DIY Kayak Casting Platform - $30

As I am looking to do a bit of flats fishing, I have been on the prowl for a casting platform that will give me the same height advantage as the flats boats. I've been wanting to do this for a while but just have kept it on the back burner as I don't devote a lot of time to any quality flats time as when the weather is the best for it, I am generally going offshore. Since I had it on my board of things to do, I figured it would be worth a run to Home Depot to at least check out what was available. When I found out how cheap they were 20-30 dollars, I figured it would definitely be worth it. I ran back home and got some measurements. Headed back with the car and picked up the heavier more sturdy model as it had a heavier duty design plus actual feet for the bases instead of just tube caps. Took it home and did a test fit. Although I had an actual plan for adapting it to the kayak, I found that by sticking the two back feet in the built in cup holders on the Hobie, the fronts would line up right on the front cross member. It wasn't perfect but it worked. So instead of burning a nice windless day, I loaded everything up and headed out to the flats to do some test driving. This would give me a chance to see how effective it was and what mods would work best for the fit. It turned out to be an excellent addition with extremely good stability and so much better views. Now, when I actually build the mount, I know exactly how I want it and what will work best.
KEY WEST KAYAK FISHING: Equipment Used
The Car - 1997 Honda Civic Hatchback DX
The Motorcycle - 1997 BMW F650
The Kayaks
1) 2010 Wilderness Systems Tarpon 140.
2) 2012 Hobie Adventure Island w/ Outboard Motor Mount
- 2010 Suzuki 2.5 HP 4-Stroke Outboard
- Lowrance Hook-5
The Rods/Reels
1) 7' MH Shimano Teramar, TMS-X70MH, Line Wt. 10-20lb, Lure Wt 1/2-1 1/2oz, Power: Medium Heavy, Action: Extra Fast
- Penn Conflict 4000
- Power Pro 20lb
- Power Pro 10lb
- Andes 15lb pink mono
2) 7' H Shimano Teramar, TMS-F70H, Line Wt. 15-20lb, Lure Wt 1/2-2oz, Power: Heavy, Action: Med Fast
- Penn Conflict 6000
- Power Pro 65lb
3) 5'8" XH Shimano Treval Jigging Trigger Rod, TVC-58XH, Line Wt. 80-200, Lure Wt, 160 - 270grams, PowerExtra Heavy
- Shimano Torium 16
- Power Pro 65lb
4) 7'6" M Hurricane Calico Jack IM7, CAJ-457, Line Wt. 8-17lb, Lure Wt 3/8-3/4oz, Power: Medium
- Shimano Solstace 4000 FI
- Power Pro 20lb
5) 6' Ande Tournament Stand Up Rod, ASU-601A SDRMH, Line Wt. 20-50, Power: Medium Heavy
- Shimano TLD-30A 2-Speed
- Power Pro 65lb
6) 6'6" Shimano Trevala, TVC-66MH, Line Wt. 50-100lb, Jig Wt 50-100g, Power: Medium Heavy, Action: Medium Fast
- Abu Garcia 6500C3
- Power Pro 30lb
7) 7' Shimano Trevala, TVC-70ML, Line Wt. 20-50lb, Jig Wt 55-135g, Power: Medium Light, Action: Medium Fast
- Abu Garcia 6500C3
- Power Pro 30lb
Plus a few other misc saltwater rigs that are used sparingly and some Bass rigs which I won't use in salt water.
Cast Nets
-5' 3/8" Plastic enclosed weights
-6' 3/16" Super Spreader SS-1000 1 lb per foot
-7' 3/8" Mako 1lb per foot
Filming
GoPro Hero 4 Silver
GoPro Hero 3 Black
GoPro Studio Editing Software
Panasonic G7
-14-42mm F3.5-5.8
-20mm F1.7
Header Graphic Created By: Jeff Kaphingst (www.jeffthedesigner.com) (www.rack30.com)

[@windowclean100]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 You’re moving up the ladder Steve

[@FrankLadd]

I never saw you use this later, but thought I'd look back at this and it will work well in my aluminum boat behind the front seat.

[@cmulawka]

Your channel is awesome. If I ever win the lottery I swear to God I'm buying you a boat. Or a custom kayak. You rock !

