Sea-Lect Designs a kayak rigging hardware manufacturer has stepped into the kayak fishing game with their new Triple Threat Rod & Reel Holder. This high quality design has a ton of thought into its production. The rod holder is  reasonably priced and designed to carry all three different fishing reel types. Spinning, Bait casting, and yes Fly!

First Impressions

The packaging is unique as it allows potential customers to operate most of the rod holders features. The retention collar and rear gimbal are fully functional. The packaging also details how the user can adjust the Triple Threat rod holder. It also displays the different reel types seated.

Features

The base connection

Currently the flush mount is only available. Alternatively a track mount kit is sold separately. It works fine and is plenty strong. The track mount base is expected to ship in the fall of 2018.

The base connection is a spline type which enables the rod holder to pivot 360 degrees and to be detached. The Triple Threat is easily lifted from the base. Once lifted can be rotated to the desired position, Simply press back down to lock in place.

Pivot knob

The adjustments of this rod holder are very one hand operation friendly. To pivot the rod holder twist the adjustment knob a quarter. You may now pivot rod holder to your desired angle. To set the adjustment you simply twist quarter in the opposite direction. The pivot point allows 6 points of adjustment with 45 degrees of oscillation.

Retention Collar

The retention collars function is exactly the name. Twist to open and twist to lock the rod in place. The collar functions like most rod holders on the market except has an added lever for one handed operation.

Rear Gimbal

The rear gimbal is unique as it pivots to a 90 degree position to stop the butt of the rod from sliding through. With the retention collar closed simply place the fishing rod through the collar and rest the butt on the gimbal and the rod holder is now converted to a fast action tube style.

Leash Points

The rod holder features three total leash points in the flush mount and recessed mount setup. Leashing to the base is best in case the rod holder is not secured properly as has happened in the past with track ball mounted rod holders loosening and becoming lost.

My observations of the Triple Threat Rod Holder

The Sea-lect Designs Triple Threat Rod Holder is best used as a front rod holder until an extension is available. This rod holder appears to be a great setup for trolling and dead sticking. The unique Gimbal Transforms the rod holder into a tube style with the collar locked. This rod holder has one handed operation in mind. Everything on the rod holder can be adjusted with one hand. Kayak anglers know the advantages of the ease of operation on their gear and accessories.

MSRP & Country of Origin Comparison of popular kayak fishing rod holders (Flush Mount)

Sea-Lect Designs Triple Threat Rod Holder – US – 25.99

RAM ROD 2007 – US – 24.99

RAM TUBE 2008 – US – 32.99

RAM TUBE JR. – US – 24.49

Rail Blaza Rod Holder II – AU – 24.99

Yak Attack Omega (GearTrack Mount) – US – 40.00

Check it out on Sealectdesigns.com and ask your local Sea-Lect Designs retailer about it!

http://www.sealectdesigns.com/groups/1982-triple-threat-rod-holder-surface-mount

Planning a kayak fishing trip entails a few steps before actually fishing. This article will elaborate on the steps I take in planning local and traveling fishing trips. Believe it or not kayak fishing is a dangerous sport. I hope these tips will help you plan your next saltwater kayak fishing trip and make it a successful and safe one!

Species to Target

Example of Delaware Striped Bass Regulations

All locations differ on species to target. Some fish maybe seasonal or some may be abundant year round. Its good to do some research on what species you want to target. Check the local regulations on these species. We live in a day when there are creel limits and even regulations of tackle and bait used to lure the fish. For example in Maryland Striped bass are catch and release only for the spawning season. Along with the catch and release regulation tackle is also strictly monitored to number of hooks and barb-less hooks. Along with bait it has been for a few years illegal to posses or fish with bait such as river herring. These are all factors as an angler it is your responsibility to research for the species you plan to target.

Location

Google Maps

Navionics Web App

Choosing a location for your kayak fishing trip can vary on the choice of Species Targeted. It can also vary on weather conditions and tide predictions. Take these into account. If the wind is going to be coming from the NorthEast most of the day plan on an area with shelter from that wind and where you think the fish may hold. Plan on a location with the ability to park and launch your kayak. Some places its illegal to park in certain areas. Also private land can be an issue.

When scouting a new area I always research using google satellite maps. It can give you a good idea of a place to park and launch. However it is always good to drive to the area prior to make sure its safe and accessible. Then i study the charts on the Navionics web app.

Weather

Widfinder

Weather Phone App

Weather conditions are a huge factor in kayak fishing. Wind being the primary disadvantage in most cases. Paddling or peddling can become exhausting over time. Location is key in windy situations. Plan for the wind and plan your drop in location and route accordingly.

Check the weather forecast days before to plan. Weather conditions can change any minute of the day or night. Personally I like to use weather apps such as Windfinder and Accuweather for air temp and precip forecasts.

Dress for the weather. This is important see the Gear and Safety Section below.

Know your limits. Don’t go out of you know the winds are going to be too much for you to handle. Paddling all day against the wind is no fun and can be dangerous.

The weather always varies and predictions are typically off so just go and see how it is at the drop in. Don’t let weather forecasts cause you to stay home. Just take them as a precaution.

