10 Things You DON’T Need for Kayak Fishing

A lot of videos (mine included) focus on what to BUY for kayak fishing. Here I share what you DON'T need in order to get out on the water and start landing some fish. Let me know what you guys would add to this list.
Impulse Rods - geni.us/fcCg0KJ
💰: BEARD10 for 10% off
Vevor Cart - amzn.to/45Q2lnN
Omnia Fishing Premium Pro - geni.us/LKiNZE
Carver Covers by Covercraft - geni.us/O9vBN
Garmin Striker 4cv - amzn.to/4buUJIm
Yak Power Switching System - bit.ly/41FZ3jo
💰DISCOUNT CODE💰: BDF5 for 5% off your entire purchase
Become a channel member here :
/ @beardeddadfishing
▶️ Links to other helpful videos ▶️
7 Kayaks for Big Guys Video: • 7 Fishing Kayaks for B...
Old Town Sportsman PDL 120 Review - • Old Town Sportsman PDL...
Kayak Fishing Safety Gear - • MUST Have Safety Gear ...
10 Kayaks under $1,000 - • Fishing Kayaks UNDER $...
Top Kayak Fishing Mistakes - • Avoid These Beginner K...
🛟 Top safety accessories for kayak fishing :
NRS Chinook OS PFD - amzn.to/3qLZgRN
Onyx A/M 24 Auto Inflating PFD - amzn.to/3xCnxxB
Safety Whistle - amzn.to/3QSbALc
NRS Neko Rescue Knife - amzn.to/3DyghGQ
Compact First Aid Kit - amzn.to/3DuMb7c
YakAttack VISICarbon Pro 360 Light - amzn.to/3LsrcUC
👍 Follow my socials :
Facebook: / beardeddadfishing
Instagram: / beardeddadfishing
Join us on Kayak Fishing Dads FB Group : / 1474900446279062
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS ⏱️
0:00 10 Things You Don't Need
0:40 #1 An Expensive Kayak
2:32 #2 Tons of Gear/Mods
3:47 #3 10 Rods
5:23 #4 A Trailer
6:52 #5 Experience
8:56 #6 Indoor Storage
10:49 #7 A Fish Finder
12:58 #8 An Expensive Paddle
14:38 #9 Fishing Friends
16:05 #10 An Expensive Crate
Please note, some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something I'll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
🎶 Music:
Intro bumper: Song: CHENDA - Mr. Bully [NCS Release]
Music provided by NoCopyrightSounds
Free Download/Stream: NCS.io/MrBully
Watch: • CHENDA - Mr. Bully | M...

[@MrGimpy]

I don't even use poles anymore. Once I got my kayak the fish just jump in the boat.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

🤔

[@jeremy9916]

A tip for those using a roof rack to transport your boat: Lay something on the hood of your car, preferably non slip like a foam mat to prevent scratches. Place your kayak cart upside-down on the non slip surface, wheels up. Then "roll" your boat up onto the rack, into your J hooks or whatever your transport system is. I have a bad back and this system has helped me solo load and unload my boat.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

You’re living in 3024 bro 😎

[@mitchell4047]

I bought a $200 kayak off of Facebook marketplace, threw some lights and a milk crate on it, it’s the best thing I’ve bought for fishing

[@Shrike456]

Absolutely. Higher end kayaks are just for the luxury. The most important thing is that you now have access to the water.

[@mitchell4047]

@@Shrike456 Right? I have caught so many fish at lakes and pond that I’ve always got skunked at before, all because I can get on the water

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Awesome brother!

[@dennisdurham694]

I bought myself a Wilderness Systems Commander 120 and my son a Vibe 10' off of FB marketplace in the last two weeks. Hopefully do some fishing this week. We're both new to kayaking.

[@mitchell4047]

@@dennisdurham694 heck yeah 👍🏽

[@lanceh.5671]

I have been fishing from the same yak i bought 14 years ago for $518. The best money i ever spent. My philosophy for kayak fishing is keep it simple and enjoy. 😊

[@teamflanneloutdoors5631]

Had big plans to mod my $399 Old Town Vapor 10 when I bought it 9 years ago. After using it on rivers & lakes of all sizes I settled on a backrest pad, tomato stakeout pole, brush gripper tied to each carry handle,a net, and a fish gripper & pliers hanging on a carabiner. KISS concept at its finest. Best part is I can throw the yak on my shoulder and easily put in or take out👍🏻👍🏻

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Heck yeah! Good call!

