(Part 2) Best products from r/kayakfishing

That looks like a sweet kayak.

My general suggestions would be:

• Inflatable life vest (Mustang or West Marine). Get the manual kind. The automatic ones sound cool but the first time you accidentally inflate it while trying to wade out in the water to take a leak you will know why they are not cool.
  
• Kayak cart. I know to some it sounds lazy, but every time I used it I am thankful. No matter if you are just making a short pull from the car to the ramp or having to walk it from the parking lot to the surf. The best kind imo are the hobie carts because of the wheels so i would find one with those hobie like wheels. They are not cheap but worth every penny. Avoid the carts with the rigid wheels. They are cheaper but they suck to use because they dig down into anything soft.
  
  
• Personal Locator Beacon (PLBs) These give you and your loved ones some peace of mind that if something goes wrong you will be able to get help. We use these everywhere we fish whether it is offshore or bridge fishing and solo or with a partner.
  
  
• Rod Leashes. We get some handmade ones from a local fisherman. Here is an example of the kind we like. They are cheap relative to what they are saving.
  
  
• The Fish Grips. These help hold on to bigger fish and fish with teeth.
  
  
• A dedicated set of fishing pliers. Any of these
  
  
• Rod holders for those rails you have
  
  
• A nice fishing hat. The KAVU Chillba is my favorite. They just have a headband you wear so air flows all over your head.
  
  
• Some nice fishing pants. Light and strong ones.
  
  My opinion on the other items suggested
  
  
• Fish finders: this are all very cool and fun to play with. after having one for a while you will find that on kayaks the "fish finding" capabilities are not as useful. Now we only use ours for depth and gps locations for fishing spots. They should be called "fish structure finders."
  

Here, thought it might be more helpful to show rather than tell.

I mounted a cheap paddle clip since my kayak didn't come with one and getting the paddle out of the way made fishing so much easier.

I put drinks, lunch, and frozen bait inside a soft cooler in the rear hatch. Soft cooler is easier for getting in and out. I also put a drybag in that hatch with things like spare battery for cell phone, jacket, etc. Things I may or may not need to get to.

Between my legs in the cockpit I have a small tackle box. This is probably where I make things the easiest on myself. Being a sit-inside with little room for mobility, trying to rig poles can be frustrating. Before I go out I take some time to rig up anything I may want to toss out and wrap it around [one of these] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M0K1MJ6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1). That way if I have a line break or want to switch tactics it is much easier to swap it out. The tackle box also contains pliers, plastic baits, and whatever else you need. Its tough to get everything to fit, but as you know sit-insides don't have nice pockets and storage so the tackle box acts as your console. I tie the handle of the tackle box to a small hole I drilled in the console with a length of ~5' of paracord. That way when I'm not digging in the tackle box I can push it down to the bow and out of the way so my legs aren't stuck in one place. If I need it I just pull the cord and boom there it is.

I use leashes on my rods and paddle. In the rear hatch I tie the cooler and drybag together with paracord and attach that to an eyelet. I've almost dropped them pulling them out and having them tied to the kayak gives me piece of mind. The tackle box is already tied to the kayak for my little box storage solution, so that is nice and secured as well.

Hope that helps. It cost me about $50 and some diy time, but I was able to make a POS walmart kayak into a perfectly capable fishing kayak. It has served me well and will continue to do so until I can scrounge up enough money for the ballin' hobie outback I want haha

Hey /u/lvlI0cpu , I have the same kayak. Not much my kayak needs, but I recently started using suffix advanced 832 lead core to troll. It's a lead core line that sinks about 7ft per color or so. It all depends on speed. It's probably been my greatest addition to trolling from the kayak. That way I don't have to use a lot weight, or let out a lot of line.

https://www.rapala.com/sufix/lead-core/832-advanced-lead-core/832andreg-advanced-lead-core/832+Advanced+Lead+Core.html

Even if he uses it, sometimes the line can get in bad shape and needs replaced after a good days fishing due to line twist and such. Pick some good small size ball bearing swivels too. You want them to be small enough to go through the first eye of a rod. So you don't have to mess with a super long leader hanging every where.

the smallest ones here:

https://www.amazon.com/JSHANMEI-Strength-Bearing-Connectors-Saltwater/dp/B01JFPZ7BM


You say northern, so I'm assuming he likes to troll for walleye, hybrid bass, maybe occasional trout. This line would work for that.