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

LOL. Glad you are liking it. Thanks for watching.

[@oden8862]

Thank you Steve for being such a wonderful role model in my life you helped me find my love for the water and animals that live in it again thank you

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Appreciate it. Glad you are getting something out of the channel.

[@philsiino2144]

That's awesome, So much better getting up to do flats fishing. Good job, thanks for sharing

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

You got it Phil. Now those flat boats don't have an advantage.

[@a.handal7611]

Love your videos and your DIY..like how you narrate your videos. Wish you all the best

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Appreciate it Alan. Thanks for watching.

[@tylerwillix4491]

I have never seen a kayak I liked more than yours!!!!!!

[@taxpayingamerican993]

Love your videos, you're making me so jealous, keep up the awesome videos.

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Glad you are liking them. Thanks for watching.

[@pamela8570]

That's really cool. I watched a 17 minute ad for you buddy. Tight lines

[@WARBAITS]

Very cool. Thanks for sharing!

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Glad you liked it.

[@XtremeH18]

Great DIY Steve! 👍

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Thanks. That is half the fun of kayaking.

[@fredfable5655]

I Think is simply BRILLIANT!!! your Line Of Sight (LOS, from now) is amazing!!! I would suggest to use a couple of "Black zip ties" (they are Uv resistant) to hold the front legs as a precaution (easy to remove by the way) I believe is a big plus in your fishing experience.

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Yea, i am extremely happy with it. The views are so much better. Will be really helpful out on the flats.

[@1539Mickey]

Great idea. Add a push-pole and you have a flats boat for a lot less money and your kayak is more versatile.

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

You got it. Once I get the platform set, the push pole will fit in nicely.

[@info1119]

Very ingenious. Good shit Steve.

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Appreciate it Info. Do something right every once in a while.

[@hummer4u2nv11]

WOW...great idea with that ladder. Just those couple/few feet of elevation makes a tremendous/better difference in viewing angle! Really good detail both for our viewing of course your real life perspective. Ha:-D! As soon as i saw the perspective it provides you I was thinking the same phrase "I'm on top of the world". That helps give you advantage with EVERYTHING...bonefish, crab, pemit, bait schools, etc... That outrigger on your Adventure model kayak has always been good for additional stability, but now even more benefitial to support you while on the ladder. You are TEASING us regular style kayakers, we can't get enough stability (not even with the wider or Angler edition styles). So congratulations you have once again one-up'd us and shown how to be thifty and envious at the same time:-D! When i see you out there I won't be able to wave...I will just simply stare at you in awe...bow down as you paddle by from your tower...and let your shadow pass over me:-D! Good job and great idea. Thank you for sharing and keep up the good work.

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Thanks. Yea the extra height is a huge advantage. Those flat boats with the platforms used to irritate me. Now we are on an even plane.

[@lojofishing]

So sick!!!

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Sight casting for bedding bass.

[@fuzzygreen3634]

Man that area is cool looking, serene.

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Yea, on calm days, you can't beat the Keys.

[@grahamh1967]

Nice one, You will have to tow a boat soon just to carry all your extra gear lol What a great view, take care up there. Thanks for sharing, Graham.

[@buynsell365]

Great Job !!!! I might try something similar. Beautiful location you have there.

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Thanks. Yea, makes a huge difference.

[@andys.1316]

Woohoo 50K subs ! Rock on dude

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Appreciate the support Andy. We keep chugging along.

[@hookednrolling2009]

looks killer nice platform !!! steve

[@InshoreChaos]

congrats on 50k subs!

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Appreciate it Gator. Thanks for the support. We keep chugging along.

[@yakmor938]

Cut the legs OR put heavy plastic cups in the cup holders it will displace the area of the ladder legs. And you can cut round plastic circular shims to level if needed. Good job Steve

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

I am thinking cutting the front legs a bit and adding some plastic cups will be the way to go.

[@Hydrayak]

Interesting project!

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Huge plus for the flats/sight fishing.

[@psmitty8149]

Nice job Steve, I did the exact same thing on my Jon boat. Even had a small platform for the bow mount trolling motor foot pedal. Coming down next march, hope to see ya on the water.

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Yea, it really helps for sight fishing.

