Prowler 15 - Bullet-Proof Surf Rigging

Since my epic wipe out last week, I have been working on improving my surf rigging. I had been using a bungee to hold my fish down in the tankwell with a plastic clip to attach the stringer to the yak. This system had performed well in the usual surf turtle roll wipe out but in the pitch pole wipe out with 40# of fish on the clip combined with the stern acceleration, enough force was generated to break the bugee and plastic clip resulting in loss. I also was using a bungee to hold my plano box down which also failed but I didn't lose the box. What I learned is that bungees if the the mass of the object is significant will fail in a massive wipeout. My solution was to have redundant restraints for all things attached to my yak.

The right (starboard) side of my yak is completely free of all rigging since this is the side I exit and re-enter from. My FF is folded down and a strap over the top. My gaff is held in place with a deck loop on the hook, paddle keeper over the middle and a carabiner on the butt. In addition, I attach my paddle leash to the handle, but this is just to keep the rigging clean. As recommended, I unleash my paddle for launch and landings and hold it in my right hand. A foam block protects the gaff point. So for the gaff I have 3 restraints and 2 on the FF.

My rod is restrained with 2 paddle keepers and a leash connected to the butt. Note that it lays flush to the deck with the tip inside the edge of the yak and the guides rotated inward.

For my plano box I added a double brass clip behind the seat attached to a deck loop which is bolted to the box. My drift chute is attached to the handle with 2 velcro straps. A bungee runs over the top of the rod holders. For launches and landing my reel (in a dry bag), VHF, boga, hat and sunglasses are stored in the box.

For my game clips, I added a strap which I had from an old yak connected to carabiners.

The strap can be threaded through the handles as shown or through the main part of the clip depending on the size of the fish. The large clip is attached to the end of the rope with a brass clip, the smaller clip is attached to the rope using a sliding carabiner so you can fill the first clip and leave it in the tankwell and still access the small clip. I think this system will withstand another epic wipeout which is only a matter of time. 

Scott

Looks good!  I like the idea you had for the Plano box...mine is secured with two bungies, but I always wondered if they'd hold in a good tumble.  I'm going to borrow your idea and install a double brass clip also. 

I really like seeing the evolution of the rigging.
I also use brass clips to hold the plano box on my T140, and a similar (though maybe not so bulletproof) method of stowing my rod. You've given me something to think about there  .
I also like how you keep one side of the kayak clean of rigging for re-entry.
Good ideas here!

I'm liking the rod holder on the plano!

I use the brass hold downs on the plano, then SS turnbuckles- one on each side.

Several folks had their Plano secure via bungees in my class and the all went wonky when we capsized their yaks.  The double brass clip is bomber, but it looks hard to unhook OTW.

Several folks had their Plano secure via bungees in my class and the all went wonky when we capsized their yaks.  The double brass clip is bomber, but it looks hard to unhook OTW.

Sean -

I carry all my survival stuff (EPIRB, VHF, flares) on my PFD so I don't use my Plano as a "ditch box", however, I added a mushroom washer and extra nut as spacers so it is easier to unhook on or off the water. A thicker spacer would make it even easier.

Scott

Scott,

Thanks for all the suggestions. After seeing this post and viewing the photos of your LK Epic, I pulled off all the bungies and have made leashes with poly rope which with a fid, made great, unbreakable tiedowns...

Rich

I was just referring to getting it unhooked so you could rummage through your tackle in your lap, not reaching over the seat.  The bungee seems alike an ez way to secure it, but it turned out to be not that secure.

I was just referring to getting it unhooked so you could rummage through your tackle in your lap, not reaching over the seat.  The bungee seems alike an ez way to secure it, but it turned out to be not that secure.

Sean -

On the P15 the Plano 1612 wedges in really tight so I never move it to my lap on the water. Just sit side saddle when I need to get something out. The leader dispenser idea is really cool. Can't wait for the shots.

Scott

now you're talking!  Looks like you're getting ready for the North Shore of Oahu

Scott,

Thanks for all the suggestions. After seeing this post and viewing the photos of your LK Epic, I pulled off all the bungies and have made leashes with poly rope which with a fid, made great, unbreakable tiedowns...

Rich

What size rope did you use? I have only used the fid on my crab gear. Do you have any pics?

Great tips on your p15, Great Bass, I have not rigged mine at all yet.