Transforming a standard kayak into a dedicated fishing machine requires the right set of accessories. The correct add-ons not only increase your storage and organization but also significantly boost your efficiency and comfort on the water, allowing you to focus on the catch. From essential rod management to critical electronics, these components are what separate a casual paddle from a productive fishing trip.
This professional’s roundup cuts through the clutter to bring you ten of the most effective and well-regarded add-ons available. We have selected products that enhance functionality, improve safety, and create a more streamlined angling experience, whether you’re a seasoned kayak angler or just getting your feet wet.
Essential Gear for Your Fishing Kayak
- Anndason 2 PCS 6” Black Deck Plate Kit
- YakAttack BlackPak Pro Kayak Fishing Crate
- PLUSINNO 2 in 1 Fishing Rod Holders
- LUCKY Kayak Portable Fish Depth Finder
- JAYEGT Kayak Seat Deluxe Padded Back
- Scotty 0141 Kayak/SUP Transducer Mounting Arm
- YakAttack ParkNPole 6′ Stakeout Pole
- RAM Mounts X-Grip Phone Holder
- Scotty Powerlock Rod Holder with Deck Mount
- YakAttack Leverage Kayak Cart
Anndason 2 PCS 6” Black Deck Plate Kit
Internal storage is a premium commodity on any kayak. The Anndason Deck Plate Kit solves this by providing clean, secure access to the hollow spaces inside your kayak’s hull. This two-piece set allows you to store items you need to keep dry or out of the way, such as safety gear, tools, or extra clothing.
Constructed from high-quality ABS material, these hatches are built for a long service life. A key feature is the included red waterproof storage bag, which can be removed from the hatch, giving you a safe and useful way to organize your gear. The integrated EVA gasket protects your kayak’s hull from damage and ensures a watertight seal.
YakAttack BlackPak Pro Kayak Fishing Crate
For anglers who need a centralized and secure system for their tackle and rods, the BlackPak Pro is a top-tier solution. Its redesigned, ultra-stiff panels with interlocking joints provide superior rigidity, making assembly straightforward and the final product incredibly durable. The compact 13″ x 16″ footprint is optimized to fit most kayak tankwells without sacrificing storage space.
This crate includes four integrated TetherTube rod holders, which feature a hook and tether system to keep your fishing rods secure even in choppy water or during a sudden capsize. Additional benefits include noise-dampening rubberized feet to prevent scraping and a customizable design that allows for further accessory attachment.
PLUSINNO 2 in 1 Fishing Rod Holders
Versatility is the core strength of the PLUSINNO rod holder. Its innovative 2-in-1 design offers compatibility with both track-mounted and deck-mounted systems, eliminating the need to purchase separate holders for different setups. This makes it an ultimate solution for anglers who use multiple kayaks or boats, solving compatibility issues instantly.
Stability is ensured through silicone gaskets that maximize the contact area and enhance friction, providing a secure and stable grip without scratching your boat’s surface. A standout safety feature is the integrated rod protection band, which securely fastens the rod and reel to the holder. This prevents accidental loss, giving you peace of mind during intense fights with fish.
LUCKY Kayak Portable Fish Depth Finder
Electronics can give you a significant advantage, and the LUCKY Handheld Fish Finder brings this technology within easy reach. This portable unit functions as both a fish finder and a depth finder, displaying approximate fish location and water depth up to 328 feet. The castable transducer can be attached to your kayak’s hull to provide real-time data as you move.
The display offers more than just depth; it also indicates bottom composition like short and tall weeds, sand, and rocks. Designed for convenience, its compact size allows for one-handed operation, and it includes a neck strap for hands-free wear. With five levels of sensitivity adjustment, it performs well in both clear and turbid water conditions.
JAYEGT Kayak Seat Deluxe Padded Back
Comfort is non-negotiable for long days on the water. The JAYEGT Kayak Seat addresses this with a deluxe padded design that provides crucial back support. The construction uses neoprene and 600D polyester with an inner layer of EVA foam and a PE plate, creating a durable and comfortable seat that is built to last.
