A well-equipped kayak angler casts on a North Florida lake.
August 08, 2025
By Steve Wayne
Gone are the days of back pain and “tippy” kayaks. New kayaks are designed for fishing and come equipped with supportive seating. My Old Town Sportsman 106 PDL is a pedal-driven 10 ½-foot kayak designed with the angler in mind. Standing is easy, as the 36-inch beam makes for a stable platform, and the short kayak is easy to transport in a truck bed. Like all kayak anglers, I’ve added accessories. There are countless add-ons to make any kayak “a fisherman’s dream rig,” but where to start? What are some must-have items? Whether you intend to paddle, pedal, or use power, put these on your list.
Personal Flotation Device The United States Coast Guard (USCG) and state boating safety authorities designate all kayaks as vessels and therefore require a personal flotation device (life jacket) for each person on board. Each PFD must be wearable and the appropriate size for each person and must be USCG-approved (check the label).
PFDs can be made from the traditional foam type of flotation; general-purpose foam PFDs can feel bulky, but if you shop around you can find comfortable paddlesport PFDs with breathable mesh in strategic areas. Some have little or no padding on the lower back, which many paddlers find more comfortable. A Type V inflatable PFD offers a wide range of movement, along with the safety of an automatically or manually inflated vest in an emergency. Inflatable PFDs can be easily worn without interfering with fishing.
An inflatable PFD is an option to consider. I purchased two different types of inflatable PFDs for myself and my family. An Onyx A/M-24 is a low profile and super comfortable wearable PFD that offers both automatic inflation that can be water activated or manually inflated by pulling the inflate handle. As a bonus, the Onyx A/M-24 is easily out of the way while wearing (and fishing) and is cool and comfortable to wear in the hot Florida sun. Since my teenage daughter was more concerned about tan lines, I chose the Onyx M-16 manually inflated belt pack for her. This PFD is stored out of the way on the user’s waist and can be manually inflated by pulling the inflate handle.
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Once inflated, the wearer must manually adjust the vest around the back of their neck. According to both the USCG and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, inflatable Type V PFDs must always be worn while underway in order to comply with safety regulations.
Sound-Producing Device A whistle or other sound-maker is Coast Guard required. A sound-producing device is required for all vessels including kayaks. A bell, horn, or whistle may be used to attract the attention of others while in an emergency. Most common types for kayaks include a small handheld air horn or coach’s style whistle. I opted for a plastic coach’s whistle and I attached one to each of my PFDs so that I would never forget one at home. As a bonus, plastic whistles can withstand corrosion caused by salty air and water while saltwater fishing. Since whistles are so cheap, I also put a plastic coach’s whistle inside the waterproof compartment of my Old Town Sportsman kayak (just in case I use a different PFD).
Kayak Fishing Special The June issue of Florida Sportsman magazine featured the Kayak Fishing Special, a series of tactical and gear-related articles to help you maximize your success with your new fishing kayak. Also in the series:
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Light/Flag YakAttack’s VisiFlag is smart addition. If you are in the market for a new kayak and are undecided which color to get, bright colors are more visible to other boaters and can help prevent an accident. A safety flag is not a requirement by law in most places, but is a smart accessory to have in and around busy waterways and anytime you are fishing around airboats or in tall grass.
Some do-it-yourselfers fashion their own version of a safety flag, but I opted to purchase a YakAttack VISIPole II and flag because it can easily be attached to the kayak by a track system or placed in a rod holder to increase visibility. As a bonus, the VISIPole II has a waterproof 360-degree LED light that can be used in low light conditions and at night to let others know your presence. During periods between sunset to sunrise and during periods of reduced visibility (fog and rain), the USCG and state authorities require all paddle craft to carry a white light which may be displayed in order to avoid a collision. Any kayak under electric or gas power during this same period is required to display an all-around white light, such as the VISIPole, and red-and-green sidelights while under power.
Paddle A bright-colored paddle makes you more visible in fishing kayak. If you only intend on using your paddle in an emergency or to quickly guide you through shallow water during a short stint, an inexpensive paddle may be sufficient. If you intend on paddling any considerable distance, pay the extra money for a quality paddle. You’ll be glad that you did. Paddles come in different sizes for each user, and there are guidelines manufacturers offer relating to the width of your kayak.
One feature to consider when shopping for a kayak paddle is the shaft material. Aluminum is a common affordable choice for beginning kayakers and kayak rental companies but many feel that they are heavier and not as comfortable as other materials. In addition, aluminum paddles easily transmit heat and can feel cold during winter months and hot during summer months. Fiberglass and carbon fiber shafts are lighter and more comfortable to hold for longer periods of time, and as a bonus, they maintain a consistent temperature.
Another important factor to consider is the blade material. Affordable plastic blades are heavier and require more energy to use. Fiberglass blades offer a lighter option with excellent performance but are still affordable for many kayak anglers. Carbon fiber blades are the most expensive but offer the lightest weight and excellent energy transfer with each stroke. Another factor to consider is the color of your paddle. Bright colors can increase your visibility to other boaters. I opted for two Carlisle paddles , each with a fiberglass shaft and blades of different sizes to match myself and wife and daughter. As a bonus, the paddles matched my Old Town Sportsman kayak perfectly, so they look good and were bright in color offering increased visibility.
Seat Cushion A great seat cushion is always a nice addition on a fishing kayak. No matter the type of seat in your kayak, an aftermarket seat cushion can easily increase the comfort level of any kayak. Some kayak anglers make DIY versions or fashion their seat from cushions designed for other uses. I opted to purchase a Kayak Kushion that is specifically sized and made for kayaks. Each Kayak Kushion is offered in different color options, firmness choices, and comes with a removable cover and straps to keep the cushion in place throughout the day and during transport. Don’t just settle for a seat cushion for your bottom to sit on—a cushion placed behind your back can increase lumbar support and help slow down or eliminate back aches and pains.
