People like yourself want to know, “How do I make my fishing kayak better?” right? Outfitting a kayak for fishing into the ‘Ultimate Fishing Machine’ is more about customizing your kayak to your own personal needs and fishing style than anything else.
When it comes to rigging my own kayak, it’s always an ongoing process. Every time I slide my kayak into the water, I come home with a tweak or two in mind to improve my setup! Modifying and improving your kayak never seems to end!
Let’s take a look at the kayak fishing essentials every ultimate kayak fishing setup has.
1) Fishing Rod Holders for Accessibility and Safety
When you take your kayak out for the first time, you’ll notice most kayaks have a rod-holding system. Many will have flush-mounted rod holders behind your sitting area. Some may have them out in front of your seat, too.
You will find that they are not in the best possible position for you! Your rods must be close and easy to reach but not in your way when casting or reaching for a net or other gear.
By keeping your fishing rods out of the way, you are less likely to break them or trip over them. An organized kayak is a safer kayak!
There are two basic types of rod holders you can install or upgrade to!
Flush Mounted Rod Holders
Flush-mounted rod holders are built into the kayak and sit flush with the kayak’s top. Once you install a flush-mounted rod holder, they are there for a long time!
Kayak Deck Plastic Flush Rod Mounts
These sturdy holders keep your rods in place, freeing up your hands for paddling or other tasks. They’re easy to install and blend seamlessly with your kayak’s deck, making your fishing trips more convenient and organized.
Flush-mounted rod holders are out of your way since they sit flat on the kayak! Many fishermen like them for that reason alone! Not much will become hung up on them!
Track Mounted Rod Holders
Track-mounted rod holders are preferred by many as they are adjustable at any time, and most will swing 360 degrees to give you the best options for rod placement.
If you do not already have track mounting bases on your kayak, they are easy to install. I have found the RAILBLAZA Rod Holder R with MiniPort Track Mount to be a great accessory, and it’s also interchangeable with other accessory items!
Railblaza Rod Holder R w/MiniPort
The Railblaza Rod Holder R is perfect for kayak anglers looking to keep their rods secure and accessible. Its adjustable design lets you position your rod at the perfect angle, while the MiniPort base allows for easy installation and quick adjustments.
Track-mounted rod holders can be placed and moved around on the fly as needed for different trolling and casting applications. They are definitely my choice of rod holders!
Related Article: Can You Add Rod Holders to Your Kayak?
Whichever rod holder you choose, flush-mount or track-mount, you’ll be one step closer to building your own customized fishing platform!
2) Gear Bags and Crate Systems for Storing Your Gear
Nothing will define and separate your kayak from all the others more than how you haul your fishing gear in it. And tackle gear bags and crate systems come in many shapes and sizes!
Tackle Bags and Trays
You can choose from hundreds of tackle bags and hard-plastic trays to store your fishing gear!
Plano 3700 Stowaway Boxes (4-Pack)
The Plano 3700 boxes are essential for keeping your fishing tackle organized. Each box features adjustable compartments that securely hold your lures, hooks, and gear, preventing tangles and mess. Their clear design allows for easy identification of contents, making it simple to find what you need quickly while on the water.
Personally, I store most of my crankbaits, spoons, and spinners in the Plano 3700 Prolatch Stowaway plastic boxes. The boxes are super easy to stack and store. Plus, you can see everything inside and readily grab exactly what you need!
Plano Z-Series Tackle Bag
The Plano Z-Series Tackle Bag is a rugged, water-resistant solution for kayak anglers needing organized gear storage. Its zipperless design provides easy access to your tackle while keeping it secure and dry. It has multiple compartments and a durable construction, and it’s perfect for any fishing adventure.
Most of the better tackle bags are built to accept the Plano 3700 Series of boxes and are compact enough to toss into your kayak. They have numerous storage pockets to hold extra spools of fishing line, line cutters, hook removers, and your other items.
Kayak Crate Systems
There are many ways to build your own crate to store your fishing gear, landing net, tackle, and rods.
Milk Crate
The most common and popular is to build your own crate system from a milk crate you can pick up at your grocer’s! You’ll see them on kayaks with DIY PVC tubes to hold their rods and plastic dividers to store their 3700 Series tackle boxes!
