SOLO SKIFF WALKTHROUGH How I Rig Out My Motorized Kayak Micro Skiff For FISHING

This video is a walkthrough of my Solo Skiff where I go through may Top 3 Things to Consider when purchasing a Solo Skiff: Transportation and Storage, Motor and Gas, Rigging, Mounting, Electronics (Fish Finder and Bait Tank). Please check out and purchase the same equipment, gear & supplies clicking the links below and on my kit.co
kit.co/sdfisha...
Mark R Video with Solo Skiff Ramp for Truck: • SOLO SKIFF, My Designe...
Swivel Seat Install Video: • Swivel Seat Install on...
Paddling my Solo Skiff Video: • Motor-less Solo Skiff ...
FISHING REELS, RODS, AND TACKLE:
Avet Raptor LX 6/3 2 Speed Lever Drag Conventional Reel - amzn.to/33OB0nc
Avet SX Single Speed Lever Drag Conventional Reel - amzn.to/33LcpiU
Daiwa Seagate 40 Star Drag Conventional Reel - amzn.to/3kMdhKY
Shimano TLD Star Drag Conventional Reel - amzn.to/3mx9LV6
Nomad DTX Minnow 140 Trolling Lure - amzn.to/34DhLh1
VIDEO EQUIPMENT:
GoPro Hero 8 - amzn.to/31TsOkH
GoPro Mouth Mount with Floaty - amzn.to/31UpqWC
Action Camera - Go Pro Hero 7 - amzn.to/3mCjNo6
GoPro Sportsman Mount (Net Cam) - amzn.to/35KluZM
GoPro Jaws Flex Clamp Mount - amzn.to/2GbnuS3
DJI Mavic Mini Drone - amzn.to/3jCM8Zj
Grundens Dry Bag - amzn.to/37TMEji
SOLO SKIFF GEAR:
3 Gallon Portable Marine Gas Tank - amzn.to/3dD4Z5r
Fuel Line Kit for Mercury Engines - amzn.to/39KivDm
Hobie H Bar For Standing/Trolling - amzn.to/344HT43
Fish Finder (Lowrance Hook2) - amzn.to/31VDhvR
Seat (GCI Outdoor) - amzn.to/3eaVGcN
Seat Cushion (Stearns) - amzn.to/34DeOgw
Side Rails - Long (Hobie) - amzn.to/2HCYHHm
Side Rails - Short (Hobie) - amzn.to/3mMzdWX
Rod Holders - Front (Hobie) - amzn.to/34JM2uZ
Rod Holders - Back (Scotty Rocket Launcher) - amzn.to/3jznM2I
Rail Gear Head (Hobie) - amzn.to/3oORGnw
Wheels / Sand Tires - amzn.to/3leztNP
OUTERWAER APPAREL:
Costa Cortez Sunglasses - amzn.to/32s0iqp
Carhartt Shoreline Jacket - amzn.to/3pccSUH
Cadis Breathable Stockingfoot Waders - amzn.to/3eCgf2l
NRS ATB Wetshoe - amzn.to/2U9B7Vb
Life Jacket - amzn.to/3mYJ7EK
Onyx Weatherproof Fishing Bib Bottoms - amzn.to/2J1q5Pz
Onyx Weatherproof Fishing Jacket Top - amzn.to/3kVokAo
COOKING AND PROCESSING
Traeger Tailegater Electric Pellet Grill Smoker - amzn.to/2J2iS1q
Traeger Signature Blend Pellets for Smoker - amzn.to/2J2iS1q
Banshee Blade 9" Tapered Fillet Knife - amzn.to/35Ucnac
Buba Blade 7" Tapered Flex Fillet Knife - amzn.to/2IZlhui
Please SUBSCRIBE / LIKE / COMMENT
#SoloSkiff #MotorizedKayak #MicroSkiff

[@DwightPerkins-i7t]

Nice roller rig for the rolling to the water. You and Mark R have got it figured out 👍👍

[@RobFishYT]

My solo skiff arrives late march.....can't wait....soooooooo stoked!

[@SDFishandSips]

I’m stoked you’re getting one! Tight lines!!

[@markr9312]

Another awesome video, Mikey. Thanks for the shout out!. Your video is super informative and very detailed. Great how you describe the good and the bad of some accessories after being put through the hard use and harsh environment of the ocean. Those Hobie H Rails could provably be locked firm, by using those Aluminum Triflod 3/16 pop rivet. I just picked up on eBay 100 pop rivets for $15.43 and free shipping. I use those to mount a lot of the flush mount Scotty bases.They would leave a nice black round button head on the outside while compressing the pipe to the plastic ends with the trifold end hidden on the inside of the pipe. See you out at LJ when this crazy weather gets back more to the norm.