Crate/Tackle Storage A special kayak fishing crate such as the YakAttack BlackPak Pro is a good solution for tackle and rod storage. One of the biggest challenges as a kayak angler is tackle storage. From low-cost milk crates to professional tackle management systems, there are so many different options to store tackle. Some anglers attach rodholders to a milk crate or plastic storage box placed in the rear storage compartment of a kayak. Other aftermarket kayak crates and boxes are designed to ease kayak tackle storage challenges. Having tackle and rods organized in an out of the way storage system can free up valuable space in any kayak. I opted for the YakAttack BlackPak Pro tackle management system which offers countless customizable options while including a series of rod holders with tethers to securely hold each of my fishing rods. I store 3700 size tackle boxes along with numerous soft plastics organized inside my BlackPak Pro. Rod holders are designed to hold fishing rods on the exterior of the BlackPak Pro and can be easily attached at multiple angles and configurations.
Cart The Boonedox Groovy Landing Gear is a great I]option for solo kayakers. Getting your kayak to and from the water can be made easier with the use of a kayak cart. Kayak carts come in all shapes and sizes, with a variety of features and price points. A cheap cart with foam padding (that the kayak rests on) may be good for short distances but can be difficult under a heavy load or during longer distances. Carts that utilize bunk style rests can be adjusted to match the hull configuration for any kayak. These can be good for heavy loads or long distances. Place your kayak midway on the cart, strap it down, and pull it to the water’s edge. Another popular kayak cart option uses a scupper type mounting system to secure the kayak with the cart. Pay close attention to the type of wheels that come with each cart because wide wheels might be more appropriate when transporting over beach sand or in muddy terrains.
Kayak landing gear such as the Boonedox Groovy Landing Gear mounts to the track system of many kayaks and uses a stowable landing gear wheel system. This is an excellent option for solo kayak anglers. Check your kayak manufacturer’s warranty to make sure that this type of system will be appropriate for your kayak.
I opted for the YakAttack TowNStow Bunkster Kayak Cart that provides a customizable transportation system for any kayak by containing moveable bunks to match a variety of hull shapes and configurations. As a bonus, it can be assembled and disassembled in seconds. This allows me to disassemble and store the cart in my kayak after a long trek to the water (without having to go back to the truck). The Suspenz Catch-All Universal Airless cart is another good bunk-style cart easily configured for a variety of kayaks. V-shaped carts and scupper-hole mount carts are also available from a variety of makers.
This basic array of equipment will get you on the right track to many seasons of productive fishing. Get out there and explore your local waterways!
NEW AND NOTEWORTHY Old Town Sportsman EPDL+ 120 Pro Old Town Sportsman EPDL+ 120 Pro fishing kayak. This new model features the incredible ePDL+ drive with battery powered pedal-assist and cruise modes. The endurance is impressive: At the slowest cruise speed, you get 46 hours runtime. At the fastest (about 5 mph), 3 hours. And yes, you can pedal it manually, or paddle. This boat features a wide cockpit with horizontal rodholders; four sets of 36-inch aluminum tracks; three flush-mount vertical rodholders; and inserts at bow and stern for motors and anchors. Bow hatch includes a mounting spot for a spare PDL prop. MSRP: $5,999. A non-electric PDL 120 PRO is also available this year, MSRP $3,499.
Suspenz Catch-All Universal Airless Cart Suspenz Catch-All Universal Airless Cart for a fishing kayak. Suspenz has solutions for kayak storage and transport:. Racks for your garage, racks for your dock. Portable stands for rigging. And carts—carts and more carts! Those of us who love launching heavyweight pedal-drive kayaks from beaches and other roadless shores love the Suspenz Catch-All Universal Cart . It’s configurable for any kayak shape and especially handy with the low pressure 13-inch beach wheel conversion. It’s rated for up to 300 pounds and comes with a kickstand and 12-foot tie down straps. Assembly and disassembly are a cinch—in fact it comes with a storage back in the event you want to break it down. MSRP: $189.99 for the 12-inch airless wheels; $279.90 with the inflatable beach wheels.
YakAttack SideStage Pro Rod Rack with LockNLoad Mounting System YakAttack SideStage Pro Rod Rack. The SideStage Pro is YakAttack’s take on a horizontal rod stager. This system is sold as a pair and comes with everything needed to stage and secure up to three rods. It introduces an all-new attachment system called ClickTrac. The ClickTrac Rail System allows you to easily attach, adjust and remove your accessories with the push of a button. For those who use a bow-mounted motor or pedal drive on their kayak, off the side horizontal rod stagers like the SideStage could be a nice option to get three rods within reach and easy to access. The SideStage Pro attaches to your kayak gear track using the company’s LockNLoad system and provides vertical adjustability. MSRP: $75
Kaku Guru 14 Kaku Guru 14 fishing kayak. The new Guru 14 is designed to master whatever water, however you want. From paddle, integrated bow-mounted GPS Trolling motors, to a 6 hp outboard, it can do it all, and handle it all. The Guru is a hybrid fishing machine that can adapt to anything from skinny water flats to open lakes, winding rivers, and beyond. Paddle it for stealth, pedal it with fin or prop drive), or power it up with an electric motor, gas outboard, or bow-mounted GPS motor. Built to be fully customizable, the Guru gives you the freedom to rig it your way. A fin drive can easily be added, or prop drive pedal drives, electric motors or gas-powered outboards. MSRP: $2,099
This article was featured in the June issue of Florida Sportsman Magazine. Click to subscribe .
