I am curious to know what the characteristics of a kayak blank are? I have had fun with salmon towing my canoe around off the beach in Valdez- a mini Nantucket sleigh ride- but I bet that's even more fun from a 'yak...

Tnx,

Pesco Ergo Sum

There aren't really any special considerations for kayak rods - they still need to be tailored to the fish you're after. However, I would make sure the rod is long enough to lead a fish around the bow (otherwise if he swims under the boat you'll have to swing the kayak around to get back on the same side he's on). Also, I"d add a soft attachment loop (RodMaker Volume 13 #2) for attaching a security leash.

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Long enough to get the line around the bow, stout enough turn the fish you are after and keep it from getting behind you, short enough to land the fish beside you while you are sitting down, and a relatively short butt, so you don't keep hooking it on everything.

Rear grip 6 to 8 inches from reel to butt cap.

If you go longer the 7' it's hard to clear tip tangles and to re-string if you snap your line. Also, I prefer one piece as sometimes you need to stick your rod straight down in the water (when a red fish runs under the kayak.) and you don't want to lose the tip at that time. Keep the butt short enough to pass in front of you when wearing a PFD. Split grips give you a place to wrap float material or to tie in a loop as in the last RB issue. Remember you are fishing sitting down.
John

Thanks folks, just the advice I was hoping for. It all makes sense!

Pesco Ergo Sum

I do a lot of kayak fishing. I would make sure that the rear grip is long enough to keep the reel handle from touching the kayak. If you are trolling and get a big hit, the handle gives the rod leverage to pop out. I've also made a bunch of split grips for myself. A couple of them don't work well in the kayak. The top rear grip hit right at the top point of my rod holder. It chips the grip all up, so I don't use them in the kayak. If you go with a split grip make sure the top rear grip hits in the middle. I use 7' or longer blanks.