Every serious angler knows a fishing kayak is more than just a vessel; it’s a customizable fishing platform. The right accessories can dramatically improve your time on the water, turning a basic kayak into a highly efficient, comfortable, and fish-catching machine. From essential organization to advanced electronics, these add-ons are the difference between a good day and a great one.
This guide cuts through the clutter to bring you nine of the best add-ons available. We’ve focused on products that enhance functionality, increase storage, and boost your overall fishing success. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a seasoned pro, these upgrades will help you get the most out of your kayak fishing adventures.
Essential Upgrades 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
- NOCO GENIUS1 Smart Battery Charger
- Humminbird Helix 5 G3 GPS Fish Finder
- Scotty Kayak and Canoe Universal Gear Track
- YakAttack ParkNPole Anchor Pole for Kayaks
Anndason 2 PCS 6” Black Deck Plate Kit
Internal storage is a precious commodity on any kayak. The Anndason Deck Plate Kit allows you to create secure, watertight compartments within your kayak’s hull. This is perfect for stashing items you need to keep dry, like your phone, keys, wallet, or a spare set of clothes. The high-quality ABS construction is built for a long life, resisting the harsh marine environment.
Each hatch comes with a removable red waterproof bag, adding an extra layer of security for your gear. The EVA gasket protects your kayak’s hull from damage during installation and use, ensuring a snug and secure fit. Installing these hatches gives you quick and easy access to your most important belongings without cluttering your deck space.
YakAttack BlackPak Pro Kayak Fishing Crate
Organization is key to a successful fishing trip, and the YakAttack BlackPak Pro is a top-tier solution for your kayak’s tankwell. Its redesigned, ultra-stiff panels with interlocking joints provide superior rigidity, ensuring your gear stays put even in choppy conditions. The compact 13″ x 16″ footprint is optimized to fit most kayaks while offering ample space for tackle boxes and other essentials.
This crate includes four integrated TetherTube rod holders, which feature a hook and tether system to securely hold your fishing rods. This means you can have multiple rods ready to go without worrying about them going overboard. The addition of noise-dampening rubberized feet is a thoughtful touch, preventing annoying rattles and protecting your kayak’s surface.
PLUSINNO 2 in 1 Fishing Rod Holders
Versatility is the name of the game with the PLUSINNO rod holder. Its innovative 2-in-1 design offers compatibility with both track-mounted and deck-mounted systems, solving compatibility issues and eliminating the need for separate holders. This makes it an ultimate solution for anglers who use different kayaks or boats, as it can adapt to various setups with ease.
Stability is ensured with silicone gaskets that maximize the contact area and enhance friction, providing a secure and stable grip without scratching your boat’s surface. A standout feature is the protective strap that securely fastens your rod and reel to the holder. This gives you peace of mind during intense fights, knowing your valuable equipment is safe from accidental drops.
LUCKY Kayak Portable Fish Depth Finder
For anglers on a budget or those who prefer a simple setup, the LUCKY Handheld Fish Finder is a fantastic tool. This portable device provides essential data by displaying approximate fish location and water depth, helping you understand what’s happening below the surface. Its detection range is impressive, working from 3 feet down to 328 feet when the transducer is fully immersed.
Beyond just fish and depth, this sonar unit displays valuable information about the bottom composition, showing short and tall weeds, sand, and rocks. The display is visible in both sunshine and darkness thanks to its backlight, and the measurement unit can be switched between feet and meters. Its compact, handheld design and included neck strap make it incredibly convenient to use on a kayak.
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. Constructed from neoprene and durable 600D polyester with an EVA foam and PE plate interior, this seat is built for both comfort and long-term durability, a significant upgrade over many stock kayak seats.
It comes with four adjustable straps, making it suitable for a wide range of kayaks, canoes, and even paddle boards. The long straps with metal spring hooks prevent the seat from slipping, ensuring your stability and safety while casting or reeling in a fish. A detachable storage bag coated in water-resistant material is included, offering a handy spot for personal items and small accessories.
NOCO GENIUS1 Smart Battery Charger
If you power a fish finder, trolling motor, or any other electronics, a reliable battery charger is essential. The NOCO GENIUS1 is an all-in-one solution, functioning as a battery charger, maintainer, and trickle charger. Its compact size is paired with impressive power, making it perfect for keeping your marine, deep-cycle, and powersport batteries in peak condition.
This smart charger is versatile, working with both 6V and 12V lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries. A key feature is its integrated thermal sensor, which dynamically adjusts the charge based on ambient temperature. This prevents overcharging in hot weather and undercharging in cold, ensuring your battery is always ready for your next fishing expedition.
Humminbird Helix 5 G3 GPS Fish Finder
For the angler seeking a professional-grade electronics suite, the Humminbird Helix 5 G3 is a powerhouse. It combines a high-definition fish finder with a precise GPS chartplotter, giving you a significant advantage on the water. The CHIRP Down Imaging technology filters out clutter to provide a remarkably clear view of what’s beneath your kayak, from structure to individual fish.
The Dual Spectrum CHIRP Sonar offers two ways to scan, with a Wide Mode for maximum coverage and a Narrow Mode for detailed target separation. On the navigation side, it comes preloaded with Humminbird Basemap, covering over 10,000 lakes and U.S. coastlines. You can mark waypoints, track your path, and navigate with confidence, making it easier to return to productive spots.
