Reddit reviews Campingandkayaking Made in The USA! NO Hook & Loop to Fail! Paddle Leash with a 2 Rod Leash Set, 3 Black Leashes Total Plus 1 Carabiner.

I own a couple Perception Sound 10.5's which are the same thing but without the extra fishing gear that Dick's slaps on to sell them as the Hook 10.5.

1. Agreed, these boats go through waves and rapids instead of over, and while the website says class 1 and 2 capable, you're gonna get wet and I wouldn't push it either, try to avoid.
   
   1. They're fun, but one should be careful, and avoid bigger ones. Also strap your stuff down if you're gonna take gear, no sense in losing it. Is fun to punch through waves and get wet on a hot summer day for sure.
      
   2. If I was going to keep using my Sound 10.5, I was going to invest in a bilge pump. I have since purchased and started using different kayaks, but still have the Sounds in storage. Debating if I'll keep em or not. Damn good little stable sit-in fishing kayaks, utility focused, fun floaters, decent seat, price was right, they got me back into the water sport and most of all, fishing again.
      
2. I keep em in my net which is that clear plastic/rubber style webbing, I have a couple sets of pliers on hand. Most of the time I would do okay. Bigger fish I would sometimes do over the side, for sit-in kayaks the Sound/Hook 10.5 are pretty stable, but can feel pretty tippy of course. I was still cautious, this was never an easy thing with larger and feistier fish and this kayak, some may have more or less trouble with it. My new kayak is much more open and wider for dealing with these situations. It has been fun getting pulled around by large trout and pike.
   
   1. Pinch your barbs too! Might lose a few because of it...but if you hook yourself its at least less painful and messy of an extraction on the water. You may not have much time to deal with it when it happens.
      
   2. Maybe a hawg trough would be helpful if you can keep them held down to it. I don't have one (yet), so not sure if that's a good idea or not.
      
3. Install some hoops or kleets to clip/tie off to, tie to small carabiners or clip at the end of your stringer to clip onto the hoop. Problem solved. I mostly catch and release unless I'm out camping so not often I run into this. Generally if I'm thinking of keeping anything I'll bring a soft cooler with ice in that I strap down in the back. One issue with this kayak is limited access turning around. I really appreciate my new kayak more for being able to turn around and reach back.
   
   1. https://www.amazon.com/Mizugiwa-Nylon-Cleat-Black-Pack/dp/B01DYNMJCG
      
   2. https://www.amazon.com/Docooler-10pcs-Bungee-Screws-Rigging/dp/B01JU98V84
      
   3. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075V1JN52
      
4. My wife lost an expensive rod/reel combo to the small branch of a tree that grabbed it out of that rear rod holder as we floated under it. Didn't even hear it go...was totally ridiculous. I've dealt with some lake chop and had my rod/reel combos not been clipped down, I would've lost em. I almost flipped...but kept upright, pulled the straps to recover my sank rod/reels, cleaned em at home, good to go. The 1-carabiner + 3 straps solution is like $12 on Amazon. A small price to pay for keeping gear. I always strap my paddle to. I don't want to have to chase my gear if I flip, especially on a river. Even if it never happens, it's not that big of a deal to me to be prepared but early on it was kind of annoying to adjust to. Not losing another rod/reel combo though? Priceless. :)
   
   1. On the Sound 10.5, I used the 0-ring on the end of the seat back adjuster strap on the right side behind the seat support sidewall. Worked great, I was able to leash my paddle and two rods. I used some extra bungees for my milk crate that would clip onto the larger holes in those same supports on both sides of the seat.
      
   2. https://www.amazon.com/Campingandkayaking-CYBER-Paddle-Leashes-Carabiner/dp/B00MXJFXOE
      
   3. https://www.amazon.com/YYST-Orange-Paddle-Holder-Lanyard/dp/B06Y4RG4RH/
      
      Glad you got to have a good river float yesterday! Got some pictures of them fish? :)

Leashes! These work great for me. Have yet to lose a rod or a paddle. The paddle one can be looped simply enough and attached with cheap caribiners. The rod ones are similar but I used a key ring and two zip ties on the butt of the rod, hasn't moved in two years and still removable if I need it to be.
Everyone else has been sharing some great advice, I followed the same advice when I started.

I use these.

I really like these these leashes. Cheap small and strong.

I'm officially picking up my yak tomorrow and I'm pretty pumped about it. I'm not bringing my fishing gear the first few times I go out. As the top comment on your post states I'll only be bringing my PFD, paddle, leash and my watertight box to protect my keys and belongings while I'm out there.

I bought this PFD and wasn't aware that it actually comes with a whistle in the front pocket. Didn't realize that's what that orange thing is in the picture. The description doesn't even mention it.

As for leashes, I bought this pack of 1 paddle + two pole leashes, though I got super lucky and got an Amazon Warehouse Deal that cut the price in half. Another highly-rated option would be this set, which are a lot cheaper without taking advantage of used or sale products.

This is the watertight box I'm bringing. Only $10 at Walmart. They carry the same one at Dick's for $15.

Quit while you're ahead.

JK, just be prepared for some headaches. What kayak do you have? I fish out of a hobie compass and it's a great platform for me to fish with both conventional gear and fly gear. I fish warm water lakes though with an 8 wt rod. I can catch fish with conventional gear from the kayak but still haven't caught a bass with my fly rod yet.

My biggest struggle is casting with a kayak that is constantly moving. So I use a yakattack 8ft stakeout pole, they also have one that breaks in down in 2 combined with a DIY anchor trolley in more shallow areas. Haven't messed with a deployable anchor yet though.

I also really like the yakattack omega rod holder as it can hold a fly rod, or spinning, or baitcast.

Leash it or lose it EVERYTIME you go out on the water go out as if you know you're going to flip. Wear appropriate clothing depending on the weather. If it's cold don't go out alone.