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How to Keep Kayak Fishing Gear Secure - Tips and Tricks
While kayak fishing, you must always keep your gear securely fastened to your yak to make sure you don't lose it if you get dumped. There are hundreds of different techniques for keeping your fishing gear secure on your kayak. Some methods are better than others, but we will cover a couple different ways to keep your gear secure and then you can decide what is best for you.
Securing Tools
Pliers are a necessity in kayak fishing for retrieving hooks that are stuck deep in the mouth. There are a number of different tools that you need to have on hand, but they also need to be secure. Most kayak anglers preference here is to secure them to your seat with some kind of retractable product. There are plenty of great products that you can tether your tools to.
YakAttack Surface Mount Retractor - This gear retractor can be mounted anywhere with a small flat surface area on your kayak. This allows you to tether your pliers or other fishing gear to it so you always know where they are and they will not get lost in the water.
YakAttack Track Mount Retractor - This retractor is perfect for when you want to move the item that you have tethered. This product fits onto the YakAttack Mighty Bolt and YakAttack GearTracs as well as other kayak track systems.
T-Reign Zinger & Nippers (pin) - This is perfect for having clippers at your disposal at any given moment. Simply pin it to your tackle bag or your jacket.
T-Reign Retractable Gear Tether (Large 48") & T-Reign Retractable Gear Tether (Small 24") - These gear tethers are perfect for clipping your tethered tools to your seat or other places quickly. It is extremely easy to use and it will save your gear from being lost.
The Fish Grip - A must have for any kayak or boat fisherman. This tool floats so you never need to worry about dropping your lip grips in the water!
Securing Gear with a Storage Container
For storage containers, there is nothing better than the YakAttack Blackpak. This box (pictured below) has bungees to secure the lid on your crate so your fishing tackle doesn't fly out. This box has many mounting options so it is as versatile as it is secure.
For a cheaper solution, simply use a milk crate to store your fishing tackle. If you use a milk crate or other DIY crates, we highly recommend using a bungee to secure your gear so you don't regret it later!
Securing Paddles
Use a paddle clip to secure your paddle to your kayak, especially in rough or choppy waters!
Shoreline Marine Paddle Leash - Keeps your paddle securely attached to your kayak. Your paddle is your most important item so make sure to keep it leashed!
Keep Valuables Secured in a Dry Bag
Shoreline Marine Dry Bag - This is great for keeping your items clean and dry while kayak fishing.
Note: You may want to keep a set of extra clothes in a dry bag when paddling in cold weather.
- John Harley
Jackson Kayak 2015 Elite Seats (Original, 2.0 and 3.0)
This article will explain which seats come standard on the new 2015 Jackson fishing kayaks. The new Elite 2.0 and 3.0 seats are sure to turn some heads.
Jackson Kayak's New Elite Seat 3.0: (Standard on: Kraken and Coosa HD)
The Elite Seat 3.0 has all the qualities of the Elite Seat 2.0, plus the ability to move forward (fore) and backward (aft). This enables you to adjust your seat for maximum speed and performance. If you are on moving water such as a river, adjust the seat to the aft position to help raise the bow, which will give you more control and maneuverability. For flat water set the Elite Seat 3.0 to the fore position to help lower the bow of the boat, this will give the paddler maximum speed and tracking. For the rest of the details, look below at the 2.0 description.
Jackson Kayak's New Elite Seat 2.0:
The new Elite Seat 2.0 makes your time on the water more enjoyable and more comfortable than ever before. It has a new look and feel with 3D mesh fabric. Jackson made some new changes for improved ergonomics and comfort, along with more storage capabilities, and a new Therm-a-Rest lumbar pad. This is also sturdier than previous models. The 2.0 works on any existing Jackson Kayak that has the elite seat.
- New Look and Feel – Lightweight and breathable 3D mesh with padding for comfort. All black with a new JK logo and reflective piping with a new sleek look.
- Better ergonomics – The top corners of the curved back have been rounded even more for improved comfort. The seat can be removed for transportation, or used as a camp chair.
