Accessories That Won't Break The Bank

[iaYakker]

Working on outfitting my fishing kayak. I'm going to take it out a few times before I buy everything I want to put on it, but I wanted to see what you all thought about quality accessories so I have a plan of attack and know what to look for. I'm looking for the following....

 

Best foam blocks/straps for loading
Waterproof containers
Net
Mono line backer
Life jacket
Roomy tackle boxes

This would be a good start. I know what I want for a paddle and I know I'm going to get some PVC and a crate. Thanks all.

[Big C]

Pool noodles are good replacments for foam blocks.

Otter boxes. 

Wal-mart has really cheap nets.

Trilene Big Game.

Wally World for life jackets too.

Depends on what you're putting in it.

[jbw252]

I can understand saving some coin on some accessories or making your own, but the "life jacket" shouldn't be on this particular list.  Don't skimp on the PFD.  Choose one wisely.  It has to be dependable & comfortable.  If it isn't, you'll choose not to wear it.  Research the type you want, choose wisely, and WEAR it.

[Kidflex]

I agree with not skimping out on a good life jacket. Try a nrs- chinook. Has a high back floatation so it doesn't get in the way of the seat. Very comfortable in a kayak. It's worth the money trust me

[Choporoz]

This has been my first year with mine and I've had it out a LOT.  Maybe lucky, but most of my purchases, add-ons have been perfect.

 

Yak came with a rod holder, light/flag, paddle, and a few tracks with balls. 

-Already had a PFD, so first was a crate - saw a pile behind Dunkin Donuts and asked if they cared if I grabbed two of them, they said, "Sure - take 'em".

-Got a 3-rod holder from Gander and zip tied it to the crate -- perfect

-Used a large 360 Plano box and Bassmaster bag for tackle.  I can reach the box from the crate easily and I keep plastics and tools in the bag in the compartment right in front of me.

-Bought Yak gear deluxe anchor trolley and a 3lb anchor.  Easy to install (which is saying a lot for me, since I'm ill-equipped for tools   I love it.  Use it a lot.

-Bought a hand paddle.  I don't use it as much as I thought I would, so I'd say you can do without...

-Bought new PFD last week on sale from Austin - Strolquist Fisherman High-Back for $60.  See if they're still there and on sale!  I love it.

-Bought a six foot stake, but I am not happy with that yet -- too expensive and too short.  I suggest trying a couple or making your own before dumping cash on a stick

[buzzed bait]

Go cheap on all but the PFD.  Get a very comfortable one that you will wear every time.  

i have an inflatable Onyx that is great, can wear it all day without a problem.

[iaYakker]

Thanks all for the advice. So many options online. But I'm almost scared to make a PFD purchase since I'd like to try something on. But I could always return it I suppose. I'll be making some buys online this week to get this hobby started.

[DogBone_384]

Working on outfitting my fishing kayak. I'm going to take it out a few times before I buy everything I want to put on it, but I wanted to see what you all thought about quality accessories so I have a plan of attack and know what to look for. I'm looking for the following....

 

Best foam blocks/straps for loading

I transport my 'yaks on my truck's ladder rack & use black foam pipe insulators, which are about $4 each.

Waterproof containers

 

Net

I use a folding net I bought @ Ba** P** for $40

Mono line backer

 

Life jacket

Don't skimp here. Shop around and try them on.

 

Roomy tackle boxes

I use a Spiderwire backpack for all my fishing.  A lot of guys use a milk crate filled with their plastic boxes.

This would be a good start. I know what I want for a paddle and I know I'm going to get some PVC and a crate. Thanks all.

[jbw252]

Thanks all for the advice. So many options online. But I'm almost scared to make a PFD purchase since I'd like to try something on. But I could always return it I suppose. I'll be making some buys online this week to get this hobby started.

Don't be scared to ask to try PFDs on.  Most kayak places will help you out.  If you're buying online, Choporoz gave a great suggestion for the Strolquist Fisherman High-Back PFD.  That's what I use - check them out.

[Choporoz]

Don't be scared to ask to try PFDs on.  Most kayak places will help you out.  If you're buying online, Choporoz gave a great suggestion for the Strolquist Fisherman High-Back PFD.  That's what I use - check them out.

Spent about 5 hours out fishing with it on Sunday.  The front seems a bit bulky at first, but after about 5 seconds I didn't notice it again.  The tradeoff for moving some padding from the back is huge.  My old PFD caused my back to sweat get heat rash through the summer.  This is a huge improvement.  Best $60 I've spent on fishing gear in some time. 

 

  BTW, I was a bit concerned also about sizing since I figured I was on the edge between the two.  So, I got the Unisize, fully adjustable.  It is perfect.