[@SDFishandSips]

Great tip and info Mark. I’m goin to check that out! Tight lines!!

[@seanmiller2722]

Sickest set up i’ve seen

[@SDFishandSips]

Thanks Sean. I love it!

[@cjd915]

Heck yeah Mikey! Great job editing in those clips of your gear in action. Gonna be a real popular video man and loved your "power of gratitude" whiteboard on the work bench. Keep up the grind!

[@SDFishandSips]

You know it Chris. You eye and attention to detail is amazing. I’ll be contacting you for my Texas/Florida trip. So stoked! Tight lines!!

[@thesportingprofessor3011]

Really nice rig! I love that you have it set up to basically do almost anything a 20' CC could do. Only thing I wouldn't do is mako fishing on it...Really great vibe with your channel!

[@SDFishandSips]

Hahahaha! Good call. I wasn’t planning on Mako fishing off it. Maybe 1 thresher a year could be fun? Thanks for all the love and support. Bigger and better things are on the way. It’s amazing how everything in my life is progressing and coming together. Tight lines!!

[@BreezeLifeTV]

Nice 👍🏾 I’m doing the gas can inside the storage. It make sense. Thanx Mike...

[@SDFishandSips]

My pleasure. I’ll be in Pensacola Florida next week. Maybe stopping by Texas First. Tight lines!

[@BreezeLifeTV]

@@SDFishandSips Let know when you get here.

[@fvaldez714]

Awesome video Mikey, thorough walkthrough. One hell of a rig. Looking forward to more offshore fishing videos :)

[@SDFishandSips]

Thanks Frank. Offshore will be this summer. Right now is time for travel mode to FLORIDA!!

[@1mw4tch1ng]

on electrical connections on your solo skiff since it constantly gets wet I would use dielectric grease on all electrical crimps connections before crimping and heat shrink to help seal from moisture.

[@kmp3player]

I have a hobie PA right now, but you're making me wanna save up for a solo skiff so bad. Love the videos!

[@SDFishandSips]

Thank you! I have done this to a lot of people. The Solo SKiff has been a total dream for me personally. Tight lines!!

[@TravellingAlchemist]

I was about to buy a hobie PA14 for 5k with a full kit set up for fishing but then seen a solo skiff with the same good set up and a trailer for 3k! hmmm....

[@benskai2475akurfishing]

Greetings coming from Indonesian seniors, healthy greetings always

[@markymarkco7198]

Dope setup Mikey!!!!

[@SDFishandSips]

Thanks Mark! Dream Set Up! Can’t wait to be fishing along side you in May here in SD! Tight lines!!

[@manuelc.thepromise5290]

Thanks for sharing Mike. Thats a cool system. Nice bro.

[@SDFishandSips]

Thanks Manuel. I love the solo skiff

[@benzeeno8150]

Great video thanks for the walk through. I always like seeing other set ups so I see what I may be missing for my own. Is that a down rigger I see?

[@SDFishandSips]

Yes bENZEENO, that is a downrigger. I have not used it very much so that is why I haven’t gotten into it in the videos yet. But that will change soon here. I’m going to start playing around with it more. Tight lines!

[@stephen-thewanderer4007]

Very nice. First time watching you. Already a fan

[@SDFishandSips]

Welcome aboard! Thanks for watching and the support!

[@kenward3311]

You should come up to the Bay Area and fish with us. Salmon should be good again this year. We got some really big fish last year.

[@SDFishandSips]

Yes Ken! I’m on it. I was talking to my buddy Aeriel about the Salmon opener this year. I love Shelter Cove and NorCal Salmon. I’m planning on being at the NorCal kayak anglers Albion event in July but be fishing NorCal earlier in then year as well. I like fishing Monterey as well and my little brother has a house outside Santa Cruz. Stoked on what 2022 will bring for California fishing adventures. Tight lines! Look forward to fishing with you soon

[@ricardogarcia4680]

Just bought a solo from a dealer. What trim setting do you use on your merc? I have a tohatsu and anything under the 4th position sends the anti vent plate into the transom. Seems a lot of people have that issue from photos I have seen. Thanks for the videos. Incredible adventures. Wont lie, your excitement is inspiring. Thanks Would love to represent with one of your stickers if possible.

[@KansaSCaymanS]

Seems like the failure of the rear handle bar should have been a warranty item. Like the idea of safety lines on the motor, but surprised you don’t use leashes on your rods/reels.

