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Best Kayak Fishing Accessories
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Durability
When engaging in any type of outdoor activity, accessories and gear must be durable first and foremost. Nature’s elements are constantly changing and are unpredictable. Outdoorsmen need to hope for the best conditions but prepare for almost any. When making an investment in gear it’s important to seek out high-quality products that are proven to hold up in harsh environments, rugged conditions and a good deal of transport. Is it made of reliable and well-made materials? Is it a marine or military grade? Is it galvanized or stainless steel? Is it thick and abrasion-resistant? Make sure your accessory choices are built to last so that your energy is spent reeling in a keeper, and not on faulty equipment.
Another way to ensure that you are getting a quality piece of gear that you will be adding to your kayak fishing gear is to check the customer reviews. If you check the customer reviews of a product, you will be able to get real first-hand accounts of how the product performed in the field and if it is worth your time and money. When it comes to ensuring you are getting a great product, the customer reviews are where you want to start.
Size
Using a kayak for fishing is an excellent choice for accessibility, cost and simply transport. Space, however, is limited and therefore kayak fishermen must consider the size and weight of all extras on board. The goal of accessories is to create ease and increase productivity. Consider the added experience value and productivity before loading a kayak with add-ons. Adding an item that is more than a few pounds may become a weighty hazard and chore to transport. Also, consider the width and length of your particular kayak and the width and length of the item you’re considering. Choose carefully as your space is limited.
Ease of Use
One great thing about kayak fishing is its simplicity. You want your gear to follow suit. Do you need it to be adjustable and is it so? Do you have all the tools and parts that are required for install? Does it require a great deal of set-up with each use? Is it simple to uninstall or store when not in use? Well-made accessories will include thorough, easy-to-follow set-up instructions, excellent customer service, and useful add-ons.
This factor is important as when you are out on the lake, you have limited room in your kayak and do not want to fuss around with your gear which could cause an accident. Rather, you want a piece of gear that will do the job it is meant to do easily and efficiently with little effort.
Weather Resistance
It goes without saying that a kayak fisherman and his gear will spend much time near or on the water. Fishing accessories are often made of water resistant material or coating to ensure a long-lasting product. Furthermore, storage containers are typically equipped to keep water OUT for extended in water is durable and what should be out of water remains precisely so. This is important as you do not want to invest a good amount of money in your gear and it is not waterproof. When you are on a body of water it is safe to have as much as your gear as possible to be waterproof as you never know if an accident or overboard situation may occur and it is better to be prepared than not.
Top Ten Kayak Fishing Accessories
1. Stohlquist Fisherman PFD
A personal floatation device is a smart safety addition for any watercraft, large or small. The Stohlquist Fisherman PDF serves a dual purpose that is perfect for the kayak fisherman with limited space. In addition to creating protection in the case of water mishaps, this PDF also serves as something of an on-site tackle box, with available tool space right at your fingertips.
Read moreDurability
Crafted with a 500 denier Cordura outer shell and a 200 denier oxford liner, this PDF is built to last and is a Type III PFD with sea level buoyancy of 16 lbs. 12 oz.
Size
Three size options included universal (fits 30”-54” chest), SM/M (30”-42” chest) and LG/XL (42”-54” chest)
Ease of use and install
Stolhquist’s Fisherman PDF is comfortable and functional while still manly. It has large, dual front tool pockets that fold down for easy access and workspace. It also has mounting spots for attaching gear, as well as a cinch harness adjustment to get just the right fit.
Weather and Water Resistance
As previously stated, the inner and outer shell is specifically crafted with materials that resist abrasions and tears, making it a winner when facing the wild outdoors.
For those looking for a practical floatation device, the Stohlquist Fisherman PDF is an excellent option that won’t let you down.
2. Scotty Bait Board and Accessory Tray
A bait board is an excellent tool for creating a flat surface space on your fishing kayak. The Scotty #455 Bait Board allows you to place and work with all your necessary tools at a customizable arm’s length without losing your gear if you hit a wave or currents.
Read moreDurability
This board secures to any Scotty post mount, locking it into a position that is safe, comfortable and ready to withstand hours on the water.
Size
9.5” x 12.25” x 1.75”
Ease of use and install
The rim of the Scotty Bait Board ensures that all on your bait board remains in place, with no slipping off its edges. There are a built-in lure and accessory rack for keeping everything you need in its place.
The standard Scotty Bait Board serves as an excellent jumping off point to customize as you need. You can elevate with a mount and extender, install a cup holder, fish finder or even a dry box. The possibilities are up to the fisherman.