- Elite Hi/Lo Seating – Optional hi/lo seating - The ‘lo’ position being more stable, where the ‘hi’ position gives you a better view into the water and a more natural seated position for transition to standing.
- Improved ‘first hand’ storage – When in the “hi” position, there are two side pockets that fit Plano 3640-10 Waterproof tackle boxes; still providing plenty of room for 3700 size tackle boxes to fit under the seat. Provides easy access to tackle without having to turn around which frees up more storage in the tankwell.
- New Therm-a-Rest lumbar support – Now comes with a removable Therm-a-rest lumbar pad on fishing models, which can also double as a camping pillow.
- More Secured Seating - Improved security and adjustability - New cam strap system that allows the seat to be cinched down tighter more easily.Original Elite Seat: (Standard On: Original Coosa, Cruises and Tripper):
This model is the original camp style seat.
- John Harley
YakAttack CellBlok Battery Box Setup
The YakAttack CellBlok battery box may just be the cleanest and easiest way to mount a fish finder on your kayak. Not only is it clean, but it is portable. Simply slide it off of your kayak's track system and slide it onto the next.
The greatest part about this battery case is that you do not need to drill holes into your kayak! Mount the transducer arm to a ram ball on top of the box and it will hang over the side of your kayak. It does not matter if you want the fishfinder on the right or left side of the yak.
With this battery case, you can take it anywhere, so it is not limited to your kayak. You can use it as a depth finder while ice fishing, or take it out on you boat. Now you can have a fishfinder at any moment!
The box does add a little weight to one side of the kayak than the other, but this does not add as much weight to one side like you may think. However, if you are worried about the extra weight, you may want to invest in a smaller battery size.
Here are some quick installation instructions. You will need to drill a hole or cut out a piece of the CellBlok in order to make sure your power cable and transducer wires fit snug inside the box. Drill the pre-marked holes to install the Ramballs to the top of the case. Once the fish finder and transducer arm have been attached, simply wrap up the excess cable and zip tie the cables to hold them in place and keep them out of your way. It is pretty simple to install.
Products needed to complete the above installation:
YakAttack RAM POD 18" Transducer Arm Mount (RMS-1046)
YakAttack RAM 2.5" Diameter Composite Base (1" Ball) (RMS-1085)
YakAttack RAM 2.5" Diameter Composite Base (1.5" Ball) (RMS-1086)
YakAttack Ball Mount for Lowrance Elite-4 & 5 Series Fishfinders (Rugged) (RMS-1093)
7 or 9 mAh battery
2 disconnect battery terminal connectors
1 butt splice connector
- John Harley
What is the Difference Between Yakattack GearTrac Models?
Track systems allow you to customize your kayak in an endless amount of ways. All GearTracs are compatible with 1/2" track hardware. You can use them with Ram ScrewBalls and any other that have a track adapter. Typically, when choosing the right GearTrac, you would want to decide on a material first. YakAttack offers 2 different constructions which both offer different benefits.
The first material is used in the GTSL90 series (Spectralite) which consists of a marine resistant high end polymer, which is a hard plastic. This plastic version comes in many different sizes and colors like lime, orange, yellow, and blue. This is meant for light duty use and is not as durable as the other models. If you are looking for something more affordable, then this is the right choice. If you plan on using this GearTrac for rod holders, then you may want to go with a higher end model.
The higher end models are made with aluminum and military grade hard anodize. There are two models constructed with this metal. There is the GT90 series and the GT175 series. The GT90 series is designed for medium duty use, while the GT175 series is designed for rugged and heavy use. If you plan on using your GearTrac for trolling, then we highly recommend the GT175 series. If you mainly use them to hold your fishfinder or other accessories, then I would go with the GT90 series which is more affordable and still very durable.
GT90 left and GT175 on right
Now for size. You will want to inspect your kayak for flat areas where you can mount your GearTrac. If you do not have long flat spots, then you will need a shorter track. Generally speaking, if you have the space available then you would want to get the longer track. The longer track offers more flexibility when adjusting your mounts. You can move mounts out of your way easier and add more adapters to hold your accessories. This isn't always true, so take a ruler and place it onto your kayak to try and visualize the GearTrac.
- Seth Willoughby