The Best Fishing Kayak Accessories To Help You Land the Big One!

Whether you're angling from a fishing boat or a kayak, your goal is the same: to reel in a catch.

And while the right watercraft or paddle can help get you to the ideal locations on the river, lake, or sea, there's more than just a boat, a rod, and some fishing line you'll likely rely on to land your next keeper. This is especially true if you're angling from a kayak, where space is often at a premium. And that's where the right accessories come in handy.

Here we'll cover some of the best kayak fishing accessories to help make your next paddling excursion all the more fruitful. Let’s take a closer look:

The Best Fishing Kayak Accessories

Kayak Rod Holders

Kayak rod holders are designed to attach directly to the kayak. As the name implies, they're simply intended to hold fishing rods – which can be helpful while paddling out to your spot or fishing from multiple setups aboard your kayak. They're also ideal for storing rods when fighting a fish, freeing up your hands for other activities.

There are various types of rod holders to choose from, including:

• Adjustable Rod Holders: These flexible holders are adjustable in both length and angle, making them ideal for holding rods during transport and fishing once you arrive at your spot.
• Flush Rod Holders: What flush holders lack in flexibility, they make up for in strength. They're often included on kayaks or may be the preferred choice when another type of holder cannot be installed. While they're commonly used for rod storage, they can also be used for fishing.
• Vertical Rod Holders: These are best used for transporting fishing rods as you're paddling to your destination and are not intended for fishing.
• Horizontal Rod Holders: Ideal for kayakers that fish in areas with heavy overhead cover or brush. Horizontal rod holders will keep the rods out of trees or any nearby vegetation as you paddle to your fishing spot by aligning them with the kayak during transport.

Kayak Finder Mounts

If you're looking to maximize the number of fish you catch with a fish-finding tool, then kayak finder mounts are arguably the best fishing kayak accessory you can purchase. Mounts are designed to quickly and easily mount a variety of aftermarket fish finders right onto the kayak and can then be used to locate fish, determine water depth, and more. A few of our favorite (and most common) brands? Garmin, Humminbird, and Lowrance are some of the top fish finders installed on kayaks today.

Kayak PFDs

Personal flotation devices (or PFDs) are essential on the kayak and are hands down the best kayak fishing accessory from a safety standpoint. In fact, it's required by law that there be one PFD per onboard paddler, and for good reason. In fact, according to estimates from the United States Coastguard, PFDs could have saved the lives of more than 80 percent of all boating fatality victims. But if you're a serious fisherman or fisherwoman, it's important to know the right features to look for in a PFD for paddling.

• A High Seat Back: Most life vests have flotation foam in the front and back. If you're a serious paddler, purchase a life vest with a high seat back or where the padding in the rear is located near the top of the life vest. With these vests, the padding is above the kayak seat, making for a more comfortable ride.
• Fitted PFDs Tend to Work Best: There are both fitted and universal PFDs. Fitted PFDs are nice because you can select one based on your chest size and weight to maximize comfortability. Universal PFDs are designed to be more of a one-size-fits-all vest.
• Other Accessories: Remember, space is often at a premium when kayaking, so it’s smart to have additional features on your PFD. Zippered pockets to store materials, a space to hold a blunt knife (like this one from BHO), and an attachment for a whistle or noise maker are a few accessories to consider when shopping for your next life vest.

Kayak Lighting Kits

Unlike a boat, most kayaks do not come with built-in lights. Like PFDs, lights are another essential safety accessory, notably when you're out in the early morning or late evening hours when visibility is low. Lighting doesn't just help you see where you're paddling, but it also alerts other boaters of your presence. It's also a requirement in many states, as kayaks are treated the same as boats in certain regions. In fact, in some states, it may be illegal not to have lights if you have a motorized vessel. Installing lights or a lighting kit on your kayak can check this important safety box. But don’t just take our word for it – be sure to check your state’s laws about boat lights!