Storing rods inside Kayak hull during launch

[SoCalEDC]

Originally Posted by ProfessorLongArms

This is one I've been noodling on for a while, and very recently had a nice big reminder on.

On big surf days where I launch, there's always a non-zero chance of going over... Especially in an outback. We *never* launch with rods up. I also stow my reels in my square hatch.

I always take my reels off my rods since worse than breaking a rod is getting that super fine sand in your reel if you bail in the surf zone.

What do I do? I keep a bunch of those Nite Ize rubber twist ties handy, and lash all of my rods together. I pass the buts of my reels under the strap that holds my bait tank in place. Then I tie off at the handle mid-kayak. Then for extra measure, I have a velcro strap at the front of my kayak bolted on that the rod tips pass through.

On my Revo, I decided I didn't actually need that extra bit at the front, but it's a good extra measure.

Bungees? I don't trust 'em after losing a rod from the oar holder on a launch once. Assume the force from the launch will *really* pull on anything not thoroughly secured.

This is a timely post of course, as I just snapped my sabiki rod and a (thankfully)cheap turner's californian rod in half because everyone else had their rods up, it was a small surf day, and I got distracted and just plain effed up on a launch. My torium and my lexa are now in the capable hands of their respective manufacturers as they work to remove every last grain of sand they can at 40-50 bucks a pop.

Had I actually followed my own rule, I would have just been a bit soggy and sandy, and given it another pass.

I am very much tempted to try a rod pod one of these days. Thinking I might sell my scupper and get an older trident for just that on dive days.

This is fantastic info and very thorough explanation of how you tie them down, i appreciate it.

As far as the trident goes, as a previous trident owner, i can confirm that i would fit (2) spinning rods (7'-8' rods, bg4000, bg5000 sized reels) and (2) casting rods (a daiwa sealine 50H, and an avet sx5.3) in the hull with reels attached, and be able to retrieve them with ease out on the water. the older (pre '16 i think) had the big center hatch (wider) than the '16+ models.

Originally Posted by BenCantrell

I have a confession to make. Lately I've been doing all my landings backwards, and I've become so comfortable doing it that way that I've been leaving my rods in the rod holders.

I have seen some guys doing this, is it much easier than surfing in forwards? Maybe i will have to give this a shot.

[BenCantrell]

Originally Posted by SoCalEDC

I have seen some guys doing this, is it much easier than surfing in forwards? Maybe i will have to give this a shot.

Yeah, the sharp bow helps keeps you straight as the waves go past, and it's easy to make corrections with your paddle if you do start to turn one way or the other. If a really gnarly wave comes at you, paddle hard forward through it. When it calms back down you paddle backwards again. Eventually you feel the back of the boat hit sand. It's nice because at no point do you have to experience the "oh shit, I guess I'm surfing now".