Without the right gear, fishing can be difficult. This affects everyone from beginners to pro anglers!
Fishing kayaks are specially designed to help you keep your balance and carry everything you need for a successful trip.
Below we’ll go over the most essential accessories that you’ll want out on the water when you go fishing in your kayak.
Things To Consider When Choosing Kayak Fishing Accessories
In buying gear for your boat, it’s important to know what you’re looking for.
Sturdy, water-resistant and suitable for your style of fishing are just a few things to keep in mind when looking for the perfect gear.
Two Non-negotiables in Kayak Fishing Accessories
Water Resistance
If you’re in a boat, you’ll want to make sure that the water will not damage anything.
So, as a safeguard, it would be prudent to invest in waterproof storage containers, which will protect your things from the wet environment.
Durability
Durability is always important in the tools you use, but it’s especially important when you’re accessorizing a boat.
You’re out there conquering waves and fighting fish. Many people think that durability means bulk.
That’s just not true.
Durable gear is built to withstand the test of time, no matter what you throw at it.
Kayak Fishing Gear
Now that you know how to buy gear, let’s talk about what kinds.
There are many accessories that can help make fishing a little easier, but there is much more than that.
Here are some essential accessories that are essential successful kayak fishing.
Kayak Crate
The kayak crate is an essential tool for storing gear and holding rods.
Newer generation kayak crates complement your fishing needs.
From tackle storage to everything you need for a classic or adventurous fishing trip, the latest in kayak crate technology has you covered.
There are a wide range of kayak crates to choose from, ranging from Yakgear’s Kayak Angler Kit In Crate to Wilderness System’s Kayak Krate.
- Yakgear’s Kayak Angler Kit In Crate – If you’re looking to get into fishing, this kit is the perfect starting point. The 13-by-13-inch milk crate is big enough to fit in any vehicle, and will fit in the back of your truck or garage.
YakGear’s crates are light and easy-to-use. The downside is that they’re not waterproof so gear inside may get wet. But, the Cratewell is a dry storage bag that fits into the crate for those days things might get wet.
- Wilderness System’s Kayak Krate—Kayak Angler calls this crate made by Wilderness the “Louis Vuitton of fishing crates.”
With a bigger lower compartment for large items and an upper compartment for smaller stuff you need to quickly access, you’ll never run out of storage space again.
The kayak crate is an excellent way to protect your gear on the water.
It comes with four rod holders, which you can install on the sides of the crate.
Wilderness Systems includes a bracket that allows you to attach it to smaller tankwells.
Kayak Fish Bags
You can stop wondering what to do with your catch while kayak fishing!
A quality fish bag will keep your catch fresh and safe from the elements.
There are many creative and resourceful solutions for storing fish in kayaks, and this is especially true for those who only have limited space.
Why take a cooler on your kayak?
It’s heavy, it limits the size of fish you can bring home, and depending on the size of the cooler, you’ll have a hard time getting it to and from your car.
The best fish bags are:
- Lightweight – Weighing less than a hiking backpack, the fish bag is perfect for a day out on the water. Also, it’s easier to carry than any cooler!
- Simple to lash down – Coolers and fish bags each have their own unique features. While coolers usually require a bit of rigging to make them stable, fish bags are designed specifically for kayaks, with tie-down points to keep your things in place.
- Able to hold larger fish – Many fish bags on the market are available in a size for larger fish, so if you’re hooked into something big, you’ll have no problem bringing it home with the help of a fish bag.
- Great if you don’t have space for a cooler – With a fish bag, you can lash it down to your kayak just about anywhere. You’re limited to behind the seat with a cooler, but not every kayak has space for that.
Kayak Tackle Box
You can’t catch a fish without bait and tackle.
You can take your expensive fishing pole on your kayaking trip, but with no tackle, it’s doubtful you’ll catch anything.
Tackle boxes can hold anything you’ll need for a fishing trip, from bait to sunscreen and everything in between.
There are many shapes and sizes of tackle boxes, so you should be able to find one that’s best suited for your needs.
Kayak tackle boxes come in these types:
- Hard – Plastic is a durable, lightweight, and affordable option for your kayaking needs. It’s easy to clean and lasts a long time, but it’s not perfect. Plastic handles can become brittle.
- Soft – Soft tackle boxes are much easier to carry than hard tackle boxes. They are made of durable, easy-to-pack fabrics like nylon and provide more storage than hard tackle boxes.
Additional Kayak Accessories
Other Kayak accessories that will make your fishing trip even better include:
- Kayak Seat Back – What’s the difference between a kayak seat upgrade and a regular seat? A seat upgrade provides support and comfort at the same time.
- A good rod holder – You want to make sure you secure your rod for a successful fishing trip. A durable rod holder is the perfect solution to keep your fishing rod stable throughout the entire day’s adventure.
- Paddle Clip – A paddle clip is a simple device that keeps your paddle out of the way when you’re fishing, but it’s also great for keeping your rod out of the way when you’re paddling.
- Anchor – You can never be too careful when fishing. No one wants to find the perfect fishing spot, only to realize they have drifted away while baiting their line- so a compact anchor should do wonders for keeping you steady.