Just picked up a sportsman 106 pdl. I wanna modify it before I take it out once this weather breaks. What's everyone's suggestions of what I should put on there?

Figure out rod and paddle holders, tackle storage. If you use a net, where will you keep it...

Consider whether you want an anchor. If so, pole or trolley?

Electronics?

Flag with light is a must for me.

Sit in it in your garage/yard... how do you want tools organized/stowed?

Many want rod and paddle leashes first few time out.

I like that you say you want to modify it before even getting it wet. There's plenty of folks afraid to put that first hole in theirs. But, there is also a common school of thought that says don't do a whole lot before you fish out of it a few times

Choproz gives you all the questions to ask yourself. But if this is your first fishing kayak I’m going to say that you probably don’t know the answers yet. Start with the basics and then let it unfold naturally. The 106 has rod holders built in already so you don’t need to add anything just yet. You need some type of tackle holder whether it is a crate, tackle bag, etc. I stuck with a tackle bag for all my time. If you plan to carry 6-8 rods then you’ll probably end up with a crate style. The one thing I do recommend up front is the wilderness systems organizer. Holds pliers, clippers, scissors, and all the small tools that you need to have at hand. And it’s not expensive.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077T3LLQS?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_7&th=1

1 hour ago, casts_by_fly said:

Choproz gives you all the questions to ask yourself. But if this is your first fishing kayak I’m going to say that you probably don’t know the answers yet. Start with the basics and then let it unfold naturally. The 106 has rod holders built in already so you don’t need to add anything just yet. You need some type of tackle holder whether it is a crate, tackle bag, etc. I stuck with a tackle bag for all my time. If you plan to carry 6-8 rods then you’ll probably end up with a crate style. The one thing I do recommend up front is the wilderness systems organizer. Holds pliers, clippers, scissors, and all the small tools that you need to have at hand. And it’s not expensive.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077T3LLQS?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_7&th=1

I currently have a backpack with my tackle for salt / brackish waters that I'll likely take with me for storage. I'll find a way to secure it so I don't lose it, but I don't carry a lot of tackle unless I'm bass fishing.

I know I need a GPS, I plan on running mangroves and I know I'll get lost if I don't have a map to get back.

I bought a net holder, trolling rod holders, and a rod holder that has the rods laying off to the side of the kayak. I didn't want vertical rods behind me.

Best to get it on the water and explore the kayak using the pdl and paddling separately. Gives you good perspective on where an accessory might be in a bad spot or might embed your ability to paddle or even cast efficiently.

21 minutes ago, Dangerfield said:

Best to get it on the water and explore the kayak using the pdl and paddling separately. Gives you good perspective on where an accessory might be in a bad spot or might embed your ability to paddle or even cast efficiently.

For sure, trying to get this thing out but the wife has other plans for my weekends, looking st a cold snap coming to FL next week so next weekend isn't looking like the week I'll take it out.

no sympathy from me, it’s two degrees out.

1 hour ago, Dangerfield said:

no sympathy from me, it’s two degrees out.

I'll see you and raise a "-9"

I bought new your same Yak! I'm still planning my 1st outing, which will be this winter or spring here in AZ. I have all the accessories, including a Helix 5 G3 GPS DI. So, I am going out no rod/reels with just that on the lake I primarily will fish as I want to get lake knowledge in dealing with the big boats out there. I know I will encounter bass boats so close to metro PHX. Luckily, I can fish weekdays!

I also have to relearn some casting techniques with all the new BC reels and 7' rods I got. I have 6 combos, one spinning, so I can cover all three depth ranges from top 1-3", middle depth flats down to 8-9', and some bottom huggin stuff around 12-18'. I plan on visiting a nearby urban park with lake there and basically casting out often to regain confidence as I have not really fished for 30 years! I had 2 BC sets, and 3 spinning sets, but that was in the era of 6' rods...LOL.

Confidence and Knowledge in my boat will be achieved. I am an avid cyclist with big lungs and ripped legs, so peddling 5-10 miles on a lake will be easy. I was very good bassin in my youth.

I would highly recommend the Navarre Kayak site and looking at their Ytube stuff for the PDL 106 and and the like. I have already beefed up/upgraded my rudder bolt, steering knob, and added spare prop, peddle spacers, floating prop nut, and better gear tracks on mine - as you may want. I have tethers, but I am not worried about kluts dropping gear having canoe fished solo w/o incidents way back.

I am lefty but cast with righty BC. With that, I will orientate all my gear for that. I got a Nocqua 12v 10 power pack for my Hummingbird, and with Navarre assist, will go no drill cable run on my PDL 106. It will be fine, leave the cables in the boat, take out the battery and Ram Mounted Helix, along with the seat/drive. I coworker of mine ran our same PDL106 boat for a year on our lakes here b4 he upscaled into a power alum bass boat said his but got sore in the 106 seat. My strategy for that is dropping the sturdy but soft Crazy Creek chair I have inside of it. Your tolerances may vary!

I'm gonna reiterate some of the previous post but some things to be done right away include..

-spare prop

-spare prop pins

-floating prop nut/prop cone

-upgrade rudder bolt

-rudder handle stop (Navarre)

Things that could wait, but in my opinion are worthwhile add-ons are..

-seat risers (best upgrade IMO)

-pedal spacer kit

-handle knob upgrade

-PDL drive insert plate

-omni hooks in tankwell (for blackpack/crate)

Plenty of other add-ons and upgrades made specifically for your PDL from places like Navarre and Yak Hobby.

Just to add from above that is essential: a good vest with a knife.

My favorites:

seat risers- I went 2". 4" was too much for me (I got tippy)

Anchor Wizard

Yak Attack Omega rod holders but use the 8" extension so I can pedal and not touch the rod butt with my knees.

Blackpack pro 13x16

On 1/24/2026 at 8:06 PM, iiTzChunky said:

but the wife has other plans for my weekends

Stay strong brotha.

Anchor trolley was the single biggest addition I ever made to mine to catch fish.

Allowed me to easily fish points and creek mouths effectively. Windy days on grass flats there was no comparison, drop anchor and cast 5-6 times, pickup anchor for 30 seconds, then drop and repeat all the way across the flat. Allowed me to fish a lot of days I otherwise wouldn’t have since I didn’t have to fight the wind the whole time.

Just be careful dropping it in a river, learned that the hard way and took a nice swim.

On 1/19/2026 at 10:25 AM, iiTzChunky said:

Just picked up a sportsman 106 pdl. I wanna modify it before I take it out once this weather breaks. What's everyone's suggestions of what I should put on there?

After fishing on a kayak for years my suggestion is…. Please wait until you get a couple days on the water. Even better after 5-6 outings.

The 1% of things I recommend to buy right now is a good pdf that fits. It could save your life and I recommend not skimping. The other 99% of what you’re going to want isn’t necessary to catch fish.

If you go out and buy a ton of gear you might end up wasting cash. Start small, a single Plano box just for the kayak and a soft bag for a towel, dude wipes, and first aid kit.

I wasted too much time and money on products I never needed in my first couple months I still kick myself. Over time I built my rig into a fully powered tourney machine but the best method is baby steps.