Hey guys, buzzing cause just got a new fishing yak. Keen to get your input on what's important on it. I'm not planning to pimp it out totally in the next few weeks but gradually add stuff as I really need it. Was catching fish on my old Frenzy and had only one rod holder, a drift chute and a chilli bag. Not worried about rods and reels as have this and not worried so much about clothing as yet.

Thanks Newyakker. Your list makes a lot of sense.  Do have a good fitting PFD and the means of communication sorted also.  As you say will paddle a bit before getting too carried away with adding stuff. Your comment about a knife is a good point. I think I have seen where guys somehow have the knife pouch mounted on the yak nice and handy. I just have mine in a pouch inside my chilli bag which is not ideal.

Thanks Rainbow. I understand what you're saying. Was there meant to be a photo? As for tools and my desire to keep things simple - I take:

Thanks Muppet. Yep I have a small first aid kit in a drybag with phone etc

tga fisher wrote: Thanks Newyakker. Your list makes a lot of sense.  Do have a good fitting PFD and the means of communication sorted also.  As you say will paddle a bit before getting too carried away with adding stuff. Your comment about a knife is a good point. I think I have seen where guys somehow have the knife pouch mounted on the yak nice and handy. I just have mine in a pouch inside my chilli bag which is not ideal.

Yes a knife attached to your yak for your fishing needs is great, however I believe a second knife attached to your vest is a must. We have paddle leashes, anchor lines, drift shutes. fishing line, burly lines fish stringers and sometimes tethers that we can get tangled in if we happen to fall out. You may need to get to a knife very quickly. Also comes in handy if you drop your other knife over board
Scotty holders are great if you are into stray lining for big snapps.
I also have a small water light and a whistle in my PFD.

Another must is gumboots as they have many uses
- keeping your feet warm
- storing your bait
- fending off sharks
- live bait tank
- drinking vessel
- GPS holder
- Storing your anchor or drouge
- rod holder
- drouge
- throwing at stink boats that get too close

No Tga     I drilled  a couple of holes through both walls of the sheath, then enlarged the first one to get the head of a small SS self tapping screw through, which I then screwed into the hull.    If you ever want to close the hole just heat it with a small burner and it will melt shut.

As a matter of interest, which Brand and make of Kayak are you paddling? this can make a difference in layout etc

Yep, I carry one attached to the yak as well, my statement was more about the availability of a knife that was ideal to fit on the PFD