Fishing Kayak Setup and Launch Procedure-Find Your Routine-Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL

[@Jeff_Halligan_EPIQUE_Sandpoint]

I am glad to know I am not the only one who takes 15 -20 minutes to rig up before getting on the water, and I dont have the trailer yet. :)

[@reeldazed539]

It is definitely a process to go through….before and after. Amazing the time and money we all spend chasing fish…..Its as good time though. thanks for watching.

[@watchluver]

I'm at the ramp and in the water within 5 minutes! No trailer just the native side kick landing gear. set it right off the bed f my truck, load all of the equipment that is transported in the back seat...walk it right into the water and i'm off....I've caught fish within 10 minutes after I arrived at the ramp! You do have a nice set-up! very organized and well though out! 👍

[@reeldazed539]

Sounds like you have a great set up. Thanks for watching!

[@rayhemmele4915]

Good video RD! As a Lean Six Sigma consultant, I literally have studied and optimized my load(at home)-unload(at lake)-load(at lake)-unload(at home process). I have each of them down to less than 8 minutes which includes loading 9 rods into my crate out of my truck. The key is a few things...first attach as much as possible to your kayak that can safely travel, ie, fish finder, crate, cushion(attach bungees to back of seat and leave cushion on). Second, any time your are walking around the trailer is wasted steps so turn your boxes around so you can be on the trailer and loading things from them onto your kayak by just turning around. If you sketch out an overhead cartoon of your setup on the trailer, draw a line for everywhere you walk (called a spaghetti map). You will be surprised at how many steps you take!

[@reeldazed539]

You are absolutely correct. I probably walk a quarter mile around the trailer LOL. I have thought about what I could leave attached, I just do not want it to be gone when I get there. I have thought about leaving the backpack pro attached as well as some of my mounts. I had concern that the crate may bounce during travel and crack the rear well of the kayak. I'm sure that is unlikely to happen. I would be interested to hear if others have done it. Anyway, thanks for watching and the great advice!

[@kevinmassenburg3253]

Good job smooth operator👍🏾

[@reeldazed539]

Thanks for watching!

[@Kricket2390]

Honestly as I search for a trailer this is the set up I think I want

[@reeldazed539]

This works really well. I have used a kayak trailer (boat trailer) and this one (utility trailer)and I am not sure that this setup is not better or at least as good.

[@Kricket2390]

@@reeldazed539 yup I just saw the new trailer setup video. Was going to ask which you liked better? I want to be able to just run 2 kayaks side by side for my wife and I. I’m not super concerned about having the back into the water and float it although that is always nice too.

[@reeldazed539]

Floating it on /off and the ability to leave the pedal drive in (happened to fit in between bunks in deployed position) on boat trailer is the only real benefit. Other than that the utility trailer is just as good.

[@maxcole3930]

I've been kayak fishing 9 years now, started with& only ever owned Hobie PA12's. Now on my second one, a PA12- 360. I've never had a trailer. I built a stand in my shop on casters, exactly same height as my truck bed. So I can just slide it on/off without ever picking it up. Then I either slide it off straight on grass banks into water or use my kayak cart if it's concrete or need to cart it a farther distance. I never pay any parking fees on the big lakes because they only charge you to park at boat ramp areas if you have a trailer! I also keep my kayak completely rigged up at all times. Unless I'm doing maintenance or cleaning it which isn't that often. Only thing I need to do is unstrap it out my battery box in back, connect my quick connect cable. The put my ultra 106sv head on the cradle. It takes me less than 5 minutes from time I pull up till I'm peddling away to fish. Longer I've kayak fished the more & more I simplified my rig. I don't fish tournaments but I'm on water 2 days a week. Just love kayak fishing & mother nature. I don't run a trolling motor either. Nor have any desire to. I can peddle for days, that doesn't wear me out at all.

[@reeldazed539]

Those Hobie PA’s are awesome. It definitely sounds like you have it worked out especially having it rigged and ready to go in the water. Avoiding the ramp fees is a nice bonus to. I am trying to get on the water at least twice a week as well. Definitely a lot of fun and a great way to get away from it all for awhile. I appreciate you watching and I may have to give the bed of the truck another try myself. Thanks!

[@maxcole3930]

@@reeldazed539 nothing wrong with having the trailer & it seems like more guys now are using them, than not. I like going to a lot of smaller lakes/ massive ponds that are not always easy to get to. So there may not even be a place to turn around with a trailer. I just found it was easier to have it in my bed.

