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If you’re planning on buying a fishing kayak and want to know what else you need to get going as a total novice we’ve got you covered. Even if you’re a more experienced angler looking to spruce up their vessel this post should guide you to greater success.
We’ve compiled a list of the must-have kayak-fishing accessories that every aspiring fisherman should consider. From the best kayak fishing rods and fish finders to paddle leashes and kayak repair kits this guide is here to help you kit out your kayak.
We’ve also broken down the key features to be aware of with each accessory, so you can make an informed decision. So whether you’ve just bought an inflatable fishing kayak or have purchased a top-of-the-range sea fishing kayak, we’ve got you covered.
Kayak Fishing Tips and Techniques For Beginners
Table of contents
What is the best kayak fishing setup?
The best kayak fishing setup is, of course, dependent on where you’re fishing and the prevailing conditions. If it’s commonly rough with high winds, you’ll need a larger, wider kayak with an anchor or stabilising option. As is a deck pad; particularly when standing up to cast. If it’s very sunny year-round you’ll need to bring sunglasses and if you’re targeting larger fish a landing net is essential.
Ultimately your fishing kayak must be equipped with multiple rod holders, have ample storage and a load capacity that meets your needs, with enough space for essential accessories, safety devices and – for the more experienced – a location for your fish finder and steering solution. But if you’re out fishing on a calm lake, a standard kayak can do a standup job!
Kayak fishing gear checklist
Just a selection of the type of gear we bring when going out on a kayak.
- Rod holders: of course, each fishing kayak should come with rod holders, but you can easily install them on a pre-existing kayak
- Paddle: complete with a paddle leash and a spare
- PFD: a personal flotation device
- Safety equipment: whistle, GPS, flares and anything else you may need
- Cooler: more than enough food and water to last
- Repair kit (particularly valuable for inflatable kayaks)
- Anchor: to stabilise you when casting, standing up or in rougher conditions
- Fish-finder: don’t waste your time out on the yak
- Sunglasses: to protect against UV radiation
- Landing net
- Fishing pliers: a multipurpose tool for both fish and self-care
- Kayak fishing rods
- A variety of the best sea fishing lures
The 12 Best Kayak Fishing Accessories
Kayak Fishing Rod
A good kayak fishing rod is a fairly obvious essential for kayak fishing. So essential in fact that it’s tough to classify it as an accessory. Best practice is to come equipped with at least two fast action rods of around 5-7′ in length with a suitable casting weight.
When targeting smaller fish in lighter rivers, a 10-15lb rod with a casting weight of around 15-30g is suitable. Targeting more powerful predators out on the open ocean may mean you need a rod that tallies up with line with a breaking strain of up to 50lb.
If you’re planning on doing a lot of saltwater fishing, make sure you pick up a rod with good corrosion resistance.
Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
Whilst this is most relevant for kayak fishing in the ocean, a personal flotation device is an essential kayak fishing accessory. If conditions turn and you’re out on open water, you need a safety device that helps keep you afloat in case of an accident. The best ones come complete with pockets, clips and storage for traditional fishing tackle and other safety equipment – like a built-in whistle.
Fish Finder
A fish finder is an electronic device that uses sonar technology to detect fish under the water by sending out sound waves and visualising the echoes that bounce back on screen. This gives you a clear picture of what’s happening in the briny deep, including the location of fish, water depth, and the structure of the bottom.
Normally for us, fishing is about finding the fish yourself. That’s part of the game. But there’s something about the added effort of going out on a kayak that makes a fish finder a non-negotiable. Finding the pockets of fish gives you a clear idea of what type of lure you should use – diving, surface, sub-surface – to reach the fish.
Paddle Leash
There’s almost nothing worse than losing a paddle when kayak fishing. Picture the scene. You’re fishing for specimens a couple of miles out to sea. The wind and waves pick up and your paddle falls overboard. What do you do?
Pray. Or learn how to swim and quickly.
The best way to deal with a paddle falling overboard is to ensure you tether your paddle to the kayak with a paddle leash, eliminating this is a possible scenario. The majority of quality fishing kayaks will come complete with a paddle leash.
