What to Carry Onboard

A kayak is not a bass boat, bay boat, or a flats boat when it comes to hauling equipment.  While a kayak can fill most boating roles, space is limited– so serious thought is needed as to what to carry.   You outfit your boat according to the needs you have in your own fishing area.   My fishing time is split between saltwater and freshwater in Florida.  The gear is similar, except for the tackle changes normally associated between the two types of fishing.

Safety gear is first.  You need to be safe in the water and there are some things that are mandatory and might be required by law.  A PFD or personal floatation device is very important and should be worn at all times while in the kayak.  A whistle is required as a signaling device and should be carried on board.  Hat and sunglasses add protection and comfort from the sun.   Proper clothing, either rain suit or sun protection, needs to be accessible for when the need arises.   Fishing gloves protect the hands from sunburn and can aid in the landing of fish.   Sun block should be worn at all times to protect the skin.  I prefer at least SPF 30 or higher.  Foot wear needs to be nonskid and of a type that can be worn in the water.  Here in Florida, shoes with a sturdy sole help prevent cuts and slashes from oyster beds and shells.  I also carry a sponge or towel to wipe my hands after a fish, as well as to soak up any water I get into the boat.

You need some way to secure your kayak while still fishing.  An anchor or stake out pole is ideal for this.  My preference is to use a small folding anchor on an anchor trolley rigged to the side of the kayak.  If the water is shallow enough, in the W you can simply change your position on the seat to pin the hulls to the bottom–a great method for stop and go style flats fishing.  In deeper water, a drift sock or small bucket can be used to slow down your drift.  In addition to securing the kayak at times, you’ll also need a place to keep the paddle out of the way.  You can either place it across the cockpit, resting on the cockpit noodles or on paddle hooks (as seen on the W website.)

Fishing tackle needs a place to be kept out of the way until needed.  A fishing vest with multiple pockets is fine for small terminal tackle and packages of plastic baits.  It also gives you a place to carry a small camera, line clippers, dehookers, and other small fishing tools.  I use small gear reels or lanyards to keep the gear close at hand but out of the way while fishing.  Larger lures in tackle packs and other tools can be placed in a small plastic trashcan and slid under the deck on whichever side is most convenient.  A net is handy and a small one can be kept under the front deck opposite the side with the trash can.  Another great tool for landing and controlling fishing at the boat is a pair of fish grabbers.

I keep drinks and snacks in a small soft cooler behind me in one of the hull spaces.  If fish are to be kept for dinner, they can be stored in a cooler bag in a hull space as well.

Rods and reels are placed in the flush mount holders, if the W model you have is equipped with them.  My F2 has two holders, while my standard W boat has a three-tube crate rig mounted on the deck behind me.  If I need extra rods, I use multi-piece pack rods stored below the decks.  Some folks like to troll while paddling and the new Ram rod holders are ideal for this purpose.
Remember that, even though space is limited compared to a powerboat, there is more than enough room for a day of fishing in a kayak.  It just takes a bit of thought and planning.