Sport fishing kayaks have emerged as the best fishing boats to conquer unknown waters in search of isolated fishing sites and to improve the anglers’ performance. However, a normal kayak won’t offer a professional angler all that they would want to have.
Fishing kayak modifications for the pro angler trip can go a long way in improving the trip’s comfort, ease, and efficiency. So, if you strived to catch big fish, here is an article that will help you modify your kayak properly.
Tips to Customize Your Fishing Kayak
Upgrade the Seating System
The production of an ideal fishing outing requires time since it entails so many hours out at sea. That is why an adequate seating system is so important for such events. Store-bought kayak seats may not have the right padding or designs required for extended fishing trips.
- Adjustable Seats: For better posture and comfort opt for a seat that can be adjusted both in height and angle.
- Padded Seats: Remember to look for chairs that are slightly padded or foldable for added lumbar support. Some of it is made from mesh which can help air circulate and prevent you from sweating during hot weather.
- Elevated Seats: At this vantage point a person can have a high view of the water and hence be able to sight fish easily.
Install Multiple Rod Holders
Maintaining rods is important for any professional fisherman. The more coherent your fishing rods are, the more easily you will change the approaches or baits in case of necessity.
- Flush Mount Holders: These are fitted into the inside recesses of the kayak hull and offer a concealed and unobtrusive method of rod accommodation.
- Adjustable Rod Holders: They can be mounted on any part of your kayak and also can be easily adjustable for different levels of tilt. It enables trolling or can allow you to put down your rods as you attend to other issues like baits.
- Vertical Rod Holders: Ideal to store even more rods in a vertical position but without taking up much more space on deck.
Add a Fish Finder and GPS System
A fish finder makes a big difference to the outcome of your fishing because it can pinpoint a school of fish or barriers that can hide fish.
- Fish Finder: Select the one that has a waterproof feature, high resolution, and the one with integrated GPS for locating deep water. There are different brands of fish finders that have modern features like side imaging and down imaging to give a better view of the underwater formations.
- Mounting Brackets: Mount your fish finder on a track system or RAM mount as it will provide you with adjustable settings. Make sure that it doesn’t get obscured by water or your hands when paddling or when standing.
Power It Up with a Battery and Solar Charging System
Whether for fish finders, GPS, or lights, an electrical source is vital. For powering the devices during your trip, there is always a need to consider a kayak-compatible battery system.
- Lithium-Ion Batteries: These are small-sized batteries that are light in weight, compact, have a long life expectancy, and are perfect for kayak setups.
- Solar Charging: Clip a panel to the deck of your kayak for extended journeys so that your battery does not go dead.
Tackle Management System
Much like with every other kind of camping and recreational activity on the water, there are important pieces of equipment that are necessary for a comfortable and efficient stay on a kayak. A tackle management system is designed to store all your lures, hooks, and other equipment that you might require on a fishing trip but prevents them from scattering all over the deck.
- Tackle Crate: Different gears can be accomplished with the use of a milk crate system bearing tackle boxes, pliers, and line cutters, among others. Secure it to the rear storage area with bungee cords or something equivalent to tie down any item.
- Tackle Storage Bags: Include pockets that can fit under the seats to have ready access to products that are used often while on the water or waterproof storage boxes that are built into the kayak’s skin.
Upgrade Your Paddle or Add a Pedal System
Having the proper propulsion system is important to traverse larger bodies of water as you may find yourself during a pro angler expedition.
- High-Performance Paddle: The paddles should also be light to remain fatigue-free, especially over long distances They should also be made from carbon fiber or fiberglass. Telescoping features allow a handler to vary the length of a paddle in order to gain maximum control in different situations.
- Pedal Drive System: If this is possible in your particular kayak version, it is possible to install a pedal drive system to enable fishing with your hands which is more useful than when maneuvering. Pedal kayaks are perfect accessories when fishing since they provide free hands and ensure the boat stays in an upright position.
Anchor System for Better Stability
An anchor is used for preventing shifting in the area of interest during fishing occasioned by winds or currents.
- Anchor Trolley System: This system enables you to place your anchor in virtually any part of the body of your kayak meaning you can maintain the best posture for casting as desired.
- Stakeout Poles: In shoal water, use a stakeout pole to secure your kayak rapidly and with minimal alerting of fish. Some of the houses for kayaks contain holders for these poles to keep them away when not in use.
Add Outriggers for Stability
It is also important to consider where you prefer to fish because if you have to stand then outriggers will give you the support you need when casting so that you won’t tip over.
- Retractable Outriggers: These can be mounted depending on need and demounted when not in operation, thus the kayak is still manageable but yet rigid at a particular time.
- DIY Foam or PVC Outriggers: Some of the most inexpensive forms that are used by anglers to construct the outriggers include foam or PVC pipes. These homemade ones can be equally useful for giving additional stability.
Consider a Live Well for Fresh Bait
For the die-hard fishermen, women, and men who indulge in live bait fishing, having a live well would ensure that your bait does not become stale during the time you are out fishing.
- DIY Live Well: It covers detailed descriptions of how to aerate the lawn with simple equipment that includes a cooler and a small battery-operated aerator.
- Built-in Live Well: There are some that have better installation tanks and part of the kayak design. That is, unless your kayak does not already come equipped with one at the factory; you may need aftermarket kits.
Lighting for Night Fishing
If your fishing trips last up tonight, then probably, lighting could be another important customization depending on the type of fishing you are indulged in.
- LED Deck Lights: These give a view through your kayak, especially during the night when accessing equipment.
- Navigation Lights: Do not leave the dock without bow and stern lights so that other boats can see you besides using it when it is before or after sunrise.
- Submersible Lights: Some pro anglers install submersible lights above the water to increase the chances of fish coming near you at night.
Conclusion
Making your fishing kayak as special as a pro angler’s vessel is therefore all about making your vessel as suited to your particular fishing needs and as enjoyable as possible to use. By improving the seating, arranging your tackle, and the latest electronics, and by adding stability and power options, the ordinary kayak can certainly be made into a good fishing platform. These alterations not only enhance the comfort of your fishing experience but also enhance your productivity and your probability of catching the trophy!!!
