Post Your Kayak Rig Here -- What do you use and why?

[Derwood]

I'm considering getting a kayak to use for crabbing and fishing. I've been handlining/renting boats for three years and am finally ready to pull the trigger.

Those of you that use a kayak -- can you please share (with pics if possible) your setup? What kind of kayak, what kind of traps, how you organize everything for getting on the water, how do you load up your truck, how do you physically pull traps and/or fish without dunking yourself, etc. Product links/details/explanations are appreciated. I can spend some money on it but don't want to break the bank with a super expensive yak until I'm sure this is the thing for me.

Thanks very much in advance.

[Logical1]

There is a whole new section on Kayak Crabbing in the forum for such information now, check it out.

[Derwood]

Ahhh...found it. Thank you! https://www.bluecrab.info/forum/index.php?board=141.0

[Logical1]

Ahhh...found it. Thank you! https://www.bluecrab.info/forum/index.php?board=141.0

This new section should help. That is why I had them add it.  I told them they had more Kayak Crabbers on the forum than they realized.

I also sent you a pm, I would be glad to help you if I can.

[moc]

Hi Derwood,

Check out my Youtube channel in my signature.  I have many kayak crabbing videos with information.  I have kayak crabbed from a Hobie Revolution 13, a Hobbie Outback 2016/2017 vintage, and I have crabbed from a canoe.  All three options I have done successfully for years.  Feel free to PM me also on any questions that you may have, or just comment here.

[chef]

Perception Access 11.5. I've found that Foxy-mate model 66 out crabs all others from a kayak for me. In the pick you can see a variety of traps back when I was experimenting with different types.

Rings and topless have to be retieved at a rate that can sometimes be difficult from a kayak if youre dealing with strong winds or tides. Since the Foxy-mates have tops the crabs are incarcerated after that first pull regardless of how fast or slow you retrieve. I can stack 11-12 traps on my yak with no issues which is more than enough for me.

The kayak is pretty stable. Never had any issues tipping reaching for the floats.

[Logical1]

My setup is a Kaku Wahoo 12.5, very stable with a big open cockpit.  I use a plastic laundry basket with a wire lid for keepers.  I use an office waste basket between my legs as I run my traps.

[Logical1]

This is my newest addition to the fleet. A Native Propel Slayer Max 12.5.

[moc]

Congrats on the new boat. It'll open up a new style of fishing and crabbing for you.

[Harford Crabber]

nice looking rig Jack

[Logical1]

nice looking rig Jack

It is set up more for fishing than crabbing, still have some work to do on it

[Harford Crabber]

Yep. I was thinking that prop under it might not work in some of those shallow areas.  Can it be raised up from the seat or do you have to get out to raise up peddle rig?

[Logical1]

Yep. I was thinking that prop under it might not work in some of those shallow areas.  Can it be raised up from the seat or do you have to get out to raise up peddle rig?

The Kayak is a 2020 Native Propel Slayer Max 12.5. I can pull it up right from the seat with the prop I have instant reverse which is nice since you can back up as you are working your fishing rod to pull fish out of structure. The bottom is actually concave so it should have a very shallow draft. It is actually an awesome kayak designed to be a serious fishing platform. The tank well behind the seat is plenty large enough for my ring traps to lay flat. So many rigging possibilities on it.

https://paddlingspace.com/catalog/native-slayer-propel-max-12-5/

[Harford Crabber]

sounds like a winner Jack!

[Harford Crabber]

I see trot lines in your future***

[Logical1]

I see trot lines in your future***

I was with Adam when he got his hobie and was learning to run a trot line, it is definately something I will look into.