Best Kayak Fishing Accessories: All You Need for 2021

You probably already know this if you are a kayak angler or know one.

You can find a wide range of accessories for kayak fishing that will help you keep yourself or your loved ones safe.

It’s true, however, that kayaks do not provide much extra space.

This could leave you feeling a bit lost.

We can help you find the right gift for an angler, whether you are new to the sport or an experienced one. Below are reviews of some of our favorite kayak fishing accessories. There are many options.

Here’s a quick look at the top kayak fishing accessories

Trolly/Cart RAILBLAZA Ctug Kayak Cart
Kayak Fishing PFD: NRS OS Chinook
Handheld VHF Radio: Standard Horizon HX890
Kayak Fishfinder: Humminbird CHIRP GPS G2 (PT)
Kayak Landing Net EGO S1 Genesis Landing Net
Kayak Fishing Drift Sock Moody 42″
Kayak Fishing Knife: Ontario RAT 2
Kayak Fishing Pliers: KastKing Cutthroat 7” Fishing Pliers

Kayak Fishing Accessories: Best Reviews

RAILBLAZA Canoe Trolley Cart or C-tug Kayak by RAILBLAZA

Material Stainless steel and reinforced polymer

Maximum. Capacity: Maximum300 lb.

It’s not easy to carry a heavy kayak through a parking lot. Many anglers find it nearly impossible to carry a heavy kayak across a large parking lot with ‘yaks that weigh in at the triple-digits.

Even pulling a kayak across dirt, grass or sand can be more difficult than you might think. It’s not hard, I’ve done it many times!

It wasn’t a part I wanted to have.

This hassle can be solved by a kayak cart. RAILBLAZA’s I-tug is my favorite.

It is made from ultra-light reinforced polymers and can support a kayak up to 300 lbs. This is a huge advantage over similar aluminum-framed models. This means that fully loaded kayaks such as the Jackson Kayak Big Rig FD and Mayfly by Jackson Kayak are easy to use.

This is a much bigger deal than you might think because this heavyweight will just crush all the competition.

Solid polymer wheels are easy to puncture and air up. The C-tug is grippy enough to handle any terrain and large enough to handle sand.

Once you are ready to go, just break down the cart and drop it in your bow hatch.

Pros

Super strong
Light
Durable
It is ideal for use on sand, gravel, rock, and mud
It is easy to store and break down

Cons

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NRS OS Chinook – Best Kayak Fishing Equipment PFD

SIZE CHEST

XS/M30″-42″.

L/XL 42″-52″.

XL/XXL50″-56″.

The NRS OS Chinook kayak anglers’ dream PFD offers unbeatable storage and safety.

It can be difficult to find hi-viz orange unless you directly go to the manufacturer. However, it is undoubtedly the best choice for safety, especially if you are a big water angler or know someone who needs one. You can find them here.

NRS has thought of everything when designing this PFD for kayakers. This safety item doubles as a small tackle bag and has zippered pockets to hold a VHF radio. You will find plenty of storage options and attachment points to keep your gear organized.

The OS Chinook has many storage options, including a VHF radio pocket.

This is a truly amazing front.

It is also comfortable. OS Chinook forgoes mesh panels and focuses on clever design. You’ll see a lot of air, not mesh, which is a big difference from the rest of the market.

What could be better than mesh? Air!

It is important to measure your body and choose the right size. There are many adjustment points on the OS Chinook to ensure that you get the perfect fit.

Expect 400 deniers ripstop nylon exterior and softer, more abrasive inner.

The hi-viz orange is also matched with reflective strips, increasing low-light visibility dramatically.

My money is on the best kayak fishing PFD.

Want more ideas? You can also check out our buying guide for kayak fishing PFD!

