I am looking at getting outriggers for fishing the extreme winter catfish season.. I want a little insurance that I stay upright with a big blue. Anyone bought or made these??

Don't bother, even the biggest of blues won't be caught deep enough to make a hard swim in the down direction. Worry more about hooking up with one and it dragging you under low slung branches(possibly breaking the other 2-5 rods that are pointed up). Clamp some pvc to a crate and go from there

I like the look of these. I've been thinking about building something similar not so much as insurance that I stay up right, but just to make drift fishing more comfortable. Easy to remove when I don't want them is the main feature i like about them.

Hey... those are nice ones! I will have to get some.

Those are easy to make for about 50$ just use pvc and crab bouys. There are also other ways to put them in and out of the water. I like the scotty asjustable rod holders. Slide the pvc into the rod holder and secure with a pin through the rod holder and pvc pipe. Install a TEE at the end of that pipe. Then branch out with the correct size pvc to fit through the bouy(might need reducer fittings). Put one crab bouy on each end of the tee then a cap on the outside of the bouys to hold them on. You can also put a pin through the tee so you can break it down better for the ride home. Also since they are mounted in the scottys you can lift them from the water while paddleing to ensure there is no extra drag.

Tight lines

I don't like the fact that the scotty rod holders put all the stress on one small spot of your kayak. I'd enforce the area behind where I mounted them w/ thick plastic from a cutting board but I still don't like it.
I'm not buying any outrigger system tho. Not gonna pay good money for something I won't use 90% of the time...

Oh and sorry the 50$ is without the scottys. Would be around 95$ with them

Also if I was going to use a rod holder type set up I'd use these instead of scottys:

If I actually build a set I will probably build one like the one you posted up at the top just for the fact of strength and the cost. Will definitely put in pins or something to break it down for transport though. I was considering instead of pins using 1/2" quick disconnect air fittings since I can get some from work, just curious if they would hold up for any length of time in the salt

http://www.scottypaddlesports.com/kayak-...tabilizers.html

Scotty makes a outrigger set, not sure of the cost though.

The beauty of the one that I posted was that it straps to the yak, thus eleminating the need to drill or mount anything perm. on the kayak.

My buddy made some as described above. He bought the floats and put them on the end of PVC. He added a scotty behind his seat on each side to support each one. Works pretty well but found that there wasn't much of a need for them. Agree wouldn't need them for catfishing. Would be very useable though if you are fishing a lot on the coast and site casting for redfish in the flats.

exactly what I want them for.

I believe he is looking to sell his. I can find out if interested. His handle is Boatrag.

Found his old post on TKF.

http://texaskayakfisherman.com/forum/vie...rigger#p1229046

As said before, he is 'boatrag' and has a pic and what he used to build. I'll check to see if he wants to sell them.

Ok MR. I am starting to like yours better but any how do you have any clue as to how the one you posted up top is attached to the kayak? On their website I also saw the motor mount and it gave me an idea. If i mounted 2 PVC pieces to slide down into my 2 flush mounts then build the rest like the one you posted it would stop it from moving side to side or forward or backwards, the only problem would be stopping it from moving up, which is probably the most important direction.... any ideas?

Not to sway you one way or the other but I do want to point out that the rear Scotty's are in a great location for trolling when not used for the outrigger. Good luck with the project and let us know how it turns out.

Thanks for all the ideas!

I'm going to put pool noodle on the PVC that goes across the kayak and then the strap will hold the outrigger in place.
I'll work on one this weekend and take a picture. I don't have the floats yet but I have the PVC so I can go ahead and get the frame built.

As far as i know the pool noodles are not nearly as bouyant as buoys. Therefor they do not give as much stabilization

I'm only using the pool noodle for the piece of pvc that is actually in contact w/ the kayak. It isn't for bouyance, just to help hold the piece in place and provide cushion for when I tighten the strap down. I'm going to probably use the largest size of boat bumper that they have at academy, at least for now. If this works well I might put them on my scrambler for my daughter to use. I won't take her in the winter right now because it is a little too dangerous if something where to happen.
I can take care of myself in an emergency but I'm not so foolhardy I would put her in possible danger.

Well hook us up with some pics when your done. I would love to see how you mount it and hear any first hand advise

I'm going to build the frame this weekend and I will mount it and take pictures. I probably won't go buy the bouys because if I get anywhere near academy right now my wife will freak out. Christmas stresses her out and she is in full gear.

+1,000,000

I just noticed the bottom of your sig farsouth. Love it. Im guessing it was recently added?

K, I just ordered some bullet floats off the interwebs. They probably won't get here until week after next but at least I know the deminsions so I can build the frame.

