...not sure what I'm doing this year - and only a couple weeks out

my options are
1) take my tank again (74lb coleman) - is the best fishing platform one can ask for (quite, comfy, very stable). Really tests one when they have to portage this thing, and is slow in the water
2) buy a Kevlar (not sure - I'll see whats availible when I get there)
3) take my Kayak.

Hmm that last one has me interested - I have never tried a yak up there before. So I spent some time getting it ready in case it makes the trip. I would be traveling with Brother/nephew who would be in a canoe - thus would be able to fill in some of the space limitations I'll have with the Yak & gear.

So in rigging up the yak here is a couple ideas I came up with:
1) home depo pipe insulator - $2. This stuff is great along the cockpit edge, I sit cross legged and this adds a nice thin layer of cushion - comes pre cut and can simply slide right over the lip. I'm taking this on my next canoe trip as well, my legs can become a bit sore from rubbing the edge on the canoe as well, and this is goign to be a nice addition. Also, a piece of this overtop of one of the cross bars will make a nice lure holder.
2) Pool Noodle - a 6 inch hunk of this with rope tied to it - will be used as an ancor line float/marker - and is a nice size for wrapping the line up while not in use.

Unless you have a fancy yoke, portaging a yak can be less than comfortable. Something to consider. As long as you can dump gear on the guys paddling the canoe that resolves the other major yak limitation.

If you are going kevlar and want a stable fishing platform I would highly recommend a Souris River Quetico 17. It's not quite as fast or straight running as some of the other narrower hulls but it is maneuverable and tracks reasonably well, plenty good for a tandem. It is incredibly stable and seaworthy. Its also tough.

Wabler. I've used the pipe insulation before. It works great as the cushion you just mentioned. Nice idea for the lure holder.