There is plenty of gear out there to make your life on the water while kayak fishing easier; let me share some of the products I use and couldn’t live without.

The Crate Mate Jr

The Crate Mate Jr. is the king of organization; with rod holders and leashes attached you can make your kayak a fishing kayak without even drilling a single hole. Designed to fit in most tankwells, it is a must have. For more info visit www.3rdgrip.com

Small Belt Pouch From Aquaskinz

Also along the lines of great storage ideas is the Small Belt Pouch From Aquaskinz, this little pouch at only 8” X 6” gives a great you a places for hands on access to leaders, bucktails, rubber baits and other terminal tackle. It is made to fasten right onto to your seat strap and small enough to never be in your paddles stroke. For more info visit http://www.aquaskinz.com

The Hydrostar Light

You can never have enough good safety gear, the Hydrostar Light is the best light made for the kayak, it easily fastens to the deck of your yak and doubles as a flashlight. The versatility of this multifunction LED design includes a flashlight with three brightness settings, a strobe, and a red/green marker light.  For more info visit http://www.seattlesportsco.com

The Rapala’s ProGuide Pliers

Any craftsman knows how valuable good tools are; the same applies to kayak fishing. Rapala’s ProGuide Pliers are made tough with stainless steel construction that can cut braided line or work the hook out of a barracuda. Features like a split ring tool, soft handles and spring loader makes it a great choice for your go to tool on the water. I have had mine for 2 years with no signs of rust or malfunction.

The Economy Lip Gripper by Lipper Tools

I am also am a fan of good value, as well performance and the Economy Lip Gripper by Lipper Tools is just that! Constructed from aluminum, ABS plastic and stainless steel landing jaws. This EconoScale weighs up to 15 lbs. This model is virtually saltwater resistant with a minimum of care. Hard to imagine you get all this for about $18. They also have version that weigh up to 50 lbs. for more info visit http://www.evolutionproductsinc.com

The Sterns Inflatable Chest Pack

I call the Sterns Inflatable Chest Pack, the PFD for people who don’t want to wear a PFD. Manual CO2 inflation by pulling lanyard. Back shoulder pad can be adjusted for neck and head support once inflated. USCG approved Type V for use as a Type III. Large tray pocket makes it a great gear organizer as was as safety item. For more info visit http://www.stearnsinc.com

The SKWOOSH™ Comfort Cushion

If you’re not comfortable on the water, you’re not going to want to fish. I have found that this little item has made a big difference for me and can be used with any kayak – sit inside or sit on top. The SKWOOSH™people use terms like “medically proven pressure relieving technology to make paddling more comfortable”, I am not sure about all that stuff but I do know it makes a difference for me on the water. It provides this added cushion with a low profile that will not get you too elevated while paddling. For more info visit http://www.skwoosh.com