Before your kayak fishing adventures can begin, you need to spend some time outfitting your ‘yak.
Setup is an important step, encompassing both safety and performance. There are quite a few points to consider, and from PFDs to electronics, there are tons of important choices to make.
If you’re starting the process of setting up your kayak, we’d like to help. In this article, we’ll be discussing the most common options kayak anglers need to think through, and we’ll be offering recommendations and advice for each step.
If you want to make the process of outfitting a kayak fun and easy, keep reading!
Table of Contents (clickable)
Kayak Setup Essentials
Paddle
You’re not going far without a paddle unless you’ve purchased a kayak with a motor system. And even then, setting off without a paddle is foolish since mechanical drive systems can always fail.
Standard touring paddles can be a fine choice for kayak fishing, especially if you’ve got a long trip to your hotspot. But most kayak fishermen will find that a sport-specific design is the best bet.
Angling-specific paddles are always a safe bet.
Among our favorite kayak fishing paddles, you’ll find the excellent Bending Branches Angler Classic, a fiberglass-shafted paddle that provides everything you could hope for.
It’s stiff and efficient, two words you want to hear when you’ve got water to cover. It also features a two-piece ferrule that’s easy to transport and store. 60-degree feathering or matched blades are available by adjusting the shaft between three positions.
And as an added bonus, the left blade features a unique cutout that lets you grab your line, increasing your reach dramatically.
Just remember that the longer your torso, the longer your paddle.
To see more of our favorite kayak fishing paddles please visit our full buying guide: Best Kayak Fishing Paddles Reviewed: 2022 Buying Guide
PFD
PFDs are not only legally mandatory, but they’re also essential safety gear you should wear every time you hit the water, without fail.
Long gone are the days where PFDs were bulky, heavy, and hot. Now, they’re packed with organizing options, lightweight, and cool.
The most important point to consider when selecting a PFD is fit. If it’s too loose, it can slip over your head and fail to do its job. If it’s too tight, it won’t be comfortable, and you won’t wear it.
The best way to ensure a proper fit is to try on a PFD over your typical fishing clothes. Adjust the straps until it’s hugging your torso but not tight, and then have a friend try to pull it off over your head.
If they can succeed, your PFD is too loose or the wrong size.
Look for plenty of mesh, especially at the sides and back, durable fabrics, and lots of storage like pockets and D-rings to attach tools.
We also recommend bright, high-visibility colors to make you more noticeable on the water.
Bright colors, plentiful storage, and all-day comfort are important considerations when selecting a PFD.
Our favorite is the NRS Chinook OS. It’s available from the manufacturer in bright orange, offered in three sizes, and made from tough materials that’ll stand up to anything Mother Nature can throw at it.
Comfortable to wear, it’s packed with accessory pockets and tool attachments, making it a kayak angler’s best bet.
To see more of our favorite kayak fishing PFDs please visit our full buying guide: Best Kayak Fishing PFDs Reviewed: Safe Options For Kayak Anglers
Safety lights
Kayak anglers share the water with power boats, and without proper safety lights, that’s an accident waiting to happen.