Kayak Fishing Equipment

If you are kayak fishing more than once (and who isn't!), invest in kayak fishing gear that will give you top-performance for for many days on the water. With the right gear, you'll make the most out of every fishing opportunity.

With that said, here are suggestions to properly outfit yourself for kayak fishing. Click on the links to purchase these items from our equipment partner, Bass Pro (links will open in a new window).

• Reels - The saltwater is out to get you! Well, actually your reel. I am still searching for the perfect reel - waterproof would be nice. Despite the claims of companies, there is no such thing as a truly waterproof reef. The best thing you can do is to keep your reel out of the saltwater (don't dunk it!) and rinse it every time you use it. If it does get dunked, it's a good idea to take the time to rebuild it (at the least, remove the cover plate and check for water.) For years I have guided using Penn Spinfisher SSm Metal Spinning Reels - they are workhorses and are easy to rebuild. Also, I like the ultra-smooth Shimano Baitrunner Spinning Reels - they are more complicated to rebuild, but will likely require doing so less often.
• Fishing Rods - I prefer a light to medium action 7-foot rod. Any shorter, you might not be able to clear the bow and stern should the fish circle the kayak. My ideal rod has a firm "backbone" for the fighting and a light "whippy" tip for the casting.My favorite for years are the Star Rods Nickelite Spinning Rods This Florida based company knows how to make a beautiful, high-performance rod for saltwater.
• Fishing line - Down here, we are often kayak fishing for bonefish, permit, barracuda, and other inshore gamefish. Usually, I'll use 8-12 pound mono-filament line, which will cover most situations. During tarpon season, I rig up with 20 pound line. Try Ande Back Country Line .To this, tie a leader made of fluorocarbon - a nearly invisible leader material - well worth the extra investment. I don't suggest using fluorocarbon for the entire fishing line...only the leader material (fluorocarbon is a bit stiff and has a tendency of jumping off the spool and fouling your line). Try Seaguar CarbonPro Fluorocarbon Fishing Line as a leader material.
• Jigs - Most useful is the bucktail jig. Tip it with a piece of shrimp, squid, or cut bait and it'll catch the majority of species. Here in the Florida Keys, I suggest using a color that matches the bottom you are fishing - sand bottom use white/tan, grass bottom use browns, & in deep water try blue. Try Offshore Angler Holographic Bucktail Jigs and the Spro Prime Bucktail Jigs .
• Plugs - The idea is to mimic something that the local fish usually hunt. If conditions are calm, try out a top-water plug - especially in the morning. If there is any chop, use a plug that rides under the surface. My favorite is the Bagley Jumping Mullet (Floating) or Finger Mullet (Sinking) .
• Tackle Box - I fit everything needed in one small tackle box. This is easily tucked under a deck or hatch strap - easily accessible. The best I've found are the Plano Waterproof StowAway Utility Boxes and have an O-ring built into it.
• Leash for Fishing Rod - Don't lose your valuable rod & reel! A leash is a simple and inexpensive way to secure your equipment. I recommend the Scotty Safety Leash .
• Paddle Leash- If your paddle floats away, you can be in serious trouble. Get a Scotty Paddle Leash
• Kayak Anchor - One of the most useful pieces of equipment, a small anchor will keep your kayak on whatever fishing spot it can reach. Also, if you want to go for a swim from your kayak, the anchor is necessary to keep the boat from floating away. Try the Harmony Folding Kayak Anchor Kit for an excellent, easy-to-install system.
• PFD (Personal Floatation Device) - A life jacket is the most important piece of equipment. Even if not required, all kayakers should wear a life-jacket at all times on the water - so get one that is comfortable to paddle in! You can do no better than Extrasport Solistice RetroGlide Flotation Vest - specifically built for kayak fishing.
• Emergency Whistle - Spend five bucks on a Coast Guard-approved emergency whistle & keep it clipped to your PFD (which you will be wearing at all times). Try the Bass Pro Shops 5-in-1 Emergency Whistle which also includes a compass, signal mirror, and other safety features.
• Dry Bag - Keep your phone, car keys, dry clothes, camp stove, and whatever else you want dry and safe from the elements. See-though dry bags, like the Fishpond Watershed Dry Bag , make locating items easy.

Kayak Fishing Equipment Rods, reels, & tackle	Fly Fishing Gear Rods, reels, & flies	Flats Fishing Gear Rods, reels, & line	Reef/Bottom Fishing Gear Rods & reels	Deep Sea Fishing Gear Rods, reels, lures