[@michaelburk9171]

Start simple and basic and add things as you need them. I took that to an extreme. I started, I guess you could call it, kayak fishing 35 years ago on a big old surf board. A little belt pack of lures and 1 rod I'd hold in my teeth when paddling out through the surf. Caught plenty of fish off that board. When i got my first kayak it felt luxurious

[@BeardedDadFishing]

100% brother. Fishing off a giant surfboard sounds wild!

[@shawnalexander7914]

I bring 2 rods for some different techniques, just 1 case of lures, a couple waters and that's it. I don't have a fish finder, net, notta. All I do is find the fish by using common sense and have fun

[@joecuillo5005]

The time might come when you catch a fish bigger than expected and need a net. My friends don't carry nets but they don't catch big fish. I don't cast unless my nets close and long pliers in my back pocket but I'm going for a 40 inch northern

[@Brunnen_Gee]

Something that's worked well for me basically my whole life: If someone says I need something, there's an extremely strong chance I don't need it. I'm a one rod guy these days. I got into fly fishing a little while back, and since doing that, it's all I take anymore. I just take two reels, one with floating line, one with sinking.

[@Richard-bs8xe]

Very good video for beginners!

[@killswitch7775]

Thanks for sharing!

[@rvfishingyet]

Always a solid video. Really appreciate the channel and insights on getting started in Yak fishing!

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thanks for watching RV!

[@ciscokid2444]

Great video my brother! Keep’em coming!

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Appreciate you!

[@Hydrayak]

Great info! Spot on!

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@williamkost733]

Awesome information for someone getting into kayak fishing. Glad you put this out for the newbie

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@treverwagner]

This is a great video for anyone getting into kayak fishing. I think some of us fell into a couple of those traps when we first got started. One tip you provided is amazing and more people need to get on it and that is Omnia Fishing! Omnia truly is a one stop for fishing; tackle, gear, maps, fishing reports, tips, and so much more.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thanks for watching brother! I DEFINITELY fell into a lot of those traps too, especially number two! And I agree, Omnia is amazing and they've got deals going on ALL the time. 100% one stop shop!

[@allenszykula8071]

My cheap ole sundolphin 10 footer has been a champ for several years added a few things diy style but it is time to upgrade.

[@danielgonzalez7994]

Just purchased my first kayak and you just now gained a new follower, keep up the good vids my man!

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thanks for watching 🙌🏽 congrats on the new yak

[@ScruffyCityFishing]

Great video! I’ve been kayak fishing for 15+ years now. I have multiple kayaks and have spent a fortune. Honestly though, I really miss the simplicity of my paddle kayak with 3-4 rods, a few tackle boxes.. just kept it simple and caught a ton of fish. One of the favorites you mentioned is the cover. You can leave more “stuff” on your kayak and not worry about it blowing off in transit.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Awesome brother. Love the cover! Totally agree.

[@BucktailFishing]

Awesome video subject idea!

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thanks brother!

[@unionsquaregrassman]

A really great video. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience. One thing I would add: you don’t need a sit-on-top kayak. I do a lot of fishing from my Tempest 170, which is a dry ride in cold water and super fast. If you plan on only using lures, almost any kayak with some initial stability will serve you well.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Appreciate you! Thanks for sharing!

[@JLP_710]

My #1 rec is a locking anchor trolley if you’re anchoring. Even the smallest wind will push you away or into the spot you’re fishing. The trolley will hold you as well as giving you control of your angle while anchoring. My #1 avoid so far is the ascend kayak cart.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Good call!

[@jamessims5240]

Great video. I appreciate it

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thanks for watching!

[@willsmith4208]

Bought an older kayak off Facebook for $400. First kayak ever. Found out simple is better. Just purchased my 1st Garmin and can't wait to get it out on the water.

[@ISOSAILING]

one day maby, ive always thought about getting a kayak for fising from as i live 200yards frome te sea, the one thing wich would be a must for me would be stabilisers and a small outbord as it's a about 1.5 miles to the best fishing spot, more for safty as the tide rips through there at 4 to 5 knots, then next stop after about 600 odd miles norway haha, have fished from my stand up paddle board before though didnt catch anything though,

[@southwestindianaoutdooradv4714]

Great video man a lot of good tips! I think #2 was my favorite! So many people jump into mods before their kayaks hit the water then they don’t like it once they finally go fishing in it!

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Agreed bro! Talked about it last night on the podcast with Aliex too.