[@SDFishandSips]

The leashes on the rods and reels gave a tendency to get in the way. I have not lost any rods and reels so I’ll probably go leashless until something changes. Thanks for watching and the comments

[@mosin9105]

Thanks

[@joecollins1823]

I’m number 1,033 in line to buy a solo skiff. They need another mold.

[@SDFishandSips]

Hahaha. Very true. Thanks for watching.

[@MC-hx9ni]

Great vid, very helpful! Any thoughts on adding a boondox landing gear so you can avoid trailer, and still be able to roll your solo to the launch, and still slide into your truck with a bed extender?...thanks!

[@SDFishandSips]

That is the other item I wanted and thought I bought. I would definitely make things a lot easier when I’m on the road. I can also mount and tie off to the bars. I’m going to look into this. Thank you!!

[@frankygmanentertainment5835]

Me and my dad know what we’re getting next lol

[@rightsidelanechoice7702]

I just noticed the down rigger. I thought you were trolling using a diver on your gear for depth.

[@minh7170]

Looks awesome!! I wish I was able to have one. Automatically I’d do my best to resemble how u donyours

[@SDFishandSips]

Thank Minh!! I hope you get one

[@minh7170]

@@SDFishandSips I’ve watched this video so many times. Very helpful. Saving up now for one. Thanks again Mikey

[@rightsidelanechoice7702]

Have you thought of using the tank on the engine as a reserve with a gate valve to block the flow until you need it? I guess you’d need fuel stabilizer so it didn’t go bad but it might be a good idea.

[@tyjacobs8387]

Hi, I have a couple question about Yellowtail fishing out of La Jolla. I’ve seen a lot of your Yellowtail videos. I want to try to get out there for the first time ever this March. Ive done some research about early spring fishing, but I was wondering if you had any extra advice. I’m going to fish off a scout 430 inflatable and I don’t know if I should cover water quickly with a deep diver (nomad) or drift with a fly line. Also, I don’t know how or where to find fish in the first place. I also read that in early spring months that the yellowtail hang out really deep and the farthest I would take my inflatable out is 1 to 1.5 miles from point La Jolla. I’ve never fished for yellowtail, so any tips would be very appreciated.

[@SDFishandSips]

Hey Ty. My recommendation is fish both live bait and lures. The majority of my yellowtail from La Jolla have come from flylining a greenback mackerel that I caught using a sabiki. Fly line means slow troll the live bait behind the boat with no weight. Follow ridge lines and pass over the top of structure and keep an eye on your fish finder if you have one. Research online, buy books, and maps to get started with general info overall on different fishing “zones” (ie La Jolla). The fish move all over to different “spots” that are always there in the different fishing “zones”. March is a great time of the year. Live bait is still king for La Jolla in my book. Tight lines!!

[@tonylock7766]

What about the transducer flip down?

[@viviendolapesca]

Thank you . What trim position do you use for your outboard motor? I am wondering if position, 2 or 3

[@cowpounder57]

Nice setup. Got a Solo Skiff a couple months ago. Really like it. What lithium battery do you use?

[@SDFishandSips]

Hey Mike. That’s awesome you got a Solo too. I have Nocqua lithium battery. I bought mine from a local kayak shop in Mission Bay Hobie Fastlane but they also sell them online on Amazon with charger and waterproof connectors.

[@ikashibimauler]

Instead of WD-40 you should really be using corrosionX. I found it to be way longer lasting and just a way better protectant for under the motor cowling.

[@SDFishandSips]

Thanks for the tip, I will check out corrosionX.

[@ciandebaldo]

great video! I just got a 2018 solo skiff and was hoping to use my brand new 8Hp Mercury, but when I attach it the turning radius sucks! Any suggestions? You mentioned your buddy had an 8 on his but he modified the transom. What did he do to it? how was his turning radius? How is yours with the 6hp. Any suggestions would be super appreciated!

[@freshsaltyfries5078]

Awesome. I had a question on hoodoo hero 130 skiff it’s the only skiff I can find in my area since solo skiff discontinued. I wanted to use hero 130 skill with 6hp motor take to ocean jetty breakwalls maybe oil rig?

[@SDFishandSips]

From what I’ve heard the Hoodoo is similar to the solo. Just make sure to check the wind, wages, weather and be safe. Tight lines!

[@freshsaltyfries5078]

Sounds thanks for the help and sharing!

[@jessehunt154]

Hey man nice setup. Which hobie h rail did you get? The compass version or the PA version? I'm about to buy a solo skiff and im going to rig it up very similar to yours, also I have a weird living situation, do you think moving your trailer by hand for a block....through grass(lol) would be difficult? I am young....ish and healthy. Thanks and tight lines

[@alexandertsgt]

You use your rails a lot so, I'm curious how you mounted them and are you having any issues. Did you use the washers that came with it or did you fabricate larger ones? Thanks.

