Every serious angler knows a fishing kayak is more than just a vessel; it’s a mobile fishing platform. But the true potential of your kayak is unlocked not at the dealership, but in the accessories you choose. The right gear transforms a simple paddle into a highly efficient, organized, and safe fishing machine, tailored precisely to your style and the conditions you face.
From securing your essential electronics to transporting your kayak safely and keeping your rods organized, these components are the difference between a frustrating trip and a successful one. We’ve compiled a list of ten essential accessories that represent the best in their class, focusing on durability, functionality, and smart design to help you build the ultimate kayak fishing setup.
Essential Gear for Your Fishing Kayak
- RAM Mounts X-Grip Phone Holder with Double Socket Arm
- Scotty Side Deck Mounting Bracket (Black)
- YakAttack Omega Pro Track Mount Fishing Rod Holder
- Malone Downloader Folding J-Style Kayak Carrier
- RAILBLAZA Kayak StarPort HD Rectangular Mount Base
- MOPHOEXII Kayak Paddle Leash Stretchable Coiled Lanyard
- BENDING BRANCHES Angler Pro Fiberglass Kayak Paddle
- YakAttack BlackPak Pro Kayak Fishing Crate with Rod Holders
- YakAttack ProGlo Safety Flag Kit for Kayak Visibility
- YakAttack Lever Loader Kayak Cart
RAM Mounts X-Grip Phone Holder with Double Socket Arm
Keeping your phone or small GPS unit secure and visible is critical for navigation, marking waypoints, and even taking that triumphant photo of your catch. The RAM Mounts X-Grip system offers a reliable solution with its spring-loaded arms and rubber-tipped grips that securely hold your device without obscuring the screen. The included safety tether provides an extra layer of security for rough water or sudden movements.
Built with stainless steel and high-strength composites, this holder is made to withstand the demanding marine environment. The ball and socket joint provides near-infinite adjustability, allowing you to position your device at the perfect viewing angle to minimize glare and maximize convenience while your hands are busy fishing.
Scotty Side Deck Mounting Bracket
Versatility is key when rigging a fishing kayak, and the Scotty Side Deck Mounting Bracket is a fundamental component for expanding your options. This simple, robust bracket allows you to install any Scotty post-mount accessory, such as rod holders or fish finder arms, on the side of your kayak’s gunnel. This opens up valuable deck space and positions your gear exactly where you need it.
Its compact design is deceptively strong, and the ability to mount on either the top or side of the gunnel provides flexibility for different kayak models and personal preferences. For anglers looking to build out a custom rigging system, this bracket is an essential and reliable building block.
YakAttack Omega Pro Track Mount Fishing Rod Holder
The YakAttack Omega Pro is a significant step up from basic rod holders. Its universal design securely accommodates spinning, casting, conventional, and fly rods, making it the only rod holder many anglers will require. The quick-secure reel capture system ensures your valuable rod and reel combo stays put, even in choppy conditions.
Featuring a 360-degree rotating collar, you can lock your rod at any angle for trolling or storage. The innovative LockNLoad mounting system offers three distinct modes: locked for a rock-solid hold, adjustment for fine-tuning position, and removal for quick takedown. This combination of security and adaptability makes it a top-tier choice for serious kayak anglers.
Malone Downloader Folding J-Style Kayak Carrier
Getting your kayak to and from the water safely and easily is the first step to a good day of fishing. The Malone Downloader J-Style carrier simplifies this process with its clever design. The built-in boarding ramp makes loading your kayak onto your vehicle’s roof rack a much smoother, less strenuous task.
When not in use, the carriers fold down to increase your vehicle’s overhead clearance, which is ideal for garage parking. The oversized, durable padding protects your kayak’s hull from scratches and pressure points during transport, giving you peace of mind on the road.
RAILBLAZA Kayak StarPort HD Rectangular Mount Base
For anglers looking to upgrade or replace existing mounting hardware, the RAILBLAZA StarPort HD offers a robust and versatile solution. This rectangular base is designed as a practical replacement for pre-existing mounts from brands like Scotty, using the same industry-standard four-point installation pattern.
This means you can often use your existing hardware to install a stronger, more modern base. Once installed, the StarPort provides a secure anchor point for a wide array of RAILBLAZA accessories, helping you create a clean and highly functional rigging system on your kayak.
MOPHOEXII Kayak Paddle Leash Stretchable Coiled Lanyard
It’s a simple accessory, but a paddle or rod leash is cheap insurance against losing your most critical gear overboard. The MOPHOEXII leash is made from durable, anti-corrosion nylon and features a convenient coiled design that stretches from 36 inches to over 6 feet when needed.
This stretchability prevents the leash from becoming tangled while providing enough length for comfortable paddling and casting. Lightweight and easy to stow, you can quickly attach one end to your paddle or rod and the other to your kayak or life jacket, ensuring your equipment stays with you even if you lose your grip.
BENDING BRANCHES Angler Pro Fiberglass Kayak Paddle
Your paddle is your engine, and upgrading to a high-quality model like the Bending Branches Angler Pro can dramatically improve your efficiency and comfort on the water. This two-piece paddle is constructed with compression-molded fiberglass, resulting in a lightweight yet incredibly strong tool.