Flambeau Tuff Krate
The Flambeau Tuff Krate is a rugged and versatile storage solution for kayak anglers. Its sturdy construction and ample storage compartments keep your gear safe and organized on the water. Designed for easy access and portability, it’s perfect for keeping all your fishing essentials within reach.
If you would rather start with a good foundation and build it up from there, the Flambeau Tuff Krate is a great option!
YakAttack BlackPak Pro Crate
The YakAttack BlackPak Pro Crate is a top-notch storage solution for kayak anglers. Its robust, weather-resistant design keeps your gear safe and organized, with ample space for tackle boxes and accessories. It has built-in rod holders and customizable storage options, perfect for optimizing your kayak fishing setup.
Milk crates are an economical way to carry your gear in the back of your kayaks well. With a little ingenuity, you can develop many ways to modify them to suit your needs!
Crate Systems
Manufacturers offer two types of crate systems: hard-side and soft-side crates. I prefer the hard side and chose the Wilderness System Kayak Krate for my kayak!
I like the idea of having a solid, hard side so it doesn’t get crushed. It holds four rods and my tackle inside and is easy to remove when transporting!
The other option for the soft side is the Pelican Exocrate Fishing Bag, which fits around a milk crate.
Pelican Exocrate Fishing Bag
The Pelican Exocrate Fishing Bag is an excellent gear storage solution for kayak anglers. Its durable, water-resistant design provides secure, organized storage for your tackle and accessories. With multiple pockets and easy-access compartments, this bag makes managing your fishing gear on the water effortless.
Dry Bags
If your kayak does not have a waterproof storage area, a good dry bag will allow you to keep your electronic accessories, camera gear, and clothing dry. You can toss your hoodie and change your clothing inside so that if you become wet, you have warm clothes to change into.
There are quite a few options when it comes to dry bags and their sizes. I recommend you check them out and decide if one of them is right for you!
3) Fish Finder To Locate the Hotspots and Fish
A fish finder will make your day way more productive when it comes to locating fish.
If you’re beginning to hit the water fishing and don’t want to invest much money into electronics, I highly recommend the Navionics Boating App for your cell phone or tablet.
There is a Free Trial Version, which is okay, but the paid version is $49.99 right now. I’ve had it on my cell phone for years, and I use it when I’m in the kayak and ice fishing.
The boating app for your cell phone offers the latest technology in updates, overlays, planning, and navigation. It has the same charting experience and value as their premium chart plotter mapping products, Navionics Platinum+™ and Garmin Navionics Vision+™.
For the past few years, my personal choice of fish finder has been the Humminbird Helix 5 DI G2. It has a 5″ screen, is fairly compact, and has GPS capability to show me exactly where I am at all times!
Humminbird Helix 5 DI G2
The Humminbird Helix 5 DI G2 is a powerful fish finder for serious kayak anglers. It features Down Imaging technology and a clear, bright display showing detailed underwater views, helping you locate fish and structures precisely. With its user-friendly interface and built-in GPS, this device makes navigating and fishing more efficient and enjoyable.
What I like about this unit the best is it can be easily transferred from my kayak to my four Arctic Cat four-wheeler or Polaris snowmobile for ice fishing! When I finish the ice fishing season, it goes right back on the kayak!
Not only is it simple to move from one to the other, it contains all my waypoints and fishing hotspots!
The Lowrance HOOK2 4X – 4-inch Fish Finder with Bullet Skimmer Transducer is an economical choice for those just starting. The transducer can easily be fitted into a scupper hole, on an electric motor, or with a side mount.
Lowrance HOOK2 4x Fish Finder
The Lowrance HOOK2 4x Fish Finder is a great tool for kayak anglers seeking reliable fish detection. Its wide-angle sonar provides clear and accurate views of fish and underwater structures, helping you find the best spots to cast. Its simple setup and easy-to-use interface make your fishing trips more productive and enjoyable.
4) Portable Livewell To Keep Your Bait It’s Freshest
For myself, I very rarely use live bait any longer when fishing. When I was trotlining flathead catfish on the Kansas rivers, I used a lot of bullheads for bait, though!
With that being said, I have been out with other guys when using live bait, and having a good live bait container onboard or with a buddy is definitely a good thing to have!
The Engel Live Bait Cooler & Minnow Bucket is the most popular baitwell among the guys I have fished with. Its aerator keeps your bait alive longer than most other bait buckets.
