Setting Up a Fishing Kayak

Kayak fishing is a form of sport fishing that is truly coming into its own. A growing number of anglers are choosing fishing kayaks over larger motorized boats. Exercise, stealth and strategy are all parts of kayak fishing that hook many people on the sport. When setting up an kayak for fishing there are several things you can do to help make your introduction to the sport and fishing trips more enjoyable.

Things You'll Need

  • Bungee cords
  • U mounts
  • Self tapping screws
  • Screw driver
  • Silicon caulk
  • Milk crate
  • Rod holder
  • Zip ties
  • Wire cutters
  • Cord leashes
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose the number of bungee cords you'd like to store gear at the front of your kayak. Bungees are a convenient and secure means of holding rain gear, your lunch or other gear in place while you fish.

    • 2

      Install U mounts along the sides of the front storage area. Use self tapping screws to secure the U mounts to the kayak. Use a small amount of silicon caulk around each screw to make sure you have a watertight seal. Lace the bungee cord across the storage area of the kayak and tie off.

    • 3

      Purchase a milk crate from a big box or similar type store. Choose a crate that will fit into the storage area at the rear of the kayak. Attach a size two or three rod holder to the outside of the milk crate. Use zip ties to secure the holder in place. Attach other items such as storage or tackle boxes to the milk crate with zip ties. Cut excess from the zip ties with wire cutters or scissors.

    • 4

      Place the milk crate on the rear cargo area of the kayak. Stretch bungee cord across the crate and secure to the U mounts on the side of the kayak. Install U mounts if none are in place by following the procedure in step two.

    • 5

      Attach leashes to tie down points on the kayak for your paddle, tackle box and a fishing rod. Attach other leashes to the milk crate for a landing net and fishing rods. Make sure that everything you have, and want to keep, is secured with a leash of some sort in the event of a roll over.