Kayak rigging pics

[Rooster]

28 holes later, and I finally have completed rigging my Blackwater 10.5…….well, at least the above the deck rigging.

I really like the RAM rod holders, and I think that the infinite adjustability will come in handy on the smaller rivers with overhanging trees. However, I did not like the idea of having a pair of 1.5” rubber balls sticking out of the kayak while being transported/lifted onto the roof. I went with the Scotty flush mounts, and have RAM adapters that just drop into the Scotty mounts. It also gives me the flexibility to use the Scotty Rodmaster II’s for larger rods. I added sheets of ¼” HDPE (cutting board) under the deck to strengthen the mounts. I had planned to mount four-rod holders, but I decided to only go with two. This kayak will be used almost exclusively for river smallmouth, and I just don’t need to carry more than two rods.

http://www.ohiogamefishing.com/photopost/data/500/176111-1195_IMG-med.JPG

http://www.ohiogamefishing.com/photopost/data/500/176111-1196_IMG-med.JPG

I added some deck rigging behind the cockpit. Mainly, I wanted to make sure that the hatch lid did not fly off during transportation, but I will also use it when I need extra storage space and plan to use a pair of rod leashes that will attach to the rigging.

I also added a pad eye to secure a carabiner for the skeg line. I’ve read that the factory installed bead can come unhooked, and it can really cause a problem if the skeg drops while floating a rapid backwards (I’ve been know to do a lot of rapids backwards). The 99 cent carabiner should do the trick.

http://www.ohiogamefishing.com/photopost/data/500/176111-1197_IMG-med.JPG

I added two 1” RAM balls (one on top/ one under) the deck just in front of the combing. I have a RAM GPS holder that will work on either mount, but it will primarily be used on the one below the deck. The mount above the deck will be used for a camera mount (still waiting to order one from RAM).

http://www.ohiogamefishing.com/photopost/data/500/176111-1198_IMG-med.JPG

http://www.ohiogamefishing.com/photopost/data/500/176111-1199_IMG-med.JPG

Now, it is time to go under the deck. I plan to add some rigging behind the seat (under the top deck) that will be used to hold a rain jacket and spray skirt. I’m also going to mount some sheets of plastic pegboard to each side of the seat post. I will attach a scabbard for pliers, sunglasses holder, a dry box for a camera, and dry box for my wallet. Then, I can start looking for at tackle storage options. I don’t carry much tackle for smallies, and I might just stick with a small tackle bag shoved below my feet.

[LittleMiamiJeff]

Sweet Set up Rooster! :) Had it in the water yet?
LMJeff

[Rooster]

I’ve been fishing from if for the last month or so, but I just got around to adding rod holders.

[Whaler]

Nice job ! Looks good !

[LittleMiamiJeff]

I see it came in handy at Bullock Pen! Nice Fish!

[bronzebackyac]

Looks like a nice setup. As for tackle, do you have enough room on each side of the seat to slip a slim clear tackle box into? I just use one on each side and cram as much tackle as possible into them. I use the shimano ones from walmart.

[LittleMiamiJeff]

Just noticed your double ram mount, above and below the deck. Did you butt them up as backing to each other, or still use the cutting board between?
I mounted a flush mount between my legs using blind rivets, and it pulled loose. If I can get to it from hatch, I need to reinforce it with something like the cutting board material. I had a rod in the ram tube in the flush mount, lure was snagged, and I allowed too much tension on the flush mount, I think that's what caused it to pull loose.
Man, keep the creativity flowing, you'll have all of us rigged out soon! :)
LMJeff

[Rooster]

The folks over at kayakfishingstuff.com have all the rigging ideas, and have inspired me to add a SOT in the very near future….Then, let the real rigging begin! LOL

I mounted the 1” balls for the camera/GPS back-to-back. I had planned to use a sheet of HDPE in between, but in the end I did not think that it was necessary. It is solid with SS screws going through the deck and each mounting plate. Also, it is not really a high stress area like a rod holder. After reading about rod holders being pulled out, I will always back the mounts with something.

I flipped/filled the kayak up with water a few times last year, and didn’t like all of my stuff floating down stream. I really want everything in the kayak to be secured, but easily accessible. I plan to mount some plastic pegboard on each side of the seat. It is the perfect place to store stuff in a SIK, but I didn’t want to drill a lot of holes in the area. By using pegboard, I can simply use the current screws that attach the seat back, and add some Velcro strips to keep it secure. I can attach items to the pegboard with plastic ties, and I also easily be able to make adjustments. I will attach a pliers sheath, clippers, small dry box for my wallet and keys, and a sunglass case to one side. I’m thinking of a small mesh pocket (picked one up at Dick’s last night for $2) on the other side to hold tackle and other small items. I use very little tackle when hunting smallies (one small Plano box, a bag of tubes, some hooks, and tube weights).