Ken,

I also fish from my kayak. I have fished in the Gulf several times, but never caught anything over 19". I have fished on the great lakes a little, and also in a few rivers. The biggest thing I caught was a 31" carp which put up a good fight.. It took me 1/4 mile down river and fought for 20 minutes. I thought it was a Musky since we caught a Musky before in this, my brothers Walleye hole. I never felt like it was going to flip the boat. The forces seemed to just pull me around. I would keep a knife at the ready for really big ocean fish so I could cut them loose.
My method is to put the butt of the pole in the bilge, between my legs. The rod leans forward against the front of the combing... No sprayskirt. When I get a bite, the rod just comes to me and I set the paddle across the cockpit and pick up the rod. I run with the reel in freespool, but with the clicker on. It works, but I am sure there are better ways. - Scott