> I finished my Chesapeake 17' last week. I've been out several times and am
> very happy with it. Does anyone fish from their kayak? What sort or
> arrangement do you use to hold your rod?

For trolling, I place the butt of the rod under the front deck bungies and the rod staight back along the cockpit. My small tackle box is also under the front bungies. I had tried rod holders for trolling, but everything I tried caused me to alter my paddle stroke resulting in a sore shoulder. If you alter your paddle stroke for the sake of the rod, you may injure yourself.

For bottom bouncing, I hold the rod in my hands and my Aleutian paddle extend out perpendicular to the center line of the boat for added stability. This works great.

I have my rod/reel teathered to my bungie incase I drop the rod...and I have. The paddle is NOT teathered.

So far, I like this rig the best.

Take care jim gabriel