Scotty Kayak and Canoe Universal Gear Track
A gear track system is the backbone of a customizable kayak. The Scotty Universal Gear Track provides a solid foundation for mounting a wide array of accessories, from rod holders and camera mounts to GPS units and cup holders. Installing these tracks onto your kayak’s deck gives you a flexible and secure mounting solution that can be easily reconfigured as your needs change.
This 6-inch, 4-pack offers excellent value and allows you to place multiple mounting points in strategic locations around your kayak. The universal design is compatible with a host of Scotty accessories and many other brands, making it one of the most practical and foundational upgrades you can make. It effectively turns your kayak into a truly personalized fishing platform.
YakAttack ParkNPole Anchor Pole
Staying in position is critical when you find a productive fishing spot, and a traditional anchor can be cumbersome. The YakAttack ParkNPole offers a sleek and efficient alternative. This anchor pole is designed specifically for kayaks, allowing you to quickly deploy it into the bottom to hold your position in shallow water, which is where a lot of kayak fishing occurs.
Its simple push-and-twist mechanism secures the pole into the substrate, providing a firm hold without the noise and hassle of a rope and anchor. It’s much faster to deploy and retrieve than a conventional anchor, making it ideal for sight fishing or when you need to make frequent moves. The ParkNPole is a minimalist’s dream for maintaining stealth and position on the water.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Add-Ons for Your Fishing Kayak
Let’s be honest, the real fun of kayak fishing is making the boat your own. But with so many gadgets and accessories out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and blow your budget on things you don’t actually need. I’ve rigged more kayaks than I can count, and I’ve learned that the best approach is to build your setup based on your actual fishing style and the problems you need to solve on the water.
First, think about your primary fishing environment. Are you chasing bass on a calm lake, drifting for walleye on a big river, or battling redfish in the saltwater flats? A calm-water angler might prioritize a comfortable seat and a simple anchor system, while someone in moving water will absolutely need a sturdy anchor trolley to position the boat. Saltwater anglers should focus on corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel and plastic over anything that will rust.
Next, consider your storage and transport needs. A large crate system is fantastic for a full day on the water, but if you have a long hike to your launch spot, a heavy, fully-loaded crate can be a real pain. Sometimes, a smaller, lighter bag is the smarter choice. Similarly, think about how you’ll carry your rods. A horizontal rod holder is great for storage while paddling, but a vertical one like a flush-mount keeps them more secure and out of the way when you’re not actively using them.
My biggest piece of advice is to start simple. You don’t need to install every possible accessory before your first trip. Go out a few times with just the basics. You’ll quickly learn what’s missing. Is your gear getting tangled? You probably need a crate. Are you struggling to stay in position against the wind? An anchor trolley should be your next project. Are you constantly digging for pliers? A mounting system for your tools is a game-changer.
Finally, always think about safety and practicality. A high-quality PFD is non-negotiable, not an “add-on.” An upgraded paddle can save your shoulders and get you home faster. Before you bolt anything on permanently, make sure it doesn’t interfere with your ability to paddle, cast, or re-enter the kayak safely. The goal is to enhance your fishing experience, not create a cluttered, dangerous cockpit. Building your ideal setup for a fishing kayak is a personal process, and taking it one piece at a time ensures you end up with a rig that’s perfectly tailored to you.
FAQ
What is the single most important add-on for a fishing kayak?
For me, it’s not even a question: a high-quality personal flotation device (PFD) designed for anglers. While it might not be the most exciting purchase, it’s the most critical. An angler-specific PFD has features like larger armholes for casting, plenty of pockets for tackle or tools, and often a built-in harness for an anchor or safety line. Everything else makes the day more enjoyable or efficient, but a good PFD is essential for safety.
Is an anchor system really necessary?
If you fish in any kind of current or wind, an anchor system moves from a “nice-to-have” to a “must-have.” Trying to hold position with just your paddle while also fishing is frustrating and will cost you bites. A simple anchor and an anchor trolley give you complete control over your boat’s position, allowing you to hold on a specific spot, like a drop-off or a weed line. It lets you focus on fishing, not fighting the elements.
How do I decide between a milk crate and a dedicated storage bag?
This comes down to your transport situation and how much gear you carry. A standard milk crate is cheap, incredibly versatile, and you can customize it with rod holders and gear ties. However, it’s bulky and can be awkward to carry. A dedicated, soft-sided storage bag is often more ergonomic to carry, sometimes waterproof, and can have more specialized pockets. If you have a long walk to the water, a bag is usually the more comfortable choice.
Are electronic fish finders worth the cost and installation hassle?
Absolutely. A fish finder does more than just show you fish; it helps you understand the underwater world. You can identify depth changes, bottom composition (hard vs. soft), and key structures like submerged trees or rock piles. This information helps you fish more efficiently instead of just guessing. Modern units are easier to install than ever, often using simple suction cup or scupper hole transducers. For any serious angler looking to catch more fish, it’s a fantastic investment.
Can I install all these add-ons for a fishing kayak myself?
Yes, the vast majority of kayak accessories are designed for DIY installation. You’ll need a few basic tools: a power drill, assorted drill bits, a tape measure, and some marine-grade silicone sealant to waterproof any holes you create. The key is to take your time, plan your layout carefully before you drill, and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. There’s a huge online community with tutorials for almost every kayak and accessory combo if you need guidance.