Moon and Tides

Tide Predictions

Believe it or not Moon phase and Tide flow is essential to saltwater fishing. This should be a major part of your planning. IF you drop in at high tide where will the tide be when you get back? All mud? These are things to think of when picking your location.

Also certain species of fish feed at different points within a tide swing. Its good to take note of these times while fishing. It could benefit you on future fishing trips.

Gear and Safety

Gear is everything you plan on taking with you on your kayak. As stated kayak fishing can be very dangerous so safety should be a major concern. Its good practice to always wear a USCG Class III approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD). Basic safety gear like a whistle and a signaling device such as the YakAttack VISICarbon Pro are great additions.

Dress for the weather.

Summer time personally I dress in long pants and shirt with an SPF rating of 50+. Fishing pants I prefer are Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo Pant. And for shirts Columbia Men’s Terminal Tackle Long Sleeve Shirt for an example as there are so many Sun Shirts on the market. If possible always avoid cotton. Cotton absorbs water and does not dry quickly.

Winter Dry Gear is very important for safety. The no cotton rule applies much more here.  I personally love the Kokatat Hydrus 3L Tempest Dry Pants with Socks. Layer up with base layer under the dry pants. Top start with a base layer. Mysterioso shirt is the best i have worn over the years.

Also always remember to bring water with you. A lunch or snack is always good as you don’t always know how long you may be out fishing.

A rule of thumb is to always have a dry set of clothes packed in your car. Just in case.

Float Plan

Its a good practice to let family or friends know the location you will be launching just in case you happen to encounter trouble. Its always good to have people know your whereabouts as a precaution.

Tackle

An example. What to have in your tackle box for Flounder fishing can vary. Its good to always have multiple colored and weights of jigs handy. A spool of 20# test leader line should be handy. Terminal tackle such as swivels slides and 3/0 – 5/0 octopus style hooks are needed. Teasers you can tie your own or purchase some.

For Stripers examples being. Jigs, Swim baits, and even hard swim baits are a key choice of tackle. Personally I still bring too much tackle but you never know what you may need throughout the day.

A milk crate or YakAttack Blackpak is an excellent addition to store tackle and also add additional rod holders for more fishing rods. I typically take 3 – 4 rods with me depending on the fish i am targeting. This way you can have different tackle tied and ready.

Tools

Always good to have a net handy. This goes along with a pair of Aluminum Fishing Pliers and a sharp Knife with Floating Handle. Rod leashes goes with the saying if you love it leash it. If using bait you may want a Bait Board or a live Bait Container.

Electronics

Having a fish finder with GPS charts is an excellent addition to your kayak. A great tool for fishing. Being able to read where the bait and fish are located in the water column is a huge advantage. Seeing whats on the bottom while using the charts to see where drop offs and structure can change fishing into catching. The GPS charts will come in handy when a thick fog rolls in. Also are handy for locating charted structure and landmarks.

Also its good to have some form of communication. A water proof cell phone or in a Waterproof Dry Bag. Or a Handheld VHF Submersible Radio. These electronics will be very useful in an emergency situation or just communicating with your fishing buddys.

Anchoring

All depending what species you are targeting you may want to have an SEA-LECT Designs Folding Economy Anchor Kit handy. Windy situations a YakAttack ParkNPole will come in handy. Just make sure you install and  use an Yakattack Leverloc Anchor Trolley to get your anchor lines at the bow or stern of your kayak in currents. Anchoring off the side can be a big mistake.

I hope these examples of how to plan for a saltwater kayak fishing trip come in handy. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me! Tight lines!

After installing KeelEazy in the spring of 2017 I quickly learned that although it felt tough it can be beaten. Although better than most keel guard solutions it worked for about 4 fishing trips. So here is the KeelEazy extended Use Review.

See the install article here. Protect your kayak with KeelEazy

KeelEazy Extended Use Review

I applied this keel protection product to my Jackson Kilroy LT on March 19th 2017. The kayak is Thermoformed ABS plastic with an acrylic finish. THis review does not include typical polypropylene rotomolded hulls.

Installation was a fairly simple process although the bends around the bow and stern were tricky. The ridges that I flattened out on the bends appeared not long after the installation allowing sand and grit the enter. Over a short time the sand and grit worked deeper and the adhesive became filled with dirt which it separated from the hull of the kayak. Also sharp objects like oysters, barnacles and rocks tor through after one outing.

I replaced 18″ at the stern mid season. I was able to cut back the damaged portion and run the new portion while overlapping the old on top. The reasoning for the overlap was when dragging the kayak forward it would eliminate an edge that will collect dirt and sand. However it did not last where the boat rests when truck top loading and unloading eventually begun to separate rendering the Keeleazy useless where its most needed.

The product only failed at the bends and curves. Elsewhere along flat parts of the keel it has lasted time and is only scuffed from dragging the kayak up banks. Although this area has not seen nearly as much abuse.

Overall it maybe a good product just not for this application on the material of the Jackson Kayak LT.

Back to looking for the best keel protection solution.

The Plastic Hull gives this product a 2 star rating.