Weather and Water Resistance
Hardy and crafted specifically for water purposes, this board and accessory tray will withstand most any weather and water condition.
With the right setup, you’ll become the envy of the other kayak fisherman with Scotty’s bait board and tray. Your productive space will increase and you’ll have a proper flat surface on which to easily handle your bait and rigging.
3. KastKing Skidaway Polarized Sport Sunglasses
When kayaking a great pair of polarized sunglasses is a must as usually the sun is out and beaming down on you and when casting you do not want to get blinded and end up with a bad cast. These sunglasses will help you to achieve a great cast and are polarized so you can see the bottom of the river or lake in shallow water.
Read moreDurability
These sunglasses are made from Grilamid material which is the same material that is used for medical equipment and in the military, so you know they are durable and will hold up to anything a day of fishing can throw at them. They also have a thirty-day money back guarantee if you find they are not the sunglasses for you.
Size
These sunglasses are the size of your standard size of sunglasses and fit easily in your kayak or in your backpack for easy storage.
Ease of Use and Install
How much easier can sunglasses be to use? You simply put them on when it is sunny out and if it gets cloudy or the sun goes down, you take them off.
Weather and Water Resistance
These sunglasses protect you for UV rays and are waterproof. So if you are out on a sunny day or find yourself in some nasty weather, these sunglasses will hold up.
4. Best Marine and Outdoors Kayak Anchor
Compact, light and easy to transport, the Best Marine and Outdoors Kayak Anchor is durable and dependable for a small-craft fisherman.
Read moreDurability
The Best kayak anchor is made with galvanized iron for rust resistance. The locking mechanism for its four-pronged anchor creates stability even when fishing in windy conditions or mild river currents. The included nylon storage bag allows you to compactly protect your anchor and rope when not in use.
Size
3.5 pounds
12” x 5” in the folded position
A 40ft long anchor line
Ease of use and install
Best’s included bag makes for easy transport and storage when kayak fishing. The locking collar maintains prongs in an open position when in use or in a closed position when storing.
Weather and Water Resistance
Ideal for all water conditions, the Best galvanized iron anchor includes both a stainless steel hook and braided, marine grade rope.
The Best Marine and Outdoors Kayak Anchor is a highly rated item that will take much of the frustration out of a kayak fishing experience. Instead of spending time-fighting current and relocating your kayak, you will be free to focus on landing your catch.
5. KastKing Fillet Knife
When fishing you should always have a fillet knife on hand, in case you catch a monster fish that would be great for dinner. You want to make sure that you are able to fillet the fish, so you have fresh fillets to share with your family and friends.
Read moreDurability
This knife is as durable as it gets as the blade is made from stainless steel to ensure a sharp and durable blade that will last you years to come without issue. The grip is made from a polymer which ensures it can not slip out of your hands and is comfortable to the touch. Overall this knife is quite durable with proper care.
Size
This knife comes in a variety of sizes to fit every fisherman's needs.it comes in 5" all the way up to 9".
Ease of Use and Install
This knife is easy to use and comes with a protective blade cover to ensure that you do not have any accidents. To use simply remove from the blade cover and start filleting your fish or cutting your bait.
Weather and Water Resistance
This knife is waterproof and also will hold up in saltwater conditions so it will not rust. If you are looking for a durable knife that will never fail you, check this knife out from KastKing.
6. Scotty Powerlock Rod Holder
Having a rod holder mounted on your kayak makes it easy to grab your paddle and reposition or bait prep when you need to. One of Scotty’s most popular rod holders, the Powerlock is built to fit most any rod and can be mounted to most any watercraft.
Read moreDurability
Made with fiber reinforced engineering grade nylon, the Scotty Powerlock Rod Holder will be durable and reliable on any fishing kayak. The cradle will hold almost any reel and includes a front locking ring to ensure your reel is protected during travel.
Size
Interior diameter 1.95”
Ease of use and install
Scotty created this holder to be available to any fisherman on any watercraft. You can customize your setup by partnering mounts and extenders specific to your kayak’s needs.
Weather and Water Resistance
The Scotty name is a dependable one and their products are made to withstand almost any weather and water condition the kayak fisherman will find himself in. The Powerlock Rod Holder is no exception.
The Scotty Powerlock Rod Holder is a wise investment if you want to maintain consistent control of your rod while on the craft at all times. In addition, when it’s not in use you can remove the holder from the mount for safe storage and saving kayak space.
