Installing electronics on a kayak can bring on many challenges. One of the major challenges are how to wire through the kayaks bulkhead and what products are manufactured to cap large drilled holes post wiring the fish finder. This article covers common Types of Hull Pass-Throughs.

After a lot of research here are a few types of hull pass-through caps for wiring electronics on your kayak.

Rubber Stopper 1/4″ – 1.5″ Drill

Commonly used for drain plugs and scupper holes the Rubber stopper can also be used for Thru Hull Wiring. Simply with a sharp box cutter cut a slit from the outer diameter to the center hole. This will allow you to pass the wire into the center of the stopper. Runt he connecting plug through the hole and simply press the stopper in small diameter of the flange first to make a seal. This method works but is not recommended for a permanent install. The stopper over time can come loose so check it every now and then. It wouldn’t hurt to silicone them in.

Cable Gland 1/4″ – 1″ Drill

The cable gland is a wiring connector that is able to match wire diameters with a grommet that seals tightening down a lock nut.

On the bottom of the gland is a threaded portion that is able to pass through a drilled hole in the hull and tightened down with an included ring nut. Cable glands do work great but the only problem i see with them is the protrusion they create. They are easily snagged by fishing line. In areas that fishing line will not snag they are great.

Cable Clam pass through 1″ – 2″ Drill

Cable clams are a good solution but protrude the most. They require 4 large screws holes perfectly aligned. Personally I think they are the most unsightly for applying on a kayak. They are purposed more for boats. They are also the most expensive and hardest to install.

TH Marine CeaCap 3/4″ Drill

The CeaCap is the most flush option but will only work with cable plugs that will pass through a 3/4″ hole. It is threaded and will turn the wire 90 degrees so it is flush with the hull. IT will allow for two 12 gauge wires to pass through.

West Marine Wire Cap 1″  Drill

The best out of them all I have found for large connectors is the West Marine Wire Cap. Fish finder connectors with 1″ diameter will work with this cap to cover the required hole to pass through the wire for both the transducer and the power. You may run two wires at 14 gauge through this cap max and 1 wire at 8 gauge id say max.

Love that new paddle smell!! Here is a description and first impressions of the Bending Branches Navigator Paddle.

First thing all Bending Branches paddles are hand crafted in the USA! The Navigator Plus is a lightweight wood blade paddle mated with Bending Branches patented T700 carbon shaft. In all the two piece snap lock ferrule paddle weights 28 0z total. The blades are crafted from Red Alder a hardwood and Roasted Basswood a softer type of wood which gives this paddle a vintage look and rigidity but adds a flex that gels to your paddling style.

Making its debut in 2010 as an advanced low angle touring paddle it is now catching the eye of those in the kayak fishing scene. The low angle style of paddling allows for less fatigue during the fishing trip. After all less paddling fatigue equals more time on the water catching fish!

The blade being crafted from Alder a hardwood is additionally protected by Bending Branches patented Rock Guard then covered in a layer of protective fiberglass. So the paddle if cared for should last a lifetime.

Overall the blade construction is impressive being made from wood this eliminates the spline on the back side of the blade. This should prove to be a quieter paddle which is essential while fishing for spook easy fish. In addition the paddle is also available with the Plus Ferrule. This provides you with an additional telescoping length of up to 15 CM. A great advancement for kayaks with high/low seating systems.Very much looking forward to using this paddle over the 2015 fishing season! Check back for a complete extended use review in the fall!

For more information please visit the Bending Branches website!

GoPro Stock Mounts and Accessories:

Since the introduction of the GoPro it has become almost the standard action camera within the sport of Kayak Fishing. Bundled with the GoPro are some nice mounts. The package typically includes along with its waterproof housing  a couple versions of quick release mounts. These mounts clip into included bases that have 3M adhesive on the bottom. This 3M adhesive adheres very well to kayaks allowing you to have the freedom to mount the camera virtually anywhere along with the ability of the quick release buckle style. Just keep in mind the base with the adhesive is quite permanent. GoPro also offers some great add on mounts such as the head strap mount.
One of the mounts that is not included and I would recommend the 1/4-20 threaded tripod mount. This mount attaches to the housing converting it to a standard  camera mount which works with tripods and other industry standard photography mounts.

All of the GoPro Mounts are interchangeable between any model type of GoPRo cameras!

New Mounts include The Handler which floats. The fetch which you can strap to your dog. The sportsman mount which could mount to your fishing rod a railing a shot gun a Bow etc.

All of these mounts are great for mounting and recording your kayak fishing trip with a GoPro!