[KCastelin]

Found a decent deal on a Wilderness Systems Ride 135. Took her out yesterday on junaluska for the maiden voyage. She's awesome. Need advice on rigging for fishing. This is my 1st yak.

 

[Curly Pelican]

Nice kayak! I just got my first kayak this year as well. I have kept it simple so far. I'm waiting to get a feel for things and what I need. So far anchor trolley, anchor, shallow water anchor pole, and a crate for tackle with a few rod holders. Will be working on a bait tank soon. One piece of advice. Waterproof tackle trays float and keep your tackle dry which is a must for me as I fish mostly saltwater. Also Don't forget your PFD.

 

[KCastelin]

I've got a pfd. I'm working on my milk crate storage. Also have two 1.5 inch screw balls for the track and a ram rod holder. Mighty clips behind the seat for my flag and whatever else I find to attach. Also, anyone have opinions on outdoor storage? I have absolutely nowhere to put it inside. Right now she's under a porch covered with a tarp hull up. Think it will damage the boat?

 

[Chiefly Fly'n]

Out of curiosity, I checked Ocean Kayak's web site. It's got a lot of good info for kayak owners on paddling, transportation and storage etc. They do recommend storage on edge. But also some good info for folks that are tempted to cover their boats with a tarp etc.

Also, tons of videos on their site on kayaking, fishing, transportation, repair etc. Lots of good info.

This is from a thread a day or so ago....Wilderness Systems may also have some storage guidelines ...but ocean kayaks suggests not letting tarp come in contact with hull....

 

[EvBlue]

I've got the 115. For storage of several boats I got four lightweght concrete piers, like you would use to build a shed or deck on. They have slots molded into the top that accept 2x4s. You could glue them in with construction adhesive. I went even simpler and just laid a couple of cheap landscape timbers across. My boats are in the shade and once or twice a year I wipe on a coat of 303. The top edge of Ride is pretty flat so they store well upside down without deforming.

I haven't bothered with rigging an anchor trolley- there are few situations I would want to anchor in. The one thing I don't like on my Ride is that the foot braces flex. They only bothered to bolt the ends. There is another hole in the middle that could be bolted to stiffen them up. Instead I got braces like are used on the Old Town Predator. Haven't installed them yet though.

 

[DMYankee15]

Nice looking yak.....I like to keep the rigging simple, anchor trolley, some form of stake out stick, a crate, and a flow troll bait bucket. Advise getting a decent dry box for valuables as well.

 

[Chiefly Fly'n]

I agree with keeping the rigging simple...at least while you are familiarizing yourself with the yak and handling. When I started rigging one for fishing, I quickly installed several types of rod holders....only to realize my preference is to keep 2 or 3 rods positioned between my knees with the forward portions resting on a piece of foam pipe insulation....notched to keep them from shifting. So much for fancy rod holders and pvc pipe attached to crates....

Scrolling back thru older threads here will give you a great list ideas for rigging pros and cons. Some small items like "s-biners" or carabiners have been usefull for attaching tethers...to keep items from sliding out of reach inside hull compartments. Studying self-rescue techniques and methods is a good idea ....and practicing in warm water is a really good idea. Sometimes rigging, rod holders, pfd pockets full of gear etc....can make it difficult to get back on the boat in deeper water...in the event of a capsize. Gear not tethered or rigged with floatation can be lost to the deep when you least expect it....especially when maneuvering in moving water conditions on streams and rivers. Totally waterproof storage or bags for cell phones, cameras etc. can be critical... as well as vehicle key security and extra keys...

So..I'd focus on the safety and precautionary "rigging" first; then shift to rigging for fishing etc. after you have spent a little more time on the water.

Enjoy setting up the new boat!

 

[KCastelin]

Thanks everybody. Good advice. I took her out Sunday on Lake Junaluska to get familiar wit the boat. I love how stable the ride 135 is. Even stood in it and fished. Didn't catch anything, but had a good time. The boat is a little slow but tracks great. I've been wanting to get into Kayak fishing for a while now. If anyone is in WNC, I'll post when and where we're getting out in case anyone wants to join.