OK, you’ve got yourself the basics; kayak, PFD, paddle, rod, reel & tackle, but what else do you need to bring with you Kayak Fishing? I’ve gone through all of my gear and made this list of the 10 must have tools that anyone should bring kayak fishing, plus a few others.
10 Must Have Tools
1. A GOOD KNIFE
The number one tool that I need to have with me every time I go out is a good knife. I’ll use a knife to cut fishing line. If I need to quickly separate my kayak from my anchor, I can just cut the line. I can use it to kill a fish that I catch or cut up bait. Some even come with a compass on the handle. You can’t say too much about a good knife.
I like to carry 2 knives on me. One small folding knife that can fit in the pocket of my PFD and a larger fixed blade that I stash on my kayak crate. The small knife is for more regular chores around the kayak, while the fixed blade is mainly there for other “situations.”
Having a pair of scissors or a fish bat can be very useful while you’re kayak fishing, but if you forget to bring them or just don’t have room, a knife will get the job done just as well.
2. PLYERS/HOOK PULLERS
I’ve been out a few times where I’ve caught a fish and forgot to bring any plyers or hook remover. It’s a bummer too because some of those fish were too small and I don’t think I was able to get the hooks out very cleanly.
For the sake of the fish bring some plyers and/or a hook puller. It is so much easier getting a hook out with one of these. I especially like hook pullers for when the hook gets swallowed deep down into the gut. They are able to dislodge most of those hooks with relative ease, ensuring a safe release if you are throwing the fish back.
Quality plyers can be just as good as hook pullers in most circumstances, plus they can even act as cutters for wire leaders or basic fishing line. You can also use a pair of plyers to hold your hook while you are tying line to it or to do any emergency repairs to your kayak, like repairing fittings or attachments.
3. FISHING GLOVES
I never really understood fishing gloves until I started fishing from a kayak. I am constantly reaching out for my line, trying to bring it into my kayak. With a fish on the other end, that could make for some cut up hands.
A good pair of gloves can also help with paddling long distances. They can offer support and comfort and drastically cut down on the number of blisters that usually form on those long trips out.
Lastly, fishing gloves will help you when it comes to handling your catch. Spiky fins or abrasive scales are no fun, especially while their thrashing on the deck of your kayak. You need to be confident that you can get a good grip on the fish and fishing gloves will let you do just that.
4. COOLER/STRINGER
This one is something most beginning fishermen tend to overlook, how to keep their catch cold. Luckily there are a few pretty cool options for kayak fishermen these days. We’re pretty crammed for space, so good design is really important.
- Fish Stringers – A fish stringer is pretty much a length of rope or chain to attach to your catch. Some have clasps that hook onto the fish, others are just a piece of string with a hoop on one end. The fish are kept on this stringer off the side of the kayak in the water.
Saltwater fishermen BEWARE!! Nothing attracks big ‘ole meany more than a little fish blood and that’s exactly what you have trailing a rope full of fish in the water off your kayak. If you don’t want to lose your catch or worse, a cooler would be your best bet. - Cooler – There are some awesome designs for fish coolers these days that work great on kayaks. I like the fish bags that can fit into the front hatch of the kayak, with the opening to the bag right at the opening of the hatch making it super easy to place a fish inside.
Some people use a cooler that fits into the rear hatch, either custom designed or a typical soft cooler that fits where your kayak crate would be, it all depends on how you like to set up your kayak and the options your kayak has available.
Just remember, make sure you bring plenty of ice to fill those coolers so you can get your fish down in temperature as quickly as possible.
5. SAFETY GEAR
Something that’s never necessary, until it is. Do not overlook bringing safety gear with you on your kayak. These items are just as important as your PFD.
There was one time when I was fishing off of the Kona Coast when the winds suddenly shifted. It went from a mildly windy day to a full on windstorm!! Luckily I found a cove to hunker down in to wait it out (which took the whole day). I wish I could’ve let my family know I was alright. With a VHF radio I could’ve done just that. Now I carry all sorts of safety gear, just in case.
- Whistle, Airhorn, Signal Mirror & Flares – All items to get someone’s attention to let them know that you are in distress.
- VHF Radio – Having a way to communicate can save your life. Whether it be with a kayaking buddy, someone on land or communicating your distress on a public channel, a VHF radio can bring you help fast.
- Compass – When all other forms of navigation fail, having a compass and knowing how to use it is very important to have. It doesn’t have to take up much space either.
- Sunscreen/Hat/Water – The sun can sap you dry when you’re out on the open water. Make sure you keep yourself protected from it and drink plenty water.
- Waterproof Flashlight – Cause you’ll never know if you might be coming home after dark.
- Light Pole/Flag – Having a way for others to see you is very important, especially in waters with heavy boat traffic or in the ocean. A 360° white light is actually mandated by law if you are out after dark.