[the reel ess]

I only have 2 custom touches to my kayak.

 

A free milk crate with 4 PVC rod holders zip tied in that I bungee to the rear well.

 

A zig-zag cleat I intended to use for an anchor, but I never use it or an anchor. just too much trouble.

 

I'll take up to 5 combos to fishing already rigged with what I think they should bite and a few bags of plastics. You can make this hobby as expensive as you want. That's not why I got into it.

[iaYakker]

Can anybody recommend a strong pool noodle of some type? Would save some $ over actual kayak blocks.

[OperationEagle]

^Thoughts:

^{Best foam blocks/straps for loading: Walmart pool noodles but you are out of season for these to be out on the floor...FYI.
Waterproof containers: Walmart waterproof boxes are inexpensive and work.
Net: I don't use one...just takes up space.  Even when landing a muskie, a net would have only gotten in the way. Everyone's different though.
Mono line backer:  Backer for the braid you are spooling I assume...any will do, really.
Life jacket: I have yet to see a bad review on the Chinook or Stohlquist. I bought my NRS Chinook sight unseen and I love it.  I never hesitate wearing it as it is comfortable against the kayak seat.  In fact many times I forget that I am wearing it. Like others have said,  don't skimp here.
Roomy tackle boxes:  I have one roomy box and one "essentials" Plano box that I keep under my seat.  The roomy box holds those lures and extras that I need on occasion including a small digital scale.}

^{Stake-out pole:  Bought an 8 foot tree stake for like $6 at home depot.  I use it sparingly.}

^{Anchor: Picked one up from ACK...2.5-3 lb.  Does the job and inexpensive.}

^{Electronics/Finder: Get a finder that has the basics.  Color would be great.  GPS a bonus too.  Skip down and side imaging.  DIY your battery pack in a watertight box from Walmart.} 

^{Transducer arm: depends on your setup.  many suggestions here on BR.}

^{I glued Silent Traction System on the floor and love it.  Minimizes noise.  In a kayak stealth is the name of the game/greatest benefits.}

 

^{Honestly, I try to minimize things I bring to...}

^{A. Fishing gear: tackle box, rod/reels, electronics, rod holders.}

^{B. Safety: PFD, wet suit when needed}

^{C. Propulsion: Paddle, anchor}

^{D. Personal: Food...Granola bars that I stuff in my PFD and phone that I stick in a $5 waterproof ziplock that hangs around my neck.}

[Choporoz]

One other thing I got and love: Cell phone 'dry bag'.  Picked mine up off of ebay from China.  Got 3 of them for under $4 shipped.  Wanted to check them out before I bought the $30 model at Dicks or REI.  Took about 3 weeks to receive them, but they've been awesome.  Not one leak or tear yet.  Seller I got them from is out, but they look like these:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Waterproof-Pouch-Swimming-Beach-Dry-Bag-For-Cell-Phone-MP3-Case-Cover-Holder-Bag/361322147438?_trksid=p2047675.c100011.m1850&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D34227%26meid%3D7761d6f73bba425fb7e8f106b94d6e9a%26pid%3D100011%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D10%26sd%3D201129548090

 

Like OE, I don't use a net, either.  Since I started using fish grips, however, I haven't used a net anywhere.  I keep them right at my side at all times.

[Caliyak]

Peanut butter "Jiffy" jars are water proof. So start saving your jars.

[bigfruits]

"the fish grip" is a good alternative to a net. it locks and you can hang it on a scale. i use it mostly when dealing with treble hooks or toothy beasts. there are two sizes, the small is fine for bass but the larger is more versatile and not too big for bass that you cant swing into the boat.

 

cant vouch for other brands of similar grips.

 

http://www.thefishgrip.net/

 

not a necessity in the least but the rapala digital scale below is pretty cheap. it gets bad reviews but they all say that it runs out of batteries in one day. i wonder if they are turning it off? i took the risk and havent had this problem although ive only had it for a week but ive been turning it on and off daily to test...

 

http://www.***.com/Rapala_Mini_Digital_Scale_25lb/descpage-RMDS.html

 

 

when youre bored this winter check out the backwater assault paddle. expensive for what it is but worth it.

 

edit: dont know why tackle warehouse was edited in the scale link. havent had the problem before with other links...

[stevec328]

Peanut butter "Jiffy" jars are water proof. So start saving your jars.

I thought they were too, but found out differently. Better leak test them before you put valuables in them.

[Allen Der]

I highly recommend this net

 

http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Gold-Series-Folding-Landing-Net-with-24-Handle/product/42745400/