A Tackle Shop Guide to Boating & Kayak Fishing
This guide isn't about one specific product, but about helping you answer the first big question: what's the right setup for you? We'll cover the main differences between small boats and kayaks, and then guide you to the essential gear you'll need to get started.
A Note From Our Local Experts
"In the shop, we get many customers asking for products for their new boat or kayak, or looking for some cool upgrades to their accessory collections. The first conversation I have is always about safety and whether they have decked themselves out with PFDs. After that, it's all about making your time on the water more efficient.
That’s what this category is for. It’s the rod holders that stop your good outfits from being stepped on, and the dry bags that keep your phone and keys safe. We've stocked this gear for years because we know it’s practical gear that anglers will actually use, not just have."
- Ben Czulowski, Owner, Fishing Tackle Shop
The First Big Choice: Small Boat vs. Fishing Kayak
Your first decision is a trade-off between range and access. Both are excellent fishing platforms, but they do different jobs.
- A Small Boat (Tinny): A small boat or "tinny" is all about range and stability. It allows you to cover large distances quickly, carry more gear, and fish comfortably in choppier conditions. It's the top choice for fishing large, open bays or heading just offshore.
- A Fishing Kayak: A kayak is all about stealth and access. It's silent, allowing you to sneak up on wary fish in calm water. It can be launched from almost anywhere, giving you access to shallow sand flats, remote creeks, and snag-filled river banks that boats simply cannot reach.
Explore Our Gear & Accessory Categories
Once you've chosen your craft, the next step is outfitting it. Here are the essential categories of gear you'll need to consider.
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PFDs (Life Jackets): This is the most important safety gear you will buy. A quality PFD is essential for staying safe and legally compliant on the water.
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Electric Motors: This is the ultimate upgrade for hands-free fishing. An electric motor (or "trolling motor") allows you to move silently and hold your position in the wind.
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Marine Accessories: This is where you'll find the essential hardware to make your boat a fishing machine, including rod holders, bait boards, and safety equipment.
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Kayak Fishing Gear: This is the specialised gear built for the unique challenges of kayak fishing, such as kayak-specific PFDs, motor mounts, and dry storage solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the bare-minimum safety gear I need for my boat or kayak?
This is a critical question, as rules vary by state. The absolute, non-negotiable items are a PFD (Life Jacket) for every person on board, a bailing bucket, and a sound signal (like a whistle or horn). For night fishing, you will also need a waterproof torch. We strongly recommend you check your local state maritime authority for the exact, current laws for your vessel and area.
What's the most overlooked accessory for a new boat or kayak owner?
An anchoring system. It's not just the anchor itself, but the way you deploy it. A boat owner needs to ensure they have enough rope and chain for the depth they're fishing, while a kayak angler needs a specialised anchor running rig or anchor trolley. This allows them to position the anchor at the bow or stern, which is essential for staying stable in a current and preventing the kayak from tipping.
Do I need to register my kayak or small tinny?
This is another vital legal question that varies by state. In most Australian states (like NSW), any boat with a motor (including electric) must be registered. Kayaks and canoes without motors generally do not require registration, but this can change. Always check your local state's rules before heading out.
