Top 10 Must-Have Kayak Fishing Accessories For A Successful Trip
You’ve got the fishing kayak, rod and tackle, the know-how, and the urge to get out on the water and reel in that catch. What else do you need to bring home more than fisherman’s tales?
We’ve put together a list of 10 must-have kayak fishing accessories to help you land the big one (and a whole lot more).
- PFD Designed For Fishing
The single most important kayak fishing accessory is a personal floatation device (PFD) specially designed for this purpose. One of these goes beyond “safety first.” In addition to being a potential lifesaver, a fishing PFD has multiple pockets to keep small items such as a measuring device, fishing pliers, and a cold drink in easy reach. Some of the best kayak fishing PFD brands to consider include Astral, NRS, Onyx, and Stohlquist.
- Anchor System
One of the benefits of kayak fishing is that it gives you much greater reach than fishing from land. You can even reach spots that motorized boats can’t get to. However, if you’re fishing in a place where there are currents, you need a way to stay in one place. This is why an anchor system is one of our must-have kayak fishing accessories. Choose a folding anchor system from a brand such as Best Marine that weighs enough to keep you in one spot without adding too much weight and that can fold to take up minimal storage space.
- Tackle Crate
Every successful angler knows that having a variety of tackle can help you target specific bodies of water and types of fish. However, keeping it all together safely on a kayak can be a challenge, which is why the tackle crate makes this list. Choose tackle crates specially designed for kayak fishing from a brand such as Wilderness Systems, as they are secure, watertight, and often come with features such as additional rod holders.
- Fish Grips
Gripping a fish firmly enough to remove the hook can be tricky enough on land, but when you’re trying to do it on a kayak, there are times it can seem like an impossible task. Keep a good quality set of fish grips onboard and where you can get to it easily when you need it. Fish grips such as the Rapala 9-inch Floating Fish Gripper let you grip the fish with one hand while you remove the hook and take a photo with the other. These and other reliable fish grips have quick-release mechanisms that make it easier when dealing with strong fish in choppy waters.
- Lightweight Paddle
With an anchor system onboard your kayak and the possibility of making a few heavy catches, the last thing you need is extra weight. Make sure you get a lightweight kayak fishing paddle. Light enough to not weigh you down and durable enough to withstand the demands of the sport, most good quality kayak fishing paddles have a hook retrieval system that lets you free snagged lines to rescue lures and hooks. Some paddles also have built-in measuring devices to help you measure your catch. Brands such as Bending Branches or Werner are good options for these paddles.
- Polarized Floating Sunglasses
Another must-have kayak fishing accessory is polarized floating sunglasses. These offer excellent protection against the glare created by the sun on the water. Plus, the polarization helps you to see fish below the moving water as the glare doesn’t get in the way. What’s more, your sunglasses will float if they accidentally fall into the water. Look for brands such as Rheos Coopers that are great quality and ideal for kayak fishing.
- Rod Holders
If you’re just starting to get into kayak fishing, you might find it easier to have only one rod on board. However, if you’ve been doing this for a while and you want to step things up a notch, or if you’re wondering how to add more versatility to your fishing trips as you gain experience, rod holders are the way to go. Use vertical fishing rod holders from brands like BigTron to set up multiple rods, keep them at the ready, switch between rods, keep lines in the water, and change the angle and direction of the rods with ease.
- Rod And Paddle Leashes
One simple sweep of your arm could see a few of your rods and/or paddle sink into the depths. Stop this from happening by purchasing rod and paddle leashes. These kayak fishing accessories can keep your paddle and all your rods leashed to your kayak. Choose reliable leashes such as those from Boom Fishing that offer heavy-duty protection, a 50-pound tensile strength, and can stretch as long as six and a half feet without tangling. Use carabiners to attach your leashes to your kayak, as you can attach them to multiple points on most kayak models.
- Landing Net
The easiest way to get your catch on board after pulling it in is to use a landing net. When you use a landing net, there’s no need to worry about losing your grip on the fish and watching it swim away. You can keep the fish secure while you remove the hook and prepare your measuring device. Go for a size that’s big enough to handle a large fish without compromising the handle or the net. In addition to paying attention to the size of the net, make sure all the net’s components are strong, have a quality finish, and are made from materials you can trust.
- Knives, Pliers, And Snips
Last but definitely not least, number 10 on our list is a combination of knives, pliers, and snips or scissors. Even better if you can get all of these in one, such as in a multi-purpose tool. Ensure your tackle crate contains:
- Safety knife for cutting lines and freeing leashes
- A fillet knife for filleting your catch. If you get a separate fillet knife, keep it in a protective sheath
- Pliers for cutting and removing hooks
- Snips or scissors for cutting braid, leather, lines, and more
Take Your Kayak Fishing To The Next Level
The right kayak fishing accessories can take your enjoyment of the sport to the next level. In addition to boosting your confidence and enhancing your safety, good accessories can add ease and efficiency to the experience. You can successfully reel in a big one while out on the water and avoid the angler’s curse of the “one that got away.”