Favorite Kayak Addition

[Ohio Yakker]

I was curious to know what you guys think is your most important/favorite kayak addition or modification. Whether it's a fish finder, milk crate, rod holders, rudder, etc...

Mine would have to my anchor set-up. I don't use an anchor trolley like a lot of people do, mostly because I put my anchors on before I knew what an anchor trolley was. I use 2 different anchors, one on the bow and one on the rear. I have them rigged so that I can release them or pull them up easily from the cockpit. I run the line through an eyelet on the front and then use a clam cleat to secure the line. I have the same set-up with the rear anchor. The reason that this is my favorite addition is because it can hold me in the exact position I want. If the wind and current are going North/South, I can still hold my boat facing East/West. A traditional anchor trolley only has one pivot point so eventually the kayak would be facing the same direction as the current I would assume. 

Please share your favorite modifications and why

[GetBent]

I can't decide on a favorite. I think a crate and anchor trolley should be mandatory for most yakers. Even when I was broke I still was able to configure both out of cheap materials. For my particular kayak I love my square hatch just forward of my seat. Holds tackle, snacks, tools, and phone. 

[Darren.]

Hands down, my trolling motor setup.

Steer with my feet, speed controls at my
left hand, can pull motor out of water by
pulling release cable and pushing both
of my foot braces forward....

Makes my kayak fishing life soo much 
better.

[Turtle135]

1. my DIY kayak cart, it is a little known fact that your kayak can gain 30-40 pounds of weight in a single day of fishing, my Wildy Ride comes in at 76 pounds at sunrise, magically at sunset that very same kayak has to go at least 120 pounds!

2. a fish grip on a 4 foot paracord tether, allows me to let my bass swim while I get the camera ready to go

 

[GLK]

For me it's got to be the anchor trolley, so much easier on a windy day.Thanks to all your good posts Darren I've got my eye on a new Ultimate FX 12

[buzzed bait]

honestly the anchor trolley is my least favorite addition, least used too.  

fishfinder is a killer for getting my depth, crate is crucial so i can carry every piece of tackle under the sun!

[Dye99]

My fish finder or my Werner paddle...

 

[OperationEagle]

I would say my fish finder set up: ff itself, diy waterproof battery box, transducer arm.  Really helped me learn structure fishing, knowing depth for jig fishing...probably the one tool I can point to that helped me improve and broaden my skill as a fisherman....that is besides the kayak itself.  

[FATYAKKER]

I would have to say the bending branches angler paddle I have is my favorite addition to my kayak. I didn't know a thing about kayaking when I first started so I bought a aluminum brick for a paddle and it was miserable.

[DogBone_384]

The best addition/mod to my kayak?  That's a tough question.  Every mod makes fishing better, whether it's electronics, anchor trollies, or a trolling motor.   

So I'd have to say that my favorite mod is the last one I did until the next one...  

[Dye99]

12 hours ago, buzzed bait said:

honestly the anchor trolley is my least favorite addition, least used too.  

 

I agree. Being a kayak fisherman for all these years I am always amazed at the amount of people who will purchase a kayak, then set up the "best anchor trolley" prior to them even owning a kayak, as if its as important as a paddle.

Perhaps its a river thing and I just don't understand since I fish large lakes and ponds in my boats. For me, bass fishing is moving, covering water, and the idea of dropping an anchor  everytime would be a hinderance rather than a help.

I have been known to use a pair of fish grips on a para-cord line to grab a tree or semi submerged stump to hold me in place while I retie. For me, its about using the wind, and the boat to your advantage, as well as not spooking fish in the process.

[Caliyak]

Fish finder and my peanut butter jars. The jars hold my wallet, keys and phone. 

[MassYak85]

Tough to pick. I'd have to say my milk crate just because how convenient it makes storing tackle and rods behind me and out of the way. A close second would be the AquaBound Manta Ray Hybrid Paddle I bought last season. Makes a huge difference paddling a long distance over the aluminium one that came with the kayak. Although I just installed an 8" rail on the front to hold a mount for my phone and I have a feeling that will be my favorite one this season. 

[THE_Vue's]

Achor trolley and 8ft stake out pole.  With out that yesturday during windy condition I was able to stay put mark my way point on my kayak and come back to the point later on.  Super winder up to 20-25 wind gust everyone was push down the lake while I fish most of the time instead of fighting the wind.  I won the tourney with out that I would of been SOL

[bobbyK]

I would say my rudder and toe pilot pedals would be the single best addition to my kayak.  It has really improved my boat positioning and and drifting abilities and made all the difference in my distance paddling as well.  The rudder I added was the SmartTrack rudder kit from ACK.

[MassYak85]

Lol, I don't know why I didn't think of this in my first post seeing as they are the biggest change I have made to my kayak. I would actually have to say my outriggers. They are made from some PVC components and some bullet shaped buoys. Without them I would not be able to stand up in my kayak at all. I don't always bring them as they do slow down travel but they are awesome to have some times.