How to best outfit your fishing kayak will depend upon they type of fishing you are doing and the conditions you will encounter. Small streams and lakes require different considerations than offshore big game fishing for instance.
Whatever type of fishing you intend to do, kayak fishing has some unique considerations as the space is limited. It will be important to prioritize the most important items that you need to access most frequently, and have them within easy reach. Some anglers like to keep it simple and carry the minimal amount of gear: some like to carry anything that they might possibly need. There are some basic accessories that can increase the fish-ability of a kayak, or make it more angler-friendly.
Seats: Other than a paddle and your fishing gear I would say that a high quality seat is at the top of the priority list. If you want to spend your day fishing in comfort, you need to purchase a kayak with a quality seat, or install one yourself.
Rod Holders: These are convenient and functional places to carry your rods securely while paddling, fishing or trolling. Some kayaks come from the factory with flush mounted rod holders or rod holders mounted on adjustable brackets. Some kayak dealers will customize your kayak by rigging rod holders for you to fit the needs of your fishery: you may prefer to rig your own.
There are many different styles and types of rod holders from which to choose
1. Flush mount rod holders are low in profile and offer a clean deck, so are less likely to become a line catcher (especially when fly fishing). There are adapters available for fly rods, and extensions for conventional rods. Both can be removed when not in use.
2. Adjustable rod holders that are mounted on the deck are fully adjustable up and down, and offer 360-degree rotation. They come in models for spin/bait casting or fly rods. Some can be removed when not in use, which is a nice feature if you are fly fishing.
3. There many other options for mounting rod holders to seats, milk crates and various other custom rigs.
4. Regardless of the type of rod holders you use, you should attach a rod leash so you do not lose them overboard. If you have to make a surf entry or exit, you should store or secure your rods so they are not lost in the event of capsize.
Anchor Systems:
These allow you not only to stay in one spot where you desire to fish, but also to fish a large area in a systematic way. Whether you are sight fishing, blind casting, or trolling you need to cover the area as thoroughly as possible, and the proper anchor system will allow you to do so.
You should start with an anchor trolley as the base for your anchor system: a continuous line running through a pulley on your bow to a pulley on your stern with a snap hook on each end, and attached to a ring in the middle. You can attach your anchor line to or through the ring, allowing you to adjust your anchor line from any point along the entire length of the kayak.
This setup enables you to point your kayak in any direction you desire in relation to the wind or current, able to cast in any direction with ease. If you decide to get out of your kayak and wade fish, just unhook the forward hook from the ring and pull the ring back to the aft pulley, were it will jam. Then, hook the forward line around your waist and pull the kayak behind you.
Now that you have your anchor trolley in place, how can you use it most efficiently for your type of fishing
1. Anchor: The most commonly used kayak anchor would be a 1.5 lb or 3 lb. grapple type anchor, although there are many other types on the market.
Float Tube Anchor by Keen (Amazon) – really light weight 13 oz. grappeler style anchor all aluminum.
Kwik Tek A-2 Complete Grapnel Anchor System (Amazon)
3 1/3 pound 4 fluke folding anchor will hold in mud, sand, gravel and rock, 25 foot long marine grade rope and a nylon storage case- the bouy allows you to unhook and leave the anchor without the hassle of pulling it in each time and the grapnel holds well in rock and sand.
Advanced Elements Canoe and Kayak Anchor System (Amazon) system for a canoe or kayak, 3 lb collared galvanized grapple anchor. Come with a 60 foot line, caribineer, line float and mesh travel bag. Sliding collar locks flutes open when anchor is deployed Works very well and keeps my kayak in place while fishing coves and other areas where the line is long enough. Haven’t had any issues with the claw getting snagged. I usually lock two of the four claws which may help too. custom socks manufacturer