Yeah but its about to come back off, I think he got the point, besides I think at this point Id still fish next to him...even share a few beers with the guy. I am rediculosly laid back, and although I cuss and complain alot on the water...I would feel alittle cheated by someone who joined me for a day on the water, without, at the very least, a bit of smack talk...heck...id settle for two dirty jokes followed by complete silence

"Big head, little arms...we didn't think this thing through!"
Angler of the Year?

im so confused

I have tried this twice with a lawn chair/PVC frame, both paddled really well. Tough in the wind though!

The Ultimate fishing kayak

i have a golf umbrella on mine in the heat of the summer. those brushpiles get hot!

I tried suggesting that(golf umbrella) to someone on here once, he was rather offended by the whole idea...thought I was makin fun. Its awesome on those wind-free, 105 degree, steam pot paddle trips.

Not a bad idea, seems like it got get in the way a little bit though

yeah, you sit on top of a brush pile from 9am to 3pm in the middle of July on any lake in TX you are gonna be toast if you got no shade no matter how much sunscreen you put on...

I really only use mine for crappie fishing so it doesn't get in my way. I could see how it might for other types of fishing. I don't have a problem w/ the heat when I'm moving. But just sitting still in the makes me feel like a heat lamp hot dog.

I'm usually in the salt so get that nice sea breeze most the time but I have not had to deal with the summer yet in a yak (just started about 4 months ago).

But this is all you need

303, sunblock, an some quality watersocks/flats boots. That or be lobster red

This is wll you need
Sorry picturedidnt wanna work

I built several over the years for canoes. Every one I built eventually failed. (I'm an engineer - just couldn't keep it light, durable, and conveniently configurable. Lots of $25-$40 projects, a waste of money IMHO.

Finally broke down and bought
some from Spring Creek.
http://store.springcreek.com/Spring-Creek-HD-Canoe-Stabilizers-w-UR-Complete-Package-p1580.html

Best buy I ever made. First set lasted 8 years, until a small outboard handle bent "in flight" and we careened into the mangroves, smashing the canoe, outriggers, and fishing poles. That is the only weakness I found, the don't make a good mangrove brake = ) We did hit plenty of branches, poles, pilings hard enough to stop the canoe with no damage. Part are individually replaceable if you even manage to break them.

Second one was going on 6 years with no wear.

These outriggers allow you to control the depth of the outrigger, so you can adjust based on the load / wave height. This will save you from having to push submarining outriggers through the water, saving your arms or trolling motor.

They also can be extended close in or far out, nice to have when going from open water to brushy areas.

Finally they can be removed by pushing in a button, again very nice.

Non-disclaimer - I have no association with Spring Creek - just liked the product.

foldcat get a new screen name?! lololol redflats thats very true about the small projects being a waste(most of the time) atleast on my part =)

I came in to work this morning and canceled the bullet float order. I had new inspiration last night. I'm gonna make a float bag that is the shape I want it to be myself. It will be more buoyant and lighter. Won't be as tuff as the foamex lobster buoys but the comment about submarining got me thinking...

I didn't get it put together yesterday, but I did (finally) make it to home depot and get the supplies I needed to do it. I did get all the carp my wife wanted done finished so tonight I will be assembling this. Pictures tomorrow.

hurry it up, i need motivation

yeah yeah yeah... pics tomorrow, promise.

I have a brand new set of hobie outriggers they cost $160 make me an offer they came with a yak I bought but I've never used them. They will fit any make of kayak.

Got pics?

These?



I got the frame done for mine last night. I took pics and then I woke up late this morning and rushed to work leaving the camera at home. I will post up the pics when I get home tonight.

those look nice and like they will not torpedo. no idea where to get something like that or how to make it but very nice concept

Those are what the dood that posted before me is offering for sale.

Ooo ok. Thought thats what you were making lol.

Mine will be similar. I'm still researching how to design the bouys. Gonna make my own w/ thick vinyl and vinyl cement. When I get them just right I'll make a canvas sleeve for them, but that is down the road.
I'll show you the frame when I get off work today. Damn work...

Yes MR they are exactly like that never seen the water. $160 at ACK make me an offer comes with 3 piece bar and inflatable pontoons. Only thing you would still need is the mounting brackets they are like $5 each at ACK they were installed on my yak when I got it and don't want holes in it

Buddy of mine had those Hobie ones. He really liked them. The bar is offset so you can rotate it ad they come out of the water for when you need to move. On a paddle kayak the only trouble is that they can get in the way of paddling.

