Damage risk using flush mounted rod holders

[Pav]

New yak! , with fitted rod pods. I'm keen to know what will "give" if trolling and getting snagged. Rod / Line / or fixing to Yak. I remember reading on here about damage to someones Dolrado where the rodpod had ripped a section of the deck out.

 

So want to know what precaustions to use with rod holders fitted in a plastic yak (assuming not at strong as GRP).

 

Good practice I expect is to set your drag. BUT, what would give first? .. is it a good precaution to use line less than a certain breaking strain to add a weak link before the yak fitting. thanks ;>)

[SpeciMan]

I think it was Phooey who damaged his dorado whilst entering the surfzone with a rod in the flushmounts. Strapping the rods along a gunwale, breaking the rods down or placing them in the hull will reduce chance of damage. If you get snagged whilst trolling, the yak tends to turn round and face the snag before any damage is done, giving you time to release tension on the line. I always have the drag set at least a little less than tight.

 

Which yak did you get Pav?

Edited July 15, 2007 by SpeciMan

[Pav]

Which yak did you get Pav?

 

Mini X.

[Simon Everett]

Pav, if you are paddling trolling, even with a heavy weight and feathers, if you snag up you will not be able to paddle against it......try tying some 6lb line to a post and paddling away from it - I bet you can't break the line by paddling. The knot might let go, but tie it off and then wrap the line around a couple oftimes to take the strain off the knot - and try again.

 

Even a mackerl will move the kayak and let you know tyou have a fish. - As you paddle you will feel the fish take and the yak will move off line a bit. If you snag in the tide, 12lb line will anchor the kayak! You won't break the rod holder with a rod arched over on a snag - you should always fish with your drag set anyway - whatever you are doing - normally set to no more than 60% the line BS. I set mine so that the drag gives as the rod reaches half its arc. That way you have shock absorption for the line and hook hold and still plenty of power left in the rod - so you don't strain the rod either. To add more drag pressure form this you just have to change the angle of the rod - make the fish pull it round more, the extra friction of the line will add pressure before the drag gives - without actually altering the drag setting on the reel. You can also just put light pressure on the spool provided it isn't spinning wildly like with a fast running tope on the end - you'll burn your thumb otherwise!