[@SDFishandSips]

I used the washers it came with when I could access the backside and others I had to use self tapping screws. I’ve always had issues with the rails twisting so I try to sink a small screw in to keep from twisting but haven’t had the best luck. Thanks for the question

[@dustinkeene5509]

Nice setup! What h standing bar do you have to order for a solo?

[@damiendinh]

Where can I buy a 2023 model?

[@T_dollasign]

You Mkw me wNna get a solo skiff so bad

[@brocklanders6011]

Hi mike,nice video, I have to buy a seat, do you recommend any

[@SDFishandSips]

Hey Brock. I like the padded high back seat on swivel mount from West Marine or online. I have a KZbin video up on it.

[@CurrentJAM]

Hi mate, do you think it's possible to convert a hobie pa 14 into a skiff? I hate sitting down, i'm considering removing the seat on my hobie and just sanding up

[@SDFishandSips]

Hobie does make a battery pack and propeller adapter that you can try and use to turn into a skiff but I have not seen it done with a gas motor like my Solo Skiff. You need a transom to mount the as motor too. Good luck.

[@michaeldejardin1497]

Do you know where I can buy a solo skiff?

[@SDFishandSips]

1) Place an order from you local Solo Skiff distributor. 2). Find a used one on the internet. They are very hard to come by at this moment.

[@vincent.vangogh7861]

How many live bait do u get at the bait barge

[@SDFishandSips]

I buy a kayak scoop which is about 2 net fulls. Maybe 40-50 sardines? The bait tank can get too crowded and kill bait. Thanks for watching. Tight lines!

[@vincent.vangogh7861]

I ha e a malibu x factor and my live well is pretty small do they sell like 3 or 4? At that point it seems better to just sabiki

[@markr9312]

@@vincent.vangogh7861 I also own a 2016 Malibu X Factor and plumbed the front raised compartment as a live well. I also use a sabiki to catch all my live bait. On the Solo Skiff when several of us went out we split 2 kayak scoops between three of us and there was still too many sardines on each live well. Personally I don't care for sardines because the aren't very hardy and are weak swimmers. I prefer using a 7"-12" Greenback Mackerel. "bigger bait = bigger fish".

[@vincent.vangogh7861]

@@markr9312 I'm not sure what year mine is I think 2011 it doesn't have the raised hatch, only the center and back hatch and the big front hatch. And it has 4 locks on the hatch lids instead of one center lock.

[@markr9312]

@@vincent.vangogh7861 Are you sure you have a Malibu X Factor. I also had an early model that was provably 2006-2007 and now I have a 2016. The early model had the front large hatch and one directly in front of the seat and another behind the seat. That rear one, because of the hatch angle , you would never want to open it in open water. The 2016 has another hatch, that is a sealed compartment and is raised up some. That can be a store area, cooler, or plumbed for a live well. Here is a link to a new one. The newer models, like a lot of kayaks today has a much better seat than mine 2016. malibukayaks.com/kayaks/x-factor/

[@williambilang910]

Do youhave the link for the fuel tank and connectors?

[@SDFishandSips]

I do now. I added to the links in the video's description and here it is below: Thanks for watching, supporting, and asking this question. 3 Gallon Portable Marine Gas Tank - amzn.to/3dD4Z5r Fuel Line Kit for Mercury Engines - amzn.to/39KivDm

[@williambilang910]

Thanks brother!! Got my setup last weekend. You have great content on your page bro. Cant wait for more videos to watch.

[@horlandocorral8365]

🎣👍

[@SDFishandSips]

Thanks Orlando!

[@tracytorbarina9865]

im in australia , i have a 9,8 hp tohatsu on mine , i get 27 mph

[@SDFishandSips]

Did you make any modifications to the transom for the 9.8 hp. I have family in Gold Coast Australia and am hoping to get out there sometime in the future. Thanks for watching!

[@tracytorbarina9865]

@@SDFishandSips didnt have to but made a 2 inch alloy jack plate bars wellded then bolted to rear of seat hatch . makes extra rod holders too

[@skipjack7386]

You should not use WD40 on your engine as it is flammable..a better option is a synthetic silicone spray its non flammable

[@SDFishandSips]

Thanks Skipjack. I’m going to look into the synthetic silicone spray

[@stevesoulfish5007]

Dangerous to put a battery next to gas.... insane. One spark and your toast