Essential Kayak Gear
Printed From: The Fishing Website
Category: Saltwater Fishing
Forum Name: Yak Yak Yak
Forum Description: The forum for Kayak enthusiasts
URL: https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=53658
Printed Date: 03 Aug 2026 at 6:20am
Topic: Essential Kayak Gear
Posted By: tga fisher
Subject: Essential Kayak Gear
Date Posted: 14 May 2010 at 9:46am
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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.
Have: Yak, paddle, and seat
Added: Running rig and have drift chute
Yak already has two flush mounted rod holders behind the seat and has a place for a scotty rod holder. Do you guys consider this type of rod holder mounted central and forward to be necessary equipment. There seems to be two type a cradle version and the standard one.
Also have ideas for keeping the fish cool as I think the polystyrene chillibin you can get at Payless Plastics for $11.00, which is quite long and narrow, and comes in two heights, will fit in the back well of the yak. I'll get back to you guys when I've checked it out. Used my chilli bag satisfactorily in the past though so will not rush into this.
------------- Sorry - out of office - GONE FISHING |
Replies:
Posted By: N2Y
Date Posted: 14 May 2010 at 9:57am
Cool  First off paddle it and see where you think you want everything. You're right that over time you will work out what works for you. A quick list as I see it (I'm no expert): Yak Paddle Form of contact (cell in waterproof bag or vhf) High viz flag Seat Drouge/Sea anchor Running rig Rod holders – where you like them Knife - mounted handy in case you need to cut the line Storage for fish (again whatever suit you and your yak Rods, Tackle etc Fishfinder GPS Etc etc etc Cheers. |
Posted By: tga fisher
Date Posted: 14 May 2010 at 10:39am
| 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. |
Posted By: Rainbow
Date Posted: 14 May 2010 at 11:46am
 Re storage of tools. This is my solution to have everything handy and positioned according to frequency of use i.e I use the knife most so it is closest etc. I still use this method but have upgraded the tools. Note that they are all mounted below the gunnels, which protects them from getting ripped off in a surf roll over.
Rainbow
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Posted By: tga fisher
Date Posted: 14 May 2010 at 11:55am
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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:
Knife
Clippers (snippers) on lanyard around neck
Pliers
Braid scissors
The pliers are very handy. They are actually split ring pliers so have a small hook on long nose. I use them to remove swallowed hooks and I'm sure I could cut a hook if one went through my finger. Pliers and scissors sit flat in pocket on PFD.
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Posted By: Muppet
Date Posted: 14 May 2010 at 12:32pm
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A small first aid kit is handy had to use mine once so far so to me its essential. |
Posted By: tga fisher
Date Posted: 14 May 2010 at 12:42pm
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Thanks Muppet. Yep I have a small first aid kit in a drybag with phone etc |
Posted By: Patch_
Date Posted: 14 May 2010 at 4:13pm
| Add a http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Boats-marine/Parts-accessories/Safety/auction-289649879.htm - portable airhorn to your list |
Posted By: Naki man
Date Posted: 14 May 2010 at 5:28pm
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 ------------- The solution to any problem - work, money, love, whatever - is to go fishing - the worse the problem the longer the fishing trip should be. "I have a lot of very large problems" |
tga fisher wrote:Posted By: tga fisher
Date Posted: 14 May 2010 at 5:53pm
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Thanks Naki Man. Hadn't thought of the gumboot that's for sure. A knife on your person makes sense. Think I probably will go with a scotty rod holder. Are the cradle or standard type best.
Hey Rainbow are the holders for the knife etc glued to the yak
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Posted By: Rainbow
Date Posted: 14 May 2010 at 9:03pm
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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.
Rainbow
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Posted By: Shamus@KZ
Date Posted: 15 May 2010 at 9:09am
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Please dont wear gumboots, if you end up in the water with them on, you will increase your chance of drowning majorly, they fill with water and make it difficult to get back in your yak, are hard to get off once filled with water and are very difficult to swim with if your yak is floating away from you.
There is a Diving BC-Knife that is small, sharp, very user friendly and has a few options for attaching it to your PFD, retails for approx $39 and seems to be very good at not rusting like most do.
A standard Scotty 250 or 350 are what most people choose and are the most practical
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Posted By: Shamus@KZ
Date Posted: 15 May 2010 at 9:13am
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As a matter of interest, which Brand and make of Kayak are you paddling? this can make a difference in layout etc
Cheers
Shamus
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Posted By: Rainbow
Date Posted: 15 May 2010 at 12:04pm
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Shamus
I carry two knives. One in the cockpit for things like ikiying, cutting bait etc and a smaller SS folding knife that stays on my PFD purely as a safety tool should I ever become entangled in lines/leashes during a roll over. While I am all for simplicity in kayak fishing I think it makes good practical sense not to roll these two functions into one.
Rainbow
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Posted By: Shamus@KZ
Date Posted: 15 May 2010 at 2:40pm
| 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 |
Posted By: tga fisher
Date Posted: 16 May 2010 at 4:52pm
| Thanks guys - good helpful advice. Have been away for the weekend - maybe a good weekend to be away as looked like the weather wasn't great. The new yak is a Prowler 13 Shamus. It has a spot ready to screw on a scotty holder. Up until now I have only fished with one softbait rod so havn't seen a need for a forward rod holder. I wasn't considering the gumboots - I use dive booties which I find ideal. I like the sound of the knife that attaches to your PFD. |