Pros

Amazing storage options
Excellent fit
Amazing comfort
The US Coast Guard has rated Type III
Fabric that is tough and easy to clean
The manufacturer offers a great high-visibility color option
There are many reflective materials available

Cons

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Standard Horizon HX890 – Handheld VHF Radio

Transmitting power maximum 6W

Waterproof ratingIPX8; floating

DSC: Yes

GPS: Yes

Rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery; up to 11-hour battery life; three-hour charging time

Standard Horizon is the best handheld VHF radio brand, and the HX890 helps to explain why. This radio is a great choice for those who want to get the best of both worlds.

The Coast Guard expects 6W power drive transmission to allow for easy line-of-sight communication and the over-the-horizon capabilities of the Coast Guard. The Standard Horizon is comparable to all of these radios in terms of performance.

As you would expect, the radio has access to all American, Canadian, and international channels. This includes all-weather channels. You’ll always be up to date on everything, from small craft advisory to rough seas and high winds.

The battery tech is where the Standard Horizon really shines. You can immediately see the price you are paying by seeing the battery life. It is at least half the length of the Uniden and Icom. No matter if you use the AC adapter or an automobile auxiliary, the charging times are around three hours.

Expect a simple-to-read screen with intuitive controls. I recommend reading the manual.

The DSC can be activated by pressing a button at the right rear of your radio. It is augmented with GPS to broadcast the exact location of your radio. The sound quality is superb.

The Standard Horizon shines in waterproofing. It is rated IPX8 and can float (and activate a strobe lamp, regardless of whether it’s powered on or off). This is a major selling point for me. It will not have any problems with rain or wind-borne spray, and should your radio get sprayed, it will be fine!

The Standard Horizon handheld VHF radio is my favorite.

Pros

Full-featured
DSC and GPS-equipped
All-weather channels available
Amazing battery life
Excellent, simple-to-read screen
High-quality sound quality
Good range
Extremely waterproof and capable of floating

Cons

It’s expensive!

Humminbird HELIX5 CHIRP GPS G2 PT – Kayak Fish Finder

Frequency CHIRP 83/200 kHz

Screen size:5″

Resolution:800 x 480

GPS: Yes

Maximum depth:1,500′ (or more with optional transducers).

The Humminbird Helix 5 GT PT fishing accessory is a great choice for kayak anglers. It’s loaded with features that will impress professional anglers. The powerful CHIRP sonar can penetrate 1,500 feet. This depth is ideal for inshore kayak fishermen.

Although the screen is 5-inches in size, kayakers might find it a bit too large, visibility will be great. You can expect crisp, clear images with a higher resolution than any other competitor we reviewed. This display will also be easy to read in full sunlight.

The Helix 5 has a transom-mounted transducer and is powered by a large 10–20 VDC rechargeable lithium battery. This model is similar to other models for powerboats. It’s up to you to decide if this is a problem. Customers report a range of 16 hours of continuous battery use, which is enough to fish for approximately two days.

Users complain that sophisticated fish finders can have confusing menus and features. This is a good reason to read the manual. You’ll find a wide range of options that is almost unmatched.

Pros

CHIRP sonar
Large screen
Amazing resolution and image quality
Great maximum depth
Portable

Cons

It is difficult to understand menus and features
A large battery could be a problem

Check out our guide to the best kayak fish finders for more ideas!

EGO S1 Genesis Landing Net

Handle material: Aluminium fixed

Size19″ x21″

Mesh material rubber

The hoop shape Squared teardrop

The EGO S1 Genesis is an excellent landing net for anglers with limited space. This net can be attached to your bow with a bungee or to the rod keeper at the side. It can also be stored behind your seat.

It features a fixed aluminum handle of 31 inches and a large-mouthed hooper, giving you plenty of reaches to catch big fish. It has a maximum reach of 50 inches, making it easy to land big fish.

There are many mesh options, but I prefer the clear rubber model. It’s less likely that it will spook fish or cause difficulty landing them. The nylon models are too harmful to delicate fish and I will not recommend them.

This net can be used for pike and big reds.

The EGO S1 Genesis is tough, durable, and no-nonsense. It also floats making it almost impossible to lose on water.

