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TRENDS


POWER WHERE YOU NEED IT... AT YOUR FINGERTIPS.


PHOTO: COURTESY JOHNSON OUTDOORS


EZ ELECTRONICS


MOD PODS The biggest worry when installing electronics is altering the kayak so that it will be un- unusable or unsafe. For kayak anglers, the maxim “Measure twice drill once” becomes measure 10 times and then double check. To take the worry out of electronics installation, kayak designers have developed removable pods and special hatches that hold electronics and gear. The pod fits into the deck of the kayak and is secured with latches. Mount the display unit to the top of the pod, put the battery inside and attach the transducer to the bottom. An angler can keep one pod with electronics and another pod without. Or switch one pod among several kayaks by the same manufacturer. Several companies even offer different pods for gear, electronics, pedals or a motor. These interchangeable systems keep accessories and electronics secure and low profile.


92 KAYAK FISHING || Annual 2016


NO SWEAT OPTIONS FOR FISHFINDER AND GPS INSTALLATION


I stood over my brand-new kayak with a drill in one hand and cold sweat dripping from my forehead. Spread out in front of me, the components for an electronic fishfinder installation. One wrong move with the drill and I’d be sunk. That was 10 years ago. Modern kayak design and new accessories mean anglers can install fishfinders and GPS in kayaks, canoes or SUPs—no sweat. —Ric Burnley


TURN AND BURN Sometimes an angler wants the power of a fishfinder and GPS when he’s on the water. Other times, he just wants to grab his boat and go fishing. An ideal electronics system can be installed and removed quickly. Several accessory manufacturers offer display unit bases and extendable transducer arms that fit standard mounting bases. Attach the display unit to the base and click it into a mount. The transducer arm is attached to another mount and holds the transducer puck over the side of the kayak. The angler can retract the transducer when paddling to and from the fishing hole, and then extend the arm to deploy the transducer while fishing. At the end of the day, pop the transducer and display mount from the base. Mount the bases on a gear track and slide the electronics forward while fishing or aft to make the display unit easier to reach and control.


POWER UP To power electronics, kayak anglers use a sealed, 12-volt, 9-amp-hour rechargeable battery. Be sure to mount the battery where it will stay out of water. Keep the heavy battery in the center of the boat so it doesn’t affect performance. Be sure all electrical connections and splices are waterproof and spray the whole system with light oil before and after each use. Be sure to mock-up all components in the kayak before permanently mounting to test that fishfinder, battery and transducer don't interfere with paddling and fishing. Keep the transducer flush with the bottom of the kayak to avoid dragging it. Many companies offer transducer mounting kits and specially designed scuppers to accommodate the puck. Coil extra wire and secure with a wire tie.


DIGITAL EXTRA: Click here to watch a video on electronics installation.


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