Must-Have Kayak Fishing Accessories
More anglers are trading in shore fishing for kayak fishing each year. Fishing from a kayak allows anglers to easily and quietly sneak up on their next catch and reach fishing areas where a full size boat can’t. Plus, fishing from a kayak is a more affordable option than purchasing a fishing boat and has less of an impact on the environment. In addition to these reasons, kayak fishing allows anglers to customize their fishing set-up to match preferences and skill level. Once anglers have chosen the right fishing kayak, many wonder: What should I bring kayak fishing? Read on to learn more about the must-have kayak fishing accessories you should bring for success and safety on the water.
1. Fishing Life Jacket
The most important kayak fishing accessory is your fishing life jacket. With a life jacket that’s specifically designed for fishing, anglers will enjoy plenty of pockets or attachment points for storing their tackle, tools, and more. Plus, fishing life jackets often offer a slimmer fit for better maneuverability for anglers who paddle rather than peddle their kayaks. Before heading out to the water, make sure your life jacket fits properly by trying it on.
2. Kayak Cart
Dragging a kayak from your vehicle to the water can damage the bottom of your fishing kayak and takes a lot of energy. With a kayak cart, you’re able to load all of your fishing gear and simply push your kayak to the shoreline. If you plan on kayak fishing a variety of different lakes, we highly recommend investing in a kayak cart as you don’t always know how far you have to park from the shoreline.
3. Kayak Fishing Paddle
A kayak paddle is an obvious must-have kayak fishing accessory, but did you know there are specific kayak paddles designed for fishing? With a kayak fishing paddle, you’ll be able to measure your fish using the shaft, meaning one less tool you need to pack. Plus, many kayak fishing paddles feature a hook retrieval notch so you can easily release a snag or retrieve your lures. Aside from convenient features, kayak fishing paddles tend to be lighter than traditional paddles to prevent arm fatigue.
4. Kayak Rod Holders
Keeping your valuable rods secure while finding the perfect fishing spot is important. It’s a good idea to add at least one reliable rod holder to your fishing kayak. Since many kayaks can carry several rods at one time, you may want to include more rod holders in your fishing kayak set-up. After just one time out on the water, anglers will realize that tying knots in a kayak can be challenging, so having multiple set-ups ready with different styles of lures can save valuable time and make your kayak fishing experience more enjoyable.
5. Fish Finder
To easily locate fish and take the guesswork out of finding fish, many kayak anglers add a fish finder to their set-up. A fish finder with a screen size between 3 to 6 inches is an ideal size for use while kayak fishing. Having a fish finder with GPS technology gives you the ability to mark locations and easily track where you’ve been. This is useful if you're fishing the same lake frequently and want to return to a hot location.
6. Gear Tracks
One aspect anglers enjoy about kayaking fishing is the ability to customize your set-up. Gear tracks give you a seemingly endless amount of set-up opportunities and the ability to add a variety of different mounts including rod holders and fish finder mounts. Gear tracks are especially useful because they let you easily slide your kayak accessories out of the way while paddling.
7. Kayak Anchor
Although you probably won’t be kayak fishing on a windy day, having a kayak anchor will keep you positioned in one place and prevent additional ripples that spook the fish. A kayak anchor is typically either 1.5 or 3 pounds and folds down compactly to save on storage space.
8. Fishing Tools & Tackle
If you plan on kayak fishing on a regular basis, it’s a good idea to have a variety of fishing tools and tackle specifically designated for these outings. When you have your own kayak fishing tools and tackle, you’ll avoid forgetting those small essentials and having to paddle back to shore. We suggest including the basics like fishing pliers, fishing scissors, and a tackle box with the proper fishing tackle and fishing line.
9. Kayak Crate
Staying organized while out on the water is a top priority for a kayak angler. A kayak crate is a great way to house all your fishing tools, tackle, and gear while out on the water or in storage. Leading fishing brands have designed crates specifically for kayaks for a convenient way to store and easily access all of your fishing gear. Depending on your kayak and set-up, most crates are positioned right behind your seat.
10. Kayak Trolling Motor
For those anglers looking to skip the workout and spend more time fishing, a kayak trolling motor is a must-have kayak fishing accessory. With a kayak trolling motor, you’ll be able to quietly move into your favorite fishing area without scaring the fish. Plus, using a kayak trolling motor frees up your hands so you can troll for walleye and other species.
This list of must-have kayak fishing accessories will get you ready for rigging your kayak. As you continue kayak fishing, there will be plenty of other kayak fishing accessories to add to your rig. If you have additional questions about fishing kayaks, kayak fishing accessories, or even tips on how to go kayak fishing, call or stop by your nearest ERLEBNISWELT-FLIEGENFISCHEN to speak with one of our fishing experts!