A Kayak Angler’s First Aid Kit

Bending Branches’ ProStaffer, Chris Funk, fills us in on one of the most important gear items you need to keep in your fishing kayak—a First Aid kit.

You can buy a pre-made kit from many different places, including those designed specifically for marine use.

Or you can build your own like Chris did. Take a look at what he keeps in his:

Chris’s Suggested Items for a Kayak Angler’s First Aid Kit

One of the big plusses of building your own First Aid kit is choosing the size and shape of your case. Chris uses a small waterproof tackle box for his. He’s able to customize the inside his needs, and it fits easily under his kayak seat.

Here’s what he keeps in it:

• Electrical tape—you can use this to patch up your gear and yourself, should you need to.
• Bandages in multiple sizes and shapes, preferably waterproof.
• A small tube of sunscreen.
• Some kind of antibiotic ointment, Cortizone, allergy tablets, headache powders and any other type of over-the-counter medicine you might need.
• Tweezers
• Cutters—don’t leave shore without them!
• String for hook removal

(photo courtesy of Chris Funk

Ready-Made First Aid Kits for Kayak Angling

Several companies offer ready-made First Aid kits that work for kayak anglers. You may want to supplement some fishing-specific items, too, but they’ve already thought of most of what you’ll need.

Here’s a round-up of four of them:

1. Adventure Medical Kits has their Ultralight Watertight line of First Aid kits. From the solo day trip kit up to the complete kit designed for professional wilderness guides, there are several options to choose from.
2. DeftGet makes a couple basic First Aid kits housed in a waterproof case. They’re under $20, so they won’t be super comprehensive for large groups, but a great place to start for low cost.
3. Surviveware makes a nice waterproof kit that’s comprehensive and super durable. They expect you to customize it by providing a couple extra compartments for your personal meds and other items.
4. Delta Provision makes a complete First Aid kit that’s stored in a floatable dry bag. Again, supplement for your personal and fishing needs and this is a great kit for you, too.

Whether you end up needing your first aid kit for yourself or for someone else, be sure to take one along every time you’re on the water. It’s one of those things you hope you won’t have to use, but are glad to have when you need it.

Need help choosing a canoe paddle? Contact our Wisconsin-based Customer Service team today: 715-755-3405 • [email protected]

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