So I finally pulled the trigger on a kayak! I'm wondering what others have learned they needed or wanted on their kayak after owning it for awhile? I'm thinking two clamp on rod holders to hold the rods in front of me and maybe a clamp on umbrella so I don't get cooked in the sun??
Kayak Fishing
Kayak Accessories? What else besides the paddle and PFD?
Maybe a helmet. It depends on what you're doing. Also if you're fishing you could probably use an anchor too. What kind of kayak did you get?
Whatever list you've compiled, cut it down by 75%. You really don't need much more than minimal fishing gear (lures you know work), 2 - 4 rods and a PFD (mine is inflatable). Everything else is fluff. If you really want to haul a bunch of junk around with you PM me, I have lots for sale that I bought, tried and ditched.
My Vibe already came with rod holders (package).
So my "must have" list looks like: some floats so your rods and other gear don't sink if you drop them, first aid kit (Clay34's list looks amazing so I won't duplicate mine here), white light, whistle, pliers, sunscreen and wire cutters (to cut a hook in an emergency).
Anchor wizard is the bomb!
I use a anchor wizard in the front and a homemade manual type power pole that is connected to another anchor wizard reel.
Or if you want to invest in something better a Power Pole Micro is the best you can get. The manual one is just gravity driven and does not apply downward pressure so really fast current is not advisable.
Consider a pair of neoprene kayak booties with zippers or neoprene shoes. A cheap pair of tennie shoes will work for sure but for dealing with all the different demands of various shoreline and underwatr terrain the neoprene booties are the best and even essential if you go out more than few times a year.
Make a check list for yourself. This is mine, yours very well might be different. It's a living document and it may change . It also depends on which boat I take for the day, but I just pick and choose depending on the boat. The categories on the list focus on boat requirements and safety and the fishing equipment is minimal and it changes depending on the water and species that are targeted.
Boat RelatedBoat
Hobie Drive
trailer
Tie downs
spare tire
Kayak transport cart with 2 cam-lock straps
Or Boonedox Landing Gear for Hobie
Seat
Rod Leashes
Drive Leash
Equipment Leashes (GoPro and tools)
Paddle: Main paddling and rough use -launching
paddle holders
rod holders
Anchor Wizard
Power pole
Fast water quick release anchor
Locator
Battery
GoPro and mounts
Safety Gear
Kokatat Paddling Suit with Boots, Balaclava, Gloves
Standard Horizon HX890NB VHF radio and spare batteries
Dry bag with spare clothes
PFD with Whistle
Throw Bag (Rescue Rope)
Bilge Pump
Visi-Carbon Pro / BerleyPro Orb
Air Horn
Flare gun
Phone case
Urinal
First Aid kit
Thermacell / bug dope
Sun Protection
Hat
Fishing Gear
Polarized Glasses
Rods
Tackle
Minnow bucket
Net
Cooler
Cooler tie down straps
Ice
Water
Snacks