They can be installed on any kayak and can be set back a little more to not get in the way of paddling

Here is a link to the system I posted a while back:

http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/4937617/1

Sorry, I was away from the computer for the bulk of last week. Here is the outrigger frame:


The Yellow is where the floats will attach. I've started playing around with vinyl sheeting to make the floats when I have a set I really like I will make some canvas slips to cover them.

The Blue is where the pool noodle will go to cushion where the frame will attach to the kayak.

The Black represents the strap that will hold the frame to the kayak. It will be very easy to install and remove w/ no mods to the kayak.

The height is fully adjustable and I'm using butterfly bolts on the sliding tees to allow it to be raise and lowered as needed.

Dora the Explorer is on TV because our 3 year old runs chit. The pink kennel I borrowed as a prop belongs to our yorkie, Faithy.

maybe its just the kennel thing but that outrigger frame looks huge. What are the dimensions? Just roughly (dont bother with getting a measuring tape out) And what are the dimensions yak? I am still curious as to how it attaches to your yak. are the straps going under the hull and just attaching to each side of the outriggers? Or are there eyes on the side of your hull where you will attach the outrigger on each side?

The strap just goes under the kayak and tightens up strapping the frame to the top of the yak. No modifications to the kayak at all. It can be used on any kayak and can be installed and removed in just minutes. It is right at 6 feet across. The kennel is a little bitty one. My kayaks are a Cobra XL and a OK Scrambler so both about 12' long and fairly wide. I cut everything a little long because once I finish the floats I will probably want to fine tune the size. Better to leave everything a little long and trim up later than to cut it too short and have to buy another piece of pvc.

very true. i cant decide, make an outrigger system for my pelican or get my fiance's WS 135 ride setup so i can take it when i go out alone. Hmmmm either way gives e the option of standing. 35" wide beam on the ride, she can stand on the nose and paddle from thereor stand on the side rail, im just lucky to stay standing in the seat area for any length of time, sad thing is it was her first trip out in a kayak and she was standing all over the place while im stuck sitting. Why did i have to buy her a 10 times better kayak lol?

Can't help you there, man. I was smart enough to marry a woman who doesn't fish. (Mrs MR™ is a city girl who I'm lucky to get to go camping w/ the family every other year at someplace without a spa) That way if I ever get outfished by a girl it will be one of my daughters and I can ease my shame w/ pride in them.

I dont get outfished so much as have my fish credited to her when we tell the story to friends and family. But hey I dont mind gave me an excuse to buy a much nicer kayak saying it was for her when she rarely goes with me fishing. I think im going to get hers setup first then work on an outrigger for mine after christmas or so.

I'd get myself into that Ride asap and then save up for another one and ditch the pelican, but that's just me...

Hi MR, did you ever complete the outrigger project? Curious what it ended up looking like. I've tried my own last weekend melting some 4" hdpe pipe ends to create pontoons (with limited success).


Thanks!

Check out my page on on you tube hobieadventures you can see mine

Get a santa cruz raptor, scrap the outriggers.

Thanks WahooBob.

Christian, that Santa Cruz Raptor looks like the "bat boat". I'd love to have one but need to save my pennies.

i live in little elm, next to lake lewisville if you ever wana paddle it.

The pvc had too much flex in it, so I renforced it with wooden dowels and that worked much better but it still had to much flex. Aluminum would be a better material to work with but I'm not that experieced of a tig welder.
The bladders I made worked fine though. I made them out of vinyl and glue. The canvas was a bitz to sew though.

Now here is the kicker. I never used them much and I ended up selling them to a dude who used them on his canoe. The reason I never used them much, was they were bulky and kind of a pita to mess with.

http://www.youtube.com/user/HobieAdventures?feature=mhee

Here I have some video of mine works pretty good and has room for one more now.

Thanks MR. I'm tempted to try the air bladder. Sounds like you struck on a near perfect outrigger but it still wasn't quite worth the trouble. I can see the PITA part of it as I imagine the first time hooking it or tangling around some brush, etc. I'm tempted to sew (or grommet) up some tarp into a pontoon like shape and then stuffed inside of it inflated pool toys or lightweight volleyballs or something, but I'm still giving it some thought.

My outrigger will be for a canoe vs. a SOT kayak so the need for extra floatation/stabilization is perhaps more justified at least with winter approaching. Maybe I'll just rig up some pool noodle sponsons and be done with it?

Hey Christian, yes, I'd be interested in paddling your cool kayak if you don't mind the trouble. Thanks for the offer!

Wahoobob, that's an awesome setup. It was cool seeing you hit 3.5 mph effortlessly. Looks like you found a good use for a small recreational SOT kayak too ;-). You have given me some food for thought!