For some time now, I have been trying to find an easy way to store my lip gripper while I was fishing out of my Pelican Blitz 100X EXO Kayak. At first, I just placed it on the floor of the kayak attached to a lanyard, but it rolled around making a lot of noise and also was in the way where I sat. The clip on lanyard (leash) would be wrapped around my leg when I was trying to use it. Then I put it in one of my rod holders, but I found that it was hard to reach while fighting a fish and it took up valuable space where I could hold another rod. I also looked at the aftermarket Grip holders that are out there but they are designed for boats or belts, not kayaks. They are too bulky and are not kayak friendly. There had to be a better way!
After thinking the problem through, I knew I needed a way to use the lip gripper with one hand while I was fighting a fish. I needed to attach the lip gripper in an easy to reach location in front of me where the lanyard would not be in the way, and to be able to get the lip gripper without taking to much time. I did not want to use a bulky aftermarket holder. I then found the solution and the best part was, it was very inexpensive and simple to rig!
Parts List:
- 3 deck loops
- 6 aircraft rivets
- 8 inch piece of black bungee cord
Tools Needed:
- Drill
- 3/8 Drill bit
- Rivet gun
- Scissors
- Lighter
This installation works great on Pelican Blitz 100X EXO Kayak because of the flat top, but it can be modified to work on just about any kayak. The first step is to find a place within reach while you are sitting in the kayak and decide which side you want to use depending on which hand you use to land your fish. I hold my fly rod in my right hand and grab the lip gripper with my left hand. I placed the lip gripper on the right side of my kayak because my rod holder is on the left. It is easy enough to reach across and grab it. Think this through before you drill any holes.
The second step is to rivet a deck loop where the lip gripper’s jaws will be located. Attach the lip gripper to this rivet and lay it on top of the kayak.
The third step is to lay the bungee cord across the bottom of the handle so you can get an idea of where to place the other 2 rivets. I placed my rivets on an angle because the footrest in my kayak forced me to do that since I used the factory installed rivet for the jaws of the lip gripper. I also did not want the rivets on top of the kayak because I wanted to make sure the bungee would stay tight. Once you have your rivets in place, you can now proceed to step four.
Step four is to attach the bungee cord. First make a double knot by wrapping the tag end around the primary line twice, and then bring the tag end through both loops. This makes a nice clean knot. Put the bungee through the inside deck loop, over the top of the kayak, and through the other deck loop. Now, tie another double knot but make sure you pull on the bungee to make it tight. The handle flares out which will hold the bungee in place.
Step five is the final step. All you have to do is cut the tag ends of the bungee about an inch from the knot and burn the ends with a lighter to keep them from fraying. That’s it! You are ready to attach your lip gripper.
To attach the lip gripper, simply open the jaws and attach to the first rivet, then lift and slide the bungee cord over the handle. My lip gripper has a factory installed wrist line, which I use. I leave this line sticking out so I can easily put my hand through and then release the jaws with one hand while fighting a fish with the other hand. You may also want to attach some sort of lanyard just in case you drop the lip gripper over board.
