For a better view of the water and fish, and a better position for casting and working lures, I designed an elevated casting perch for my kayak.
DIY: Build a Custom Sight Casting Platform
I started with my super-stable Jackson Kayak Big Rig. Then, I designed the platform to fit over my seat at the kayak’s center of gravity. To maintain balance, I set the height a few inches higher than my seat.
Attaching the platform to the kayak was easy; I measured out the supports to fit in the kayak’s scupper holes.
Building a casting platform is simple and inexpensive. The total cost for this project was around $60. I added a nonslip foam pad and a homemade launch pad to manage my flyline. Standing on top the platform, I can see farther into the water and cast farther without sacrificing my stability.
How to Build the Casting Platform
Parts List
Frame Material
- 8 feet of ¾” PVC schedule 40
- 4 three-way 90-degree T-Fittings
- Rust-Oleum spray paint
The Platform
- ¾” plywood
- Waterlox sealant
- EVA foam
- deck padding
Hardware
- 1/4″x3″ stainless steel carriage bolts, washers, nylon lock nuts
Tools
- Heat gun
- Pipe cutter
- Drill
- Measure the PVC frame so the legs fit in the kayak scuppers.
- Working in a well-ventilated area, use a heat gun to soften the leg end of the PVC and mold it into the scupper hole.
- Attach T-Fittings to the other end of the PVC legs.
- Add PVC pipe for the horizontal supports and vertical legs.
- Connect another T-Fitting to the top of the legs.
- Add pipe to the horizontal and vertical fittings.
- At the top of the vertical pipe, add three-way 90-degree fittings.
- Once the frame is mocked up, remove the three-way 90-degree fittings.
- Drill holes in the top of the three-way 90-degree fittings to attach the platform.
- Cut the platform material slightly wider than the frame.
- Waterproof the platform material with Waterlox.
- Measure the platform to fit the frame and drill holes in the platform.
- Use carriage bolts, washers and nylon lock washers to attach the PVC frame to the 90-degree fittings.
- Reinstall the three-way 90-degree fittings onto the legs.
- Glue all the connections with PVC glue. I did not glue the three-way 90-degree fittings so I can remove the platform from the frame for storage.
Cory Byrnes is a former merchant seaman and frequent Kayak Angler contributor. Read his Rigging column on refurbishing an old kayak:
Get a better view of the water with a sight casting deck. | Feature photo: Cory Byrnes
