Kayak fishing is fun and if you are happy with the amount of fish you are catching. But if you are not getting enough fish, it is time to ensure that you get a better kayak and learn the method properly. More than that, for a comfortable ride, you need to dress your kayak beforehand!
Here, we have come up with some necessary gear and equipment. These will aid you in outfitting a kayak for better fishing experience!
Let us dive in and know what the basics of organizing the kayak for fishing are and how to arrange them like a pro!
Things You Need to Know How To Outfit a Kayak For Fishing
Once you have learned how to tie down a kayak without a roof rack and took your kayak to the water, you have to jump in the water with the kayak. But before you jump, you must prepare the kayak for a comfortable and safe voyage. This is when you need to outfit your kayak! Let’s learn how to outfit a kayak for fishing!
Rod Holders
It is necessary to keep the fishing rod secured. When you are trolling or kayak paddling or fishing, the rod should be secured properly so that there are no unwanted accidents. And for this purpose, it is always important to settle for a rod holder.
Now, you must learn that there are kayaks that include rod holders already and so, you don’t need to buy them additionally. Here, we will talk about the different types of rod holders that you might need for outfitting your kayak!
Adjustable Rod Holders
As the name says, these rod holders have options for adjustments! You can easily use this feature and adjust the height of the rod holder according to your preference. Increase it or decrease it, you can do it all!
At times, you can also rotate the rod holder in a full circle depending on the situation. Some such holders are completely removable!
Flush-Mounted Rod Holders
If you don’t want to be bothered about extra features and want a rod holder that fits with the kayak only by a tube, you can pick up the flush-mounted ones.
In cases, all you need is to mold the holder into the boat and that’s all! Some of them also have a removable facility like the previous one.
Seat
The next thing that’s important for outfitting the kayak is the seat! When you are good at fishing, you can still find no fish only because you have a kayak seat that doesn’t fit the circumstances. And this is the reason why seats of the fishing kayak are important.
Get a comfortable seat because if you plan to catch fish the whole day, the seat is going to bear your weight! For keeping your body free from any pain, you have to get the one that fits your requirements.
Anchor Rig
Now, if you are dealing with fishing, you might need to keep your kayak secured in one place at times. An anchor rig is what will help you out! Just like you secure your kayak on the roof of your car, the anchor rig will secure it while you are on your kayak!
But before getting your kayak on the road, you must learn how to tie down a kayak on a roof rack or how to tie down a kayak on a j-rack so that you can travel safely. Also, learn how to deal with the anchor rig too! As you are fishing, if your anchor is too weighty, it will be tough for you to fish!
On the other hand, an anchor rig will also help you cover larger areas when it comes to finding or catching fish.
Go for an anchor rig that’s less than 3 lb. you will find anchors available in different varieties. There are main anchors, anchor lines, chains, and trolley anchors available. Pick up the one that suits you!
Drift Chute
Now that you already have an anchor, you do not need a drift chute. If at times, fishing with an anchor can be tough because the water is too deep and you cannot secure the kayak with just an anchor!
These are designed in a manner that can easily keep the fish away from tossing you around when you see a large fish!
If you are just going through the regular waters, do not invest too much in drift chutes. At times, you start drifting during fishing and this one can save you from that too!
Paddle Holder
We have talked enough about the rod holder and now, we will talk about the paddle holder. And if you skip this, you are going to lose your paddles whole fishing, trust us! Now, to hold the paddle, you can easily use your tricks.
Do you know how to tie down a kayak in a truck bed? If you can do that, you can do this without any help! Get a rope and tie up the paddles. And add the other end of that rope to any part of your kayak so that it can keep it secured!
However, if you do not want so much hassle, you can simply rely on the customized paddle leash. You will get them in the market in different designs. You can get them in a flexible version or coiled too!
Personal Floatation Device or PFD
Now that you are on a journey of kayak fishing, you have to ensure that you are rechecking your safety before you jump in. Not only fishing, but regular kayaking also requires a PFD or personal floatation device.
Some of these are designed in a way that will only let your upper body move keeping away the complication of constriction. So, paddling will be easier too! Some of them also include storage pockets. All that you might require while on the voyage can be stored here.
From tackle boxes to pliers, everything you need can be kept near you if you get these. To make fishing comfortable, you can also rely on auto-inflated life vests. These need small storage and don’t take much room!
Safety Kit
Apart from the PFD or life vests, you will surely need a safety kit that can keep you safe if any accidents occur. The steps you have taken are there to help you already but you need some additional protection.
The safety kit you use should include one whistle that can help you if you are in any sort of danger. On the other hand, you will need a signal that can light up in unstable situations. A flashlight will aid in clearing the visibility of your area.
Another necessary thing you need is a first aid kit. It is very common to get skin cuts and get hurt in unstable water. A first-aid kit can save your life in such situations!
This video will help you more to learn how to outfit a kayak precisely!
FAQs on Outfitting a Kayak for Fishing
Do you need an anchor for kayak fishing?
Yes, in most cases, you will need an anchor for kayak fishing. Usually, it helps in securing the kayak. It is known as one of the most common ways for kayak securing. However, you can also skip this but we recommend you to use this in the deep waters. You can also rely on the drift chute if you don’t like an anchor. In short, get an anchor if you are going to fish in shallow water and pick up a drift chute for deep water.
How can you stabilize your kayak more?
For rough water, it is necessary to stabilize your kayak. No matter you want to fish or you just want to enjoy kayaking, it’s a good idea to stabilize the kayak using some easy steps. While outfitting the kayak, make sure equal or almost equal weight distribution in every part. Adjustable seats are great for stabilizing. Also, sit-on-top kayaks are better when it comes to balance. Certify that you are not gathering a bunch of unnecessary things and stuffing your kayak. Store the gears while you fish and when the gears are not needed. Also, buy a stabilizer for betterment.
Can you fish from any type of kayak?
Yes, if you have a kayak, it’s enough for providing you the regular fishing benefit. There are specialized kayaks available in the market but we do not recommend you buying them beforehand. First, try your luck on the regular kayak you have and practice. Once you are ready, get the kayaks specially designed for fishing!
Final Verdict
No worries if you don’t know how to dress a kayak for fishing. We have made a list above that can help you with all your fishing needs. Get a kayak, take it to the water, and beforehand, prepare the kayak for the best experience. You can add other necessary stuff if you need to!
Comment below if you use any other thing to make your kayak life better! Also, don’t forget to let us know in the comment section how you enjoy fishing with a kayak!