Essential Kayak Fishing Gear 101: What Every Angler Needs
So, you’ve made the choice to start kayak fishing, but it can be a bit daunting to pickout the right gear. Although kayak fishing is a cheaper alternative than owning a boat, buying all the items necessary for a kayak fishing trip can quickly add up! In this post, I’ll walk you through some of the considerations you have to take when buying your gear.
What YOU Need:
From basic items like rod holders, to fancy gadgets like electronic fish finders, modern kayak fishing gear has a broad range of products. Some items, like a life jacket or a paddle, are essential. But before you make a big purchase, ask yourself a few things.
Are you going solo or with a buddy in a two-person kayak? If it's two people, you'll need double the gear – two life jackets and paddles, for example.
Do you want to use fake lures or live bait? If you do, you might consider adding a waterproof box or a bait bucket to your kayak fishing gear list.
Safety Gear for Kayak Fishing:
Safety comes first when diving into kayak fishing. It's crucial to prioritise your safety by including essential items in your kayak fishing gear list, especially for unforeseen conditions or emergencies. Make sure you have:
Life Jacket
First-aid kit
Weatherproof radio
Tow lines
Mobile Phone
Spare paddles
General kayak fishing equipment:
Starting your fishing journey in a kayak doesn't require complicated gear. In fact, it's advisable to keep things simple and minimize your equipment. Before hitting the water, organize your frequently used items like tackle, pliers, landing net, and water within easy reach.
Pro Tip: Secure all your loose items with either a floating ring (like the one you see below) or a cord to prevent your items from being lost at sea!
Fishing at night:
When fishing at night, it is crucial to have a marine light to signal your presence to other boats and vessels. During our night trips, we use a Marine Navigational light on our Kayaks so that we’re visible!