How to rig a drift chute and kelp anchor - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

jbm · 09-20-2010, 10:19 AM

I'm going to add a drift chute to my X-13. I'm trying to decide the best way to do so. I want to avoid climbing all over the boat to deploy and attach the thing, and while changing my drift angle. I'd also likely use this rigging to clip into the kelp if I don't want to drift at all.

I'm thinking I'd take a length of deck line long enough to create a loop of cord that runs from bow to stern along one side of the boat. I'd run one side of the loop through eyelets attached to one side of the boat, and attach the chute to the other side of the loop. This way, from my seat I can pull the cord to move the chute toward the bow or the stern to change my drift angle.

Does this sound like a reasonable way to do it? Any suggestion on what to use to hold the deck line in place once I get it in the right position? Some kind of cleat?

old_rookie · 09-20-2010, 10:27 AM

For a kelp anchor you can grab a string and tie it to the side handle. Thanks to Danny for showing me that idea.

maui jim · 09-20-2010, 03:18 PM

A cheap nylon dog leash with a brass trigger snap attached to it works wonders Just triggersnap to a healthy kelp stringger and enjoy.

GregAndrew · 09-20-2010, 03:47 PM

I used "Pad Eyes" for my connecting points. If you plan on using an anchor at all, anywhere there might be swell, I recommend using at least 1 loop of bungee to add some give in the trolley. Pulleys help the cord adjust more easily but are not a necessity. Some type of quick connectors on either end make them easier to remove, tie off or tow something. A metal or plastic ring to attach your drift chute to or run your anchor line through will finish it off. The further forward and back that you place your connecting points, the more options you will have in setting yourself up for your drift/anchorage. But you might have to come up with a guide or two to keep the cord from dragging in the water. Good luck, and show us what you come up with.

jbm · 09-20-2010, 08:25 PM

All great feedback! Thanks! I'll definitely post my results.

RedSledTeam · 09-20-2010, 10:32 PM

check out this website for pictures of rigging... http://www.oceankayak.com/fishing/outfitting.html

09-20-2010, 10:19 AM	#1
jbm Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Escondido<->Carlsbad Posts: 81	How to rig a drift chute and kelp anchor I'm going to add a drift chute to my X-13. I'm trying to decide the best way to do so. I want to avoid climbing all over the boat to deploy and attach the thing, and while changing my drift angle. I'd also likely use this rigging to clip into the kelp if I don't want to drift at all. I'm thinking I'd take a length of deck line long enough to create a loop of cord that runs from bow to stern along one side of the boat. I'd run one side of the loop through eyelets attached to one side of the boat, and attach the chute to the other side of the loop. This way, from my seat I can pull the cord to move the chute toward the bow or the stern to change my drift angle. Does this sound like a reasonable way to do it? Any suggestion on what to use to hold the deck line in place once I get it in the right position? Some kind of cleat?

09-20-2010, 03:18 PM	#3
maui jim Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Cypress, CA Posts: 789	A cheap nylon dog leash with a brass trigger snap attached to it works wonders Just triggersnap to a healthy kelp stringger and enjoy. __________________

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09-20-2010, 10:27 AM	#2
old_rookie Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Santee Posts: 904	For a kelp anchor you can grab a string and tie it to the side handle. Thanks to Danny for showing me that idea.

09-20-2010, 03:47 PM	#4
GregAndrew Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 2,384	I used "Pad Eyes" for my connecting points. If you plan on using an anchor at all, anywhere there might be swell, I recommend using at least 1 loop of bungee to add some give in the trolley. Pulleys help the cord adjust more easily but are not a necessity. Some type of quick connectors on either end make them easier to remove, tie off or tow something. A metal or plastic ring to attach your drift chute to or run your anchor line through will finish it off. The further forward and back that you place your connecting points, the more options you will have in setting yourself up for your drift/anchorage. But you might have to come up with a guide or two to keep the cord from dragging in the water. Good luck, and show us what you come up with.

09-20-2010, 08:25 PM	#5
jbm Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Escondido<->Carlsbad Posts: 81	All great feedback! Thanks! I'll definitely post my results.

09-20-2010, 10:32 PM	#6
RedSledTeam Daddeo Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: OC Posts: 660	check out this website for pictures of rigging... http://www.oceankayak.com/fishing/outfitting.html