Wesley Littlefield 08.15.25
Kayak fishing is unbelievable as a result of you’ll be able to attain the very best fishing holes with out spending a fortune, however that doesn’t imply kayak fishing gear “Don’t-Buys” don’t exist. I’ve made my justifiable share of regretful purchases; fortunately, I’m completely satisfied to share them. By the top of this text, you’ll know a number of the worst objects to buy for kayak fishing and those you should purchase as an alternative.
Don’t Purchase #1 – Low-cost Kayak Cart
The primary kayak cart I bought off Amazon was lower than $50, and I hated it. In truth, I by no means used it. I dragged my kayak throughout the bottom as an alternative.
Each single time I attempted to make use of a budget cart, it might fold up and slide off my kayak, irrespective of how nicely I strapped it on. When you’re severe about kayak fishing, don’t get an affordable kayak cart. Save up slightly and get one just like the Railblaza C-Tug.
The Railblaza C-Tug is the very best kayak cart I’ve ever used. It doesn’t fold up or slide off my kayak whereas in use, and it may possibly go nearly wherever I take my kayak. Sand, gravel, grass, river rock, ditches, and hills aren’t any match for this unbelievable kayak cart.
Don’t Purchase #2 – Kayak Fishing Rods
In all equity, I assumed specialised kayak fishing rods have been an incredible concept, and I’m nonetheless open to making an attempt them, however not on the present pricing mannequin. Kayak-specific fishing rods typically have a shorter deal with so that they don’t catch in your PFD whereas fishing. Since they use much less materials, one would suppose they could be cheaper. One can be unsuitable.
All of the kayak fishing rods I’ve had my palms on have been simply as, if no more costly than, common fishing rods of equal high quality. The butt of my rod doesn’t catch on my PFD sufficient for me to justify spending that form of cash on a rod, once I can spend much less and nonetheless get the identical high quality.
Till the worth drops, kayak fishing-specific rods are a no-go for me. I’ll follow my common fishing rods, whether or not kayak fishing, financial institution fishing, or boat fishing.
Don’t Purchase #3 – One-Hand Mini Paddles
One kayak fishing gear “don’t purchase” I nearly fell for was the single-blade paddles. I perceive the thought, however I might load one and by no means use it, all whereas it’s taking on pointless room in my already crowded kayak.
As an alternative, I take advantage of one hand and a forearm to paddle whereas holding my fishing rod. It’s not splendid, nevertheless it’s higher than shopping for gear I’ll by no means use. I even have a trolling motor, which makes one-handed operation a breeze.
Don’t Purchase #4 – Kayak Fish Finder
I like my fish finder. It’s helped me discover new locations to fish and catch fish I might by no means have caught with out it. Nonetheless, I didn’t settle for an inexpensive fish finder. I opted for a top quality one from a trusted model.
I like to recommend spending a minimum of $100 on a Garmin, Lowrance, or Humminbird fish finder. I’ve examined a number of on this worth vary from every firm, and all work nicely when put in on a kayak.
Whenever you select to spend much less cash on an affordable fish finder, you’re sacrificing high quality and sturdiness. You’ll find yourself with a fish finder that’s harder to learn and reveals inaccuracies. Ultimately, you’ll improve to a greater one, however why waste the cash initially?
Don’t Purchase #5 – Low-cost Kayak
It will ruffle some feathers. I’ve fished out of low cost kayaks and high-quality fishing kayaks, and there’s no comparability. I’d a lot relatively be in a high-quality fishing kayak as a result of it’s extra snug, steady, customizable, sturdy, and all-around simply higher.
Are you able to catch fish from an affordable kayak? Completely, I’ve been outfished by guys in low cost kayaks, however I’ve watched them practically dump all their gear into the drink and need to finish the journey early as a result of they’re uncomfortable.
Get a top quality kayak in the event you’re severe about fishing and need to spend hours on the water. You’ll must spend $1,000+, however you’ll have a extra pleasurable expertise, and that’s what kayak fishing is all about.
Final Forged: Kayak Fishing Gear Don’t-Buys
Now that you just’ve realized from my and different kayak anglers’ buying errors, you’ll be able to keep away from these kayak fishing “don’t buys”, so that you don’t waste your hard-earned cash on junk. You’ll spend extra pleasurable hours on the water and fewer at work. Which is what all of us need, proper?
