The 5 Best Kayak Fishing Accessories You Need
Hey there! Today, I’m excited to share what I believe are the five must-have kayak fishing accessories if you are a kayak fisherman. It’s been a little over a year since I bought my first fishing kayak, and after fishing it “naked” (not me, the kayak) for the entire year, I’ve learned a lot about what accessories will truly enhance my kayak fishing experience. Here’s a breakdown of the best kayak fishing accessories that I’ve found to be game-changers.
Kayak Fishing Safety Essentials
These are not what I would consider kayak fishing accessories. These are things you should have because they could save your life one day.
Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
Safety first! A PFD is non-negotiable. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, wearing a life jacket is crucial. It’s a simple step that can make a huge difference in an emergency.
It can be something basic like the older Field & Stream Angler I have, or it can be something like the highly respected NRS Chinook or the Mustang Survival Inflatable. I plan to get a Chinook eventually.
Paddle
Even if your kayak has a pedal drive or motor, always carry a paddle. It’s essential for maneuvering in tight spots where the drive can’t go and as a backup if your drive fails. Trust me, you don’t want to be stranded without one. That’s why they talk about being up a creek without a paddle as a bad thing…
The Bending Branches Angler series is a fantastic line of paddles. I have the Angler Ace Pro Carbon on my list of eventual upgrades. I still use the factory ones from Hobie and Isle, which have performed well.
Whistle
I recently learned that a whistle is a requirement in some states, like Pennsylvania. A whistle can be a lifesaver for attracting attention if you’re in distress. It’s a small accessory but incredibly important.
You can grab a two-pack of one like this from Amazon for just a few bucks. Well worth it to possibly save your – or someone else’s) life.
My Preferred Kayak Fishing Accessories
1. A Kayak Fishing Net
I’ve gotten by with my trout net for 2 years now. But there’s no denying an actual, longer net designed for kayak fishing would be better. Partly for safety, so you don’t need to lean as far to land a fish. But also for ease of reach, and for placement to catch a fish if it flips off your Ketch board!
I’m fortunate the Hobie Outback is really stable. But there are definitely kayaks where losing your focus while trying to land a fish can lead to flipping the ‘yak.
I picked up this inexpensive floating net from Aliexpress for now, but I think one of the best is the Yak Attack leverage landing net.
2. Rod Holders
Rod holders are a must-have for any serious kayak fisherman. When you start carrying multiple rods, a good rod holder system becomes essential. They keep your rods organized and prevent them from getting tangled or damaged. There are various types of rod holders to consider:
- Horizontal systems for storing rods out of the way, but off to your side for easy access.
- Vertical systems behind you. No risk of catching branches or obstacles beside you. They don’t interfere with landing fish. But they can get caught on overhead branches.
- Trolling rod holders for moving between spots or down the river. I also use these to place my rod in the while tying on lures or handling fish.
I’ll be doing an in-depth dive into specific brands of rod holders in a future post, so stay tuned! But I’m currently using a combination of vertical rod holders on a Yak Attack Black Pack Pro, and two side trolling-style rod holders from Stealth – the QR-1 version.
3. Phone Tether
I learned the hard way that a phone tether is indispensable. On one of my early trips, I nearly lost my phone to the water. Since then, I’ve been using the Rogue Fishing Phone Tether. It clips to my PFD and securely holds my phone, preventing any accidental drops.
When it comes to kayak fishing accessories, the $22 phone tether is a small investment for peace of mind.
4. Anchor
An anchor is incredibly useful for staying in one spot, especially in moving water or windy conditions. It helps you maintain your position without constantly pedaling or paddling. When choosing an anchor, consider:
- The type of anchor. Is it good for the bottom substrate where you fish?
- The ability to break it free if it gets stuck.
- Whether you need an anchor trolley system.
I’ll be exploring different kayak anchor systems in an upcoming post to help you make the best choice. I still haven’t added one to my kayak, as in most situations I fish I don’t feel the need to use an anchor. But those few times I’m battling to keep a position make me appreciate how effective it can be to use one.
5. Kayak Cart
A kayak cart is essential if you transport your kayak over long distances from your vehicle to get to the water. For heavier pedal-drive kayaks like mine, a cart prevents damage to both the kayak and yourself. I use the Wilderness Systems cart because it’s versatile and can accommodate different kayak brands. If you’re not using a lightweight kayak or can’t launch right by the water, a cart is a game-changer.
Additional Kayak Fishing Accessories to Consider
While the five accessories above are my top recommendations, there are a few others that might be useful depending on your needs:
Kayak Crate
A kayak crate offers extra storage and can double as a place to store your rods. If you’re into kayak tournament fishing or need to carry a lot of gear, a kayak crate is worth considering.
I ended up going with the somewhat spendy but really sturdy Blackpack Pro from Yak Attack. I liked the rod holders with the built-in tethers. I also appreciate that it is made in the USA. And, I got a smokin’ deal on one locally! There are a handful of configurations available on Amazon.
Fish Finder
A fish finder can help you understand the water depth, and temperature, and yes, even locate fish. There are various options, from basic models to advanced systems like LiveScope. Even if I don’t plan on adding one to my kayak, I’ll be researching and sharing more about them soon. It seems like the models from Garmin, like the 9″ 93SV UHD model, are very popular with Kayak anglers.
Lowrance, Humminbird, and Garmin are the major names in fish finders; each has strengths and weaknesses. Fish finders are one of the most expensive kayak fishing accessories, and probably the hardest to learn to use well, but they can be instrumental in catching more fish.
Safety Flag
A safety flag improves your visibility to other boaters. It’s particularly important if you’re fishing in areas with heavy boat traffic. Some tournaments require a safety flag, so it might be a necessary addition for competitive anglers.
Something like the Yak Attack Visipole combo light and safety flag is a popular choice.
Camera mounts
As a YouTuber, no list of kayak fishing accessories would be complete without mentioning camera mounts. I use the Railblaza 600 for my Insta360 X3. Then I made a custom PVC mount that fits in one of the molded rod holders for my rear-mounted Go Pro. I followed a similar set-up to one of my favorite YouTubers, John Dalton of Creek Fishing Adventures.
Kayak Motor
I didn’t mention a kayak motor in my original video, but since I’ve been using the Bixpy K-1 on the Hobie, I can see why people like them, and why many consider them to be essential kayak fishing accessories.
A motor can make it more enjoyable to fish on those hot humid days, they can help you make it upstream in rivers for days when you don’t have a float partner, and they can also help you hold position in current. Ultimately, they can simply give you more stamina to fish longer.
Here’s my initial impressions blog post of the Bixpy Motor.
Conclusion
Fishing from a kayak can be an incredibly rewarding experience, especially when you have the right accessories. By focusing on safety essentials, rod management, phone protection, anchoring, and easy transportation, you can enhance your time on the water. I hope these recommendations help you make the most of your kayak fishing adventures. Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel for more in-depth reviews and tips on these top kayak fishing accessories!
Happy fishing, and see you next time!
