Made a few changes...

I recently made a few minor changes to my kayak that have made a major difference to me...

1) I took off the Scotty Triple Rod Holder. It was both too heavy and bulky for my preference. I'm using the same Scotty base that I had and cut some wood then attached two Hi-Tek rod holders. Big improvement! It is much easier to remove the rods when landing a fish plus the dual holders don't get in the way of my feet/legs if I were to go for an unexpected swim!

2) Mounted and using a different Scotty rod holder on the sides for trolling. I really like the rods in front of me and over my head instead of behind of me or extended out laterally. This set up allows me paddle unobstructed and still see the bite. It also makes it like a third hand when I am tying on a new lure or taking a fish off the hook. Now I can both push and pull when crappie hunting!

3) Installed my Lowrance Elite 5 DSI. I also mounted the transducer through the transducer hole and kept the transducer from sticking out beyond the hull. I had to modify the mount somewhat to accomplish it, but it seems to work flawlessly thus far.

4) Installed the Yak Attack LeverLoc anchor trolley. The LeverLoc is nice but I really needed the PadHooks with the curve of the Ocean Kayak. It keeps the line from creeping up too high. (It's not visible in these photos, but I'll try to remember to snap a photo next time I'm out on the water.)
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Attachment 234278

You limited only by your imagination. Your doing great.

nice looking yak i have made some mods to my moken 12.5 which ocean kayak is this?

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Originally Posted by gabreamfanatic

nice looking yak i have made some mods to my moken 12.5 which ocean kayak is this?

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Thanks! This is the Prowler Big Game II.
I wasn't familiar with the Mokens so I looked them up online. They look pretty nice and it looks like a "rod pod" in the middle also. Post some photos of your mods, everyone would love to see 'em.

this is the maiden voyage of my moken i took the river stick off and went to the anchor wizard
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...ps4obbvnb7.jpg
with the anchor wizard and triple scotty holder removed and ish finder put on the right side.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...psekz2dqid.jpg
and now going thru another change i will be adding lights for night fishing a possibly seat change and a new way to anchor the moken. i found out that i like to travel light. i only take 3 rods and all my tackle fits in the middle hatch so no need for a create. and when i get my tax refund i will be getting the vibe sg 130 for salt water fishing
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...pstpr8dgwp.jpg

Both look like fine rigs to me.

gabreamfanatic,
Looks like you are ready to go conquer the crappie. Nice yak!

I've been pretty fortunate not to flip my yak and dump all my gear... yet! They say that its not a matter of "if" but "when"! I knew cognitively that I needed to have everything either tied down or have a float attached, but kept putting off the inevitable. I personally didn't want to have my rods attached to a cord (leash). The idea of several cords in the cockpit area only seems like an accident waiting to happen. I don't want to get all tangled up if I do flip for some reason. The float idea seems like my only safe option left. The rod floats seem to change up the balance of the rod and reel, but I think I gonna prefer it to the possibility of loosing them in the lake. I don't have the latest greatest, most expensive gear out there, but it is pretty nice to me and very functional not to mention it would be heartbreaking to have to replace it all.

I went to the hardware store and purchased some of the 1/2" pipe foam installation for under a $1. I cut the foam to 12" and will attach them with some zip ties. I've seen where some have used the pool noodles successfully, but the pool noodles that I have seen around here look a little thick and bulky for this application. There are some things that I don't care to skimp and cut corners on, but this DIY project saved me a little green, looks OK (considering) and most of all should work.

If you kayak regularly and haven't implemented an "insurance plan" yet for your gear (such as leashes or floats), perhaps this will encourage you to "get 'r done" before the inevitable. Have fun, be safe!

i have come very close to flipping my kayak twice. and so far i have been i very lucky that i havent flipped it. i latch everything down to my kayak. i have all ways preached that some type of leash is better than having to replace your fishing gea.r making leashes is cheap to having to replace rods and reels isnt. there are 2 tings you must have if you fish with me. a fishing licenses and you must wear your PFD. i dont want to have to explain to your wife or family. why you didnt come home after a fishing trip