10 Kayak Fishing Accessories
Fishing is a great activity, but every good fisherman knows that having the right gears will make it even more fun. And Kayak fishing is another fun and peaceful way to enjoy this activity. Having the correct fishing accessories can make the fishing experience more successful and enjoyable. Most of these accessories make fishing stress-free and more effective, while others do not really deserve the extra cash. These accessories are essential whether you are fishing the big blue or just venturing into the local rivers.
Choosing the right accessories may seem a bit challenging; there are some basic necessities that you must have along. Therefore, which accessories should you have? If this is your problem, the good news is, we have done the research and make a list of the best accessories for kayak fishing. Now all you have to do is take the kayak and head to the water. The following are the ten must-have kayak fishing accessories.
Rod Holders
We begin the list with rod holder because every fisherman needs a rod holder. In case of emergency, you will need a rod holder to free your hand to be able to tend to the engine or anything that needs your attention, while the rod holder keeps the lure in the water and the fishing rods are safely in the kayak. Without the right fishing rod holders, you may end up juggling between the paddle and the fishing rod. This will also help reduce stresses that fishermen feel when they wait for the fish to catch the bait.
Rod holder also keeps your rods secure and safe while paddling to your destination. You can purchase and install a rod holder yourself or you can have someone install one for you. You will have to drill a hole in your kayak and make sure your rod holder comes with an end cap to check the water from entering the hull. Check if it fits where you want to install it and ensure there is no barrier in the way. Remember, that fishing kayak is not complete without a fishing rod.
Fishing-Specific PFD
Whether you like fishing creeks for largemouth or hunting swirls for trout, the pleasure of kayak fishing will nail you for life. Just like any experienced fisherman will say, no day is safe on the water without a personal flotation device. PFD is necessary by law; it is not just for formality. It can save a life in case of an emergency. Kayaks are perfect fishing platforms, but the truth is that even the best kayak can roll over while battling a fish, taking out a snagged lure or when getting something from the hatch. And if you find yourself in the water, you will be happy you have a PFD.
Fishermen lifejacket are not only for safety but also offer an additional type of storage options. Most of these PFDs will have extra pockets to hold your knives, pliers, tools and other fishing accessories you may need at all times.
Fishing Paddles
These are the vital part of the fishing kayak because the right paddle will take you to your target spot with speed and precision. Kayak fishing differs from boat fishing in every way possible. There is a lot to consider when paddling for recreation. To reduce strain, ensure comfort and have a successful fishing day. It is important to get the right fishing paddle for kayak fishing. The major problem is that most of the paddle that comes with kayak nowadays are of low quality and are not very functional, while some kayak doesn’t come with paddles.
Also, some fishing paddles come with a built-in hook retrieval notch that saves your lures from those terrible trees. Although they have these extra fine features, a lot of these paddles are lighter weight than traditional paddle, allowing you to spend a full day on the water without fatigue.
Anchor System
This is the usual method of making a floating vessel stay in one place. In order to stay in one area and fish in a particular hole for a long time, an anchoring system is required. Or else, you may not have full control over the movement of your kayak when fishing. Kayak anchors don’t need to weigh more than three pounds. When fishing heavy current location, the anchor of three pounds is the best way to go. When fishing a flat, with little or no current, then 1.5-lb anchor will do the trick.
Tackle Crate
Having a fishing crate at the back of your kayak is another great way to relax without seeing your fishing gear thrown in front of the kayak. All you need is a small box, with some rod holders. Using the available fishing trays and plastic fishing boxes, you can align them in the correct order while keeping your lunch and other important safety equipment within your reach. Take all the necessary precautions to stop yourself from scrambling around the surface of your kayak looking for a certain piece of equipment. Tackle crate is ideal for beginners who are building up their gear collection and for skilled fishermen who need choices to make their own tackle box.
Fish Finder
This is a general term for an electronic device that uses Sound Navigation Ranging software to view the image of what is underwater. Although it won’t draw you a map on where to catch fish, it will help you determine if a particular area is good to fish or not. Fish Finder is an effective fishing companion to help you discover a good fishing location. It can make the difference between a good and a bad day.