The blade shape has been refined by their professional staff to provide a more powerful stroke with less effort. A lighter paddle reduces fatigue during a long day of fishing and maneuvering, allowing you to save your energy for fighting fish.
YakAttack BlackPak Pro Kayak Fishing Crate with Rod Holders
Organization is paramount in the limited space of a kayak, and the YakAttack BlackPak Pro is a comprehensive storage solution. This heavy-duty crate is engineered with interlocking panels for superior rigidity, capable of holding tackle boxes and gear without flexing. It keeps all your essential items neatly contained and within reach.
A standout feature is the inclusion of six removable TetherTube rod holders, each with an integrated hook and tether system. This allows you to securely transport multiple rods while keeping them organized and protected from damage, making it an ideal centerpiece for your kayak’s tankwell or rear deck.
YakAttack ProGlo Safety Flag Kit
Safety should never be an afterthought. The YakAttack ProGlo Safety Flag significantly increases your kayak’s visibility to other boaters, especially in areas with powerboat traffic or during low-light conditions. This high-visibility flag makes your low-profile kayak much easier to spot on the water.
The kit is designed for universal compatibility with popular pole systems like the VISICarbon Pro and VISIPole II. It’s a simple, effective, and crucial accessory for anyone fishing on larger bodies of water, providing an added layer of security for you and your fellow anglers.
YakAttack Lever Loader Kayak Cart
Portaging your kayak from your vehicle to the water’s edge can be the most physically demanding part of the trip. The YakAttack Lever Loader Kayak Cart is engineered to make this task remarkably easy. Its innovative lever-action design allows you to lift and load your kayak onto the cart with minimal effort, saving your back for fishing.
Built with durable materials and featuring large, robust wheels, this cart can handle heavy loads across various terrains, from paved boat ramps to sandy beaches. For anglers with heavier fishing kayaks loaded with gear, a quality cart like the Lever Loader is not just an accessory—it’s a necessity.
What to Look For in the 10 Best Accessories for Fishing Kayaks: A Professional’s Choices
After years of fishing from a kayak, I have a simple philosophy: your kayak is a blank slate, and the accessories you add are what make it a serious fishing machine. But you can’t just throw every gadget you find at it. You need to think about function, safety, and how it all integrates. When I consider the 10 best accessories for fishing kayaks, my choices are always guided by a few key principles.
First, think about stability and safety before anything else. A high-quality Personal Flotation Device (PFD) designed for anglers is non-negotiable. It’s not just a legal requirement; it’s your most important piece of safety gear. Next, consider an anchor system. Whether it’s a simple folding anchor or a sophisticated trolley system, being able to hold your position in current or wind is a game-changer. It lets you focus on fishing, not constantly correcting your drift.
Second, prioritize organization and accessibility. A cluttered kayak is a frustrating kayak. This is where a good crate system comes in. A standard milk crate modified with rod holders and tackle organizers keeps your gear secure and within reach. Pair this with at least one, if not two, adjustable rod holders mounted within easy reach. You want to be able to quickly switch between active casting and trolling without fumbling around.
Finally, focus on utility and personal comfort. A paddle leash might seem trivial until you watch your paddle drift away. It’s a cheap and simple solution to a potentially trip-ending problem. For electronics, a fish finder with a dedicated through-hull or scupper mount gives you critical data about the world beneath you, helping you locate fish and structure. And don’t forget about yourself—a comfortable, breathable seat can make the difference between a fun four-hour session and a miserable one. Your back will thank you.
The goal is to build a setup that works for you. Start with the essentials that keep you safe and organized, then add the tech and comfort items that fit your budget and style of fishing. Every accessory should serve a clear purpose and make your time on the water more efficient and enjoyable.
FAQ
What is the single most important accessory for a fishing kayak?
Hands down, a proper angler-specific Personal Flotation Device (PFD). It’s not just a flotation device; it’s designed for mobility and often includes pockets for pliers, a whistle, and other small gear. Your safety is the foundation of every good fishing trip, and everything else is secondary.
Is an anchor really necessary for kayak fishing?
In my experience, yes, it’s a huge help. Wind and current can make it nearly impossible to stay on a productive spot. A simple anchor, even a 1.5-3 lb grapple anchor, connected with a rope and carabiner, gives you control. For even more versatility, an anchor trolley system lets you position your kayak at any angle to the wind or current without moving your seat.
How do I organize all my tackle on a kayak?
The classic and most effective solution is a modified milk crate. It’s inexpensive, durable, and you can customize it with PVC pipe for extra rod holders and strap on plastic boxes for your tackle. It fits perfectly in the tank well of most kayaks and keeps all your essential gear consolidated in one easy-to-reach place.
Are fish finders worth the investment for a kayak?
Absolutely. A basic fish finder does more than just show fish; it gives you water temperature and, most importantly, depth and bottom contour. This information is critical for understanding the underwater environment and locating structure where fish hold. It takes the guesswork out of fishing new water.
What’s a common accessory that new kayak anglers often overlook?
A paddle leash. It seems so simple, but it’s one of those things you don’t think you need until you need it. In the excitement of a hookset or while adjusting gear, it’s surprisingly easy to let go of your paddle. A leash ensures it stays attached to your kayak, preventing a long, awkward swim to retrieve it.