Kayak Bass Fishing Gear Guide

While most anglers are eager to get off the bank and move directly into a bass boat, a kayak provides an affordable alternative for those who want to get on the water, expand their fishing range, or even fish competitively. There’s no denying the increasing popularity of kayak bass fishing, as it allows anglers to chase big fish in creeks, rivers, ponds, big lakes, and other hard-to-access waters.

To prepare for a successful day on the water, there’s a host of essential kayak accessories anglers should consider utilizing to ensure smooth fish landings, increased organization, and overall safety on the water. To help you get started, this gear guide identifies everything you will need to start bass fishing from your kayak, including accessories, safety equipment, and tackle!

In most circumstances, a 6’6” to 7’ casting or spinning rod with a short handle type is preferred for kayak fishing to provide increased handling and efficiency when working a lure from a seated position. Storage space and rod holders are often limited when fishing from a kayak, so the ideal kayak rod offers the versatility to perform multiple techniques. Hypothetically, if you were limited to taking three rods, you might take one spinning rod to cover all finesse techniques, a moderately tapered casting rod for moving baits and treble hook lures, and a heavy-powered rod for single-hook applications.

Available in a wide range of flush or track-mounted options, kayak mounts secure all types of fishing accessories, including rod holders, GPS/fish finders, lights, and trolling motors. Compatible with almost every leading brand, kayak mounts help ensure electronics remain locked in place when fishing big waters, keep rods up and out of the way when landing fish, and secure tools and accessories so they’re always at the ready.

Powering your kayak with a trolling motor not only eliminates the challenges of paddling to your favorite fishing spot but also helps you cover water efficiently and position the kayak easily when the bite heats up. Shallow-water anchoring systems can also be added to kayaks for enhanced control, allowing anglers to stay in place when fishing in heavy winds, sight-fishing beds, or for added stealth when targeting spooky fish.

Storage is at a premium when fishing from a kayak, so keeping your tools, rods, tackle, and gear organized is always of utmost importance. Kayak storage crates and boxes allow anglers to store tackle efficiently and keep lures within easy reach, while dry storage bags are a great idea for keeping small personal items free of moisture. If you like taking a lot of rods, consider adding rod holders to your crate or along the rail of your kayak to keep them securely in place while moving.

Transporting a kayak from your vehicle to the water is a difficult task for any angler, especially after it’s loaded down with fishing rods, tackle bags, kayak gear, paddles, lifejackets, electronics, trolling motors, nets, and more. A kayak cart is a great transportation accessory for an angler who wants the flexibility to load their kayak down with gear, easily navigate complex terrain, and eliminate trips back and forth to their vehicle. A kayak cart with the appropriate wheel design and tie-down straps can be customized for your application, as inshore anglers launching from the beach are going to prefer an inflatable sand tire over a rubber-treaded wheel that’s made for hard-packed surfaces.

If you’re launching at the break of dawn or pushing the bite until the last hours of sunlight, adding some lights to your kayak makes it easier to launch and tie knots while also making your kayak more visible to other boaters. Motor vehicle laws in most states require drivers to attach a red flag to anything that extends a few feet past your bumper, including a kayak, so make sure you have a tow flag to avoid costly traffic tickets and prevent accidents on the road.

In recent years, kayak tournaments have emerged as one of the fastest-growing segments in bass fishing and have become as common as traditional derbies. Without the luxury of having a livewell to take your five biggest fish back to the weigh-in, most kayak fishing tournaments require anglers to measure and take a photo of each fish on a certified measuring board. Every kayak fishing tournament is subject to its own set of rules, but regardless of the format, it’s safe to assume you’ll need a lifejacket or PFD, navigation or safety lights if you’re launching before sunrise, and a net to help you land fish.

In most states, kayak anglers are required to wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket or at least have one on board. Unfortunately, the heavy, bulky designs of some life jackets can make them uncomfortable to wear and tough to store on a kayak. Thankfully, many modern inflatable PFDs and low-profile kayaking-specific life jackets are built with lightweight designs that allow your arms to move freely without impeding your range of motion when paddling or making casts. If you plan on launching from the shore, you may also want to look into kayak dry boots or waders to keep your feet and clothing dry when launching in cold weather.

You want to be as comfortable as possible to maximize your time on the water, so it's important to wear clothing that protects you from the sun, wind, rain, and cold. When seated on a kayak, you’re more exposed to the elements and closer to the reflection of the sun on the water, so you’ll want to utilize polarized sunglasses, sunshirts, hats, gloves, and protective clothing to be prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws at you!

Bass fishing from a kayak can be very rewarding, especially with the right accessories, preparation, and know-how. Kayak bass fishing brings anglers of all skill levels a new and exciting experience that allows them to easily unwind, access hard-to-reach waters, reconnect with nature, and tackle any kind of fishing adventure!