Rate my Rig, Noob asking for advice

Im new to the sport and was wondering what you think of my rig, total diy jobber, but I think it will work. Took it out today on SC harbor from west harbor hand launch, way too choppy\windy today, but everything seemed inplace and still easy to paddle, just too darn cold. 

"WTTM" Clemke01, as they have started saying. Welcome to the madness.

Scramblers (Oops, I did not intitally see it was a malibu 2) can make great platforms for diving & fishing. Friends of mine have been using theirs since...well, a long time.
That said, andthis is just my opinion (with no offense intended), I think you are carrying a lot of stuff above deck.
Think about what will happen when the boat is upside down, as it surely will be one day .
I like to keep the foredeck clear anyway, but coming in through surf especially.
Since most of my fishing is done with surf launches & landings I rig accordingly. I use a waterproof storage box from Plano that holds all electronics, my reel, pliers, gripper, and whatever else I can fit into it. My gaff & billy go belowdeck for surf reentry, and all that is left above deck is my fishbag & gameclip (hopefully with fish on it), my small leashed tackle box under bungees, and my one piece rod bungied to the side but also leashed just in case. In a vicious wipeout I figure the rod might lose some guides, but the fishbag will probably not break its tether. The tackle...well that's a work in progress, since it got pulled from the plano box so my fishfinder would fit.

I agree with piscean. if you are going out thru the surf, lose the front milkcrate gettup. the only other thing it needs is a 12pack of beer and fishfinder and you are on your way. nice work and welcome to the madness.

Thanks for the responses, wont be launching from the surf in SC anytime soon (apparently its illegal weekends and holidays), but ill definitely start thinking of a setup for those occasions.

Is that a tandem?

Is that a tandem?

Looks like an OK Malibu Two tandem.

Yes its a malibu 2, wanted to be able to surf, take it out with friends and fish as well. 

Clem, I see where you're going with the milk crate in the front; you almost have too since it's a tandem. A tandem can be miserable even in the slightest wind when paddled solo. Weight in the bow will alleviate the weathercocking. Rather than a milk crate I would opt to place 4 gallons of water (28lbs) in the bow compartment. This will feel much better in regards to center of gravity than a milk crate and can self right when tossed by a wave.
As far as keeping things above deck, I don't see it as much of an issue if you are religious about tying things down. Before I was a kayak guide I served with the 75th Ranger infantry. Jumping out of airplanes with everything strapped to you at 160 mph teaches you a thing or to about fastening. Gotta love a quick release bungie.

I'm with Piscean on this 

All that extra weight will hinder self rescue if and when you flip your kayak  - IMO: keep it simple.
I've used the milk crate in the earlier days and finally figured out what I really need to bring and leave behind what I can do without. You'll figure it out as you go out more

Welcome to the madness

And remember: be a kayaker first...and a fisherman second

Rather than a milk crate I would opt to place 4 gallons of water (28lbs) in the bow compartment. This will feel much better in regards to center of gravity than a milk crate and can self right when tossed by a wave.

The Malibu Two allows you to sit in the center position, so you shouldn't have any issues with your center of gravity too far back.  I paddled one of these for many years.  Good stable platform.

I agree with the others about minimizing the amount of stuff on your deck when in the ocean. 

There are some pics of how my Malibu Two was rigged in my gallery... http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?action=gallery&g2_itemId=3012&g2_page=1

WTTM! ..as you go, each time will get easier, along with reducing things that were not needed...end result= taking only what will be needed for EACH trip!
it's a win-win!

I bet promethean is jealous of that sweet ride.  

Clemke, keep it ghetto is my advice for a first ride.  That ways, when you upgrade you'll know exactly what you want and how you want it.  It will eliminate unnecessary holes on the new yak.  jtf

wont be launching from the surf in SC anytime soon (apparently its illegal weekends and holidays)

Huh? Is this true?

A Malibu 2 is a fine platform. My first 8-10 kayak fishing trips were on a Malibu 2, in the ocean. Although, I'd get rid of one crate. Should be able to fit everything you'll need into one crate. And get the round center hatch too. Perfect size for a modified Sunny D bottle (the just apply some velcro tape and you're set) to store "can't lose" type of stuff like keys and phone.
PK

I've been told I couldn't launch by the lifeguards on Sea Brite but they didn't cite any laws.  It was a super busy weekend though and when the crowds left the beach they came back by and gave me the nod to launch. Natural Bridges let me launch and even cleared the beach so I can land.  I've seen people land and re-launch right there at cowells, I think it just depends on the spot, how many people are playing in the water.  I imagine a day like the 4th of jul they're gonna tell you to take a hike.   

Clemke, the crate up front looks small and should fit flush in the seat behind you, ditch the long one you got back there.  Looks like a bucket up front also....I'm gonna assume thats for fish/bait, ditch it too. Store stuff like the wallet below decks or get a good float/dry bag and leash it down.  I susally tossed my other gear in a backpack. 

Sorry for the threadjack clemke01!

wont be launching from the surf in SC anytime soon (apparently its illegal weekends and holidays)

Huh? Is this true?

Sort of. Last I knew, the only places to beach launch a kayak in the SC city limits were Natural Bridges/Mitchell cove and Cowells, but I might have forgotten & missed one. Next closest launch is the "Hobie side" of the Capitola pier.