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

New to the lineup of Bending branches Pro Series paddles is the Angler Pro Carbon. A milti-laminate full carbon fiber high performance light weight paddle. This is the first carbon fiber fishing specific paddle offered by Bending Branches.

Angler Pro Carbon First Impressions:

This paddle is light. Coming in at 24 oz it is now one of the lightest kayak paddles available on the market. Using a light paddle will extend your day on the water saving you energy with every paddle stroke.

The finish of the paddle is stunning. A mirror glaze on the blades brings out the woven fiber patterns. A smooth and comfortable shaft form fits to your grip but will not easily slip.

The paddle blade is noticeably wider and has a distinct angle and ridge on the front face.

The paddle is a 2 peice making it easy to transport when off the water. IT is simply assembled by joining the shaft together and twisting to lock in the desired length with the plus ferrule and snapping at the desired angle with the snap ferrule.

Available in both a snap button ferrule and the plus ferrule options. The snap ferrule is the most economical option and also less weight and allows you to feather the paddle at 0 & 60 to the left or right. The plus ferrule allows you to adjust on the fly +15 CM. The paddle can now be used with multiple kayak widths.

The new logo is very sleek and stylish with its white stencil on the black carbon blade.

Trust me this paddle is for the hardcore kayak angler. Brandishing a measuring strip in both inches and centimeters like all Bending Branches angler series paddles. The paddle itself becomes a fishing tool.

Carbon fiber although being light weight can still take a beating like fiberglass. Carbon however is stiffer than fiberglass so will not absorb any power from your stroke.

New Technology:

Bending branches made an advancement in technology on all of the Angler Pro Series paddles. The blade width has become wider and thinner from the previous pro series. This enables more surface area to get the maximum output from your paddle stroke! This along with the plus ferrule introduced 2 years ago makes it the most versatile paddle as you can adjust the length +5cm to your kayaks width and to your paddling style.

Review:

I have been using the Bending Branches Angler Pro Carbon since September 2017. Must say it has become my go to paddle! The lightweight is very noticeable on a long day of paddling and fishing. Much like the wood navigator paddle the Angler Pro Carbon has little of no flex in the blade which applies all of my paddle stroke with no loss due to flex of the blades against the water. I am able to reach my top speed faster with less strokes which is ideal while using a high end paddle.  I do notice the difference after paddling all day with Carbon compared to the previous years Angler Pro with the fiberglass blades.

The Angler Pro Carbon is rigid and tough. It will stand up to the test of time due to its high standard during fabrication. Bending Branches takes pride in every product they manufacture as it was being made for themselves. During my use of the paddle I made sure to push off rocks and mud banks and yes even oyster bars. The paddle held up and did not show any blemishes nicks or chips.

I love the plus ferrule option with this paddle as I do tend to paddle a few different kayaks which vary in width. This is a great option that bending branches offers and is worth the extra cash if you do paddle multiple styles of kayaks.

Although the high price there are so many pros for this new paddle. If you are a hardcore kayak angler or enjoy just paddling the high angle style I would highly recommend picking up an Angler Pro Carbon. So head down to your local kayak shop that carries Bending Branches paddles and check one out for yourself!

Specs:

Snap Ferrule – 25oz Available in lengths 230cm  240cm  250cm  260cm

Feathers to – 0° & 60° (L or R)

Plus Ferrule – 26oz Available in Increments of 10cm lengths from 230-245cm  240-255cm

Infinite Ferrule 360° Feather

Price:

Snap Ferrule $399.96 MSRP

Plus Ferrule $424.95 MSRP

Link:

https://bendingbranches.com/products/angler-pro-carbon-snap-kayak-fishing-paddle

The Plastic Hull gives this product a 5 star rating.

My original reasoning for purchasing the Kilroy LT was due to its lightweight for dropping onto creeks with steep muddy banks. These hard to access areas are great for fishing and waterfowl hunting but are inaccessible by most power boats. The Kilroy LT preformed great in this area but to my surprise the kayak is a great all around fishing machine! Taking the boat out in many different types of water it became my main kayak for this season. It was nice to go back to the traditional sit in kayak/canoe style.

