Mirage Revolution 11 - Rod Mount Systems?

Hello! Looking for some advice on mount systems for my Hobie 11 Mirage Revolution.

I took it out yesterday loaded up with 3 crab hoop nets and the wheels in their holes behind my seat. My guide lent me a rod and snare, but I found it super difficult to manage it, since the rod holders behind my seat were inaccessible. I did a janky lash on the left of the kayak but it kept interfering with the rudder lever and was just an overall pain. I was hoping to get some guidance on installing some rod holders and potentially other things (fish finder, camera rig, etc) in the front of the kayak. 

I've seen there are a lot of rail tracks that people install. Also maybe an adapter for the left cup holder? Seems like there are a ton of rigs from railblaza, but i'm just curious to know about other folks' setup!

Thanks!
Julia

I have a Revo 13, not 11, but you could employ similar configuration.

I used to run a rod holder via a scotty mount on the front-left deck, kinda next to where the drive well is (you can see in peeking out behind my fish finder in the pic below). But I learned after a couple years that having a clear deck is invaluable, and I have since constructed a crate that has two "rocket launcher" style rod holders secured to it.

Having one rod holder on each side, right behind the cockpit and facing slightly forward has been my favorite rod holder configuration of all time. I can troll (with or without a downrigger) effectively from that position, and keep my palm on the reel to feel any bites without holding the weight of the rod at all times. I can stick rods in there to rig up easily, even simultaneously while trolling another rod in the opposite holder. And keep the space in front of me clear.

I like not drilling holes in my kayaks so I opted for a modular crate build that has been treating me well, but you can definitely bolt a scotty mount back there in a similar position on the left and/or right deck just behind the cockpit. Scotty mounts (preferably the push button kind) are far superior to gear tracks in terms of hold and durability. Only took getting a rod holder ripped out of a gear track once for me to vow never to use them again.

Only pic I could find that kinda shows the rod holder situation, and you can see a rod in the one on my far side. I put a red circle where I would conisder bolting a scotty mount on each side if I didnt have my crate setup. Do use the thru bolt kit, not screws. Cheap insurance.

I know you were looking for ideas for the front of the kayak, but maybe this will be helpful too. If you are adamant on mounting somewhere in front of you, I still think thru-bolted Scottys are the way to go.

Edit--I just realized I made a post about the crate a few years ago. (https://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=96572) There are some more detailed pix within, if you are the more industrious type. I move it between my outback and my revo 13, and it's nice to have something modular. Just make sure it's secured really well... mine has withstood takedowns from multiple 20+ pound salmon and many decent halibut.

I have a Revo 16, and not sure if it is the same, but on the 16, Scotty and/or Railblaze mounts fit nicely inside the side pockets. I also put mounts inside the cup holders, but that requires a bit more work.

Just read your build on the crate - that's super cool. I'm always looking for ways to make things easier for myself, and I'm def gonna steal your idea and add a rocket launcher or two to my crate.

I'm of similar mindset - keep a clear deck and one side rail fully open.  Makes it so much easier to land larger fish.

I have a Revo 16, and not sure if it is the same, but on the 16, Scotty and/or Railblaze mounts fit nicely inside the side pockets.

Oh yeah, forgot to mention this too. Definitely a great place for two more scottys on each side that can hold anything--Rod holder, FF, downrigger. MooMoo has a good video on this from way back when, I think.

Just read your build on the crate - that's super cool. I'm always looking for ways to make things easier for myself, and I'm def gonna steal your idea and add a rocket launcher or two to my crate.

I'm of similar mindset - keep a clear deck and one side rail fully open.  Makes it so much easier to land larger fish.

Shoot me a message if you have any questions! I'm still loving it after 3 years.

I have the 13 and a scotty base in the side pocket is great. I use it for a downrigger or just a rod holder on a 8” extension

Thank you all for your replies these awesome suggestions!

I definitely think if I was just going out with a fishing objective that crate setup you crafted would be my absolute go-to. That's so great of a build. I'm also really just too anxious and not skilled enough to be drilling big holes into my kayak except for a small mount!

Ya my main trougbleshooting for this post is how to actually have a rod out in front of me to do snare and small fishing while the whole back of my kayak is occupied with traps and my wheels - there just isn't any room back there on my 11.

I keep trying to hope there is even just some adapter/mount that can just plug into the left cupholder without even any drilling haha!

Appreciate all your input, sorry i'm super new to all of this and don't quite know all the brands yet. But really appreciate all your advice! I've loved my last two outings on this yak for the last bits of dungeness season but realized i could probably be doing more with my 30 min hoop net soaks!

Julia

Just to note - since we're a day away from the end of dungee season in the SF bay - i still am super interested in rock crabbing until November - so this stuff still applies hehe!

Hey LinesideBountyHunter did you just drill down and mount that scotty base into the cupholder? Apologies, i'm just trying to wrap my head around all these brands and adapters!

I fish a Revo 13 but figure the cockpit might be pretty similar to the 11. Love my 13 btw.

I figure more data more better so here's a shot of how I fished mine for Puget Sound salmon. Note that if needed, the space below the seat can be used for storage.

Enjoy your boat -- the revo lineup is far and away the best medium/big water peddle platform on the market.

Thanks BogueYaker! I'm having a blast with mine! It's so interesting to see the subtle differences between the 11 and 13. Great tip about the under-seat storage, that's where i kept my catch bag of crab.

I have this extra cup holder on my left - which is what has me thinking it could be converted into a rod holder. I do like the idea of adding some rail mounts, maybe just some small ones in front of the pockets?

Love seeing everyone's setups! It's all great info!

So far rigged ff and rod holder on the track mounts.

Neat Sailfish! Those rails definitely seem quite versatile for swapping out types of gear. Are you on a 11 Mirage? What size/brand rails did you install? Love the crocs btw hehe!

Neat Sailfish! Those rails definitely seem quite versatile for swapping out types of gear. Are you on a 11 Mirage? What size/brand rails did you install? Love the crocs btw hehe!

It's the Revo 13.  The track mount comes in different shapes and lengths.  I have an four and 8 inches.