Fly Fishing from a Kayak

[SoYoCoTransplant]

Here is a good one guys....

A group of us from work and our spouses got into kayaking last year. We decided to fly fish from our kayaks. This works well but when we attempted to troll with spin rods... which is a sight to see... we had no proper way to hold the rod. Typically shops make a bolt on rod holder as well as one that you drill a hole and fasten in... but neither idea excites me because of the potential from leaks. Has anyone or is anyone aware of a "clamp-on rod holder" for kayaks?

 

[tomgamber]

I installed a Scotty fly rod holder. the fly rod holder part could be swapped out for a regular rod holder. Not a big deal to install. Get a tube of silicone. Good to have with you anyway.

scotty fly rof holder

scotty rod holder

I also recommend that Austin Kayak co. Have bought from them in the past...they once sent me a cracked brass seat clip and I called them and they sent me a new one and a free t-shirt the same week.


If you insist on it, this clamp mount will work with the scotty rod mounts.

 

[SoYoCoTransplant]

thanks Tom. I actually found the REI website shortly after I posted. I am not sure why we couldnt find this info prior.

 

[jerseygeorge]

I purchased a Kayak and trailer that I am outfitting now. I plan on using it for trout on the Delaware, and Lehigh plus smallmouth on quite a few rivers. Check out www.kayakfishingstuff.com Nice folks (have not bought anything from them yet) but they also maintain a very active forum. Lots of advice on rigging, etc.

My Yak has tube rod holders for a normal rod butt. I purchased Scotty gimbal mounts, which slide in, and then a scotty fly rod holder can screw to it. So you get an easy option on rigging - spin or fly. (don't own a spin rod).

Also I met this guy at the somerset fly fishing show, http://stores.theifly.com He makes all types of fly rod holders and they have a nice secure locking collar which is important. The last fly rod I sold on ebay went to a guy on a yak that dropped his overboard.

 

[tomgamber]

Those are good links...I have them bookmarked too...
here's another:

http://www.topkayaker.net/index.html

 

[jerseygeorge]

I have done some business with Roland from Lakeland Watersport in Texas of all places. He has been friendly and attentive so far and has even made excellent recommendations for products that he does not sell. He hosts a fishing forum for the Native Ultimate crowd.

http://www.lwnog.com/

When I told him I would be in rocky places he recommended a plastic blade paddle (not yet received) so I can push off rocks. Also a skid plate, link follows.

http://www.recrepair.com/skid_plates.html

So far I have the boat, trailer, Yakima mounts for trailer, paddle, dodgers, rod holders. PFD is next.