Depending on your lights, something like this is probably sufficient. Pair that up with one of these and you should be able to run it all night on a single charge (math says up to 16 hours, but I'd stick to 12 to avoid over-taxing the battery).

Stick the battery in a good waterproof box, like /u/NoLA_Owl mentioned. Run a car lighter through the box into the battery (with a fuse - you'll be surrounded by water and shorts are bad). Maybe wire in a switch, if you're so inclined. Apply liberal amounts of Marine Goop/silicone where any wires enter the box and you're good to go.

Tie off the box to your kayak, or to a good long line with a bit of pool noodle at the end. If that box falls overboard for any reason, it's going to sink right to the bottom (the battery is basically a lead brick). The line will let you find it and pull it back up.

Scotty #141 Kayak/SUP Transducer Mounting Arm with Gear-Head https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0174X6T5A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_ngfCzbV070GVM

I use this and it works great. I had to get my own wing nut and bolt to attach the transducer but it's nice that it can be pulled up and folded up out of the way. It does create some drag but it keeps the finder working while moving. I mounted two tracks so i can switch sides if i wish.

Toss my Vibe on top of my Wrangler Sport as well. Not always the easiest thing to load solo.

I bought these guys to make it a little easier on my top:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BCLL52I/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It's worked out pretty well so far.

https://www.amazon.com/Onyx-Automatic-Manual-Inflatable-Jacket/dp/B00TLFE5WE/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=auto+inflatable+pfd&qid=1562589408&s=gateway&sr=8-4

It's super light weight and comfortable, especially when its 90 degrees by 9. The con is that it doesn't have any pockets though. The link is for the auto inflatable one, which is the one 'I'm wearing in the photo. They have manual inflating types as well if you don't want to spend the extra $.

Couple of thoughts. Tifosi, among other brands, supports getting prescription lenses for their sunglasses. Not sure how much they support polarized lenses though as they're more of a bicycling oriented sunglasses manufacturer.

I've also had regular prescription sunglasses made at Costco's eyecare. Not typically a super cheap option though, but does score in terms of convenience.

I did at one point need over-the-glasses sunglasses like you describe -- the eye doctor / eyeglasses place had several relatively inexpensive choices. Might be worth stopping by those sorts of places -- more the physicial-group type than the national-chain-low-cost place.

As for buying online - have a look at these - https://www.amazon.com/LensCovers-Sunglasses-Small-Black-Smoke/dp/B0061RSKTE

I haven't used them myself, but reviews look promising.

Heres my take on kayaks, you are gonna only live once and if you buy a crap kayak its going to be harder to sell someone when its time to upgrade. So go with what fits your personality. For me, I took one look at this kayak https://bonafidekayaks.com/product/kayaks/ss107/ and new without even testing it first I was sold. I do recommend you test yours first though. Most kayak dealers have a way to do this usually. I mean if your going to seriously take up kayak fishing as a hobby and get a fish finder all that do it right. Here is my fishfinder https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076W2N5TH/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 and battery setup https://dakotalithium.com/product/dakota-lithium-power-box-12v-10ah/?v=7516fd43adaa

Then do like wise and don't hold back my friend.

That does not sound like a very good deal at all. I would pass and keep shopping. If you have cross bars on your roof rack you can get J-bar style kayak holders for really cheap, and along with a good set up straps by just fine. I like Old Town boats, I have a higher end model from them and it has been great. The big thing is make sure you can put a decent seat on whatever you get, because most of the cheaper models don't have a good one.

I don't expect the cheap J-bars I have to last very long, but so far so good a couple of seasons in. Here's what I use... J-bars, straps, paddle, paddle and other gear leashes, PFD. For rods, you can start by getting a milk crate with a couple of PVC rod holders and lashing that down behind your seat. It will cost near nothing and work fine. Rod holders for trolling/live lining you can add once you get used to your boat and know what you want.


https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009XGK65G/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I8ZJPHS/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 x2 (I'm paranoid)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001AI4HNC/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BD19D8U/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C1TY1FS/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

A kit like this is good: https://www.amazon.com/Yak-Gear-Deluxe-Anchor-Trolley/dp/B0097N2HNY

You can also piece them together yourself if you want. They're pretty easy to install, just follow the instructions and put in a couple screws.

