Those of us who are avid fly rodders know there is no way to use a rod leash without it being a pain in the --- well, you get the picture. In ten years of kayak fishing, I have witnessed three flyrods go in the drink, two recovered, one not. Thankfully, none mine although one VERY close call got me to thinking.
For the last four years if have used what I call "the Velcro" solution. Flyfishers often have a reason to set their flyrod down:I.E. : Travels to the next spot, changing tippets, changing flies, admiring a fish, posing for that "trophy "shot, etc. All of my Hobies have this solution to rod overboard stress:
Placement will be different depending on Hobie model and personal preference. On my PA12 on the inside of the gunnel next to my left front seat leg, I have a 3" wide strip of Industrial-Grade Velcro with the matching Velcro cover strip over it. Lay your flyrod, reel flat, all the way forward. Slip the rod blank under the velcro over-flap and push closed. It will NEVER go anywhere, guaranteed. Your hands are free to pose fish, change tippets, flies, etc. As my Australian-living bro would say, "Not to worry!" And when you are ready to cast again, simple, fast, lift up of the over-piece, exit the rod, and you are in action again.
Hints for Velcro use in Hobies. Use Industrial Grade, let set over night. Round off ALL corners. Keeps line or other from eventually catching and working it loose. On the over-top piece, make it about 3/8ths longer, and round it off like finger tab. Easy to remove. Also great for keeping cables in place.
Oldguysrule (except at home) Bob in Colorado
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