Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. How we test gear.
Step one: Find the right craft. Step two: Customize it with this kayak fishing gear.
Kayak fishing has become increasingly popular among outdoor enthusiasts and more rapidly since the outdoor recreation upspring of 2020. The reasons are varied, but among them are cost, convenience, and capability. The expense of owning a motorized fishing boat is not feasible for many. Plus, a kayak is easier to transport than those larger boats. And third, a kayak gives you fishing opportunities in many areas a traditional boat can’t go. Once you have your rig, you’ll want the right tools onboard. Trust these kayak fishing accessories to help you land a trophy.
When you decide to delve into kayak fishing, you’ll need to consider what type of water you will typically fish, which kayak propulsion system will be best, and how you will transport your boat. Let’s break these factors down.
The type of water you plan to fish in determines the best kayak style for your needs. Unlike a recreational kayak, the length, width, and hull style of a fishing kayak are much more critical. A longer kayak requires less steering correction when moving forward, especially in waters with a current or tide. The width of a kayak is vital to the craft’s stability. A wider kayak is slower but provides stability for you to stand or maneuver within the boat.
Hull shape is an essential feature of a fishing kayak and should be considered a priority, even over length and width. W-shaped and V-shaped hulls are the two most favorable designs for kayak anglers. A W-shaped, or tri-hull, design offers superior stability in slow-moving rivers, lakes, and deep water. A V-shape hull sacrifices stability to provide the best tracking and speed.
There are three types of propulsion available in kayaks: paddle, pedal, and power-propelled. Your budget might be the defining factor in this feature, but don’t let that be the only factor you consider. A paddle-style kayak is typically the lightest of the three styles. You get a bit more storage capacity but must use your hands to paddle the oars and steer, so you won’t be able to hold a fishing rod simultaneously.
The pedal-style craft offers hands-off propulsion, thanks to a pedal unit with a propeller below the craft. For transport and in extremely shallow water, this unit conveniently lifts out of the water. The big advantage of this style is you can spend more time with a rod in your hands, but expect a heavier and more expensive kayak. A paddle or push pole lets you navigate in the shallows.
A kayak equipped with a trolling motor is ideal for the angler who plans to spend many hours on vast waterways. The powered kayak requires more battery storage capacity and is usually the heaviest and expensive of the three types.
Cast a Wider Net: The Best Fishing Rod Holders for Your Vehicle • The Angler in Your Life Will Love These Fishing Gifts
The best way to transport a kayak depends on what kind of vehicle you drive and your budget. There are roof-mounted racks for cars and smaller SUVs, truck bed mounts for larger trucks, and a variety of trailers for single to multiple kayaks. You can usually add storage for extra gear to trailers, if needed. If you decide on roof or truck bed racks, you might also need a two-wheel trolley to get the kayak from your vehicle to the water by yourself.
After selecting the best fishing kayak for you, you’ll then need to gear it up for your personal fishing needs and style. Some items are required by state law, so always check your state’s regulations.
Outside of the items required—a paddle, personal floatation device (PFD), and navigation light are universal musts—several kayak anglers I asked recommend having at least a tackle storage option, various smaller tackle boxes, tethers for rods and loose items, battery power, and a compact landing net. As you gain experience, you can continue to tweak your setup. Thanks to several companies that are dedicated to kayak recreation and fishing, quality kayak fishing accessories are available in all price ranges to meet everyone’s budget.
To recommend the best kayak fishing accessories and the best fishing kayak, I researched many options online, attended trade shows, visited local kayak dealers, talked with representatives of various brands, and reached out to kayak owners. I excluded gear such as rods, reels, lures, and other tackle items because the best ones aren’t dictated by whether you’re casting from a kayak. Keeping in mind that everyone has different budgets and fishing needs, I suggest you invest in the highest quality product that your budget allows, which always saves you in the long run by not having to upgrade. It doesn’t necessarily mean buying only the top-shelf product but looking for quality in every product you purchase. Ultimately, my recommendations are based not only on my research, wants, and needs, but also on consumer reviews, product ratings, and suggestions from amateur and professional kayak anglers.
While comparing several brands of fishing kayaks for various water conditions and fishing styles, I prioritized stability then hands-free propulsion. The 13-foot, 2-inch Sportsman BigWater PDL 132 checked off those boxes and more. The tri-hull design offered the stability I desired, and the saltwater-safe PDL drive has instant forward and reverse for hands-free navigation and fishing. For ease of launching and landing, the propulsion system raises up. The sit-on-top mesh seat has lumbar support and moves on a shuttle track so you can adjust the seat to your height. The non-slip EVA decking and 3-foot width makes standing stable and comfortable.
Features like the customizable accessory tracks, four built-in rod holders, and a side hull paddle clip gave me plenty of room for gear. Knowing I would be adding a fish-finder, the universal transducer mounting system made that an easy addition. The roomy stern tank offered ample room for storage and a tackle crate, with additional dry storage in the bow. This kayak is an excellent choice for open-water anglers or kayak fishing tournament pros.
Many fishing kayak enthusiasts prefer a dedicated kayak trailer to a rooftop rack or truck bed storage. For the features, quality, and price, the Malone trailers ranked high among the kayak anglers I spoke with in my research. Given the weight of a fully-loaded fishing kayak, the MicroSport LowBed is the best option.
