Fishfinder and Transducer Mounting

This is the best step-by-step tutorial I've found so far:
http://kayaksportfishing.com/equipment/submissions/ted/fishfinder/fishfinder.htm

Ya - this is a good one. John (jdyak) installed our (Mike/sturgy and me) Fish finders the same way. But we decided to move the FF further up the bow of the kayak so there's always enough room to haul a big fish on the deck area without having any clutter that gets in the way.

I've seen kayaks that have just WAY TOO MANY gadgets planted right in between their legs. I honestly don't know how they land bigger fish with all the clutter on the deck To each his own I guess  

I've also seen a lot of kayaks that have have rod holders that extend upwards - IMO: the higher your gear (rods,gps,FF,rod holders) is off the kayaks deck, your center of gravity is affected. Especially on a windy day. I just can't imagine trying to land a kayak (on a big surf day)with all the bling bling sticking out of the deck. If you do roll on the surf when landing, (God forbid) there will be more than a "yard sale"...there will definitely be damage on the hull itself. (I can see permanent rod holders and FF getting ripped off by the surf and shoreline)

IMO: keep it simple - and always have the option of storing all the (detachable) gear (FF,rods,gps,rod holders) safely inside your kayaks hull when facing BIG surf conditions (launching & landing). Having a partner does help - you can take turns storing each others gear. (we did this a lot at Linda Mar during the hot salmon bite last year)

Just my 2 cents / no offense to the gear heads.....

In my drifter, much of the cockpit can actually be below the waterline, so it'd be dangerous to permanantly attach anything in there.  Between a milk crate behind me, and my mobile accessory bar in front of me, I see no reason to drill my kayak anywhere, except maybe to add a few deck loops here and there.

I have somthing in the works for my exterme sliding detachable accessory bar.  i will post pics when i recive the parts.

I'm with Hana and PS about keeping things clutter and hole free

I've found that my best rod holder upfront is my leg.  I simply tuck the rod butt under one leg (just in front of my package) and let the rod rest on the other knee or toe.  It's totally adjustable and always within easy reach .  Another advantage is that you can detect a lite bite even while napping .  Just make sure your rod is securely tethered and you're cool .

I'm with you Chuck... my leg is my best rod holder.  I can get the rod in my hands much more quickly that way too...

EK

leg rod holder works, but sucks for trolling- especially when trying to troll at "salmon speeds"

I use the leg method for drifting, hallie trolling, and anchored-up.  when i'm super lazy i use the rod holder drifting, but put the line from the reel on my knee or toe when it pops off i know i just got bit

For long days of trolling I like to use a rod holder, otherwise I'm with you.  I am into flushmounts though, which make a BIG hole.

Goldenarrow-FYI Titelok track fits the console of MK boats like it was made for it, and they have sliders available.

Yeah I know that is what I have in the works

Do you have one instaled? Got any pics

OK, OK I admit I'm a gearhead , always have been.  I agree with everything that's been posted regarding space in front of you for big fish.  I started out fishing north of Ft. Ross and floping spiney fish onboard requires space.  I  also found that when jiggin' I tend to drop my rod between my legs for that inevitable sleeper wave so I can trade it for my paddle and a quick escape.

However for moving from one spot to another or a long paddle, or for my future salmon trolls, I opted for a removable, and swivelable, "ram mount"( tube style ) rod holder right up front.  I too tuck my gear below deck for Linda Mar and both my FF and rod holder can now come off easily leaving two golf balls size attachment points by my front hatch.  I think it's the best of both.  It also lets me push them both out of the way to access the front hatch, which is way cool.

So don't trash us gear heads to bad we can come up with some cool setups too.  Doesn't mean we catch anymore fish though!

Ken( 1 of 5)

So don't trash us gear heads to bad we can come up with some cool setups too. Doesn't mean we catch anymore fish though!

Ken - I would never try to offend you    I'm just jealous cause your going to kayak-fish-Alaska with the legendary Howard Mc Kim

Like I said "to each his own"

Let's be friends again

BY the way - I do like what you did to your tow line - putting that clear rubber tubbing in to protect it from getting snagged by hooks. Know what I'm talking about? Maybe you can explain that rig to every one (some pics maybe?) = that's some good thinking  

Hey Joel,

I told you a while ago.  Forget the rope and just get wire or plastic coated cable.  All my kayaks are rope free now.  I hate the feeling of having my best lure snagged on my bow or stern and no way of getting it without help or landing on shore (if there is a shore-ocean fishing or bay).

Ken Kickfish

Ken is right.  Using a rope or anything a hook can dig into is asking for trouble when you least need it.  I was thinking of using a clothesline as my snagfree bowline.

Bill takes care of my snags  

Joel,
 Don't you mean Bill takes care of your "Hags".....better to have a snag all day then a Hag.

Sorry Bill.

Ken  kickfish