A Tackle Shop Guide to Outfitting Your Fishing Kayak
Outfitting a new fishing kayak is one of the most rewarding parts of getting started. It's about creating a personalised, efficient fishing system where every piece of gear has a purpose and a place. This guide will walk you through the essential kayak fishing accessories that solve the most common problems on the water.
A Note From Our Local Experts
"While I'm not a hardcore kayak angler myself, we sold kayaks in our shop for years, including the Wilderness Systems brand. Over the years I’ve had conversations with many of our customers, listened to their feedback, and stocked items that truly matter.
The biggest frustrations are all about storage, keeping gear dry, and the dreaded 'wet seat' on a cold day. The accessories in this category are the product solutions to those exact problems, turning a basic kayak into a comfortable, efficient fishing platform."
- Ben Czulowski, Owner, Fishing Tackle Shop (Ocean Storm)
How to Set Up Your Kayak: A Problem-Solving Guide
Outfitting a kayak is about solving three main challenges: rod management, staying dry, and covering ground. Here are the gear solutions for each.
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Rod Management (The Problem: Hands-Free Fishing): You need a place to put your rods. Kayak rod holders are the answer. Flush-mount holders are great for storage and trolling, while adjustable, deck-mount holders are perfect for hands-free bait fishing.
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Gear Storage (The Problem: Staying Dry): Everything in a kayak will get wet. To protect your gear, you need a layered system. Use a waterproof pouch for your phone and keys, and a larger dry bag for spare clothes and bulkier items.
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Propulsion (The Problem: Covering Ground): Paddling is great for stealth but terrible for covering distance in a current or wind. A kayak motor allows you to fish hands-free, hold your spot, and spend more time fishing and less time paddling.
Pro-Tips for Kayak Anglers
- The Milk Crate System: This is a classic, effective DIY trick. A standard milk crate strapped into the rear well of your kayak becomes the perfect, customisable storage unit. You can zip-tie rod holders, a bait board, and other accessories directly to it.
- Leash Everything: This is the golden rule of kayak fishing. If an item is not leashed to you or the kayak, it will eventually end up at the bottom of the ocean. Use lanyards for your pliers, lip grips, and rods.
- Balance Your Load: A kayak is sensitive to weight distribution. Always place your heaviest items (like your anchor, battery, or a full esky) in the centre of the kayak to maintain the best stability and performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the real advantages of kayak fishing?
There are two huge advantages: stealth and access. A kayak is silent, allowing you to sneak up on wary fish in calm water. It can also be launched from almost anywhere, giving you access to shallow sand flats, remote creeks, and snag-filled river banks that both land-based and boat-based anglers simply cannot reach.
How do I attach an electric motor to a kayak that doesn't have a flat back?
This is a common challenge. You need a specialised mounting bracket. We sell aftermarket kayak motor mounts that are designed to attach to the side or rear of a standard plastic kayak, providing a strong, secure mounting point for a transom-mount electric motor.
How do I anchor a kayak safely?
Anchoring a kayak can be dangerous if done incorrectly, as it can tip you over in a strong current. Never anchor from the side. The safest method is to use a dedicated kayak anchor running rig. This is a simple pulley system that lets you adjust the anchor point from your seat, allowing you to position your bow or stern into the current, which is essential for stability.
How do I keep my tackle organised and accessible in a kayak?
Don't just throw your gear in the hull. The best method is to use a modular system. Get a dedicated tackle bag that fits neatly in the well in front of you, and fill it with a few small, waterproof utility boxes. This keeps your lures organised, dry, and easy to access.
