There is nothing quite like the excitement of a new fishing kayak. It’s a chance to expand your angling horizons beyond the piers and shorelines. It can also quickly become a money pit because there are so many accessories available. I’ve been doing this long enough to figure out what gear I need and what’s a luxury. Here’s what I’d buy first if I were starting over — and what can wait.
Buy first: A personal flotation device
Several years ago, I had to paddle against a strong river current to rescue a friend. He flipped his kayak and was clinging to a downed tree for his life. Until that day, I had no clue he couldn’t swim. – Sure enough, he wasn’t wearing a personal flotation device (PFD). Both of us learned a valuable lesson that day about wearing one.
There is simply no compromise here. Things can happen on the water in the blink of an eye. You want to ensure you come home to your loved ones. Don’t go cheap, either. Spend some time researching PFDs and trying them on to find one that fits properly and feels comfortable. It’s worth the effort.
Check the PFD requirements for wherever you plan to fish, especially if you’re considering an inflatable model. Requirements can vary depending on the device and where you’re using it.
PFD violations can also be costly in competition. An angler I know recently found this out the hard way during a Bassmaster kayak tournament. His inflatable PFD was missing its CO2 cartridge, a mistake that resulted in a rules violation. In short, do your research and make sure your safety gear meets the requirements before heading out.
Buy later: Fish finders and electronics
Fish finders with advanced down- and side-imaging capabilities are expensive. Depending on the model, they might cost more than the kayak itself. If you want more advanced technology such as live sonar, the price can climb even higher. It’s a good idea to make sure you truly enjoy kayak angling before purchasing electronics. That way you aren’t stuck trying to sell both a used kayak and electronics later.
Holding off also gives you time to figure out how to use the space in your kayak and where to place the electronics. You don’t want to drill holes for wiring only to regret their placement.
Buy first: A kayak cart
Kayak carts are all about protecting your investment. I cringe when I see people drag their kayaks across gravel or paved parking lots. Repeated dragging can eventually wear a hole in the bottom. I learned this the hard way.
If you need to move a heavy kayak any considerable distance, a cart is a worthy investment. Buy a rugged one and you can keep using it even if you upgrade kayaks later.
Buy later: A motor or propulsion upgrade
This falls along the same lines as fish finders. If your kayak doesn’t come with a motor, it’s best to wait. Upgrades like this are expensive and aren’t as necessary when starting out. Focus on the essentials first. Besides, paddling or pedaling is good exercise.
Buy first: Tackle organization
Most fishing kayaks have some internal storage, but it will probably fill up quickly. A quality kayak crate gives you more room to keep your tackle organized in one central location. Most are also customizable, meaning you can add storage boxes, extra rod holders and soft pockets later.