[@maxcole3930]

I do like your set up. It's always interesting not see how other people set their stuff up. Like I said before I've only owned Hobbie PA12's & I love my hobbies! But it would be nice to try some other brands out & different drive styles. I have no brand loyalty just started with a Hobie & it's always worked well & been good to me. I got my first 2014 PA12 used, was only a few months old at time& barley used at. Then fished from it until 2022. Sold it for same price I paid in 2014! Used that coin to upgrade to the 360 version. Their not exspensive when you consider having 2 for price one 1 over a 9+year period

[@reeldazed539]

I replied your other comment before I seen this one. A few years ago I bought a Bonafide SS 127 and loved everything except not having a pedal drive. Between other hobbies and life I ended up selling it. I got the bug again and Several months ago I almost bought the new Bonafide with the pedal drive. In the end I decided on the Old Town. Like you said I think it is cool to see how other folks set theirs up no matter the brand. Anyway you definitely got a great deal on the sell of your old one. Hobies are definitely awesome kayaks. Thanks for watching!

[@montycraig5659]

Great info for a new kayaker! Subbed and smashed!! Thanks.

[@reeldazed539]

Hopefully it will help. Thanks!

[@fishboydyl]

So glad I keep mine so simple and takes like 1 minute to set up

[@reeldazed539]

Hey I cant argue with you on that.....A lot of times keeping it simple is the way to go. Thanks for watching!

[@rodneyrobinson6116]

Like your set up , I'm getting a 106 and a 120 old town for my wife and myself ,they seem to be of quality and stabile, I seen some other expensive brands cracking under the seats

[@reeldazed539]

I think you are making a good choice with each of those. So far I love mine and I have no complaints on it at all. The warranty... especially on the pedal drive was a big factor for me. Hope you can get em soon and get on the water! Thanks for watching!

[@cutley2b]

Nice video….question…what boards are you using that are right under the boat? I assume they are slipperier than wood?

[@reeldazed539]

It is plastic kennel flooring that I already had. It joins together and has grooves. I was able to place a few screws in these channels to hold it down. I have another video on my channel that shows it a little better.

[@cutley2b]

@@reeldazed539 Thanks. Do you find it more slippery than deck wood?

[@reeldazed539]

Yes. It worked perfectly. The kayak will slide easily.

[@davidlewis9572]

What kind of decking was under your Kayak? Trailer is definitely the way to go …I’m too old for picking up my kayak

[@reeldazed539]

It is some old kennel flooring that I have had for years. I cleaned it up and attached it. It makes it super easy to slide on and off. I do like the trailer as well. I have back issues and it helps tremendously. I do have another video on my channel that shows the trailer and that flooring setup a little better. Thanks for watching!

[@davidlewis9572]

@@reeldazed539 yep I’m 65 n my HooDoo Impulse 12 ft . Rigged out is a bit tough to load on truck or inside my van . Always looking for easier ways thanks

[@dougrichardson1980]

I am new to kayak fishing. I was just wondering how easy it is to access the fishing gear in the yak attack fishing box, being that it’s directly behind you. Being that I am an amateur, so to speak, I would almost be afraid to turn around completely for fear of falling into the water. is there a recommended technique for accessing both the rods and the tackle that is inside the box?

[@reeldazed539]

Alot of this will be determined by the stability of your kayak and your physical prowess. The first kayak I ever bought was way to small for me and I felt like I was riding around on a beach ball trying to stay on top. I then moved into a larger more stable kayak. It made a world of difference. Anyway if you have concerns take your kayak out in a shallow area with minimal equipment and just get comfortable with it. Slowly work your way up to turning around and eventually standing. Stay shallow and in a safe area. Eventually it will become second nature and you will be turning around with a leg hanging off the side to cool off. Hope this long response helps but I have no technique other than just being comfortable on it. Thanks for watching!

[@AGuyNamedRicky]

Hi! I use to paddle board fish a lot so I think i can help -strap down all gear to you or the boat in the event of a tip -make a mental note of your most commonly used items and have them in front of you, tools, cutters, etc. -consider a smaller tacklebox to keep under your seat or close at hand with your most commonly used lures or baits and leave the more niche stuff in the back -and last, practice downsizing. You won’t have to turn around if you already have what you need and you’ll be surprised what you bring along that you don’t actually need.