[@TheMasterCaster]

That's an interesting project, if I ever get a better kayak and move closer to the shore, I'll definitely come back to this vid.

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Think of how effective it would be for catching Bass on beds.

[@TheMasterCaster]

Key West Kayak Fishing for sure!

[@1pdigit]

damn dude, that's gonna be a huge advantage.

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Yea, it makes a huge difference.

[@iamremy-kl3xm]

great look!!

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

It's working well so far.

[@FishingChanneltv]

nice view up there, and looks stable, thumbs up

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Yea, it makes a ton of difference for sight fishing.

[@richardstone5241]

It's always good to get lucky!!!

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Makes my day. Almost makes up for all those times when things go horribly wrong.

[@pvuecan]

awesome vid!

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Appreciate it Peter.

[@rolandodelarosa3827]

What kind of stabilizer Is that or where did you get it from

[@gambittandreas6756]

steve buddy great creativity tats why your channel is cool, new ideas ..

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Appreciate it. Always trying to get better.

[@kkutube1972]

Beautiful place.

[@AliexFolgueira]

Best thumbnail yet

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

It came out pretty cool. CGI though.

[@jaimesorli2436]

amazing man, youre idea is really good and cool, im really jealous..., you dont need much than this for be happy and works really good, i will see all your videos, youre the king man, congrats from spain, wish you catch a lot of tarpons and bones..... people here say fool things are jelaous like me and idiots at the same time...., they are in the office or takin the kids in the school and you at the same time are in the water fishing.....

[@llcoolswain9059]

You remember me your channel is awesome and I love your tips because I like to fish

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Glad you like it. Thanks for watching.

[@usnavy6737]

You do a great job with your channel I went down to key marathon and all up down the keys fishing it's supper nice their I was there for a week around July 5 to the 11 I got some mangrove snapper man those thing have amazing taste!!!! We got some sharks... and wired cool looking fish.

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Glad you got to experience the Keys. A wonderful place especially if you are into fishing. Mangroves are my favorite foody fish.

[@usnavy6737]

Key West Kayak Fishing yes I love fishing and I watched your catch and cook on then I caught some on the marathon lady and if your heading south from it that bridge right after the 7 mile one was a nice spot to hard to get to though but can't wait to next year we're definitely coming back!! We might see you there lol That would be cool though

[@pathofresilience1796]

What brand is that outrigger?

[@kurtwolhuter2209]

How did you make your outrigger?

[@marcosj.p.teixeira2272]

I wish to know about your stabilisers ; how much is it?

[@tristanwilliams8897]

Where did you get your outrigger from ???

[@mzdcloms5665]

Where did you buy that outrigger

[@putuaryanto1714]

Hi Steve, can you please tell me where can I buy the outrigger like the one you have on your kayak? thanks

[@mzdcloms5665]

Yeah

[@jeffwise3851]

Really cool idea! If you shorten the front legs the steps will sit level. I think it might be a bit more comfortable.

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Yea, working on it. Want to do some more tests before i cut anything.

[@steffensamlal1854]

Seeing u stand on that ladder and how u rigged it up, made me think of that movie water world with Kevin Costner

[@TechwithKyler]

Could you not make it out of 2In or 3In PVC sealed, so that you could just float it between the kayak and outrigger when you dont need it?

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

It might just fit across the kayak and on top of the outrigger. I am pretty much just setting it up when i launch and leaving it up. doesn't get in the way really.

[@BNAZZ55]

Great job Steve! Your like the Inspector Gadget of Kayak Fishing lol look out bone fish

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Gotta take any advantage you can when dealing with those flats fish.

[@LetsGoFishingSfla]

Not a bad Idea. Looking to do something like that with the Oliver Boat.

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Yea, height matters.

[@juanziegler1471]

A camera on a pole that height would provide a great view if it were stable enough. amazing difference.

[@lookin2kayakandbike664]

Great stuff as always. Could use a fiberglass paint roller extension pole to use as a push pole. Extend it out when needed, then collapse to lay on the outrigger. And, you could possibly use it to attach for a steering pole off the motor. Just a thought. I'm sure you'll come up with something even better... :-) Tight lines my friend!

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Good ideas. A push pole would definitely come in handy.

