Beginner Kayak Accessories

[SCangler91]

I'm going to be picking up the Ascend FS12 SOT kayak from Bass Pro this weekend because they have them marked down to $400.  Tough to pass on that deal.  I was just curious though what are some decent paddles and PFD's that I can get without forking out top dollar?  On the subject of paddles, what length is ideal for lakes and reservoirs/ponds?

 

I have Dicks, Academy, and some other paddle board outfitter stores around me locally.  Thanks in advance.

[Hanover_Yakker]

Easy way to get the right paddle is to stand flat footed and raise your arm above your head.  Cup the end of your fingers and place the paddle beside you standing upright.  For most Sit On Top hulls, this test will find the paddle that is right for you.  Your fingers should just cup around the end of the blade.  Now, if you are in a raised seating position or in a Sit Inside Kayak, the length will need to be adjusted accordingly.

 

As far as PFDs are concerned, a class III is the requirement.  The rest is personal preference in all honesty depending upon your budget and how it fits you.  THe key thing to remember when sizing a PFD is to try it on with and without additional layers.  I see you are from SC, so cold water bassin' is not that frequent but is still possible.  So in case you have layers, then the PFD needs to be easily adjustable while you are on the water.

 

If possible, go to a kayak or outfitter store to get properly fit and understand how to fit yourself.  Then you can go to the other places and try on their offerings and see if they fit your body type.

 

The Extrasport offering from BPS is a decent option to start off with and is very affordable.

[SCangler91]

Easy way to get the right paddle is to stand flat footed and raise your arm above your head.  Cup the end of your fingers and place the paddle beside you standing upright.  For most Sit On Top hulls, this test will find the paddle that is right for you.  Your fingers should just cup around the end of the blade.  Now, if you are in a raised seating position or in a Sit Inside Kayak, the length will need to be adjusted accordingly.

 

As far as PFDs are concerned, a class III is the requirement.  The rest is personal preference in all honesty depending upon your budget and how it fits you.  THe key thing to remember when sizing a PFD is to try it on with and without additional layers.  I see you are from SC, so cold water bassin' is not that frequent but is still possible.  So in case you have layers, then the PFD needs to be easily adjustable while you are on the water.

 

If possible, go to a kayak or outfitter store to get properly fit and understand how to fit yourself.  Then you can go to the other places and try on their offerings and see if they fit your body type.

 

The Extrasport offering from BPS is a decent option to start off with and is very affordable.

 

Thanks for the reply, couple of questions though.  I'm about 6-3 and have extremely long arms so if I did that test would I probably want to cut a few inches off the length?  Also, can you explain the difference between the different classes of PFDs?  And lastly what is the Extrasport offering BPS has?

[Tugmaster]

The differences in PFD's. Type 1&2 are designed and approved by the Coast Guard to keep the head of a unconscious person above water. They have a lot of floatation and are bulky. Type 3 PFD's are what everyone wears for the most part. Type4 PFD is a throwable device like a seat cushion or life ring.

The Chinook by NRS is a real nice kayak PFD. The flotation in the back is up high enough that it does not come in contact with the seat back. It also has pockets.

As for your paddles I would guess at least a 240cm.

Todd

[Hanover_Yakker]

Todd handled the questions regarding the PFD classes, and he is right 240cm is probably going to be your length.  As for the PFD offerings, I meant to say Extrasport from Dick's and Ascend from Bass Pro.

 

Here is the Ascend offering (basically it is the Stohlquist Fisherman model like I use now) - http://www.basspro.com/Ascend-Paddling-Fishing-Life-Jacket/product/10225851/

Here is the Extrasport offering: http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3998161

 

There are plenty of choices out there but make sure it is comfortable - if not, you won't wear it.

 

Other options are: Astral, NRS, Kokatat, etc......just Google kayak fishing and PFD - you will have plenty to keep you busy.  Then go to an outfitter, big box store or kayak/paddling store and try them on.

[SCangler91]

Thanks for the feedback guys.  I'm sure I'll be back with some more questions after my purchase.

[aceman387]

One of the best things i ever bought for fishing in my kayak was one of those fishing vests with all the pockets in the front,i  have all the hooks i use organized in one pocket and all the different type worm weights and drop shot weights in another pocket and i stuff the other pockets with things like pliers,sunglasses,a scale,tube of fish attractant,sunscreen,a sandwich etc.It saves me the trouble of turning behind me to grab the most common stuff i use all the time.

[Darren.]

Here is the Ascend offering (basically it is the Stohlquist Fisherman model like I use now) - http://www.basspro.com/Ascend-Paddling-Fishing-Life-Jacket/product/10225851/

 

 

This is the PFD I have (Ascend). I enjoy it just fine.  I've gained weight since buying it a few years back and it adjusts well in both directions.

 

When I am next in the market for a PFD I will look at another Ascend, but will also consider other brands at Kayak retail locations. There are a lot of good PFDs out there, and comfort is essential. One drawback of the Ascend - IMO - is the back padding. It doesn't ride as high as the Stohlquist so may or may not interfere with when you lean back in your yak.

 

Mine slides up a tad when I sit down, not a huge issue, but just FYI.

[willembop]

I find an anchor pretty handy for fishing on windy days. I use the small one from Austin Kayak  http://www.austinkayak.com/products/73/Folding-Anchor-15-lbs.html

[Darren.]

I find an anchor pretty handy for fishing on windy days. I use the small one from Austin Kayak  http://www.austinkayak.com/products/73/Folding-Anchor-15-lbs.html

 

I second an anchor for windy days. The one above mention is a good grappling anchor, but you want to make sure to use zip ties and tie the main line to the very bottom, and zip tie the line to the top eye. If you get stuck with a grappling anchor, good luck. This way you pull hard enough and you'll break the zip tie, then you'll pull the mainline tied to the bottom which will close the arms and bring it up "upside down".

 

All this said, there are so many different anchors you can either buy or make for yakking. I currently use about 2 feet of ⅝" chain, rubber bike tire over the entire length, zip tied at the ends, then a retractible dog leash tied to the middle of the chain.

 

If it's quite windy, you'll drag/drift. In shallow water (up to 6 1/2 feet) I use an anchor stick. I've also use 3lb and 5lb dumbbells, all the way up to an 8 lb mushroom, which held the absolute best in high winds.

[tnbassfisher]

A milk crate. Seriously. Get it. Customize it. Make it your own.