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Rigging a kayak for rivulets

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Many yak anglers avoid smaller rivers full of blowdowns and rod-snapping brush. However, light fishing pressure means these waters can produce dandy bass. Jeremy Crowe of Grand Blanc, Mich., specializes in such streams. In 2017, Crowe won two River Bassin tourneys, one on Pennsylvania’s magnificent, wide Susquehanna; one on a stretch of Michigan’s Shiawassee River so tangled it might make an otter balk. <br> Here’s how he rigged his Jackson Coosa to make snaggy river floats doable. <p> <em>All captions: Dave Mull</em>
Many yak anglers avoid smaller rivers full of blowdowns and rod-snapping brush. However, light fishing pressure means these waters can produce dandy bass. Jeremy Crowe of Grand Blanc, Mich., specializes in such streams. In 2017, Crowe won two River Bassin tourneys, one on Pennsylvania’s magnificent, wide Susquehanna; one on a stretch of Michigan’s Shiawassee River so tangled it might make an otter balk.

Here’s how he rigged his Jackson Coosa to make snaggy river floats doable.

All captions: Dave Mull

Rotogrip Paddle Holders ($15 each) on 4-inch GearTracs ($10 each), both from YakAttack, keep his paddle secure. The clamped-down paddle also helps secure the handles of two baitcast rods. (He only takes three rods on little streams.)
Rotogrip Paddle Holders ($15 each) on 4-inch GearTracs ($10 each), both from YakAttack, keep his paddle secure. The clamped-down paddle also helps secure the handles of two baitcast rods. (He only takes three rods on little streams.)
A 25-foot length of high-visibility paracord anchor line runs through a Nite Ize Aluminum CamJam XT Rope Tightener ($14) attached to the yak’s side handle. This carabiner locks or unlocks the anchor line quickly.
A 25-foot length of high-visibility paracord anchor line runs through a Nite Ize Aluminum CamJam XT Rope Tightener ($14) attached to the yak’s side handle. This carabiner locks or unlocks the anchor line quickly.
The line threads through two pad eyes to the Coosa’s molded-in anchor trough and ties to his DIY chain anchor (plans shared in March 2017 Bassmaster). High-visibility paracord helps keep Crowe from snagging lures on it. Crowe screwed on two Side Mount Rod Tubes ($10 each) to an 18-quart Jackson JKooler ($199). Short, self-tapping screws just pierced the outer wall, not compromising insulation. Holders are only for lakes and bigger rivers.
The line threads through two pad eyes to the Coosa’s molded-in anchor trough and ties to his DIY chain anchor (plans shared in March 2017 Bassmaster). High-visibility paracord helps keep Crowe from snagging lures on it. Crowe screwed on two Side Mount Rod Tubes ($10 each) to an 18-quart Jackson JKooler ($199). Short, self-tapping screws just pierced the outer wall, not compromising insulation. Holders are only for lakes and bigger rivers.
The setup allows Crowe to quickly grab his paddle while still standing to adjust course. He stays standing to help him see and catch more fish in smaller rivers.
The setup allows Crowe to quickly grab his paddle while still standing to adjust course. He stays standing to help him see and catch more fish in smaller rivers.

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