Pros

The handle is very strong and light
Amazing rubber mesh, deep enough to hold large fish
Excellent hoop size for large fish
Larger boats have plenty of reaches
Floats

Cons

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Moody 42″ Drift Sock – Kayak Fishing Drift Sock

Material PVC

color orange

Anglers who fish inshore know how frustrating it is to have their kayaks pulled by the tide and current, and miss out on the opportunity to catch the big ones.

The perfect spot is a submerged hump, the channel just beyond the breakers or submerged wreck teeming in fish. But you can’t keep it there.

Answer: A drift sock

Drift socks are essentially a small parachute that slows the current and tide effects, keeping you anchored when it’s too deep. You can also pair them with an anchor trolly to reorient your boat towards the current. This will keep you in the best position possible.

Moody’s PVC-coated drift socks will last a lifetime if they are properly washed. It folds up easily and is lightweight, so it can be stored on your ‘yak.

To make drift socks work, you will need to purchase the line and the float separately.

Pros

Ideal for deep water
Light
Durable
It’s easy to store

Cons

Line and floating sold separately

Ontario RAT 2 – Kayak Fishing Knife

Total length:7″

Closed length”

Blade length:3

Blade thickness.09

Handle material: FRN

Material for the blade: AUS-8

Blade grind: full flat

Locking mechanism Liner

Weight:2.4 ounces

Ontario’s RAT 2 folder quickly gained a following upon its debut on the market. It takes just a few seconds to understand why.

Ontario is a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts, and it comes at an unbelievable low price. AUS-8 is mid-range stainless steel that is easy to sharpen but extremely tough. The blade measures three inches. It can be used for cutting bait and cleaning fish. You can also choke up on the blade with the thumb-ramp or choil, giving you exceptional control over the tip.

This blade is easy to sharpen and holds an edge well. The edge chipping on the bone was a minor issue that I had, but it was easily fixed with one sharpening.

An ambidextrous thumb-stud opens the blade and can be easily swung into position. The liner lock engages with an audible click and locks up solidly.

This knife is bomb-proof because the FRN scales come with stainless liners. They are micro-textured and can become a little slick. This is my only criticism. This knife is very easy to clean and has a great handle shape.

The RAT 2 has a 4-way repositionable clip in the pocket, making it a great knife to have for lefties.

After a while, I found the clip could become loose in the mounting holes. However, a couple of drops of Loctite can fix that problem immediately.

Pros

Amazing price
Beautiful steel
Excellent blade design
Awesome handle design
Solid lock
It is easy to open and close with one hand

Cons

It is easy for the scales to get too smooth.
Over time, the pocket clip may become loose.

KastKing Cutthroat 7” Fishing Pliers – Kayak Fishing Pliers

Material Teflon coated stainless steel/tungsten carbide

Length 7″

Lanyard: Yes

Spring: Yes

KastKing’s Cutthroat Fishing Platters are as perfect as it gets. They are made from durable, tough materials and offer great performance for a fair price.

KastKing chose to make the Cutthroat out of Teflon-coated stainless Steel. This makes them very durable and tough. This combination of Teflon and stainless steel works well to prevent saltwater corrosion. I love this material choice as steel is much more durable than aluminum, especially when you are really pressing to do hard work.

The Cutthroat has two tungsten carbide knives on the outside of its mouth. This allows you to easily cut thick braids. They are a rare find among the competitors and can do a decent job with wire. Although they wouldn’t be my first choice, I would trust them to do the job.

You’ll find crimping and split ring tips as well as a lot of teeth in the jaws. KastKing suggests tightening knots using the hooks inserted through the jaws. This seems a little too much, but you may find that it is not enough.

The rubber grip on the handle is better than the bare metal. These pliers are more affordable than the competition. The spring-loaded hinge makes it easy to use one-handed.

The included lanyard can be used in two positions. This is our top choice for fishing pliers, and it’s reasonably priced.