Kilroy LT Realtree Camo Edition Specifications:

• Length: 12′-10″
• Width: 32″
• Weight: 56lbs (62 with seat)
• Capacity: 400 lbs
• Color: Real-tree Hardwoods Camo Pattern

Top Features:

Weight:

At 56lbs this kayak is easy to car top. There are many areas that are not accessible by trailer. The lightweight of the Kilroy LT allows dropping in and out at tough areas. The thermoformed lightweight plastic allows this.

Rigid Hull:

The rigidity of the kayaks thermoformed ABS plastic hull makes the boat stiffer. Therefore paddles better than its rotomolded cousin. The less flex in the hull the more perfornamce gained.

Realtree Camo Pattern:

The kayak is ideal for hunting with its unique realistic camo print. The RealTree hardwoods camo pattern blends into the surroundings pretty well. I was actually amazed due to it not being the RealTree Max5 which is more ideal for salt marsh.

Flat Deck Flooring:

The Kilroy line of kayaks all have a built in Flat flooring system allowing comfortable standing. Built into the floor system is the high low seating platform, a Cup Holder with bungee to secure it, and the standard Jackson Kayak Stand Up assist strap. Located behind the seating platform is a bungee system for lashing down a milk crate or a decoy bag.

Ergo Seat:

All day kayak seating. The new ergo seat contours to your back and body to make a great comfortable seat for fishing long term. Included with the kayak and a seat back pouch for extra storage. The seat has also been constructed with closed cell foam for quick drying and max comfort. The seating system can be used in the low and high positions like many other Jackson Kayak models.

High/Low Seating Positions:

Like all Jackson Kayak fishing models the Kilroy LT also has both high and low seating postilions!

Inner Hull Rod Storage:

The inner hull rod stowing system is a great addition. It comes in most handy when transporting gear and fishing in areas of low hanging tree branches. THe ability to stow a fly rod is key. Due to the length

Tech Deck:

The tech deck which is located on the bow or stern lip of the cockpit comes in handy. Both with storage and the ability to mount aftermarket gear tracks allows it to have endless possibility’s for personal rigging. The “glove box” storage bin is a nice addition. I find myself stowing my hat, cellphone, and snacks in there on many occasions.

Gear Tracks:

Gear tracks are factory installed at 4 locations on the gunnels of the kayak. The locations are good for mounting additional rod holders and camera mounts.

Rear Storage Hatch:

The rear hatch is a dry storage area sectioned off by a foam bulkhead which is found in most sit inside style kayaks. The area has 2 purposes. One is the be used for storing gear that will stay dry. Two in the case of capsizing the air filled hatch will keep the kayak afloat.

Ergo Handles:

Equipped with bow stern and 2 side handles these handles are formed to fit ergonomically into your hand. The handles are good for carrying, unloading, and loading the kayak.

Adjustable Foot Braces:

The kayak also is equipped with adjustable footbraces for maximum comfort no matter of your short or tall.

The Goodies:

Like all Jackson Kayak Fishing Line kayaks the Kilroy LT is bundled with a few goodies which include the Elite Seat, (2) RAM Mount rod holders, (2) YakAttack screwballs, a Nalgene water bottle, and long load safety flag.

My Rigging:

Currently I have rigged the Kilroy to the max benefits of how and what I use it for. The first addition was a Torqeedo Ultralight 403. Rigging this boat for foot steering controls was a task but fairly easy. You can find my detailed Torqeedo install article here.

Rudder:

The kayak can also be fitted with a rudder system also using the same sealect designs Trucourse Kayak Rudder system. Using the same methods and the addition of a rudder bracket at the stern this can be easily accomplished.

Torqeedo Ultalight 403 Electric Outboard

The installation of the 403 on this kayak is an amazing addition. The kayak is completely hands free steering with your feet you are free to cat and fish tie rigs and even check you social media on your phone when cruising between fishing spots. Trolling with the Ultralight 403 is a complete change to paddling to troll. Maintaining speed and adjusting between wind and currents is a breeze.