It can be very rewarding to use a fish finder. You will study the lay underneath and understand when and where the school of fish is. Fish Finder will give you the chance to record many aspects of the trip and it will very useful every time you get back to the specific body of water. Experienced fishermen can use fish finders to identify certain species of fish.
Measuring Devices
This device will help you know the fish size and restrictions in your State and you will be able to precisely record them. Measuring your fish is a common way of knowing its size. If you say your last catch was eighteen inches’ size. I know exactly what that means. This means that you have landed a nice trout and what made me know how big the 18-inch trout is, it’s simply to know with the help of this device. Measuring your catch is a common way of knowing how big your fish. Gone are those days when carrying some measuring device along while fishing. With the aid of rod rulers, the measuring instrument is always at your side whenever you are fishing because it is on your rod!
Dry Bags
It can be tough to keep things dry when you are in the water all day. However, that is why a good dry bag is necessary, especially if you are in a kayak. The bag is for your personal electronic devices that you find necessary to enjoy while fishing. Whether it’s your camera or your phone, you will want to keep it dry. The best dry bag depends on what you are looking for. Consider what you need to keep dry if you can get a little bag or go for something with several different sizes.
Kayak Cart
The next important thing after buying the right type of kayak is taking it to the destination. You need to buy a kayak cart to be able to transport your kayak. The right kayak cart is the one where the kayak perfectly sits in the center, with the wheels on both sides for easy transportation. A kayak cart will prevent you from destroying the bottom of your kayak if the water is some miles away. It will also prevent you from getting worn-out before reaching the water.
Floating Stringer
This is a line of rope which fisherman use to bind fish so that they can be submerged and kept in the water for a period of time. A floating Stinger will keep the fish visible when you tied it to your kayak and help you find the fish if the unthinkable occurs. Every kayak fisherman has his own way of fishing. Although your needs may not require all these accessories, almost all of these are important to have a successful fishing trip.
Fishing Pliers
No matter the kind of fisherman you are, you need fishing pliers in your tackle box. These tools are useful for any fishing trip, it allows you to remove hooks, tighten knots, cut lines, and flatten barbs. Since they are important, it is necessary to invest in a pair that will do a good job and last long. Using fishing pliers will help you reduce the number of equipment you carry and increase your efficiency when removing hooks and changing tackle and lures.
How to choose the right fishing kayak accessories
Having the right fishing accessories can make any functional kayak an ideal fishing partner, but it is important to choose the best fishing kayak for your personal preferences and particular situation. This can make it much easier to use your fishing accessories in the right manner for better result. The following are things to consider when buying fishing kayak accessories.
Durability: This is one of the main features of good fishing kayak accessories, although you don’t want to be rough with your gears, at times bad things happen. Your accessories should be able to withstand a few ding and dent and still work the way you want it. It should be able to endure a sudden rainstorm or humid days. No matter where you locate your favorite site, your accessories need to be reliable.
It needs to be water and weather resistant: This is something to consider; your accessories need to be water and weather resistant because you are going to use it on a lake or river. If you get a certain accessory that is not water-resistant, consider getting a waterproof backpack to protect it. If its size is small, you can get Ziplock the bags to keep it dry.
Consider your fishing kayak space: you need to consider if you have enough space for a certain kind of accessory before buying it. No matter the size of your kayak, you will still have limited space. Which means that you need to consider every single gear you bring with you to know if there is enough space for it, and most important if it is useful for the trip. If you discover that you have gone on a few fishing trips without using the item consider leaving it behind.
Also, ensure the accessory you purchase is easy to use; this is because the easier it is the more you will need to use it. If you spend a lot of time reading the instructions each time you are on the water, then it is better you stop using such equipment. Every accessory you use should be easy to install or set up. Being able to easily attach it to your kayak and be ready to go fishing is the key to getting you on the water.
And lastly, the size of your accessories is another major consideration. Take for example a fish finder. The size does not only include the size of the screen, but also that of the entire device. Remember, if it is too small you will not be able to see the screen and if it is too big, it will lose its portability. You also need to consider the kayak you want to use it with. Small kayaks will require a smaller fish finder than a bigger sit on a top kayak would. And, don’t forget that the bigger screen will also require a bigger battery to operate.