The marine-grade pre-galvanized steel frame is built to last and has 12-inch galvanized wheels with marine-grade bearings and pre-fitted electrical. The double-leaf spring suspension is much sturdier than standard coil springs, resulting in a more stable ride. The long reinforced shaft and hitch results in a smoother inline pulling with a better turning and backing radius. The MicroSport can hold two crafts or up to 800 pounds. A favorite feature of the trailer is that it’s customizable with an available second tier for additional kayaks or storage, such as stowing pole tubes or cargo. The entire trailer, including the electrical system, assembles with a few tools.
Personal flotation devices can often be bulky and uncomfortable to wear. The Old Town Lure Angler offers many storage solutions and angler-friendly features in a streamlined design that won’t hinder you from fishing. The high-back design accommodates kayak seats, and the life jacket is fully adjustable at the waist and shoulders for a tailored fit. The exterior is durable ripstop nylon, and the interior has breathable mesh for venting on warm days. Secure small tackle boxes within the zippered pockets, use the stretch mesh pockets for a fishing line spool or tippets, and stash your water bottle in the envelope pocket conveniently located on the front. A D-ring attachment adds an additional spot to attach leashes or clip-on towels. Lightweight to boot, you won’t think twice about wearing this PFD for your whole trip.
The Carlisle Magic Angler paddle, engineered with the kayak angler in mind, features a carbon fiber–wrapped shaft with fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene blades, resulting in a durable, lightweight paddle. The shaft allows for up to a 60-degree offset of the blades with just the push of a button. The asymmetrical, curved blades deliver powerful-yet-smooth propulsion. One blade has a J-notch designed to help free snagged lines. Rubber drip rings keeps water from draining off the shaft into the boat or your lap. Finally, the paddle breaks down into two pieces for easy transportation and storage.
A near-universal solution for securely stowing and holding fishing rods in kayaks, the Omega Pro has a 360-degree rotating collar so you can retrieve your rod quickly no matter where you are within your boat. The 4-inch extension arm accommodates all types of reels, including fly-fishing reels. The two adjustable pivots on the extension arm have easy grip knobs to allow for one-handed adjustment whether you’re right- or left-handed. The LockNLoad base allows the rod holder to lock onto your rod securely and easily adjusts by squeezing the trigger. A dedicated rod leash connection hole molded into the upper arm extension lends additional security.
With a net that’s large enough for fresh and saltwater fishing, the folding Bearclaw is compact enough for any kayak angler. The handle folds over onto the hoop ring. When it’s time to land your catch, the hinged handle quickly deploys one-handed. The forearm support offers stability and control. Better still, the durable coated nylon netting sports an asymmetrical flat-bottomed design that ensures controlled landing by keeping the weight close to the handle. An LED light is built into the handle yoke for low-light or night fishing.
This hard-sided kayak crate makes me think of adult Legos. The tongue-and-groove interlocking panels are easy to assemble as you like and break down if needed. The injection-molded ultra-stiff panels hold up to weight without being heavy. Pop open the lid, and it will conveniently stay at an 180-degree angle. Inside, the roomy interior fits a variety of tackle boxes. There’s secure storage for your rods, too; just mount the included four TetherTube rod holders to any of the wall panels. Rubber feet and attachment points for securing the crate to your kayak prevent it from moving around your boat. Built with UV-stabilized plastic and stainless-steel hardware for durability, the BlackPak Pro can withstand whatever you put it through.
The YakAttack VisiCarbon Pro is a popular navigation aid, and rightly so. The 4-foot pole folds down to 14 inches and securely stores inside the flag, which doubles as the Velcro pouch. The built-in LED lamp on top runs on AA batteries (included) for up to 100 hours. The foam on the end of the pole fits securely in flush mount and tubular rod holders, or you can mount the light with the included MightyMount hardware.
This lightweight 12-volt lithium-ion rechargeable battery pack has a water- and corrosion-resistant body and connectors. The ports fit a variety of electronic devices, including fish-finders, action cams, and phones. The charger has a visible gauge indicator with dual circuit board protection and an improper connection warning indicator to protect the battery and the charger. Small but mighty, the Nocqua has a long-lasting 10-amp-hour power reserve and includes a 110-volt charger.
A stake-out pole is a stealthier anchor option in waters that don’t require a 3-pound-plus traditional anchor and all the rope you need to use it. This 6-foot stake-out stick has a built-in handle that is easy to grip. That’s paired with a nylon anchor point that won’t splinter as it drives into the bottom surface. The wide handle can double as a mud foot on soft or rocky bottoms so you won’t get stuck on sludgy bottoms when pushing off. The Stake-Out Stick floats for easy retrieval and breaks down into two pieces when not in use.
Packed with features, the Helix 7 maintains a user-friendly design for amateurs and professionals alike. The device incorporates side imaging and dual-spectrum CHIRP Sonar technology to locate fish 360 degrees around the boat. A GPS and built-in enhanced Humminbird Basemap keeps you aware of your location and also lends the ability to mark and locate popular fishing spots on future trips. The 7-inch ultra-wide color display is easy to see in the harsh sun. The transducer comes with a 20-foot cable so you can position the Helix optimally within your kayak, even if it’s not close to your power source.