1 reply to this topic

[kjfishman]

Anyone rigged a Loon 138 for fishing? I would like to what others have done to rig thier Loon 138 or similiar kayak for fishing.   I added the anchor pully and one rod holder behind the cockpit so far. I have a couple of old fish finders so may add one but not sure where or  how I want to locate it.

[Hanover_Yakker]

My advice would be to first go outside with just the main head unit and some duct tape. Take a seat in your Loon and reach forward to the point that you feel comfortable yet not risk tipping over. When you feel your primary stability starting to falter, you know you have passed your limit of reach. Lean back a few inches and place a piece of duct tape. Then afix the FF main unit with a couple pieces of duct tape and see if it feels right and permits you the ability to fish like you normally do.

As far as mounting it, the cockpit of the Loon allows you to mount it right on the bow in front of the footwell opening. I would recommend using a Mighty Mount and a Screwball from YakAttack (assuming you are using a Lowrance). If not, the factory moutns on RAM holders work well for other FFs like Garmins, Eagles and HBs. Then you could add a couple pad eyes on the inside of the hull riveted and sealed under the bow to attach a small dry bag via carabiner clips or other waterproof container for the battery. Now for the transducer, that will depend upon which FF you are using. If it is a standard FF (no DI,SI, DSI, etc) then a through-hull install will work fin placed up near the bow of the Loon right in the portion of the keel where it starts to flatten out. The risk of course is knocking it with you feet. If that is a concern, then check out the RAM Transducer ARM install I have posted on my blog (the link is in the signature below) or come up with your own DIY.

I would also purchase the 4" section of the GT175 GearTrac and add a couple more screwballs to pair up with a couple of RAM Composite Tubes. You could mount them aft of the seating area on the stern to the left and right of the seating area. Doing this would allow you to angle the rod holders forward at 45 degrees or so to permit trolling yet still facilitate stwoing of the rod when you land a fish. This position also affords you the option of laying the tube straight down facing forward when working in areas with low or overhanging limbs.

The other added benefit of using the GearTrac & Screwball approach is that it permits complete removal of your mounting components when preparing to transport your kayak.

You can check out the different mounting options on Luther's site: http://yakattack.us

I have a variety of his products including the GearTracs, Screwballs, Panfish & Panfish Portrait Camera mounts, VISICarbon Pro II safety light and the Park-n-Pole. FWIW, I am not on his Pro Staff, I just believe in his products and use them everytime I head out. Best part of it is, Luther is a mechanical engineer and an avid kayak angler himself!