Kayak Fishing Accessories 101: Every Equipment You Need

Do you want to begin a sport that makes you get out of the house into the lap of freshwater lakes? Sounds exciting, right? Well, kayaking is a sport that offers both physical and mental health benefits along with tons of enjoyment. It not only exercises your whole body but your heart and mind as well.

People who have been kayaking for a long time give testimonials that it is excellent for refreshing one’s mind from the monotonous routines of life. You get to move every part of your body while exploring the beauty of nature and a chance to discover new places that you never knew even existed!

In short, this water sport is excellent for relaxing one’s mind. However, there are some customizable floats and other accessories that you need to get going! In this article, we’ll tell you about all the tools needed to begin kayaking. So, let’s get started!

Bilge Pump

There are chances of getting caught up in currents in deep waters, or there could be rains. You never know what could happen when you’re deep inside a forest. Sometimes, it is also just about how one paddles, capsizing their boat, thus filling it with water. That’s why having a bilge pump with you is important.

It is a small, portable pump that removes water from inside the kayak, and is effortless to use. You can also stow it in your boat without taking up much space.

As paddling in a waterlogged kayak can be a huge problem, a bilge pump is there to save your day. It assists in pumping out the water inside the boat and getting it back to the reliable floating bridge. We’d recommend you to carry this piece of equipment if you’re going on long trips where there will be rapids, or you’re concerned that you’ll capsize.

Life Jacket/PFD

A life jacket is a fishing equipment that allows you to perform cage fish farming while ensuring that you remain safe. Paddlers believe that if they are not racing down rapids or into the ocean, they don’t need to wear a life vest. But you never know what dangers you might encounter. So, instead of waiting for anything to happen, ensure your safety by always wearing a life jacket.

Even in the mildest conditions, accidents and mishaps can happen. You can get knocked out or caught in a current. But if you keep a life jacket, it will sure make a difference!

GPS/Map/Compass

There was a time when people would carry a compass or a map when going on an expedition. But the times have drastically changed today. You’d agree that most of us don’t even know how to use a compass or locate on a map. Thankfully, we have GPS services. People today might not know how to use a compass or a map, but they sure know how to use GPS.

For a kayaking trip, it is recommended to bring a durable and waterproof GPS to avoid exposing it to risks. Whatever tool you choose, make sure to buy from a brand that’s transparent about its quality and certifications. It is because low-quality items don’t work for a long time, so you carry the risk of getting lost in the dark.

It is highly recommended to bring a GPS or map or a compass along to ensure you safely reach the destination on time.

Paddle

One of the most vital kayak accessories is a paddle. It is different from canoe paddles and has a blade on both ends. For beginners, the taller the person is, the longer their paddle should be. Having one paddle is enough for nearby adventures, but carry a spare one if you’re heading off on a long trip. It is helpful if you’re bringing someone along or moving on rough waters.

Kayak paddles are rigid, but you can lose them if their grip isn’t proper or the current is high. But if you have an extra pair of paddles, it will save you from encountering such situations. A floating work platform is great for parking your boat if the current gets too high.

Flashlight or Flares

Next on our list of kayaking equipment is flashlights and torches. These pieces of equipment are crucial if you’re going on a kayaking expedition at night because in the woods, when it gets darker, it begins to get foggy as well. Thus, it can become hard for you to see. However, if you’re going nearby during the day, it’s not so much of an essential item.

Experts don’t recommend kayaking during the night on open water as it is perilous. But even if you do it, you will need flashlights or torches or flares to locate your way. You don’t want to hit a creature or other boat or a rock while on your way. So please be safe and keep a torch with you. Consider parking your kayak near a floating platform so that you can locate everything easily.

Even if you’re not paddling at night, having lightning is a good idea. Earlier, people used to light up flares as a sign of being in danger or rescue situations. You can also use it for the same purpose; for instance, if you are paddling and need rescuing, having emergency lights can be a lifesaver and help you stay visible.

Dry Bags

Dry bags are not safety equipment but are an essential tool. If you’re planning to spend the whole day paddling in the waters, be sure to carry a dry bag with you for holding your cell phone, clothes, lunch, keys, etc. These waterproof bags help move your belongings while keeping moisture and air out of the bag.

You can either purchase a miniature version of dry bags to keep your cell phone or keys. Or a larger version for your lunch and an extra pair of clothes. Hisea Dock provides the best quality dock systems and kayaking equipment.

