How To Set Up Your Kayak For Inshore Fishing (Tackle, Tools, & More)

Note: This very popular post on inshore kayak fishing was originally published on May 18, 2020. But since then, we’ve had TONS of very helpful info added to the comments, so be sure to read the comments section too. Enjoy!

Want to know what items you actually need to go inshore kayak fishing?

Some people have way too much stuff on their kayak that they don’t actually need that’s weighing them down or getting in the way…

But on the other hand, some people are making life more difficult for themselves by not having a few simple tools that make kayak fishing a lot easier.

Since people ask us all the time what they need to get started kayak fishing, I made this video to show you everything I have on my kayak for a day out on the water.

This includes:

• the small amount of tackle that I use
• an anchor system that allows me to quickly stop and position my kayak so I can catch more fish
• the setup I use to get good pictures and videos
• and much more

Also, I’m not sponsored by any of these companies — this is stuff I actually use on a daily basis.

If you do inshore fishing from your kayak, or are thinking about getting into it, check out the video below.

How To Set Up Your Kayak For Fishing [VIDEO]

Do you want to know EXACTLY where you should fish this weekend? CLICK HERE

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Here’s a list of everything I use on my kayak (including my actual kayak):

Kayak

I fish from a 2019 Hobie Outback.

I love the pedals because they help me quickly get to where I’m going to be fishing, but most of the time they’re strapped down with a bungee cord in the rear tank well because I’m standing and fishing in one to one and a half feet of water.

Now, one modification I added to my kayak was a bungee cord setup in the front.

I use it to secure my paddle when I’m standing.

One end of the paddle goes under the bungee cord in the front of the kayak, and the other end goes in the paddle holster on my hip.

See how to make your own paddle holster here.

Net

I recently started using the YakAttack Leverage Landing Net and I’m really enjoying it.

It folds in half for easy storage and has an arm cup, so it’s easier to use with one arm.

See my review of the YakAttack Leverage Landing Net here.

Tackle

I keep things to a minimum as far as tackle goes.

Here’s why:

1. There’s not that much room on a kayak
2. I only use a few lures because I know they catch fish
3. Using just a few lures saves me time by not having to tie on a new lure every five minutes

I have a Plano 3460 waterproof stowaway for terminal tackle, hard baits, hooks, etc., and I keep my Gulp baits in a Plano 3440 underneath my seat.

Center Compartment Storage

The Hobie Outback has a dry box for storage right in front of the seat.

Many kayaks have similar compartments, but you could also use a dry box strapped to your kayak for storage.

In this compartment, I keep things such as:

• leader material
• extra GoPro batteries
• packs of Slam Shady
• pliers
• scissors
• other tools
• phone
• wallet
• keys

Rod Holders

I like to have two to three rod holders on my kayak.

I always have at least two rods because if one breaks, you still have a second option, and occasionally, I’ll bring a third rod.

One of the rod holders is upfront so I can quickly grab it in case I see a fish right in front of me, and the other one or two rod holders are in the back out of the way.

I use the YakAttack Zooka II Rod Holder and the Scotty Rodmaster II Rod Holder (note: if you use the Scott Rodmaster, you’ll need this gear head track adapter to mount it on your tracks).

Paddle Holder

I have paddle holders on the side of my kayak for quick access.

I use the Railblaza QuickGrip Paddle Mounts.

Anchor System

I have an anchor pin that is attached to an anchor trolley by a four or five-foot rope.

I use a roller-ball paddle holder to keep it in place on my yak when I’m not using it.

Camera Setup

I have a Ram Mount camera mount on the front of my kayak so that I can get good pictures and videos of the fish I catch.

I have a GoPro Hero 5 Black on that mount.

I also have a GoPro Hero 7 attached to my hat so that I can get a point of view angle for my videos.

Additional Tools

In addition to the equipment mentioned above, I always have these tools on me:

• fish grip
• measuring device
• Nite Ize (to keep things like my anchor pin in place as I’m transporting my kayak)

Safety Equipment & Water

Of course, I always have water on the boat because I live in Florida and it can get quite hot.

There’s a lot of safety equipment that I did not show in the video, as this was focused on just fishing gear and accessories, but you can see the safety gear and tips I recommend here.

Conclusion

If you’re inshore fishing from your kayak, the above items will help make your trip easy, safe and enjoyable.

Have any questions about any of this gear?

Is there anything I missed?

Let me know in the comments below!

And if you know someone who fishes from a kayak, please TAG or SHARE this with them!

P.S. Want access to our best fishing spots and tips, plus discounts to our online tackle store? Click here to join us in the Insider Club!

Related articles:

• Unbelievable Snook Catch From A Kayak (All Caught On Film!!)
• How To Consistently Catch Redfish, Snook, & Seatrout [Inshore Manifesto]
• How To Catch More Redfish, Snook, & Grouper With Just ONE Lure

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