Engel 13qt Live Bait Cooler
The Engel 13qt Live Bait Cooler is essential for kayak anglers who want to keep their bait fresh and lively. Its insulated design and integrated aerator maintain optimal conditions for your bait, ensuring it stays active and ready to attract fish. Compact and durable, this cooler is perfect for a day on the water.
Having lively bait can be a key factor in producing good-quality fish or even catching any fish at all!
5) Action Camera to Record Your Catches and Trips
Once you’re out there fishing, you may want to start a YouTube channel or get some good shots for your family and friends. A good action camera just cannot be beaten!
Sure, your cell phone takes a great picture and even better video, but why chance losing it in the water or getting it ruined? Action cameras are waterproof and shockproof!
Like many others on the water, I love GoPro Action cameras. I have three, the GoPro 5, 6, and 7, with numerous accessories. They are the top-rated action cameras for a reason: reliability and the ability to place them almost anywhere!
Plus, they’re waterproof and can be submerged beneath your kayak, allowing you to get awesome shots of your kayak gliding over or even fish on their spawning beds!
The one camera I have been eyeing for the past year is the TACTACAM Fish-i Wide Lens Fishing Action Camera!
Tactacam Fish I-Wide Lens Fishing Camera
The Tactacam Fish-I Wide Lens Fishing Camera is perfect for capturing your kayak fishing adventures. With its wide-angle lens and HD video capability, it records stunning underwater footage and action shots. Easy to mount and waterproof, it’s designed to handle all your fishing excursions and help you relive every exciting moment.
I’ve seen it in action, and it’s an amazing camera. I just don’t need a fourth camera right now! But at half the price of the GoPro, it’s a serious contender to take over the kayaking and boating scene!
6) Landing Net to Safely Handle Fish and Remove Hooks
The last thing you want to have in your kayak is a large fish flopping around, slinging a crankbait loaded with treble hooks around!
Related Article: Nets for Kayak Fishing: Do You Really Need One
Not only can the fish injure itself, but it can also injure you. Another reason to have a quality landing net is to secure your fish at the side of your kayak!
With a long-handled landing net, you won’t need to lean too far to lift a larger fish. There have been instances where kayaks have flipped over while trying to fight or land a fish!
Related Article: Do Fishing Kayaks Flip Over Easily? The 3 Common Causes!
My net of choice is a larger net that can handle about any fish I target. Smaller fish are easily lipped or brought into the kayak. For larger fish like northern pike, trophy walleyes, or numerous ocean fish, the Yakattack Leverage Landing Net is by far the best for the job!
YakAttack Kayak Folding Landing Net
The YakAttack Kayak Folding Landing Net is a must-have for kayak anglers, designed for easy use and storage. Its compact, foldable design makes it perfect for space-limited kayaks, while the sturdy netting securely handles your catch. Its durable construction and comfortable grip make it ideal for landing fish quickly and efficiently.
7) Kayak Paddle Specifically Designed for Fishing
There are many different types of kayak paddles, and one designed specifically for fishing will suit you the best!
A fishing kayak paddle will be built with your needs in mind. A built-in tape measure right on the handle makes measuring a fish a breeze, and it can keep you out of trouble if there is a slot or length limit on the water you’re fishing on!
You’ll find them with a hook retrieval notch built into the blade, so you can retrieve your expensive lures when they get hung up!
Kayak fishing paddles come in two pieces, and the better ones will have an adjustable ferrule for feathering angles 0° and 60°, with either left or right-hand control.
The Bending Branches Angler Ace paddle is a good, solid kayak fishing paddle that won’t break the bank. It’s economical and gets the job done nicely!
Bending Branches Angler Ace 2-pc Paddle
The Angler Ace 2-pc Paddle is the perfect companion for kayak fishing. Its lightweight and durable construction provides smooth, efficient paddling, while the integrated hook retrieval system helps manage your line. Its adjustable design makes it easy to use and customize, making it ideal for all-day fishing trips.
With a carbon paddle, you’ll be less fatigued at the end of the day and paddle further and longer!
8) Anchor and Trolley Kit To Position Your Kayak
Add an anchor and trolley kit to your kayak’s fishing ability. Both will come in handy when you’re fishing over a certain spot or piece of submerged structure. Winds and currents will shift your kayak, and you’ll constantly try to return to your spot!
Related Article: Kayak Fishing Anchors – Do You Really Need One?
