Kayak rigging is endless. It's an art form; it's expression, but most of all, it's necessary. The reason I say that it's endless is there are so many options out there now as compared to just a few short years ago. The manufactures have really stepped up the game, and have come out with all sorts of goodies for us to use and tinker with. There are all types of fish finders from the very basics, to the full blown bells and whistles of color; GPS and side imaging for us to mount up and put to great use. With companies like Ram and Scotty by our side, we have endless combinations of rod holders, fish finder mounts, cup holders, and just about anything we need to mount whatever our hearts desire. From fish finders to rod holders, and things in between such as live wells and bags to put your catch in, the sky is your limit for kayak rigging.
I mentioned earlier that rigging your kayak was also a personal expression, and it can be. Some kayak fishermen have went as far as personalizing their kayaks to stand out amongst the rest. From paint and dyes to stickers, you can make your kayak very different looking than the rest of the pack. Don't be afraid to experiment with that crazy idea when it comes to you in the middle of the night while trying to sleep, on your way to work, or when you’re staring out the window because foul weather has ruined your plans for being out on the water. Take some time and dare to be different. Best of all there's no right or wrong way to do it; it's your expression. So bring that kayak into the garage, and get busy.
Let's talk about necessity.
Situations and environments change from one body of water to the next; sometimes even when lakes or ponds are as close as across the street from each other. When things change, you have to be ready for it. One place might require very different equipment from the next. To give an example quickly, fly-fishing comes to mind. When fishing the very shallow waters of a grass flat looking for Redfish, you won't need a fish finder to locate your target. Leave it in the hull, or even at home. The finder will only give the fly line something to grab hold of to foul up your casting. Around the bend, you might find yourself fishing in 20ft of water where you have put away the long rod and picked up your casting gear. Then, you will want your fish finder loaded and sending information. In any given situation, you will want a couple rods ready for when things change, so you can adapt to that change as quickly as possible. Through proper rigging and carefully selected tackle, you can be ready when opportunity presents itself. All of this is not to say that you can't grab a kayak that's not rigged out and go catch fish, because you can. What I am saying is that with careful thought and planning, even a modestly rigged kayak can help make your fishing experiences and productivity all the better when out on the water for the day.
You're probably wondering where it is that rigging a kayak is like an art form as I mentioned above. Think of the kayak as your canvas, and you're Picasso. With your canvas setting there before you, imagine what you want it to look like, and how you want it to function. Think of what it is that you will need to suit your style and locations for fishing. Make your list of goodies, and check it twice. Sit down and really think each piece of equipment through before you buy. Is it a want or a need? Where will I put it? Will it work for me as I'm picturing it? Honestly, the sky is the limit when rigging up your kayak. So check your bank book, and get the go ahead from the boss. Then, when everybody has left you alone and all is quiet, get on the computer and start shopping. Your canvas awaits, Picasso.