Small Modifications Can Improve Your Kayak Fishing
4-minute read
You can make small modifications to your fishing kayak to customize your gear exactly the way that serves you best.
Whether you’re new to kayak fishing or you’ve been on the water for many years now, we can always learn from each other.
Here to walk us through a handful of modifications he’s made on his own kayak is Bending Branches ProStaffer and the “Flukemaster,” Gene Jensen:
VELCRO® and Magnets
Two simple and common materials that can make life on the water so much easier are VELCRO® and magnets. Gene uses both for various applications.
You can apply VELCRO® to items that have a flat back and are fairly lightweight, like remote controls. Simply apply one side of a VELCRO strip to the item and the other side to the storage place—maybe the console in front of your seat or even on your PFD as Gene does.
This easy-on, easy-off stowing option keeps items from dangling around your neck, getting tossed aside or dropping to the bottom of your boat. For best results, look for VELCRO advertised as waterproof.
A way to keep metal tools handy but out-of-the-way is with magnets. Gene bought a pack of small magnets, cut tiny slits in his seat padding and slipped the magnets inside his fabric seat cover. His pliers, scissors and other small metal objects cling to the magnets and are easy to grab when he needs them.
These solutions are inexpensive and easy to customize.
Catch Board Holder and BlackPak Modifications
Gene wanted a spot for his catch board that doesn’t take up valuable storage space in the back of his kayak but is still accessible. So he made his own holder out of KYDEX®, a type of thermoplastic that’s tough, light and moldable. He mounted the holder along the left stern of his kayak to free up space for other gear items.
He also slightly modified his BlackPaks to make them easier to open and close, to fasten to his kayak, and for better arrangement of his rod holders. These BlackPaks are made to be adjustable. So thinking through ways to customize them to make your fishing easier is a worthwhile investment of time and effort.
Hook Holder and Custom Wire Holder
Next, Gene added a hook holder that he mounted in front of his seat. This metal item has holes drilled into it for inserting fishing hooks so jig and spinner bait skirts have a chance to dry before he places them back in his tackle box.
Finally, he likes to take a rod sock, cut it, fold it down and heat the edges. This makes an ideal wire cover. The socks keep the wires contained in one place and everything looking clean and organized.
“This is one of the fun things I like about kayak fishing—being able to customize the kayak the way you want to fish it. So I hope this gave you some ideas,” Gene says.
Follow Gene on his YouTube channel for more kayak fishing tips and tricks.
Other Customizing Ideas
Don’t miss our recent blog featuring Drew Gregory’s kayak modifications that helped him become 2024’s Bassmaster Kayak Series Champion.
Like Gene, Drew walks you through how he’s modified his fishing kayak to make things more efficient and easier while he’s fishing. And in his case, some of his modifications were to shave ounces off the weight he paddles around to get through tournament days quicker and more efficiently.
Next, be sure to browse through some of kayak fishing’s best manufacturers to learn what’s out there in terms of customizable gadgets, storage and tools. Here are a few suggestions:
- YakAttack—the entire website is a treasure trove of kayak fishing accessories you never knew you needed.
- Innovative Sportsman has many items that will help make kayak fishing a better experience.
- YakGadget is another American company that focuses on making accessories for kayak anglers.
- YakGear, same.
- Loadstone magnets from Big Drip Outdoors.
- Many fishing kayak manufacturers, like Jackson Kayak, also make and sell accessories. Go to your favorite fishing kayak website and look around.
We always appreciate the generosity of Gene, Drew and others on our ProStaff and Ambassador teams who share their knowledge and tips with other kayak anglers.
See all our kayak fishing content here.
(photos courtesy of @openroadvisuals)
What paddling questions can our friendly Customer Service team help you with? Contact us at 715-755-3405 or [email protected]
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