6 Best Kayak Fishing Accessories You Must Have
Kayak fishing is a great way to enjoy being on the water and combining your passion for kayaking with fishing. It's growing in popularity as more people realize how enjoyable it can be. One of the most incredible things about it is the light boats, which allow you to explore more fishing areas.
When looking for the right accessories to use with your kayak, you need to think about storage and organization. Most kayaks have limited space, so being organized and maximizing your space will make things smoother. Here are six of the best kayak fishing accessories to help keep everything organized and safe:
- PFD
You must always wear a PFD (personal flotation device) on kayak fishing trips. It's your most crucial gear if you end up in the water. PFDs are also known as life jackets or life vests and come in different sizes, styles, and materials.
PFDs have three main functions: keeping your head above water, keeping you warm, and turning an unconscious person face-up. By law, you need to have one for every occupant of your boat. You can get them on Melton Tackle and other stores at varying price points to fit any budget.
- Anchor
An anchor is the ultimate kayak fishing accessory. It helps you position your kayak and remain in place relative to the fish you're targeting or the structure holding them. But when it comes to kayaks, everything is a little more difficult because you don’t want to add much weight on top of your vessel.
So, instead of using a regular anchor, go for something lighter such as an inflatable one. These anchors function similarly, but they weigh significantly less and can be deflated when not in use so that they won’t take up any space during transport.
- Waterproof Drybags
A dry bag is a plastic bag designed to keep your belongings dry, even if they're submerged in water. They're used by various travelers but most commonly by kayakers and rafters.
They feature a roll-top closure to ensure that no water enters the bag. This means you can store your electronics, clothing, food, and other essential supplies without worrying about them getting wet or ruined, thanks to the waterproof material. You can also use them for recreational purposes such as swimming or waterparks.
- Fish Finder
A fish finder is an electronic device used to determine the location of fish under the water. Anglers use fish finders to know where the schools of fish are present in the waters. The devices are highly useful in fishing as they take out all guesswork and provide accurate data.
The fish finder uses sound waves to detect the presence of different schools of fishes at varying depths in the water. A small transducer is attached to a part of a kayak or any other fishing boat, which transmits sound waves into the water body. The reflected sound waves from targets such as rocks, logs, and fishes are received by this transducer and are sent back to its head unit (the display). It then uses these sound waves’ strength and frequency to determine the target distance and size.
- Kayak Fishing Net
An essential piece of equipment for kayak anglers, a fishing net is a tool you need to land a fish. Many anglers will tie their kayak net to the front of their vessel so it's within easy reach and can be quickly deployed when needed.
Some fishing nets are more compact than others, making them easier to carry and store on a small craft. Lightweight nets made from aluminum are easy to maneuver and less durable than those constructed from other materials. The length of the handle is another crucial factor in determining how easily you'll be able to use your net. The longer the handle, the more leverage you'll have when catching your fish and hoisting it over the side of your kayak.
- Fishing Rod Holder For Kayak
A fishing rod holder for a kayak is an essential tool for kayak fishing. It helps to keep your hands free from the rod and doesn't consume much space on your kayak or canoe. You can install the fishing rod holder for kayaks easily. It comes with a quick-release feature to remove the fishing rods.
There are different types of fishing rod holders. A jigging rod holder is one of them, used as an aid while jigging. The structure of this type of fishing rod holder allows you to move the pole in any direction without getting tangled. It's one of the needed accessories for kayak fishing.
Conclusion
So there you have it—the six best kayak fishing accessories you should consider taking with you on your next trip. If you're a novice to kayak fishing, these pieces of gear will help make your experience as enjoyable and safe as possible. And if you're a seasoned vet, there's no wrong in looking at them again. Learn about winter kayak fishing so you are prepared during the cold months.