7. SealLine Baja Dry Bag
For anyone spending a good amount of time on the water, a dry bag is a basic necessity if you are carrying items that you want to stay dry. SealLine’s Baja Dry Bag is top of the line and is proven to last through years of water adventure.
Read moreDurability
SealLine’s Baja Dry Bag has a long-lasting, heavy-duty, vinyl-coated exterior to create a travel bag perfect for fishing trips out in nature’s elements.
Size
Bag sizes range from 5 L to 55 L, with the smallest size weighing in at 7 oz and the largest at 1 lb 12 oz.
Ease of use and install
For the amount of protection your gear will receive, the Baja Dry Bag is incredibly simple to use. Place all items inside that you don’t want the water to have access to, roll down the top and clip it closed!
Weather and Water Resistance
In addition to the vinyl coating, the Baja Dry Bag features welded seams and a DrySeal closure, securing all the items inside from weather and water leaks.
This is one item you will not regret purchasing if you desire protection for dry gear.
8. Sams Aluminum Landing Nets
It can get tricky to pull a fish out of the water from a kayak. Having a good net on hand ensures you save your catch from shaking the hook and that you get a good hold of him when he’s in. Sams Aluminum Landing Net is compact and sturdy, perfect for a day spent fishing from the kayak and making it easier to land your fish.
Read moreDurability
Crafted with a thick aluminum rim and nylon netting, a Sams net is sure to hold up under pressure of fish.
Size
12“ x 15.5”
180g
Ease of Use and Install
The net is made with soft micro mesh nylon and 1/8” holes so that catch-and-release fish remain unharmed. A cord handle is attached to its end to prevent loss.
Weather and Water Resistance
The partnership of tough aluminum and nylon make the Sams Landing Net a proven keeper for many trips out on the water.
The Sams Aluminum Landing Net is ideal for kayak fisherman due to their size, durability, and ease of transport. It makes the perfect landing spot for trout, bass, crappy and perch.
9. Deeper Smart Sonar Pro+
While there are certainly fish to be found without, fish finders are a great addition for those who aren’t quite sure where to fish yet, or for those who are ready to step up their catch game. Perfect for all fisherman in salt or fresh water, the Deeper Smart Sonar Pro+ brings kayak fishing to a whole new level. Learn where the hot spots are, as well as the underwater landscape of your favorite water sources with this WiFi-enabled and mapping ability fish finder.
Read moreDurability
The Deeper Smart Sonar Pro+ is small and castable, built for all water conditions.
Size
3.5 oz
2.5” in diameter
Ease of Use and Install
This fish finder is WiFi connected, eliminating the need for internet or cellular usage. The GPS-enabled sonar allows you to create maps of ideal biting spots with a user-friendly Smartphone app. Download area maps from the app, navigate through water bodies and customize map layers. The sonar has adjustable device sensitivity to suit the needs of particular waters. With the Deeper Smart Sonar, you can add an arm mount to your kayak, tie it to a bungee or cast it out.
Weather and Water Resistance
As previously stated, this fish finder is a castable or mountable one, built to withstand a day in any water condition.
For those wanting to learn their waters or get on the fish quicker, the Smart Sonar Pro+ is the perfect addition to any fishing kayak.
10. Yeti Hopper Flip 12 Personal Cooler
If you’re planning to spend any amount of time on the water, a personal cooler is an item you’re going to need. Yeti’s Hopper Flip 12 soft cooler is the perfect option for a long day outside. Yeti’s proven ability to keep items cold for long periods doesn’t fail in this smaller, day-trip option.
Read moreDurability
The Hopper Flip 12 is made with a DryHide Shell that resists mildew and abrasions on the cooler’s exterior. Its zipper is a heavy-duty one, keeping inside items safe and unaffected by the elements on the outside.
Size
10” x 12” base
11” tall
Ease of Use and Install
Yeti’s Hopper Flip 12 is cubed, lightweight and easy to transport. Its wide opening allows for easy interior visibility and access. Throw drinks and sandwiches in for a day trip, and simply wipe clean at the end of the day.
Weather and Water Resistance
A waterproof shell and HydroLok zipper ensure a leakproof cooler all day. Even when outdoor temperatures rise, Yeti’s ColdCell Insulation maintains a cold interior environment superior to that of other coolers.
Any kayak fisherman would find that the Yeti Hopper Flip 12 is well worth the investment. Its ultra-durable construction and ability to keep a 12-pack cold on a warm day are definite advantages to the adventurous fisherman.
