My first fishing kayak

Pelican 100x series SOT kayak. They usually go for $200 if on sale. I got mine off Craigslist for $150 w/ paddle and a few inevitable scratches here and there.

Rigged with trolley anchor which was kinda useful. However, I got hung too many times with the flip-open type of anchor.

I also got a Garmin Striker 4 ClearVu attached, transponder through the scupper hole with PVC pipe diy project. It did put quite a few scratches on the transponder, though. I'm not sure if I use it correctly, but so far, I can't really tell if there's fish passing by... I mainly use it for depth and structure (kinda) finding, and figure the fishing part from there. Maybe someone with the Striker 4 can chime in and help out ?

As you can see, there's an ammo box in front! I used that to contain my Lawn mower battery. It's big & heavy, but it was only $20 from walmart. So far I have used it for 40+ hours, yet it stills read 12.5V. I want to buy something smaller and lighter for the depth finder, though. Someone can point me to the right direction? I really dont want to spend a whole lot of $ (hence then $20 battery), however....

The seat: most important upgrade! $40 from Walmart, a couple pvc short pieces attached to the bottom, and the seat locks in perfectly with the scupper holes under the seating spot. This saves me a lot of back-ache, makes it very easy to manuever and paddle!

Other than that, it is pretty stable, I could stand on it (5'7, 150lbs) comfortably in calm water.

I first caught several Sand Bass when it wasn't as hot, maybe around early May. Now it's getting harder... I go to Lavon Lake.



Also caught and released 3 of these!

Sounds like you're rockin and rollin!

Nice fish and

Looks like fun. You should look at the manual for your sonar and see how much power it draws. I've been happy with a 12V 8Ah deer feeder battery for my sonar, and it sits nicely in a cheap Rubbermaid container. See photo in this link: http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/12302826/3

I also replaced my folding grapnel anchor with a Bruce or claw style anchor, it holds better.

Try this anchor rigging. If it gets hung up, the zip tie will break and you can pull the anchor free.

Watch for bending or flexing of the scupper holes your seat poles are in, you don't want a weak spot or a crack.

AWESOME! nice blue also. I used to fish lavon all time growing up living in Garland. Lots of sandies by the power plant and island. did good on cats also. I miss that lake haven't fished it in prob 10 or so years.
Good luck on future outings!

I did have the same set up for the anchor... only problem was the zip tie was too strong... I pulled on it as much as I was about to flip the kayak... not moving one inch lol, luckily it was only $10 anchor.

I always put a nick in my anchor ty wrap so that it will break when it gets snagged and I pull on it hard.

Huhmm i havent thought of that, honestly. Might give it a try, gotta bring some extra zip tie just in case it breaks too easily