[@southwestindianaoutdooradv4714]

@@BeardedDadFishing oh yea I’ll be watching that at work today! Hahaha

[@BeardedDadFishing]

@@southwestindianaoutdooradv4714 he’s a trip! It was a fun show

[@southwestindianaoutdooradv4714]

@@BeardedDadFishing hahaha I can imagine

[@shauncollinson4393]

I actully bought a new 6x4 box trailer with a cage, I remove the front and back gates and treat it like a boat trailer, straight down the ramp drop it in the water ( normally geared up if I'm not travelling far ) tie it up go park and come down with the couple things I don't leave in it. I am buying a rooftop tent with annex and throwing that on top of the cage, I'll buy a couple storage tubs to throw in the trailer and go for a adventure with my partner and son. 😊

[@txmexnittro]

I just got my OT PDL 106 and the only upgrade I did because I know I needed that seat to be higher, is from Navarro fishing kayak front and rear seat risers!! Amazing I just took it out to the local pond to test it out, get familiar with the kayak and also die in the 100 degree heat in Houston‼️🔥☀️🥵🤣

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Seat risers are a must. Great yak! Stay cool! 🧊

[@revranrandallharoldlewis1131]

I know this is probably old school,but that magnetic tray is GENIUS 🤘😎🎣

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thanks! Gotta make a new one!

[@rosscampbell4884]

One thing I learned really quick when I started kayak fishing is I love simple

[@jonbullard7074]

I now have a sportsman 120PDL, but I started off with a perception pescador pro 120. It was a great kayak but I was ready to upgrade to a pedal drive.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Great upgrade!

[@williamsobers5057]

I started kayak fishing several years ago. Bought a Tarpon 140 and a pair of Sundolphin Journey 10SS kayaks with my tax return. The Tarpon was fun to paddle but it was very narrow at 29 inches. It was pretty stable but you could not stand up in it. The Journey kayaks were not as unstable as the reviews made them out to be. Ended up getting rid of those and went to a Nucanoe Flint. Very stable. You could stand up but man it felt like a barge to paddle. Not sure if that was due to having the Tarpon first. I just picked up the Tamarack Pro last week. Paddles easy. Can stand up. Happy with it so far. I built a 2 piece crate. I built a motor mount that attaches to the crate. Going out to water test later today. I don't plan to motor the yak but wanted to share an unusual approach for adding a motor for cheap. I have less than $7 in the mount.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Good call! 💪🏽

[@NineteenEighty8]

Tons of great information. Not a fan of the sonar stuff but I ordered the Garmin 4 for my Kayak. Keeping my tournament kayak set-up on a budget. Won a local tourny yesterday and got $500 giftcard to BPS . Mainly for the water information stuff. Thanks brotha'. 50.28 pounds (15 fish)

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Let’s go!! Congrats!

[@StartUmUp]

i like 4 rods, one damashi for opelu, and 2 live bait trollers and one all around lure or jigging rod lol try bring in them mahis and ahis

[@bdiax]

Was looking all over for a kayak before I bought mine. Ended up getting a really good kayak for 160 on fb market place. Just needed to replace the seat and we are in.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Steal!!! That’s awesome

[@keithdoiron9718]

Fished out of an old paddle kayak that i bought used for 300$ for 5 years. After figuring out i really enjoyed the sport i saved up and bought a hobie compass. Had i gone straight to a peddle kayak i don't i would've appreciated the upgrade nearly as much. now I'm saving for an outback. also you don't need a crazy fish finder, the cheapest lowerance unit you can get will work wonders if you're a salt guy like me looking for bait and in need of a depth finder. milk crate with a 3 rod holder and you're good to go.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

100% man! Good call!

[@MrWhit30]

I fished out of a little 33lb 12' Old Town Pack solo canoe for years. Then I got me a pedal drive Native. Only mods are one rod holder for trolling etc, a phone mount for my depth finder, and a milk crate for my stuff. I use it mainly on the lake. Usually trailer it on my little utility trailer, just easier. I have a no name $50 portable depth finder I got off Amazon, runs off 3 AAAs, about the size of a smartphone. The display isn't even color. The transducer is a float you just toss overboard and drag along. Does all I need, depth, temp, & structure. Used to use a big old Hummingbird box than ran on a lantern battery with a suction cup transducer, but it finally wore out after about 30 years, the screen finally just died. Was too big and heavy for the kayak anyway, but worked fine on the canoe. But truth be told..... I still fish more out of the featherweight little canoe than the big heavy kayak, lol. Esp in the cooler months. Works for a couple hrs or a week long backcountry adventure. You stay drier, toss it on the racks with one hand,, and its just roomier and more comfortable. Even though you do sacrifice a little performance in the wind and without a trolling motor its a bit more fussy to maneuver. But the weight to comfort ratio cant be beat.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

You’re not wrong! Ideally a throw and go kayak would compliment a heavy trailered kayak

[@jamessims5240]

I won’t ever put electronics on my kayak or any freshwater vessel for that matter. I would if I fished tournament but I’m just out there to have some fun

[@DogHairDontCare]

My brother has the beach wheels for that vevor cart. it's really good and i prefer it over my hobie cart since the scupper stress be having me paranoid lol

[@BeardedDadFishing]

I’ll never use a scupper cart man

[@DogHairDontCare]

@@BeardedDadFishing I used to use it way back (i'm talking almost a decade ago on the pro angler 12). Never had an issue back then. They don't make the kayaks as thick as they used to anymore, so I agree!