Keel Protection:

I then added Keelguard. This is a PVC type of protective strip that adhears to the kayaks keel. ABS is less abrasive resistant than polypropylene rotomold. Therefor its good to protect it from scuffing. It will add years to your investment.

Anchoring:

I then rigged the kayak with a YakAttack Kayak LeverLock Deluxe Anchor Trolley AMS-1003 system. Using the new stealth pulleys which avoids fishing line snags.

Stand assist:

I also rigged the Kilroy with the Yakattack command stand. With the addition of two 4″ gear tracks on the bow. The command stand is a very nice addition to standing and fishing. It also doubles for mounting cameras and other accessories along with its included rotogrip paddle holders.

Rod Holders:

For rod holders currently I Track mounted RAM Mounts 2008 tubes on the rear factory gear tracks. These are easy to reach and work well with the kayak. Also my blackpak stowed behind the seat has an additional 3 rod holders mounted on it for spare rods and to hold a net.

Paddle holder:

I also Track mounted a pair of LunchBox Paddle Parks. This unique system sets the paddle off of the kayak. I also added the mounting clips for the ParkNPole to be stowed here. The system offsets these items to allow the tracks to be unobstructed allowing you to mount multiple accessories on them.

Gear Track Locations:

I also added YakAttack Gear Trac GTSL90 4 Inch Mounting Track to the cockpit side of the tech deck. This allows for a mounting location in reach for my fish finder and camera mounting such as the panfish portrait.

In Hull Water Remediation:

I then fitted the kayak with an electric bilge pump. This allows me to pump water out quickly. It should help for if I am ever swamped. It also works well at removing water dripped in from my paddle feet and of course rain. Remember I do use this kayak out on wide open bays and such with waves. Check out the install here!

My Review:

Over the 2017 fishing season I have fallen in love with the Kilroy LT. It is my go to kayak for fishing bays creeks lakes and ponds. Out of my other kayaks the Cuda 14, The Kraken and the Big Rig. I used the Kilroy most this season at 80%. The Kilroy LT is incredibly stable. For my height 6’1″ and weight 200 lbs it is very close to the stability of the Big Rig. Standing is simple and comfortable due to the installed flat deck. The Kilroy LT like cousin to the Jackson Kayak Cuda has secondary stability. Once you get to that point its locked in. Due to the lower center of gravity standing inside the hull.

The kayak paddles with ease. It has great maneuverability and glides with every stroke. Although the kayak is not factory equipped with a rudder an aftermarket one can be easily added on. Fortunately is not really needed.

The new 2017 ergo seat is comfortable and dries much quicker than previous years seats. The added lumbar support and curved back is perfect for all day fishing. Works really well with high back PFD’s. I however do miss the under seat storage.

The #1 best thing about the Kilroy LT is how light it is. Its a dream to load on my truck and to drop in at otherwise tough places with heavier kayaks.

This kayak is a fly anglers dream. The stability is off the charts and can be rigged with a leaning post along with a stripping bucket with ease.

In the future I hope to get out waterfowl hunting in this kayak!

Cons:

The Kilroy is a sit inside hybrid kayak. It has no scupper holes. Paddling in areas with rough currents and heavy sea conditions are not recommended. Surf launches and landings can be dangerous.

This is a tough kayak to self rescue on. It can be done though.

Rear hatch is small and cannot really be used for much besides a small dry bag. The bow does not contain a hatch. There is a bit of wasted space in the bow that could be used for storage.

Personally i feel there should be more accessory’s but keeping the price where it is out of the factory is a good thing.

There is no skid plate on this model. Install a keel guard, try not to drag or land hard. It will scuff easily and is a much thinner plastic than a rotomolded boat.

Summary:

The Kilroy and the Kilroy LT are hybrid kayaks built to be fishing machines. You’ll fall in love with one. One of the best paddling fishing hybrid style kayaks I have ever used. Weather bass fishing or targeting striper in the salt this is a great all around kayak.

I recommend this kayak for flat water fishing only due to its hybrid sit inside style.  Please check it out at your local Jackson Kayak dealer and ask to take a demo paddle! You’ll love it!