accessing the front hatch on open water....

I thought of another solution to this dilema:

Before heading in to a suicide landing (Linda Mar / Bean Hollow) detach your reel(s) from your rod(s) and store it in a zip lock / dry bag  - and store it inside the pouch behind your high back seat (if you have one). The rod(s) can be secured to both sides of the yak via plastic tie down to the eye loops.

It seems like a lot of work - but I think it's worth it - especially if you can't afford to replace what you break or loose.  

JUST LEARN TO SCOOTCH UP YOUR KAYAK!!

 

Really, it isn't that hard.

MolBasser

I tried stuffing my rods and gear in the front hatch of my dagger cayman -once. That was down in SoCal and the wind waves were up. I didn't take on any water, but fitting the rubber tupperware hatch back on while watching for waves totally sucked. Since then I picked up a 2pc tiger rod and just slip it alongside my crate under the existing straps, and tether it with a leash. I figure if i wipe out bad enough to damage the rod I'll have lots bigger things to worry about than that, like flying kayaks. I do remove the reel & store it in a drybag clipped to the crate. I think with a different kayak design (bigger) I would use the front hatch, but only if it was a hardshell type that could be put on "blindfolded" since I wouldn't want to take my eyes off the sea. Every time I do that I get into trouble.
-Sean

JUST LEARN TO SCOOTCH UP YOUR KAYAK!!

Really, it isn't that hard.

try fishing Linda Mar and Bean Hollow on a big day - then you'll see what's possible and what's not..........you guys have it easy in Santa Cruz.

You know me, I can't go out in a big day cuz I puke!!

I'm a coddled SoCal guy tossed into the NorCal mix.

I have yet to be on the ocean up here in my yak without yakking.

Now THAT is something to whine about.

MolBasser

I'm the opposite......if you put me on a boat even on a moderate day and I'll be blowing chunks.   On a kayak, I can be on the middle of a tsunami and I'll be fine and dandy....just as long as I don't think about the landing  

I tried using all the mambo jambo drugs and nothing ever worked for me. I have given up.

my main concern was the chance of flipping the yak with an open hatch - that can lead to a "sayonara"  

I guess having a bildge pump would be good to have (a cheap super soaker would be a cheaper alternative) especially if you travel far. Some pool noodles below the deck would be good to have - to keep the yak afloat while your in the water cussing away  

Reioutlet has a hand bilge pump for $11...

I need to stop kayaking hung over for sure.

MolBasser

Reioutlet has a hand bilge pump for $11...

Kev - I think the super soaker / stream machine is a better buy cause you can also use it (as a weapon) on guys who tend to bump into you when you're paddling right next to them.......

http://www.rei.com/product/47549377.htm?

.....How ya doing Bill?