An anchor kit will include all you need to mount your hardware to your kayak. Most anchor kits include:
Best Marine and Outdoors Kayak Anchor Kit
The Kayak Anchor Kit is essential for keeping your kayak steady while you fish. This complete kit includes a durable anchor, rope, and a convenient storage bag, making it easy to deploy and retrieve. Perfect for anchoring in various conditions, it ensures you stay in your ideal fishing spot.
- 3.5 lb anchor
- 40 to 50 foot of marine-grade rope
- Storage bag
- Buoy Ball for detaching from the anchor line
- Stainless Steel carabiner
When you need your kayak positioned at an angle to the wind or current while anchored, an anchor trolley mounted to the side of your kayak will take care of that for you!
Related Article: How Does a Kayak Anchor Trolley Work?
The trolley lets you pull the anchor line next to your seat to attach or unhook from it without having to leave your seated position! For better control, more advanced kayakers will have an anchor trolley on each side of their kayak.
Related Article: How Long Should a Kayak Anchor Line Be
The ability to attach your anchor line to either side of the kayak gives you more options on how to fish a certain piece of structure. These little nuances will separate good fishermen from the top-level fishermen!
9) Drift Chute for When You Don’t Want To Anchor
When you can’t anchor in a spot, a drift chute is your go-to thing on board your kayak!
If the water is too deep to anchor in, or you simply want to drift over a certain spot or piece of structure, the drift chute is deployed!
Moocy Kayak Drift Sock Kit
The Moocy Kayak Drift Sock Kit controls your kayak’s drift in windy or strong current conditions. This kit includes a durable drift sock and a 30-foot tether, which help slow your movement and keep you in the ideal fishing spot. Easy to deploy and store, it’s essential for maintaining stability and precision while kayak fishing.
The way it works is to slow down your kayak as the wind or current pushes it along. Drift chutes come in different sizes and kits!
10) Cooler To Keep Your Fish Fresh for the Drive Home
Nobody likes to cook or eat old fish sitting on a kayak or stringer all day! Adding a fish cooler and a little ice to your kayak lets you keep your catch fresh for the whole day!
Related Article: How Do You Carry a Cooler on a Fishing Kayak?
There are many options for keeping your catch cool, like the Calcutta Fish Coolers Bag, which is insulated, waterproof, and available in different sizes. They are also easy to handle and carry around!
Calcutta Outdoors Pack Fish Cooler Bag
The Calcutta Outdoors Pack Fish Cooler Bag is ideal for kayak anglers who must keep their catch fresh. Its insulated, leak-proof design maintains the perfect temperature, ensuring your fish stay cool and secure. With durable handles and ample storage, it’s easy to carry and perfect for a successful day on the water.
The Reliable Insulated Kayak Fish Bag attaches to your kayak’s deck upfront and is designed for larger fish!
Reliable Insulated Kayak Fish Bag
The Insulated Kayak Fish Bag is perfect for kayak anglers who must keep their catch fresh and cool. Its thick insulation and leak-proof design maintain optimal temperature, preserving fish throughout the day. Its durable construction and convenient carrying handles make it easy to transport and ideal for long fishing trips.
11) Personal Flotation Device – Never Go Without It!
By now, you should have at least one high-quality PFD to wear while you’re out kayaking. Rule #1 is to never go on the water without one!
It’s best to have at least two PFDs with you since one of your buddies may forget theirs, and the one you let them wear may save your buddy’s life!
NRS Chinook Fishing Kayak PFD
The NRS Chinook Fishing Kayak PFD is a top choice for kayak anglers seeking comfort and functionality. Designed with multiple pockets and attachment points, it keeps your fishing gear handy and organized. Its high-back design ensures a comfortable fit with kayak seats, making it perfect for long days on the water.
There are quite a few life jackets and PFDs floating around on the market, but I break them down to three, and you can see the PFD I chose to wear here! Best Kayak Fishing Life Jacket: My top pick
You don’t need to “break the bank” to build the Ultimate Fishing Kayak Setup. In fact, you can find or build many of the essentials as you like and have the Ultimate “Budget Fishing Kayak” Setup as well!
Add a few upgrades as your time allows you. Pick up an accessory or two whenever you can, and enjoy the sport of kayak fishing and all it has to offer!
Have fun, and stay safe out there!