strong enough to hold but weak enough to pull yourself off a bar when you need to. I like to throw this on the grassy islands while fishing shell mound cedar key. The seat is a high back Voyager that cost about 100 bucks, Its a very comfy seat! On the paddle side is a stick on law ruler. Not sure if you can make it out or not but that's very handy to have on your yak.

These are Scotty's triple mount launcher. I love this rod holder. Keeps the rods in front of you for ease of grabbing. If your going through tight mangrove mazes it keeps them out of the way. You can also position them for trolling or live bait. Its by far my favorite addition. I just started to carry a net with me. If I'm releasing the fish I will always lip grip it. But I do like dinner once in a while so the net does come handy.

This is what it looks like when I set up for a live bait trip. Like I said in the beginning , there are many ways of adapting your rig for the type of fishing you do so don't be afraid of changing it out. My yak is like a chameleon , it adapts to my surroundings:) I hope this helps you out. Good fishin'!

After searching high and low for the perfect kayak rack, I was still unable to find one with the perfect features I was looking for. I have been using a ladder rack, and it has held my yak perfectly, but my gear has just been thrown in the back of my truck. My rods were getting damaged and reels were getting scratched.

So, after thinking about what would be the best way to get from my house to the water without damaging my stuff, I headed to the drawing board. I needed something that would hold my kayak and also protect my rods and reels. I called my dad up, who has been a Marine Fabricator for over 20 years. With his knowledge and craftsmanship, and my ideas, he easily turned my vision into reality.

We put the final touches on my Yak Rak yesterday and mounted it to the truck shortly after. We incorporated marine grade polished aluminum components,

I am very happy with the finished product. It is more functional then other manufactured racks on the market, and it looks better! If you are interested in having one of these racks made, contact me at mike@paddlezone.net. This is a custom rack that isn't mass produced so if you have a feature that you'd like to add or change, the possibilities are endless.