Okay, so you bought a new kayak. Now what? What paddle is best for the fishing you do? What makes a perfect PFD? Where to add rod holders? How to install electronics? Should you rig a rudder? What about tackle storage? Bringing home a new kayak is just the first step towards getting on the water. We asked top pros for their suggestions for turning a fishing kayak into a fishing hot rod.
PRO
The rocky Oregon coast is wild with big water and big fish. The crags and caves that litter the bottom host giant lingcod. Anglers bounce big swimbaits and jigs, but Hobie pro Jeff Anderson targets the largest lingcod with live bait.
KAYAK
I fish out of a Hobie Revolution 13. It is stable enough for open water fishing yet loose enough to roll with the waves. It performs great in the surf, so I can bust through waves on the way out and stay out of trouble on the way in.
PADDLE
Holding my rod while power drifting over the structure keeps me covering bottom and I can still feel the lightest bite. I also constantly adjust the depth of my bait to stay just above the ledges, drops and pinnacles.
SEAT
I added a Crack of Dawn rod holder bag to…
