A Day of Firsts

Since today is the first of December it's appropriate that I bring you up to date on a few more "firsts".

I've been working on a new PVC and lighting project for "Spot" and was determined to try it out for the first time today.

I spent some time over the Thanksgiving holiday looking at the TKF rigging ideas and combined several in this rack. I wanted to improve on my swiveling rocket launcher style rod holders and move them from the milk crate to the yak. I also wanted to add some lights for flounder gigging and night paddling.

The rack has two swiveling and two fixed rod holders and a threaded socket in the middle for a light extension or any other accessory that might be needed during the day. This shot shows a C-light installed. This AA powered light has a lens that directs the light horizontally and is visible for 2 miles (that's the legal requirement for a stern light). I have three sections that can get the light up high - well above my head - for maximum visibility.

I found one connection that I had failed to cement and the rod and light fell in the water just a few yards away from the launch. It floats!

The rack is attached to the yak by using the rear flush mounted rod holders. I left one side free for ease of installation and removal.

This is my original design for a swiveling rocket launcher. The horizontal tee is 1-1/4" and has a 1" reducing bushing that holds a short piece of 1" pipe. Over this is a 1-1/2" collar that fits over the bushing but not over the 1-1/4" tee. I installed an internal bungee system that holds the two together but allows the upper section to move. I like the design but found out that it moves too easily and allows the rods to swing in the wind. I may need to make a tweak or two to tighten it up.

I found an LED lamp by Brunton at Academy that will serve as a backup to the C-light. I didn't get to try it out yet as I was missing a 1/2" male fitting - Looks like another trip to Home Depot!

This is my combo flounder/search light. I combined two designs that others had come up with and made this one such that I can mount it to the boat via the 1" tee and a 1" rod on the rack that slides through the bottom section. I can also detach it from the yak and use it as a hand-held light if I chose to wade. The battery can be placed in a backpack or in the milk crate.

I wired the light with disconnects in the upper section of the handle so I can remove the tee with the switch. This switched tee will most likely be used when I am holding the light. I plan on installing a boat mounted switch for times when I have it installed on the rack.

Not only can the light be used to illuminate the bottom over the side of the yak, but I can swivel it up and use it as a search light.

This compression tee really made the light project come together. It fits over the 1" pipe and slides up or down to position the light. The threaded opening is used to attach it to the yak via the 1" pipe that runs through the bottom of the yak. Since this rod is free to move, I just hold the tee up to it and turn the rod to connect it together.

I used a headlight from a riding lawnmower purchased at an auto parts store for about 6 bucks. I had to cut a spacer from some leftover 4" thin wall pipe to position the bulb in the fitting. Clear silicone was used to seal the deal.

My plan for fishing was also a first. I originally thought about McNab lake but it had been so foggy this week that it seemed like a better plan to try out East Matagorda bay via Rawlings cut.

Here is the yak outfitted at the launch.
Fly rod in the front Scotty rod holder.
Two spinning rods in the rocket launchers.
Net and anchor in the fixed rod holders.

Light attached to the horizontal rod. (note the white unpainted section on the right below the anchor showing that it is pushed in on the left side).

I actually launched while it was still dark (photos taken on the return trip).

I tried out the light on the paddle out the cut. Here is a view of the bottom. Not easy to see in this small a picture but I could see small fish and crabs at a distance of 10 feet. Flounder beware!

Crab on the shoreline. (with flash)

The light worked well with the bulb on the bottom. When I tried to swivel it up for use as a searchlight it became top heavy. I need to work on a brace or a stabilizer.

This guy kept chasing my topwater plug. I kept it away from him but he was feeding on the same bait as the fish!

I fished the south shoreline as the wind was building. I had a couple of blowups on my Spook Jr. but got too eager and lost one red and who knows what the second time.

There wasn't much activity so I continued up the shoreline to an old duck blind. I then paddled out into the chop of the bay and turned my back to the wind and let it push me towards the mouth of the cut.

As I was skipping the Spook across the waves I got a major league blow up.

This is what I saw engulf my Spook Jr.

This is my personal best trout at 23"+. What a fish! I had her well hooked and let her fight as I rode the breeze.

Caught in East Matagorda Bay on a topwater in 15mph winds!

Returning to Rawlings


Success!


At the cleaning table - Not long for the skillet!

I made it home by noon - another first!