- First Aid Kit – Equipped with bandages and suture kit
Ok, I know. That was more than one item, but its all safety related so let’s just pretend its just one item. It easily can be. I put all my safety gear into one small dry bag and store it in my kayak crate. Just one bag of safety gear that you have to throw in the next time you go out.
6. NET/GAFF
I love my net. The first time I actually caught a fish from my kayak I did not bring a net. I got that fish right next to my kayak and then I was stuck. How do I get that big fish from the water onto the deck of my boat without ripping the hook out? Luckily I pulled it off, but I went out and got a net soon after.
Since then, whenever I catch a fish all I have to do is scoop it right out of the water with my net. If I have to throw the fish back for any reason, a net is much gentler on a fish rather than yanking it out of the water by a hook. Many fish have been lost trying it that way.
If you are going for bigger fish, you may want to think of bringing along a gaff, or two!! The biggest fishing nets can really only hold fish up to 30lbs. Time the use of the gaff just right to hit the fish just behind the head. If you miss you might just get the thrashing of your life.
7. FISHING LICENSE
In most places you need one and if you are caught without you can be in for some REAL trouble. It does not matter if you have one and left it in the car, it needs to be on your body, usually displayed in a public place. A fine from the game warden is no laughing matter. Sometimes they’ll confiscate your gear!!
Check in with your local tackle shop to see if and where you can get your fishing license. It’s usually pretty easy. I used to live in Northern CA where most any beachside town had a gas station that sold fishing licenses. They don’t cost much and will save you a lot of money if you ever get caught.
8. MEASURING DEVICE
Having a way to measure the fish you catch is very important. Some fish need a minimum size in order for you to keep. It is important that you know what the regulations are in your local waters and carry a measurement device to ensure you meet the limits.
There are some fishing inspired paddle manufacturers that include a scale onto their paddles. You can also make one of your own if your paddle does not already have one. The handle of your net could also work for this purpose. Even if it’s just a measuring tape, make sure you bring a way to measure your fish.
9. FISH GRIP/SCALE
I usually fish inshore saltwater and a lot of those fish have teeth. I prefer to try not to have to lip one of those guys with my bare hands. Having a fish grip to handle these fish allows me to safely remove a hook without harming the fish or myself.
Some Fish Grips come equipped with a scale, which is really cool if you are fishing in a tournament or just want to know how heavy your catch is. I don’t know, I like numbers. I usually write down the stats for all my catches; fish type, length and weight. Maybe its the old baseball fan in me.
10. EXTRA ROPE
When does extra rope not come in handy? You may have to tie down your gear or replace your anchor line. Things happen. Rope is cheap and does not take up much room on your kayak. You can find creative ways to store it, like wrapping paracord around your rod holders or something similar.
I have been glad to have an extra rope from time to time just to tie my boat off to a stationary object while I’m fishing. I am sure you will be too.
BONUS ITEMS
You’ll be pretty set if you carry all of the items suggested above, but if you really want to make your fishing life more comfortable, you may want to add a few of these items into your toolkit.
- Scissors – A knife could easily replace scissors, but it is so much nicer to use scissors to cut fishing line. I like to keep a pair in my PFD with a retractable leash that keeps it from getting a way from me.
- Wire Cutters – If you use a lot of wire leaders, a pair of wire cutters help out pretty well. Most plyers can do the same job, but wire cutters are so much easier.
- Fish Club – Some call it the “Preacher” as it serves the fish it’s last rights. A great way to kill a fish quick and humanely.
- Paddle & Rod Leashes – You don’t want to lose your stuff.
- Anchor/Drift Sock – If you don’t have one of these yet, get one. They make fishing in one place off your kayak so much easier. No more having to readjust your position every 5 minutes.
- FishFinder/GPS – If you are fishing in the ocean, this is a must have. A fish finder will dramatically affect your fishing game, for the better. Bonus if it is equipped with GPS, a great safety feature if you get lost or blown off course.
- Waterproof Camera – Sometimes it’s hard to get people to believe that you caught something if you don’t have anything to document it with. Having a camera to show your significant that you’re not just out there to get away from them is invaluable. Sometimes it’s nice to brag too.
- Snacks – You don’t want to end your trip short just because you are hungry. Bring plenty of snacks and water along so that you can have a full belly and a positive attitude.
Besides the basics, this list pretty much covers everything that you would want to bring with you on your next fishing trip. If there is ever anything essential that comes up that should be added to this list, I’ll be sure to try and update it.
I’ve created a PDF checklist that you can print out of all the tools you’ll need to bring kayak fishing. That way, next time you go fishing, just print out the list and use it to check all the items off as you go, so you won’t forget a thing. I hope it helps. Happy Fishing!!!