[@cmoon682]

Tarpon tower,great idea!

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Thanks. Helps a lot.

[@TennesseeCheeZe]

I've got to rig me an outrigger, its crazy how stable that thing is.

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Yea, pretty much makes your kayak the width of a boat. Same stability.

[@JimMFishing]

Interesting mod. Height is definitely an advantage on the flats, well on any body of water for that matter.

[@observelistennlearn1415]

Steve, I would created a platform over those 2 pipes that connect the kayak n the pontoon... Would it make it more centralized n weight balance by installing the later there?

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Feel free. make a vid about it.

[@observelistennlearn1415]

Key West Kayak Fishing. Is ur show...just wanted u to do the test n see.

[@TheMrphi1990]

Install some small bungees for the paddle! Great DIY bro!

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Yea, a little holder would really help out when needing to make a cast quickly.

[@thomasn1069]

Hey i love you videos! question should i be concerned about sharks and danger on a kayak? I live in tampa bay (skyway bridge etc) and just got a kayak. After i saw my first shark out on the yak, even though i am not going that far out (not that it matters at all) but i keep thinking of sharks. Im not targeting them but of course you run into them. I just feel since its my first time kayaking im basically in the water. Keep up the vids i am loving this kayak thing

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

They really don't care about you. They might come around while you are bringing in a fish as they want to eat that. Other than that, they really don't care. I think of them like dogs. Most are just hanging out and a little bit inquisitive. But every once in a while you run into a bad apple.

[@VOGTLANDOUTDOORS]

COOL VIDEO... but you MISSED MENTIONING a CRITICAL COMPONENT - WHERE did you find THE OUTRIGGER??????

[@lh9644]

Great set up!!! Maybe you could rig up some attachment to your anchor pole (pvc or some other pipe) that attaches to the handle of you motor allowing you to use you motor while on the stand. Just an idea!!

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

The steering part is the biggest challenge. I can use my foot to turn the rudder control though.

[@vinfish4697]

Nice Diy

[@rcagle123]

Good idea. Welcome to the rednek family lol

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Bring the duct tape.

[@johanyak-n-surf8268]

Can i suggest using a pvc T for attaching the ladder legs to the back of ur stabilizer horizontal support bar.

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

I'll see if I need to resort to pvc for a mount. So far so good with nothing.

[@DROY2004]

Stow the paddle when on platform, use an appropriate length pole to move around on flats, I'm thinking too, use an additional outrigger for rougher water when platform casting, Good Luck!

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Yea, the push pole will probably work really well.

[@XplorinWithPaul]

Wonder if anybody ever attached a diy platform to the sides of the their kayak like some kind of foldout thing u can sit in a chair or stand like a pontoon boat lo

[@jchae35jc]

cant see you fishing off the ladder but it sure does change the view and great way to sight bait!

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Works great. Super stable. Been casting off it no problem.

[@jchae35jc]

that's great then! can't wait to see footage from the ladder Steve!

[@shanek6582]

That'll be good for bully netting lobster during mini season comming up.

[@johnjarjoura889]

Tie down straps...I like it...

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Thanks John.

[@chicagoschoolofmemeonomics2508]

It would be Cool see some kayak bonefish on the fly

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Working on it. This will definitely step up my flats game.

[@barneyewing2664]

Wow, you almost need a pole. That is incredible. For fly casting, some kind of small bucket hung off the front would allow slack line control. I wonder how much wind this setup could handle. I think the outrigger is crucial in this application. How were the tides? I know in that area they can really rip at times.

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Yea, I think it would benefit from a push pole. I was already thinking about the line bucket. Get great views from up there. Pretty stable so can cast fairly easily.

[@kimberleywooten4362]

"Hold my beer."😂

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

i'll add a mount.

[@rqknn641]

How did you get the shot for that thumbnail! It's awesome!!!

[@dremodicus7392]

*+BF1-YT* Maybe he put the GoPro on his push pole and shoved it into the sand?

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

There was a bamboo pole stuck in the sand so i just put the camera on top and paddled away.

[@rqknn641]

Key West Kayak Fishing That's very smart! Loving the channel btw, its made me go out and kayak fish myself!!