[@doughodson5939]

Great video! What kind of wood is your kayak setting on?

[@reeldazed539]

It is some old plastic kennel flooring that I already had. I cleaned it up and attached it to the deck on the trailer. It works perfect. I have another video on my channel that shows and explains it a little better. Thanks for watching!

[@braaap690]

Nice job!

[@reeldazed539]

I appreciate it. Thanks for watching!

[@lowlifeangler]

I would put side kick landing wheels on the side, park the truck and trailer. And wheel the kayak over there or use a dirt ground ramp to avoid fees. A kayak made to drop in anywhere

[@reeldazed539]

I have looked at those. Some of the places I go are steep and wheeling it is a pain. Definitely something to think about though. Thanks for watching.

[@lowlifeangler]

@@reeldazed539 Throwing my kayak on J bars is a pain but it only weights 57 lbs. Getting a trailer and hitch next year before I upgrade my kayak. I want a Perception Crank 10' , only have a $400 Lifetime Tamarack pro lol

[@5against4]

Nice work, I think I'm at about 15 min. I'll have to set the timer next time. TLs🦈

[@reeldazed539]

Sounds like you have a nice routine in place. If you don’t mind what kayak/setup do you have? I am always looking to make it more efficient. I just mounted some ratchet straps on my trailer to make that part a little easier. Being out on the water chasing fish is well worth it though. Good times! Thanks for watching!!

[@mauricedebonnett5529]

That wasn't long at all. Great organization!

[@reeldazed539]

Hey I appreciate it. After you get a little routine down it’s not bad at all. Thanks for watching!

[@davemasello]

What material do you have in the trailer that the boat is sitting on? It looks like it slides easily?

[@reeldazed539]

It is old pieces of kennel flooring that I had. I have since bought a small boat trailer but this worked great. The only reason I changed is so I didn’t have to lift at all due to a back injury. I have a video on my channel showing it more in depth. Thanks for watching!

[@mikehaman2767]

Hello do you have a link or information on what the pad you are using undertheath your kayak?

[@reeldazed539]

It is actually interlocking kennel flooring. I had it laying around and is probably 10 years old or so.

[@reeldazed539]

It is old kennel flooring that I had from years ago. I don’t have a link and could not readily find one when I just looked. If you Google kennel flooring a lot options come up. I have a video on my channel that shows it a little better and how I have it fastened down. I used this because I already had it and it has worked great. I do believe any plastic type material would work as well. It just makes it easier sliding the kayak on and off the trailer. I hope this helps and thanks for watching!

[@kamiegarczynski8426]

what kind of a paddle are you using?

[@reeldazed539]

I have a Bote Rackham Paddleboard and it is the paddle that came with it. I had a nice Bending Branches brand paddle that I did not strap in to the kayak while fishing one day. It is likely now at the bottom of the lake or with someone else. I found that with the pedal drive I rarely if ever use my paddle so I just take the one from my Paddleboard with me now. Thanks for watching.

[@RJB]

What do you have under your kayak on the floor of the trailer?

[@reeldazed539]

It is dog kennel flooring that I already had. I have another video on my channel that shows it a little better and how I have it set up. Thanks for watching!

[@RJB]

@@reeldazed539 my apologies sir, gonna watch it now. Subscribed to you. You've got a great channel

[@JV_Joaovitor]

top.👏👏👏👏 ,muito bom

[@reeldazed539]

Thanks for watching!

[@timwelch8877]

What is under kayak on the trailer?

[@reeldazed539]

It is old kennel flooring that I had. I have a video on my channel that shows it a little better if that would help. Thanks for watching!

[@Bipecrazy69]

What reel covers are those? Thanks

[@reeldazed539]

Spinning reels covers from Amazon-SF Spinning Reel Cover Case Bag Pouch Glove Fits 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 Series Spinning Reels Baitcaster is a Lews 300. Neoprene·Black -3Pcs/S·UP to 3000 Reels

[@Bipecrazy69]

@@reeldazed539 Kool ty. I appreciate it.. Nice video. Thanks

[@Larry77777]

Step 1: Did you pay the 10 bucks before launching? Ha Ha

[@reeldazed539]

When I was editing the video and watched it I was thinking that somebody is going to think a slipped out on the fee. LOL. I have a annual pass which is a lot cheaper as much as I go to this lake. Thanks for watching!