Wet Shoes

Don’t forget to wear wet shoes made from neoprene with rubber soles on your kayaking trip. It is because wet shoes have a good grip, unlike flip flops or trainers that get soggy in water. Also, don’t forget to install jet ski docks for keeping your jet ski and kayak protected.

Whistle

Having a whistle helps you escape dangerous situations that may occur while on a trip. A loud whistle can keep jungle animals away from you and alert the locals of you being in danger. It is highly recommended that you always keep a whistle with you. It does not take much space and comes in handy in many situations.

It is crucial to note that the regular, run-of-the-mill whistles might not work as well as the loud ones because, in the waters, winds are high. You might think standard whistles are adequate, only to realize that it was a bad idea. In the seas, people cannot even hear themselves, so the sound of a regular whistle might get lost.

That’s why it is advised to keep lots of emergency whistles whose sounds can be heard above all the noise. They won’t take much space, are highly durable, just like a floating dock, and can be clipped to your life vest.

Spray Deck

When on rough water, carrying a spray skirt along is a good idea. Although it is not a safety tool, it helps in keeping the dangers away. You can use it to cover the cockpit of your boat and arrange it in such a manner that water doesn’t fill it. If you don’t have a spray deck, water might fill up in the kayak, and you will struggle to stay afloat.

You may also use a short fender float as a safety tool for preventing your kayak from damages caused on the dock.

Rope Bag

If you’re going kayaking with friends, having towlines is essential. A rope bag is a long, durable rope curled up in a bag. You can throw the towlines from your boat to another for rescuing. It also comes in handy if one gets tired while paddling or needs another to help them move.

You can use it by hooking one end of the rope to the front of another kayak and the other end to the back of your boat. Just like a long fender float, it is a piece of safety equipment that rescues people from dangers. We hope you won’t need to use it very often.

Helmet

If you’re planning to paddle on a flatwater lake, carrying a helmet along is pretty redundant. But if there are chances of capsizing into rocky waters, wear one. The right kayak dock manufacturer will provide you lightweight and waterproof helmets and maintain your boat for a longer lifespan!

First Aid Kit

Whether you’re going kayaking or on a trekking trip, carrying a first aid kit with you is crucial. It is because you never know what situations may befall you. Someone could catch a cold, hurt themselves while paddling, or a water creature bites them. Accidents happen all the time in waters, and minor injuries are pretty common. So, if you carry a first aid kit along, it won’t go into waste.

If you’re going nearby, you can leave some of the items in the vehicle. But if you’re going for a long trip, never keep it out of reach. Always make sure to have enough of the needed supplies with you. A basic first aid kit includes bandages, rubber gloves, disinfectants, and gauze. Make sure to buy from a brand that uses a quality production process for maintaining your safety.

Float Bags

Although there are many types of kayaks, if you have a sit-on-top kayak, float bags will do you no good. However, if you have a sea or whitewater kayak, they will be a great addition to your arsenal. These bags are inflated and deflated using a tube attached to the side. You can insert them behind your seat, making it easier for you to keep the boat afloat if it capsizes.

If there are enough float bags in your boat, there won’t be enough room for the water to fill the kayak. Don’t worry about putting these float bags in the kayak while on a short trip because the dangers are comparatively lower. If you have a drive-on boat dock, you can put everything there and enjoy the woods.

Extra Supplies

Kayak fishing essentials include food, a water bottle, a knife, a wetsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and towel. These items might not seem important, but you sure won’t want to leave home without them. To ensure that your trip goes smoothly, don’t forget to carry them along.

Consider parking the kayak near a dock that accommodates all kinds of activities and provides custom waterfront solutions. Doing this will help make your trip go a lot smoother.

Conclusion

Kayaking in itself is a risky sport; that’s why you must carry the necessary fishing supply with you. Be sure to get through the above checklist while planning the adventure. But don’t let the details overwhelm you. They are only for your safety and provide comprehensive information.
In the beginning, you will get nervous and might even think of dropping the plan. But after a few trips, you will gain confidence and learn everything about your boat and the tools.
Remember that it’s just a relaxing trip meant for self-improvement. Each time you go kayaking, keep track of your performance and record the details. Set small goals and soon you’ll notice improvements. For buying high-quality kayak fishing accessories, feel free to contact us.