Noyo Pacific Kayaking

While paddling to the area you want to fish, you may need a place to park the rod where it will not get in the way. I don't like clips that hold the rod alongside the cockpit because they can be "knuckle busters" and get in the way while I'm paddling. You can use flush or bracket-mounted rod holders. They can be mounted in front of or behind the cockpit. I would start out with

the simple PVC rod holder you can make yourself for about $3.

Deck mounted rod holders are also fine. Neither will require that you cut any big holes in the deck. At least not until you are certain where you put it is where you want it to stay. If you are going to mount a flush-mount rod holder, be sure that the bottom is not open, as this would let water enter the hull. You will also need to make sure that there is enough room inside so that the tube that extends inside the hull will not bottom-out before the top flange reaches the deck.

With a deck-mounted rod-holder, I like the bracket to be fairly low profile so there isn't a huge clump of plastic left there when I remove it. When mounting one that has a wing nut, be sure you put the nut on the side so you can still adjust the rod angle. Allowing plenty room for the rod butt if it will rest against the kayak.

Fishing from an anchored or drifting kayak isn't very difficult and very little is needed in the way of explanation. I like to carry whatever gear I might need in a fishing vest so that it is easy to reach. Trolling from a kayak takes a little more preparation.