How to Rig a Fishing Kayak for Big Bass Battles

• Affiliate Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. We earn from qualifying purchases.

---

Whenever you purchase your first fishing kayak, you’ll need more than a kayak, fishing rod and reel and paddles. Make certain to include accessories for safety, comfort and fishing effectiveness.

If you’re going to take the time to get to those secluded areas where the big fish reside, you need be ready when you get there. Consider the following:

Rig Your Kayak for Fishing Success

1. A storage crate lets you pack essential gear, extra lures and terminal tackle neatly.
2. Rod holders on both sides of the storage crate serve to stow extra rigged rods out of the way.
3. Flush-mount rod holders keep a landing net and the rod you’ll use next within reach.
4. An elevated seat with a backrest is recommended.
5. Built-in, nonskid foot pads make it easier to change positions and aid in boarding and disembarking.
6. A paddle holder stows your kayak paddle temporarily while you fish or rest.
7. Footrests add to overall comfort, especially if they can be adjusted to fit your stature.
8. Accessory tracks let you add a fish finder, additional rod holders and more.
9. Waterproof storage serves to shield valuables from the elements and stash bulky items like rain gear and a spare PFD

Essential Accessories in a Fishing Kayak

• Here’s a rundown of the basic gear you’ll need before hitting the water.

SAFETY FIRST: A personal flotation device (PFD), which is required by law in every state, should come first. I prefer the comfort of a minimalistic kayak-fishing life jacket like those by Astral Designs (astraldesigns.com), NRS (nrs.com) and Stohlquist (stohlquist.com), though some anglers prefer one with more pockets. By the way, it’s not enough just to have that PFD with you. You should wear it always. I’m a strong swimmer, but I wear mine every time I hit the water.

• Related: Factors to Consider Before Buying a Great Fishing Kayak

WARNING SIGNALS: A whistle, another safety requirement, should be attached to your PFD or to the kayak itself—somewhere near you—so you can quickly alert any distracted boater that may be headed your way. And since kayaks sit pretty low in the water, I also suggest mounting a bright-orange safety flag (most come with a 4- to 6-foot mast) on the back of the kayak to make yourself more visible.

PICK A PADDLE: I recommend buying the best paddle you can afford. A Best Marine carbon-fiber paddle (bestmarineandoutdoors.com), or one from Bending Branches (bendingbranches.com), Aquabound (aquabound.com) or another top brand may cost you $150 to $400, but it will be much lighter and stiffer than the inexpensive aluminum kind, making paddling more effortless and enjoyable. Pick a model that breaks down into sections for easy stowage.

DROP ANCHOR: Since staying put is as important for fishing as getting from one spot to the next, also buy an anchor and a stakeout pin. Go with a 5-pound Stockless-style anchor or a Danforth (along with 50 feet of 1/4-inch nylon rope). The lighter grapnel and mushroom anchors sold at most kayak retailers don’t hold well in a moderate wind or current. The stakeout pin will come in handy in the shallows and can often be used to keep the kayak from swinging while at anchor. Fiberglass will last longer than aluminum if you fish the salt, and you’ll get more use out of an 8-footer, which can double as a push pole.

STASH AND GRAB: Of course, you’ll also need a tackle-storage crate and two or more rod holders, depending on the number of rods you will carry. Many anglers affix two holders to each side of the crate (placed behind the seat), and one or more forward to keep rods close at hand while paddling. Yak Attack (yakattack.us), RailBlaza (railblaza.com) and Yak Gear (yakgear.com) make and sell a wide array of gear and accessories for kayaks, and I’ve been pleased with all three brands.

---

• This article was featured in the March 2025 issue of Game & Fish magazine. Click to subscribe

---