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Rigging a Kayak for Fly Fishing

My kayaks arrived from the factory equipped with a large center hatch, a small round center hatch, high-backed padded seats with paddle leashes attached, and some crisscrossed light bungee cord tie-downs fore and aft.

Surfing the internet for all that I could learn from others (99% of which were conventional tackle anglers not fly anglers); I quickly decided from all that I read, and from what images I could find of kayaks rigged for fishing; that my kayaks definitely needed more "rigging."

I constructed elaborate anchoring systems with pulleys, trolley lines, and quick release chalks. I purchased fancy folding anchors.  I made elaborate milk crate storage boxes with "rocket launcher" rod holders.  I had stake-out poles, polling poles, I had one of these, and one of those, and one of everything old Joe had too.

But I have seen the light, and I have shunned the temptation to "rig."  I have given up the indulgent decadence of my "over rigged" past; and today I am sure I am a better angler for it.

A kayak is such a simple craft, so uncomplicated, so efficient by it's very design; why not keep it that way?

Simplicity is now my creed.  I have paired my gear down to essentials of what works for me, and I spend way more time concentrating on the fish rather than fooling with the gear.

Safety Gear:

I recommend investing in high quality, comfortable PFD vest that fits you.  Attach a whistle to the PFD. 

When I venture into open waters like the Gulf or the Ocean, I carry a submersible VHF marine radio/telephone (not water-proof, or water resistant; there is a very big difference); the radio is kept in a zipper pocket of the PFD and is attached to the PFD with a short lanyard.  A cell phone in a zip-lock sandwich bag may not cut it when you need assistance most.

If I am heading way-back into the way-back, I always have a small "survival kit" stored inside the hull of my kayak.  It's a small gasket sealed water tight box, 6" x 9" x 2" deep; the box contains: 3 star type aerial flares, a whistle, sharp knife, wire cutters (capable of cutting the shank the largest hook I use), a small non-aerosol bottle of 100% N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET) insect repellant, a mosquito head net, compass, signal mirror, and a granola bar.  I alway pack more water than I can reasonably drink, and I never drink the last bottle until back ashore.

Paddle leash: don't go kayaking without a paddle leash, and don't take the paddle off the leash.  My kayaks were delivered to me with "telephone cord" leashes, coiled vinyl coating (like a spring) over a nylon core.  These were not the most fly line friendly device.  I have replaced them with, and I recommend a flat nylon type paddle leash if you intend to fly fish.

Anchor: kayaking in open water without an anchor is just not smart.  Take one with you, along with enough line to have 3 times as much line as the water is deep.  Nylon "parachute cord" is compact, inexpensive, and plenty strong enough to hold a kayak.  I only keep a short section of line on my anchor when I am fishing, and keep the extra line stowed in the hull.

I make my own anchors using a barbell weight, and eye bolt, one hex nut, two fender washers, and a lock nut.  I make both 5 and 10 pound anchors, and I can put together 3 anchors for about $20.

Fly Fishing Gear and Kayak Fishing >>>

Harry Hall sefly
Guided Fly Fishing