I just got into yak fishing late last summer in south central PA. I have a question for the best option for saving rods when I get upsidedown….which is bound to happen. Only fished still waters so far and have some rod leashes which are homemade from previous owner of the yak. I'm wondering if rod floats will work as good as leashes, or combine and use both?? I don't have high end tackle, not cheap either, but would hate to loose any of it. I also don't have a high end yak, no standing at all.

 Thanks in advance on your input.  Tight lines

Congratulations on getting into kayak fishing.

 

If you have a SOT yak, it’s pretty unlikely you’ll invert it.  But, better safe than sorry.

 

I fish out of a Feelfree Lure. Their rod holders have a length of shock cord & a clip that attaches to your rod.

 

 

 

 

You can make your own easily.

Use copper pipe insulating foam.  Comes in 6' lengths, can be cut easily with a serrated bread knife.  Doesn't take much to make your rod & reel float; just 3-4"s.  Place above the handle on a spinning rod and in the split of the grip on casting rod. 

 

I dumped my kayak once the first year I had it.  Taught me some important lessons, mainly wear a PFD at all times, also be aware of conditions - stay off the water if it's too windy - don't take chances; you're out there to have fun and it's no fun fighting waves and wind.

 

Good luck

I used leashes one time and hated them.  Don't use anything now.  After 1000s of hours, I've only dumped once and that was sheer stupidity....anchored in what I thought was a eddy, but swung into the current and the anchor was still abeam and grabbed hard...won't ever do that again.  Fortunately I didn't lose any rods.  My wife uses the foam floats on her spinning rods that strap on above the reel.  She likes them, but I couldn't get used to the change in balance, nor the 'line slap'.  

Small pool noodles, split in half, wrap with electric tape. Cheap, doesn't look pretty, but I can confirm it does work and it doesn't take much to float a rod and reel. I actually put it on the butt of the rod on split grip rods and it's barely noticeable. 

I use rod leashes I bought from Amazon. They work pretty good, I am not a fan but I dropped a rod overboard and was lucky enough to retrieve it. Didn’t want to take the chance again.

Leashes here.

I prefer the floats. Leashes definitely serve their purpose, but they get in the way when trying to land fish, standing up, etc.

+1 floats, leashes are an entanglement hazard.

 

I flipped once. I lost 2 rods, tackle,line,killed my phone, inflated my pfd.

 

My bad in the end as I leaned too far truing to grab my sinking rod. I got it but sadly lost 2 more.

 

I don't use anything still. I feel stable and secure. I stay aware of my surroundings and constantly look around while reeling in.

I have never flipped either of my two yaks but my current ride, hobie pa 12 has rod straps.  This will keep them in the craft if i ever roll it.  I spend to much money and effort on rods to add anything to them.  Tie or lash them in when not in use and you should be good.

Thanks for the replies fellas, I will probably try a float or two this spring, but keep em leashed when not in use.

On 12/22/2018 at 1:33 PM, TonynswAR said:

 I just got into yak fishing late last summer in south central PA. I have a question for the best option for saving rods when I get upsidedown….which is bound to happen. Only fished still waters so far and have some rod leashes which are homemade from previous owner of the yak. I'm wondering if rod floats will work as good as leashes, or combine and use both?? I don't have high end tackle, not cheap either, but would hate to loose any of it. I also don't have a high end yak, no standing at all.

 Thanks in advance on your input.  Tight lines

I have never flipped. But I know the day is coming. I have learned to fish with minimal gear. I don't take 4-5 rods and all my tackle. One or 2 rods and one tackle box. If I lose it, it's only a small amount. So try to take what you need.