I bought this as an inexpensive bed extender and it works great.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01D4CXIKY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_c1qgzb7TSVX9P

Just make sure to buy a hitch pin too if you don't already have one, the extender doesn't come with one

This rack doesn't require it, as it has a rubber strip that runs along the top. But they do make some thick foam pads if you're concerned about it. I bought these for my trailer and they work well:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BCLL52I/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You can place them on top of the car, or fit around an "aero" style rack.

The bed extender does give you an extra tie down point. Mine also gives me some peace of mind.

Depending on how much you want to spend it might be worth it to go with a curved extender: https://www.amazon.com/Boonedox-T-Bone-Bed-Extender/dp/B075NRMV49

It keeps you from hitting the ground with the extender if you are going up/down an incline.

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Also as someone else mentioned get cam straps instead of ratchet straps, if you tie too tight you can damage your boat.

​

Have fun!

These work great for me and they are coated so no scratching of your kayak nor your vehicle...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000AT0KC/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Scotty #282-BK Baitcaster Rod Holder w/Gearhead & Track (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QMT7AXS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_vhIFDbK7QEG6E


Works great!

Maybe a combination of these might work?

https://www.railblaza.com/products/screengrabba-ipadtablet-holder/

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00SHO182U/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A2RZ8QOO0TY7C2&psc=1

Doesn't exactly work for the swivel part but seems like it might work for the track?

http://www.amazon.com/Yak-Gear-Deluxe-Anchor-Trolley/dp/B0097N2HNY

$35 for the best accessory that I have put into my yak. It would cost more to make a DIY one that was decent. If you make a DIY one and fish in salt water it most likely will not last very long unless you buy all nylon and stainless steel parts.

Harbor freight one sucks. I use this.
http://www.amazon.com/TMS-T-NS-HITCH-BED-EXTENDER-Pickup-Mounted-Extender/dp/B005KVLX50/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406771784&sr=8-1&keywords=pickup+truck+bed+extender
You can find it with free shipping. Better ground clearance than the harbor freight version and way more adjust ability. You can use it with SUV's or ladder racks too. Maybe not as much clearance as the T-bone but I haven't hit the ground with it. It's solid too. It will rust through when my Hitch rusts through.

It’s a Scotty Transducer Arm with a Universal Sounder Mount . It’s a nice little set up, I rock the same.

Not sure I fully understand your situation but maybe something like this?

Scotty #141 Kayak/SUP Transducer Mounting Arm with Gear-Head https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0174X6T5A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_sgyVDbZFVAVH6

Hello,

I had a blazer. Frist thing I did was put Thule cross bars on the factory bar. There was way too much play in the factory cross bars...so I ditched them.

Second. Look into a ladder rack. like this one. With that you can slide the boats back a bit and still have solid connection to the truck.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003S1RQ2S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_PtBvxbJ0NC8QA

Check out something like this. If you click on the description it will show you the dimensions. Again, you'd probably want to put it in a dry box so take that into consideration in your choice.

12v "deer feeder" (sealed lead acid) battery like this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003S1RQ2S/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1469028923&sr=8-1&pi=SX200_QL40&keywords=12v+sealed+battery&dpPl=1&dpID=41UZQatOF%2BL&ref=plSrch

It's what I, and I believe most people, use, often in some kind of waterproof case. The 7Ah has never been drained by my fishfinder, however I'm not sure how long it will power lights. you'll have to do some calculations of the amp draw of the lights too see how big a battery (how many Ah, amp hours) you'll need.

Lowrance 000-12641-001 Hook-4X Sonar W/Mid/Hi/DownScan XDCR

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016QVXTS6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1


ExpertPower 12V 7 Amp EXP1270 Rechargeable Lead Acid Battery
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003S1RQ2S/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I don't want to discredit your DIY prowess, but this exists:

https://www.amazon.com/Scotty-140-Transducer-Mounting-Included/dp/B0174X6UNQ

This one even allows you to buy another rod holder sans base and run two rods up front, as well as being able to easily pivot horizontally if you run it into something or even for storage/transport:

https://www.amazon.com/Scotty-Kayak-Transducer-Mounting-Gear-Head/dp/B0174X6T5A

To add to your heartbreak, they seem to be designed for exactly your transducer. I had jerry rig a whole bunch of lock nuts along a bolt to make my larger Garmin DownVu transducer fit.