It comes with four adjustable straps, making it suitable for a wide range of kayaks and canoes. The long straps with metal spring hooks prevent the seat from slipping, ensuring your stability and safety. A particularly useful feature is the detachable storage bag, which is made from water-resistant material and offers a convenient place to store personal items and small accessories.
Scotty 0141 Kayak/SUP Transducer Mounting Arm
For anglers using a fish finder, properly mounting the transducer is critical for accurate readings. The Scotty 0141 Mounting Arm provides an easy and reliable solution for installing transducers on kayaks and SUPs. It is designed to work seamlessly with Scotty’s track system, offering a secure and adjustable mounting point.
The package includes the #438 gear-head track adapter, which enables the attachment of Scotty’s universal sounder mount. This system allows you to instantly drop and lock your fish finder mount or other Scotty accessories into place. This robust arm ensures your transducer is positioned correctly in the water, free from interference, for optimal performance.
YakAttack ParkNPole 6′ Stakeout Pole
Staying positioned in a specific spot, especially in wind or current, is a common challenge for kayak anglers. The YakAttack ParkNPole acts as a manual anchor, allowing you to stick your kayak in place quickly and quietly. This is ideal for sight fishing or holding position over a productive hole without spooking fish with a noisy anchor.
Made from wear-resistant nylon, this 6-foot pole is built to withstand repeated use in tough conditions. The foot and tip are UV stable, preventing degradation from sun exposure. Its simple, effective design provides immediate stability, giving you the freedom to focus on casting and retrieving without constantly drifting.
RAM Mounts X-Grip Phone Holder
In today’s fishing world, a smartphone is a multi-tool, serving as a GPS, chartplotter, camera, and communication device. The RAM Mounts X-Grip Holder provides a supremely secure way to mount your phone on your kayak. Its spring-loaded ‘X’ design with rubber caps offers excellent holding power without obstructing your screen.
Built with stainless steel components and high-strength composite materials, this mount is reliable in demanding marine environments. The ball and socket technology allows for near-infinite adjustability, so you can position your phone for perfect visibility. An optional device tether is included for added peace of mind during rugged use.
Scotty Powerlock Rod Holder with Deck Mount
As one of the most popular and trusted rod holders on the market, the Scotty Powerlock offers exceptional value and performance. Its universal cradle design accommodates almost any rod and reel setup. The positive locking, open-style mechanism is both simple to use and highly effective at securing your gear.
A key safety feature is the front locking ring, which prevents rod loss when traveling to and from your fishing spot or in rough water. This package includes the #241 Combination Side/Deck Mount, providing flexibility for installation on either the top or the side of your kayak’s gunnel, allowing you to customize your setup for optimal accessibility.
YakAttack Leverage Kayak Cart
Transporting your heavily loaded fishing kayak from your vehicle to the water’s edge can be the most strenuous part of the day. The YakAttack Leverage Kayak Cart eliminates this struggle. This robust cart is engineered to handle the weight and awkward size of a fishing kayak with ease, saving your back and energy for the fishing ahead.
Its design focuses on stability and ease of use, allowing you to quickly load your kayak and roll it over various terrains, including sand, gravel, and pavement. By making the journey to the water smooth and simple, this cart is more than just an accessory; it’s a tool that preserves your stamina and improves your overall kayaking experience.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in Fishing Kayak Add-Ons
After years of fishing from a kayak, I have a pretty good idea of what works and what just ends up being dead weight. When you are looking at the best add-ons for fishing kayaks, it is not about buying every gadget you see. It is about making smart choices that improve your time on the water. The goal is to increase your comfort, organization, and ultimately, your success in catching fish. You need to think about your kayak as a small, personal fishing platform that you can customize to fit your exact style.
