[kingfisher111]

Here are a couple of photo`s of my Hobie outback about to set off for a day on westernport bay. The rear rodholder/rack I made out of PVC and it fits into the existing flushmount rodholders. The 2 angled outside ones are good for trolling. 2 front rodholders are just PVC extensions to the existing front flushmounts. Just keeps the reels that bit higher above the water. I installed a rear only anchor trolley as I like to fish downcurrent, however for estuarys I often slip my anchor rope through the pad eye at front carry handle and tie off in cockpit. All mods so far have been made without a single hole drilled in the yak, and the only ones to come will be for the fishfinder. Thats one thing about the hobies, they come pretty well rigged to fish straight out of the box. Steve.

 

[YakAtak]

Wow, you take some gear! love the rocket launcher, great looking set up m8.

 

[fisher]

Nice set-up there kingfisher! Looks like a bit of pool noodle on your gaff - that a great idea - I'll be doing that tonight! I notice your yak is a long way from floating there - do you drag it out to deeper water, put it on a cart or wait for the tide?

 

[Mushi]

Very schmick ride there Steve 8) Especially like the rear rod holding setup. After a quick peddle of one, I thought those little impressions along the side of the cockpit would invaluable for just keeping a few bits of tackle for quick re-rigging.

 

[kingfisher111]

Hi Yakatak, yes it does seem a lot of gear for a days fishing doesn`t it. You know how it is it just adds up! 2 rods for gummy shark, 1 flicker for soft plastics, 1 for trolling around. Anchor setup berley pot and lines, gaff, donger stick, food coffee and cool refreshments!! I need a bigger boat!

Nice to hear from you fisher, you wouldn`t believe it when I lifted the hobie off the cart it was at the waters edge! Five minutes mucking around finding camera and stuff and you can see the result. Thats westernport for you! Also I had broken down the cart and washed the wheels and stowed it so it wasn`t coming back out. Thats silty mud as well not firm sand. I dragged it to the water to launch and will see my doctor about the new bulge thats developed in my stomach later in the week!! Steve.

 

[BUUDZ]

what mud there places where there arent any mud to slog through around western port but thats what makes it all fun

 

[Dodge]

Steve she looks great, as the others have said the rod rack is a beauty

 

[hairymick]

Ditto to all the above mate. Lovely set up. any cance of a close up of your rocket launcher set up? please.

 

[Kevin]

Hi Steve,

Welcome to the forum. From the look of your setup I would assume you have been out fishing in your yak more than once or twice.

I am keen to catch up a fish for the gummies. I have just read your other posts and therefore missed the fact that you were heading out last weekend.

I don't know if you get over to P/Philip much but come the snapper season proper I go out a fair way chasing the bigger ones.

By the way, extending your forward rod holders with pieces of pcv is an excellent idea. I go one step further and actually have the pvc bent in the middle (over gas stove). This allows you to have your rods angled almost parallel to the water which is good when waiting for that big run. Because the tube can be swivelled in the holder the perfect angle can usually be obtained. The pvc tubes are then just pulled out when I need to paddle.

 

[Scott]

Kevin, can you post a photo of your rod holders as I am sure quite a few members would be interested.

Catch ya Scott

 

[kingfisher111]

Hi BUUDZ,
yes your dead right mud is part of the westernport experience and please don`t think I was whinging about it. Just saying it how it is! Last Thursday I launched before dawn from the Corinella boat ramp, no mud there. Paddled all the way for a fish off ******** Pt, French Island, no fish either, and back over 8 hrs with not a speck of mud or even sand! By the way, that avatar of yours is just the greatest! Steve.

Hi Kevin,
thanks for the tip on front rodholder setup. Will make up a couple. Isn`t it fantastic when all you have to do to make up a bit of state of the art equipment for your kayak is cut and bend a piece of pipe! Would like to catch up for a gummy fish, I`m probably heading out again Saturday or Sunday next, so if your interested PM me and we can organize to team up and try and snag a couple. Anyone else interested, the more the merrier. I haven`t had a go in Port Phillip as yet but look forward to. Just targeting one species (gummys) is all or nothing, and at the moment nothing is streets ahead. A Port Phillip change sounds nice. Steve.

 

[kingfisher111]

Hello hairy,
here`s a couple of closeups for you. Note the unit is split into two pieces. This is neccesary because of the angle of the rear flushmounts in the hobie. The width of the two flushmount holes at the top of the rodholders is about 75mm wider than at the bottom of the rodholders. Just drop the two halves in their respective flushmount and join together as the units lower into flushmounts. Clear as mud? Bolt through and wack a wingnut on so no tools required. Also means complete unit cannot be pulled out of back of boat, its jammed in. Notice also small cutouts on outside at back of rodholders and bungy loop. Overhead rod trigger drops into slot and secures with bungie loop. Easy as and very secure

 

[Peril]

Neat job!

 

[hoit]

Kevin / Steve, now you have got me thinking about how to setup a forward mounted rod holder for gummies ...

Hmmm, I might have a play around today and make a new post under Do It Yourself so I don't hijack this thread. It would be good to see your holders as well Kevin.

Regards
Grant

 

[hairymick]

Hi Steve,

Thanks mate. That is a real sweat job. i love it!

 

[Kevin]

My simple pvc holders mentioned earlier here are spoken about in more detail under "do it yourself". Although they are quite a basic creation when compared to Steve's rocket launchers displayed here. Nice job Steve.

 

[Blaen]

Kingfisher,

Just a question about the Hobie.

That hatch at the fronnt', is that open to the cavity of the boat or is she like a well set up and sealed off from the inside of the rest of the Yak?

Quite exceited got the delivery date on mine today should have her in about 3 weeks

 

[kingfisher111]

Hi Blaen, congratulations on a great choice of kayak. You think you like it now, wait till you have it out for a few months. The 2006 model comes with that bigger front hatch and its a ripper. Yes it is open to the rest of the boat and I`ve slid rigged 8 foot rods in it no worries. You can also access it easily out on the water. What colour did you choose? Mine cost $2280 with the fisherman kit from Hobie dealer in Frankston. As far as I know no dealers discount them. Steve.

 

[Blaen]

Thanks Kingfisher,

Thanks for the info about the hatch I was hoping that was the case. That will be very handy indeed.

With the Sportsman's Kit mine is costing $2578 but that includes frieght and insurance to Hobart, damn that stretch of water. I did consider taking the car over on the ferry, but it will be 3 months before I do that and I can't wait that long, I love fishing too much, not real good at it but love it anyway :roll: