Kayak: Rod positions while fishing: I hope you guys can help, I can't find a good solution. How do you position your rods when you are actively fishing? I keep bashing my rod that I'm...

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Kayak: Rod positions while fishing

Jan 17, 2020 09:51:26 #

FS Digest

I hope you guys can help, I can't find a good solution. How do you position your rods when you are actively fishing? I keep bashing my rod that I'm using against the other rod/s that are in my crate. I've set them upright and slanted backwards but it still happens on an overhead cast. I can cast sideways but sometimes in a tight spot it has to be overhead. I'm thinking of putting in those paddle U shaped clips on my tracks but don't want to use those while paddling because of salt water splashing on the reels the whole time.

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by Pelicanscontspel

Jan 17, 2020 09:51:31 #

FS Digest

I only take 2 rods out with me and keep the one I'm not currently using behind me on the offhand side. I don't use a crate because my kayak has built-in rod holders along side the rear well. I fish primarily inshore and don't find any need for additional rods. I keep one rigged for shallow (1-2') and the other a bit deeper (3-5').

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by malevolenc

Jan 17, 2020 09:51:34 #

FS Digest

Thank you! I try to keep myself to 2 rods but sometimes take a BFS rod for fussy trout.

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by Pelicanscontspel

Jan 17, 2020 09:51:40 #

FS Digest

The short answer is that storing rods vertically behind you means sacrificing the ability to use an overhead cast, at least that’s true in my experience.

The longer and possibly more helpful answer is that, depending on your setup, you can mount your rod holders on a milk crate at a 45 degree angle. That’s what my buddy does and it seems to work well.

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by pietot2

Jan 17, 2020 09:51:43 #

FS Digest

I might need to increase the rod angle for the rod not in use. Currently about 30°.

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by Pelicanscontspel

Jan 17, 2020 09:51:48 #

FS Digest

I usually will take out 3/4 poles: 2 or 1 for casting (lures), minnow (slip bobber), and worm (split shot sinker and worm float). I have built in rod holders behind my seat of my yak. I can put them off to the side so it doesn't affect my casting. I have 2 Rail Blaza rod mounts in the front, I can rotate those. Sometimes I'll set my worm pole up with a slip bobber, put both bobber poles out and into the rod holders at a 45ish angle and straight out the sides. Then I'll paddle backwards slowly, trolling.

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by Str8Stu

Jan 17, 2020 09:51:54 #

FS Digest

I cast left handed, so all my rods are on the right side of the crate and a single one on the front of my crate at my right elbow. I use short 6’ to 6’6” rods and only cast sidearm or at over my shoulder at an angle. Longer rods take more care but I keep them closer the right-front holder.

I have a Slayer 10’ and the seat is very roomy and easy to pivot my torso in so I can still cast at about 180° arc in front of me. I strongly want to add a fifth rod holder for this next season but I am at an absolute loss on how to do it without sacrificing way too much casting angle.

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by 5uper5kunk

Jan 17, 2020 09:51:57 #

FS Digest

Thank you! I'm moving across to shorter rods so expect that to help. Seem to be doing lots more of pitching/flipping to sighted fish, and the shorter length while sitting makes sense.

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by Pelicanscontspel

Jan 17, 2020 09:52:03 #

FS Digest

Thank y'all for the replies! I'll see what works. Currently I have a Scotty rod holder mounted on my centre console and I keep my rods lying in those with the butt end on my seat. It's a bit awkward when pulling a fish on board. Seems kayak fishing is mostly space management 😂

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by Pelicanscontspel

Jan 17, 2020 09:52:07 #

FS Digest

I cast and fish out of the right hand side of my kayak, so all extra rods are either in my Outbacks built in holders on the left, or faced to the left for the rod holders attached to my crate.

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by MeatHead1313

Jan 17, 2020 09:52:21 #

FS Digest

I just learned to cast at different angles. You can still end up with an "overhead" rod angle but start with your hand off to one side and/or with the tip to side (for example, your 5 o'clock instead of directly at your 6). It might not feel as natural at first and you'll have some inaccurate casts to begin with, but if you become conscious of it and stick with it, it will become second nature. I don't even think about it anymore and I haven't clipped a rod behind me in a year or two.

The other easy option is to position your kayak so that your cast target isn't straight ahead of you.

Low hanging trees are another story...

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by TexasLizard

Jan 17, 2020 09:52:25 #

FS Digest

Thanks! I'll give that a try.

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by Pelicanscontspel

Jan 17, 2020 10:50:16 #

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

FS Digest wrote:

I hope you guys can help, I can't find a good solu... (show quote)

Post a picture of your set up. Easy to say what to do but until we see what you are fishing from its just a guess.

Jan 17, 2020 22:30:38 #

Ron620DVS Loc: Guntersville Alabama

Hobie Horizontal Rod Holder Kit...Add to Cart
$30.99

Keep your fishing rod secure and protected along the side of your kayak with the Hobie Horizontal Rod Holder Kit. Insert the rod tip into the tip protector and lock the rod handle into the clasp. Easy to install using the provided hardware. Choose either through-bolts or sheet metal screws. Fits any kayak.

Hardware included
Protects your rod and keeps it secure

Size/Color Part Number
72021060

https://www.austinkayak.com/Hobie-Horizontal-Rod-Holder-Kit/ACK5491P.html

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