First, consider your kayak itself. Is it a sit-on-top or a sit-inside model? Sit-on-tops are generally more popular for fishing and offer more flexibility for adding gear tracks, rod holders, and crates. Next, think about your primary fishing environment. Are you on calm lakes, fast-moving rivers, or big, open bays? This will dictate your priorities. For example, an anchor system is much more critical in a river with current than on a placid pond. Your personal style matters, too. If you are a minimalist, you might just want a paddle leash and a single rod holder. If you are a gearhead like me, you will appreciate a full fish finder and a powered anchor winch.
Durability is non-negotiable. Everything you bring is going to get wet, be exposed to UV rays, and possibly get banged around. Look for materials like marine-grade aluminum, stainless steel, and plastics that are rated for outdoor use. Corrosion-resistant hardware is a must. I also pay close attention to how an add-on attaches to my kayak. The most common method is via track systems. If your kayak does not have tracks, installing some should be your first upgrade. They are incredibly versatile and allow you to mount almost anything, from rod holders to camera arms, and let you adjust their position on the fly.
Finally, think about the installation process. Some items, like a new seat, might be a simple drop-in replacement. Others, like installing a transducer for a fish finder, can be more involved and require drilling into your hull. If you are not comfortable with that, look for scupper mount or arm-based transducer options. Start with the essentials that address safety and basic function—a personal flotation device is not an add-on, it is a requirement—then build out from there based on what you feel you are missing on the water. The best upgrades are the ones that solve a problem you have actually encountered.
FAQ
What is the single most important add-on for a fishing kayak?
For me, it is a tie between a high-quality, comfortable seat and a paddle leash. A good seat transforms a miserable, back-aching day into a comfortable one, allowing you to fish longer and focus on the fish, not your discomfort. A paddle leash is the cheapest and simplest insurance policy you can buy. The moment you lean over to net a fish or grab something from a crate, your paddle can silently slip away. A leash keeps it tethered to your kayak, preventing a very long and embarrassing paddle back to shore with your hands.
Are anchor systems really necessary for kayak fishing?
In many situations, absolutely. Wind and current can push you off a productive spot in seconds. A simple anchor system, even a small folding grapnel anchor with some rope and a cleat, gives you the ability to hold your position. This is crucial for working a specific structure, like a submerged tree or a rock pile, or for taking a break to eat lunch without drifting across the lake. For deeper water or stronger currents, a power-pole style shallow water anchor or an electronic anchor winch can be a game-changer, though they are a more significant investment.
How difficult is it to install a fish finder on a kayak?
The difficulty varies. The electronics part is usually straightforward—it is just connecting wires. The challenge is mounting the transducer, which is the part that reads the bottom. You have a few options: through-hull mounting (which requires drilling a hole in the hull), in-hull bonding (gluing it inside a dry well), or using a scupper mount or an adjustable arm. The arm mounts are the easiest for beginners as they require no permanent modification to the kayak. I started with an arm mount and it worked perfectly fine until I was ready to commit to a more permanent installation.
I see a lot of anglers using kayak carts. Are they worth it?
If you have any significant distance to cover between your vehicle and the water’s edge, a kayak cart is worth its weight in gold. Hauling a fully-loaded fishing kayak, which can easily weigh 80-120 pounds, across a parking lot and down a rocky path is a great way to ruin your day before it even starts. A good cart makes the transport effortless and saves your back and your energy for fishing. Look for one with wide, pneumatic tires if you will be dealing with soft sand or rough terrain.
What is one add-on that is often overlooked by new kayak anglers?
A good, waterproof storage bag or box for your phone, keys, and wallet. Many new anglers focus on fishing gear and forget about their personal items. A simple dry bag is inexpensive and provides peace of mind. I also think a first-aid kit and a basic tool kit are overlooked. You do not need a full mechanic’s set, but a multi-tool, some zip ties, and a roll of duct tape can get you out of a lot of minor jams on the water. Being self-sufficient is a big part of the kayak fishing appeal.