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Choosing a Kayak – Transportation and Storage

Making sure your craft is safe and secure should be the top priority when heading anywhere with your kayak.

Temporary roof rack straps are inexpensive, easy to install and are removeable for those who don’t plan on traveling far but still want to get on the water.

Permanent roof racks are ideal when transporting kayaks long distances. Roof racks are either factory installed or installed using aftermarket products.


Roof Rack Accessories

J Cradles are the most popular roof rack accessory. This cradle stores the kayaks at a 45° angle allowing multiple kayaks to be transported. J Cradles are easy to load/unload and offer stability during transport.

Stackers are an ideal, inexpensive option when transporting multiple kayaks. This system holds the crafts on their sides allowing maximum kayak capacity.

Saddles & Rollers allow for kayaks to rest on their hull during transportation. This system offers the most support, and is easy to load/unload crafts.


When storing your kayak,it’s important do so correctly. Kayaks can distort or deform when improperly stored on its hull for prolonged periods of time.

Key Tips for Storage:

• Suspending your kayak via the use of straps or webbing to distribute the weight of the kayak evenly.

• Always rinse your kayak with fresh water after each use. Salt and minerals from oceans, lakes and rivers can affect the life of your kayak.

• If storing outside, cover the kayaks appropriately to reduce exposure to UV rays and other harsh weather, which can potentially damage the hull.

• Never use the scupper holes to hang or support the kayak, this can lead to deformation of the hull.

• Never use the carrying handles or loops as hanging supports. The constant weight of the kayak on these handles can render the kayak useless.

Kayak Accessories
Dry Storage

Dry Bags:These are made of a flexible fabric that folds down on itself and snaps closed creating an air tight seal. Perfect for holding a change of clothes, sleeping bag, towels, food, etc.

Waterproof Case: These are rigid waterproof boxes that are ideal for carrying a cell phone, wallet, keys, electronics, etc.



Torso Height:To determine torso height, measure the length of your torso while seated. The longer your torso, the longer the paddle you will need. Use the chart below:

Paddles

There are two major factors to consider when determining your best paddle -your paddle style and your torso height.

Paddle Style: High angle paddling is a more aggressive, faster stroke. Low angle paddling is a slower, more relaxed stroke.


Chart provided by: www.paddling.com

Kayak Fishing Accessories

Anchors: Kayak anchors can be used in medium depth waters. A grappling hook anchor is most common and usually consists of four hooks that may fold for easy storage.

Drift Chute: Drift Chutes are ideal for deep water fishing and will slow down your drift in heavy current or wind by filling a parachute style bag with water floating off the kayak.

Stakeout Poles: Stakeout poles can fit through your kayak scupper holes and are ideal for shallow water fishing. These poles will anchor your kayak directly in the mud, sand or marsh.

Tackle Box Storage: Additional storage and organization for hooks, jigs, line, lures, spoons and sinkers is important. Some kayaks offer hide-away storage in the hull,but adding additional tackle box storage on top of the kayak is also standard practice.

Rod Holders: To have a fishing kayak, it must have rod holders. Some fishing kayaks offer built in rod holders as a standard feature. Additionally,there are many aftermarket brands that offer rod holders as accessories. Some rod holders are flush mounted, meaning you must cut in to your kayak to mount the holder, while others are attached using a rail system. Both types are tried and true and this is ultimately a fishing style choice.

Electronic Mounts: All mounts are designed to maximize your fishing experience and there are endless options for electronic mounts. These mounts allow you to fully customize your kayak with GPS units, GoPro units, fish finders, camera holders, and much more.

Trolling Motors: Adding a trolling motor to your kayak will allow you to get to your fishing spot quicker as well as covering a larger area.

Kayak Accessories – Coolers

Coolers: A premium built cooler will maximize the life of your ice, keep your beverages cold, and won’t leak all over your kayak. When purchasing a cooler look for added features like tie down points, bottle openers and drain plugs.

Fish Bags: Most fish bags are angular shaped to fit on the bow of your kayak. This low-profile shape keeps your catch as fresh as possible and is ideal for separating your catch from your food items.