The Fly Fishing Yak
By: Steve Osterhaus
The sun was setting just above the western horizon on this warm, balmy evening as my kayak was gently rocked by a light breeze. Suddenly, the peaceful silence was interrupted as a feisty Smallmouth Bass engulfed my top-water minnow imitation just off a rocky drop and small weed bed. As the 14” fish headed back down after release, the small grin on my face reassured me that having taken the time to properly rig my yak had just paid off.
Recent experiences like this have occurred on numerous occasions – being in the right spot seems to be making the difference. It has been over a year now (and many, many hours) since I took up kayak fly fishing, and it had become obvious that proper rigging could enhance the new venues and opportunities paddling afforded. Being a fly fishing fanatic, getting my boat properly set up became a priority. There is a fair amount of information available for “rigging” a fishing kayak, but when it came to fly fishing there was little guidance. While the rigging is similar, subtle modifications made it successful.
The major change from traditional rigging is providing for proper line management and open casting spaces. This means keeping the cockpit clear and no additional rods or rod holders (carry a cased spare in the hull storage area). Though fly fishers typically do not rely on electronics and other gadgets, they are proving worthwhile when fly fishing from a yak.
The Rigged Quest
One might think setting up a kayak would be vastly different from fresh to salt water. However, having the opportunity to regularly fish in both, I found the needs quite similar . . . . . the major exception being the use of stainless steel, brass and plastic hardware when salt is part of your repertoire.
What kind of rigging should a fly fishing kayak include? While rigging is a personal preference, it is an evolutionary and on-going process. Here’s how my Yak is currently dressed:
• PFD
• Folding anchor, 50’ of line and a float
• Anchor trolley
• Fly rod holder
• Rod and paddle leashes
• Lip gripper; folding measuring board
• Storage bag/cooler to hold extra reels, lines and other comforts that sit behind my seat, keeping a low profile
• GPS
• Fish locator with “thru hull” transducer
Note: My leashes are made from discarded coiled cell phone charger cords that my cell phone dealer was glad to give me.
Why all the “toys” (as my wife refers to my rigging) when we, as fly fishers want less clutter? Let’s consider how rigging can contribute to kayak fly fishing success and enjoyment.
PFD – The best life vest is the one which is worn. This age old advice holds true even more today as kayaks share the water with bigger and bigger boats, and head into more distant and remote areas to fish. There is no excuse for not having a quality PFD – there are many styles that offer large, open sides that do not interfere with paddling or casting.
My PFD has a high back that fits my kayak seat making it as comfortable as my recliner (okay, that might be a stretch) – comfort is important so you wear it. Never compromise your safety. A whistle and nippers are on a retractable pin and a small flare resides in a pocket to round out my vest.
Anchor – My 1½ pound folding anchor may seem inadequate, but has not failed me yet. The key is sufficient scope or line out to allow the anchor to bite into the bottom, especially if there is some wind or current. Most fly fishing is in relatively shallow water (less than 12’) and many times when working a flat, channel, reef, oyster bar or drop, an anchor can really help. The trolley makes anchoring fore or aft easy. Using an “H” float to hold the excess line, which stores in a side compartment on my Hobie Quest, keeps the line off the floor and out of the way, yet readily accessible.
Fly Rod Holder/Leashes – The holder keeps my rod safely stored when paddling or ashore. The rod leash is a precaution should the rod fall overboard (and believe me it happens) saving expensive equipment. Likewise, it is quite easy for your paddle to get away; a leash, especially when you are out alone avoids being up the “proverbial creek . . . . .” They quickly attach to pad eyes, though you may have to add a few.
Lip Gripper/Measuring Board -- While nets, especially larger ones are nice for landing the “big” one, they unfortunately can be a hassle when fly fishing. For whatever reason, netting tends to catch on everything, tangle with the fly line and seems to toss things overboard from time to time. I rely on a lip gripper to help land fish, which really helps with those toothy critters. Bear in mind that it does take some time to get the hang of properly using the lip gripper. Add a leash – lip grippers can be dropped easily and are a bit expensive.
A measuring board can help document the “fish story” that is certain to follow you home. Besides, it helps keep you legal should some of your fish be destined for the frying pan. Mine also floats and stores out of the way.
Storage Bag/Cooler – This soft side unit sits behind my seat and is tethered should things ever go awry. Pockets on the bag hold extra reels, lines, fly boxes, cell phone (in a water proof bag), etc. plus food, water. The main compartment keeps dinner fresh on the way home (a zip lock bag of ice is all that is needed).
Electronics – Electronics have revolutionized fishing the past 4 decades though fly fishing a stream doesn’t warrant a Fish Finder or GPS. But when kayak fly fishing lakes, oceans and larger bodies of water, with varying structure, they help us eliminate the non-productive areas, read structure as well as navigate our way around. But how can you put these on a kayak where space is at a premium?
The location of these units is critical as they need to be out of the way for casting, yet within viewing range and easily reachable. Placement becomes an art as each kayak has mounting areas that are quite different. The objective is keeping an area on the floor of the Yak clear to handle line, land fish and change flies.
While it might sound like an impossible task, taking time to properly plan makes the task quite doable. My Hobie Quest worked well, though I chose to fabricate a mounting bar in my woodworking shop (could have used a commercial one, but felt customizing met my needs better). It’s attached to a Scotty FF bracket and fits into a Scotty mount. It comes on and off in seconds.
Fish Finder My FF set-up utilized a “thru hull” install route to keep holes to a minimum and the wiring/cables off the deck, where they can, no will, tangle with fly lines. There is only 1 hole for the FF power cord/transducer cable which is powered by 8 AA rechargeable batteries that last roughly 15 hours between charges. The pack and connectors are available at Radio Shack for a few dollars (plus batteries and charger). The only drawback I found to a “thru hull” installation is the temperature gauge is not accurate; a pocket thermometer is a simple solution (if necessary).
The FF is a tool, not magic to add to our fly fishing enjoyment and “Zen” experience. A basic unit is more than adequate and inexpensive – relatively small, but with a good size viewing screen and excellent sensitivity.
Note: The actual FF installation process can be for another article, but you can find many step-by-step guides on the internet.
GPS A GPS for me is a must. Getting lost is easy; finding one’s way back is tough. Much of my fishing is on larger bodies of water that are prone to fog rolling in without notice as well as low country cuts/creeks, mangrove swamps, etc. with twists and turns that tend to mess up the bread crumb trail. Plus, when you find that “honey hole” it can be marked for another day -- the GPS can even guide you back.
My unit is a hand held that accepts detailed marine maps (somewhat costly) and rests in the manufacturers’ marine mount. It is just out of the way of my line (most of the time) above a small storage tray, can be easily viewed, accessed and removed. It runs on 2 AA rechargeable batteries.
So, there it is. Rigging your fly fishing yak certainly is well within ones ability, pocket book and far from rocket science. It makes kayak fly fishing relatively easy and above all fun. We talked about fly casting from a kayak in earlier articles. Now, there are no more excuses. Remember “anything worth doing well is worth doing badly at first.” Tight lines
Steve Osterhaus is a Federation of Fly Fishers Certified Casting Instructor and lives/ fishes in Door County, Wisconsin and Tybee Island, Georgia (Jan. – Mar.). He can be contacted at stevens11@charter.net
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