Members yaks...? newbie here...

[trout slayer]

Ok after some searching I found what I was looking for. Basically I was trying to find a bunch of set up yaks to look at, and steal ideas from. Since I have the Pescador ive been having to look at the tarpon setups as there isnt much for it, but I found the mother load for all yaks!
http://kayakfishinggear.com/riggedfishingkayaks.aspx

Maybe an idea for the site, a members journal sort of thing? Talk about your yak setup and why you set it up that way, before and after pics. I know the DnCing section has most of this, but this gives a general idea of the entire layout not just one particular item. IDK, just a thought, we have this on the subaru forums.

[bsteves]

Ok after some searching I found what I was looking for. Basically I was trying to find a bunch of set up yaks to look at, and steal ideas from. Since I have the Pescador ive been having to look at the tarpon setups as there isnt much for it, but I found the mother load for all yaks!
http://kayakfishinggear.com/riggedfishingkayaks.aspx

Maybe an idea for the site, a members journal sort of thing? Talk about your yak setup and why you set it up that way, before and after pics. I know the DnCing section has most of this, but this gives a general idea of the entire layout not just one particular item. IDK, just a thought, we have this on the subaru forums.

It probably should be pointed out that that set of photos is fairly old (my guess is nearly 4-5 years old).  None of the rigged kayaks seem liked the new models... no Ocean Kayak Tridents, none of the Wilderness Systems Tarpons have the SlideTrax.   I know I certainly rig my kayak quite a bit differently then I did in 2006.

We probably could do more to promote our kayak set ups.  I'm just not sure what the best way to do that would be.  A sticky topic or even a subforum under "Drilling and Cutting".   A special section in the photo gallery.  Organized by manufacturer? 

[snopro]

I know I certainly rig my kayak quite a bit differently then I did in 2006.

I'd be interested to know what, and the reasons why, if you feel like elaborating. 

I imagine some changes were because you changed kayaks.  It's the more generic changes done for functionality I'd like to know about.  Always looking to learn and improve my set up.

[bsteves]

In my case, I probably take way too much stuff out now (the Eagle Scout in me keeps telling me to be prepared).  In the early years I'd go out with a rod, a gaff (or net), a bag of jigs and a stringer.   In some ways I miss the old days.   The more I gather gear, the more I'm compelled to bring it out with me.

Some of the gear I take out now is for safety and so it seems unsafe not to bring it (bilge pump, safety flag, throw-line, etc..).  Some of the gear is electronics (fish finder, battery, GPS) and while it's probably debatable whether they actually improve my fishing, I feel more confident having them with out with me.    Much of the gear I take is fishing gear as I sometimes fish areas where I'll switch from one type of fishing to another if I get bored.

I've also gone from a 10' OK Caper to a 12' Cobra Navigator to 13' OK Trident to a 15.5' OK Ultra.  Each time I step up in size I seem to be able to bring more stuff out with me.  As I step up to a new kayak models the kayak manufacturers are doing a lot more to help me out (rod pods, places designed for fish finders, wells that fit a marine plano box perfectly, molded in brass screw inserts, etc...). 

I no longer just fish in the ocean for rockfish.  I sit on anchor for sturgeon, pull crab pots, troll for salmon and trout, drift small rivers for steelhead and fish for bass and pan fish in shallow lakes.  Each fishery calls for different gear and I rig my kayak up differently for each.   It presents a problem when I rig up my kayak for demos at places like paddle festivals.  Part of me wants to bring it all to show people the the diversity of techniques that can be used with a kayak, but putting it all on my kayak all at once makes it look ridiculous.

I try to concentrate on a few key questions when setting up a kayak..
What do I really need?  (depends on what I'm fishing for)
Where will I put it?

More specifically (in no particular order) ...
1.) Rod Storage - How will I carry my fishing rods?  What if I'm going through the surf? 
2.) Rod Holders - Do I need a rod holder for trolling or just to hold the rods for transport?  If trolling can I see the rod?  Can I reach the rod?  Is the rod in the way?
3.) Fish Finders - How am I going to set up my fish finder?  Again, what about the surf?  Can I reach the controls? Is it in the way?  How am I setting up the fish finder transducer? (there are several different methods)
4.) Safety Gear - Where am I storing my safety gear?  Can I reach it if I need it?
5.) Fish Storage - Where am I putting the fish I'm going to catch?  (bucket, cooler, stringer, etc..)
6.) Fishing Tackle - Where am I putting my lures/bait/pliers/etc...?
7.) Amenities - Where am I going to put my lunch?  My cell phone?

I'm almost done setting up my Ultra 4.7.   I try and remember to take some photos and post them up.

Brian

[Stumblefish]

I'm not fully informed as far as running websites, but on a site for vehicles , they often have a "my build" section , or build thread. Could be a good idea.  For now though, I Take a page at a time in the "drill and cut" section ,lots of good data to find there .
The ghetto flag thread for instance has me  inspired to build a flag from 3 used carbon fiber arrow shaft section, its done except for a proper mount.   
Got to go for now, work ends at 3pm ..... need to haunt a shop and get a fishing license, some line and general isle patrolling....