Kayak Add-Ons?

Question for some experienced NorCal Kayakers.  I am considering entering the sport and would like some thoughts on rigging your Kayak.

Do you recommend buying a kayak and then adding fish finder, rod holders, etc, etc yourself or is there a good dealer, location to have some of that stuff done by a professional?

Thanks.  Kraig

See Headwaters kayak in lodi... Adventure sports in sacto... Some others in the bay area too... Best thing is go to an event and look at others riggings to see what you like... Is a personal thing

I'd take a look through the rigging section of the site and look at other kayak's like yours for ideas.  In the end, you need to decide what type of fishing your going to be doing, what types of mounts you will want for that, and more importantly where to place them on your yak.  Once you have a good idea of what you want, start simple and do the installs yourself.  If you need help, many on the site will be willing to help! 

as newbie I asked Dan from Headwaters kayak in Lodi to rig my Malibu - He  did a great job

Rigging and modifying is half the fun!  I love coming up with ways to improve and streamline my fishing.  If I am not fishing, I like to work on my fishing stuff.

Take your time.  There are a lot of good ideas but see what works for you.  Take several trips out before you decide mounting locations for everything.  The more I kayak, the more I find less is more.  Especially for the salt you want to keep it easy to re-enter should you fall out.  The more gear you have hanging, the more dangerous it could be.  I have flush mount rod holders and a fish finder above deck.  Everything else is stored below and out of the way.  I have gone to floats over leashes to remove the tangle factor.

This site is really one of the best for information and helpful advise.  The guys here are great.  Spend some time searching past posts and you will see some great ideas.  Most the local shops can help you rig if you don't trust your skills.

Good luck!

There are a lot of us not too far from where you are at. When you get a kayak I'm sure somebody would volunteer to drill holes for you. There seems to be a lot of rigged kayaks for sale from time to time here also. Several now. The shops mentioned all rig yaks too. Bottom line I think is do you feel comfortable doing it yourself? I enjoy working on mine.

I love to rig as much as fish.  With an unlimited budget, I'd have a new yak for each trip!

Thanks for the advice!  Doing your own rigging does seem like it would be 1/2 the fun.  Great to be thinking about fishing when you are off the water.  Thanks again!  Kraig

+1 on the crew at Headwaters in Lodi.   I am semi new to the sport and they have need very helpful and informative.  Have fun.  The rigging possibilities are endless.

Rigging and modifying is half the fun!  I love coming up with ways to improve and streamline my fishing.  If I am not fishing, I like to work on my fishing stuff.

Take your time.  There are a lot of good ideas but see what works for you.  Take several trips out before you decide mounting locations for everything.  The more I kayak, the more I find less is more.  Especially for the salt you want to keep it easy to re-enter should you fall out.  The more gear you have hanging, the more dangerous it could be.  I have flush mount rod holders and a fish finder above deck.  Everything else is stored below and out of the way.  I have gone to floats over leashes to remove the tangle factor.

This site is really one of the best for information and helpful advise.  The guys here are great.  Spend some time searching past posts and you will see some great ideas.  Most the local shops can help you rig if you don't trust your skills.

Good luck!

+1 Sound advice here. As one who "over-rigged" to start out and now, after experience has gone efficient and simple. This site has some rigging masters on it who have awesome ideas. Try some and you will settle in to your personal favorites.  Spending nights with the kayak in the living room coming up with ideas is a blast. Sit in it and do some mock ups and you will soon find out what works for you and what does not. I too have settled on the cleanest deck space possible and minimal gear.  Have fun