[@cocoloco2179]

Tuna Tower Terrifico...fer sher...wonderful increase of vista domain...if the Polynesians had that they could have found Hawaii a day sooner. Kudos.

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Not sure how effective it would be offshore. Be cool though. LOL.

[@jeffl555]

Watch your rivets..they won't like saltwater. Great idea. Maybe spray them with protectant.

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Yea, lots of fresh water and lubricant.

[@TheRealJoeyB]

👍

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Thanks joey.

[@flysubcompact]

Who else has an offshore/inshore/flats,/gas/wind/sail/push pole/paddle driven boat that can be carried around on a compact car? Steve does. :) I am seriously considering putting something like it together I could haul on a little harbor freight trailer. Already have a little 5hp.

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

You got it. Not a fishing situation that I can't handle. Plus a $1.50 a day for gas is perfect.

[@flysubcompact]

The main reason I originally subbed was because of your little craft's design. Motor on your strong side balancing an asymmetrical and old layout design (outrigger canoe). Just enough to get the job done.

[@buildalifeworthliving4551]

@flysubcompact check out dogfish boats. Very stable!

[@williamkost733]

I'm working on mine, tandem hobie islander 18 feet long

[@crissme3326]

You could cut off a couple inches off the front legs. Take the boots off first then screw them back on. Otherwise brilliant!

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

LOL, I actually hadn't thought about that. Probably the easiest and most effective way of doing it.

[@dalton9493]

That's a tight ship your running there skipper. Are you hiring any crew mates?

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Setting up the living quarters now.

[@froggleggers1805]

Can you sit down with it mounted tho?

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Yea, the seat totally separate.

[@AliexFolgueira]

Steve, forgot to add, ohh man I'm going to need a new brain soon lol, I may do a youtube paycheck series as wells like yours but different, hope you don't mind

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Feel free. A different perspective is always beneficial.

[@robertmrivera]

Funny. I did the same buying a step stool from Lowe's for $30

[@benn5099]

Why don't you just take the feet off and cut the rails to be level then reattach the feet?

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Will do. Want to do more testing before I start cutting.

[@shanek6582]

Take the feet off the high side and cut an inch or so off, then replace the feet.

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Will do. Just want to test some more before I start cutting.

[@wagnersantana_]

Hi Bro... Well... It's interesting idea but take off space to work with Fish or Net... I don't know about It. Tell us about It after five or six fishing. See You!

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Two days down and all good. Very happy so far.

[@jayjohnson9668]

Damn Steve u somehow make chicken salad outta chicken shit all the time!!😎

[@davidkaplan176]

I'm so sorry that I missed all ur vids my iPad was not working so I could not comment. I am also am going to the keys do u know any fishing tips the bait I am using is called gogleye

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

No worries. Just gotta lot of catch up to do. Goggle Eyes are great for offshore fishing. Very expensive bait.

[@AliexFolgueira]

Ohh yeah forgot to tell you, do a catch and cook Eal Video..... 1,000,000 views 😁

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

They are considered ornamental fish so can't hook and line. Gotta net em.

[@AliexFolgueira]

Key West Kayak Fishing sounds like the perfect video, eal hunting and cook lol

[@kayakfishing335hobie3]

put some rod holders on the step ladder

[@joeybrown5889]

whats the purpose of this?

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

The higher you are the better you can see into the water. Very important for sight fishing on the flats.

[@parallelburrito]

Why not upgrade to a dinghy? You maintain all the kayak advantages with more stability and room.

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

They would take on water and sink. Sit on tops are sealed hull so they can't sink.

[@cscratchy5126]

You know what they say height matters! LOL

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

That's what the flats guys say. LOL.

[@unclejack123]

What was that about necessity being the Mother .......................... ;-p

[@hypraktiv]

First

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Score. Nice job. Beat all those notification dudes.

[@hypraktiv]

Key West Kayak Fishing thanks for all your hard work, your content is A+

[@giulianorojas1733]

just get a flats boat nd u will have the standing platform nd a lot more room.that is so uncomfortable. by the ricks

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

Flats boats aren't good for offshore.

[@JamesWright1955]

top heavy ? Be careful.

[@fishingshallowminded8600]

cut the legs

[@KeyWestKayakFishing]

I think that is the best option.