The 7 Best Pedal-Powered Fishing Kayaks in 2023
Anchor Trolley
In rougher conditions where the wind and swell pick up your kayak will venture to less desirable locations. Whether that’s from an angling or safety perspective. This means you spend less time fishing and more time paddling. Bring in the anchor trolley.
An anchor trolley attaches to the side of your kayak and is used to hold you in position. So once you’ve found the fish (see the aforementioned fish finder) you may need to stabilise your kayak so you can cast safely and effectively. This just isn’t possible in all conditions with an anchor trolly and line.
If you have a pedal-powered fishing kayak – or one with a built-in motor – an anchor trolley is less essential as casting and securing your kayak’s position is easier.
Waterproof Bag
It stands to reason that when kayak fishing you’re going to have equipment that really can’t afford to get wet. Your phone, wallet, torch etc. And one of the perils of kayak fishing is your proximity to water. So to keep things dry you really need to invest in a waterproof bag. They’re inexpensive, multi-purpose and a fantastic last line of defence against the elements. Well, one element.
Deck Pad
A deck pad is designed to provide a comfortable and more importantly secure footing for fishing in a kayak. Essential if you plan on doing some standup casting. The non-slip surface attaches to the deck of your kayak and minimises the risk of you falling over, scratching your expensive kayak and – in colder conditions – will stop the worst of the icy cold water from reaching your feet.
Cooler
A cooler is an insulated container that has three main purposes when kayak fishing:
- To keep your drinks and food at an ambient temperature
- If you’re keeping your catch you can keep the fish fresher for longer
- To use as a secondary seat or table – this is particularly useful for sit-in kayaks that can get uncomfortable on long trips
if you are planning on storing fish and perishable items and drinks in the cooler it’s worth having separate compartments. Nobody likes fishy Coca-Cola (other beverages are available).
Polarised Sunglasses
Kayak fishing is synonymous with long, sunny days spent out on the water. Nobody sensible goes kayak fishing in rough, rainy conditions. Unless those are the conditions whereby the fish tend to be more active where you are. Which really is life isn’t it?
Polarised sunglasses help to reduce glare and improve visibility when out on the water. You can see beneath the surface and have greater luck when sight fishing. Spending hours or even days out on the water does expose your eyes to excessive UV radiation, so it’s important to take steps to protect your vision.
The 7 Best Polarised Fishing Sunglasses
Landing Net
If you’re lucky enough to hook a big enough fish when kayak fishing, you’re going to wish you had a landing net with you. Landing a fish from a kayak is an entirely different prospect to landing one by hand. Storage-wise the best kayaks should have accessory storage rails or holders where your net should fit nicely.
Fishing Pliers
An essential part of any fisherman’s equipment, multi-purpose fishing pliers are equally essential when out on the kayak. You need something to hand that can remove a hook, cut a line, cut through a net and re-rig when your setup breaks off.
Additionally, a tool that has a screwdriver, a knife and other useful attachments saves time, space and general faffing. Make sure you purchase a good quality, corrosion-resistant pair.
Repair Kit
Particularly relevant when fishing with an inflatable kayak, a repair kit is not something you want to leave home without. You need to be able to fix small damages such as punctures, leaks, and scratches that may happen during your trip.
The highest quality inflatable kayaks are almost unbreakable, even over the roughest ground. But there aren’t many worse scenarios than getting caught overnight without the ability to mend your kayak.
It’s also worth carrying a roll of duct tape (or another waterproof equivalent) with you for quick fixes on both inflatable and traditional kayaks.
FAQs
What do you use for kayak fishing?
When kayak fishing you use a kayak that’s suitable for fishing, some kayak-specific fishing rods, a paddle (or pedals), a PFD and other safety essentials where required. As part of the kayak, you should also have rod holders, a comfortable-ish seat and somewhere to store your fishing accessories.
What are the essentials for kayak fishing?
The essentials for kayak fishing are; a paddle, a paddle leash, a PFD / lifejacket, a fishing rod, fishing rod holders, some form of anchoring or stability device (when the conditions are rough), a landing net, a waterproof bag, a repair kit and a pair of pliers / multipurpose tool.