[@joecuillo5005]

Craigslist!! Got my bonafied ss127 for 1000$, my daughters jackson cruise angler 10 for 500 and a vibe yellowfin 100 for 300$ All were like brand new and the family is in quality boats

[@BeardedDadFishing]

@@joecuillo5005 hard to beat that deal!

[@MyChaoticFishing]

2:27 the kayak market is as such -buyer’s market- fall/winter. -seller’s market spring/summer. Yes there are random deals here and there but I’ve watched it for about 5 years now, bought and sold a bunch. May the odds be ever in your favor 🤙🤙

[@LeeBurns-w5d]

Hammerhead kayaks are a budget friendly kayak company as well

[@MuahMan]

You don't need expensive kayaks to be competitive, you need it because the Dicks Sports generic one I got will destroy your back... quickly. :) LOL Thumbs up for including Alex footage in your video that dude is crazy in a good way.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Aliex is that guy 😂 had him on last night on the podcast.

[@MikeKing710]

After buying my audi a6 avant, I'm wondering about fishing stuff and camping. Looks like I got more opportunity then the riding on the motorcycle😅

[@vchim3310]

I bought my old town used sportsman 106 PDL come with accessories and helix 5 finder all for 2,100.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Banging price!

[@jdock32778]

My wife and I have Crescent kayaks. They are 'paddling' kayaks. We use kayak leashes. Imagine wind or that huge fish you are concentrating on distracted you as your paddle drifts away.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Happened to me more than once 😅

[@evanbordetsky8417]

I got 3 kayaks and a paddle board for $37.50 a piece. Easily kayaks that are $700 each

[@ReelTimeCapt]

bearded man speak the truth 😊

[@woogieman02]

2 6 foot rods and I use ani e fishing rod the most. Honestly the small size makes it great in tighter places, and is much easier to handle on a smaller yak

[@DTPxWildcat]

No i believe you buy an expensive kayak to feel comfortable, otherwise you end up buying 3 in a year like I did.😂 lifetime tamarack pro to a pelican catchmode 110 and finally i now use a bonafide ss107

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Expensive is relative 😅 comfort though is needed!

[@dennisdurham694]

The Vevor cart is now $70.99 on Amazon. Thanks for the information.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Even better!

[@postfishingclarity]

I fell for it… lol

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Same 😂

[@richardsousa2625]

You totally don’t need expensive gear. I got cheap tackle boxes, cheap tools, cheap crate, cheap lures. I got more cheeps than a box a peeps. The only thing I would spend the money on. Is the kayaks propulsion. After three years of paddling and motor maintenance I knew it was PDL for life

[@BeardedDadFishing]

💯

[@MedAtomics]

Hi guys, im looking to get into fishing kayaks...was wondering if anyone know a good place or if there is an expo to go check them out in person? i live in Nor Cal.

[@joshmiller7525]

While you can have fun in any kayak fishing. EVENTUALLY if you enjoy the sport. You will want some sort of pedal drive... just facts. Took me a while to sell my Vibe seaghost 130, all my friends got pedal drives and keeping up while still fishing was a bitch. Like he said, go cheap, enjoy the sport, then upgrade. Also, I enjoy standing freely in my kayak, so something to think about. Unless you have amazing balance, only select boats will let you stand without help.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Agreed. Great way to put it Josh!

[@sockgoblinamazingwtf6511]

My pov on kyaks for fishing, if it floats and doesn't take in water,its usable

[@expediterfromgeorgia7981]

I know I don’t need it but I want it

[@rosscampbell4884]

Totally disagree on the paddle advise for a paddler a better paddle makes the experience way better I almost quite kayak fishing at the beginning because of a cheap paddle

[@TexasPapa13]

Agreed a cheap soft paddle will wear you out a lot faster on the water.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thanks for sharing brother!

[@trestafford2146]

How do you feel about inflatable kayaks?

[@BeardedDadFishing]

If it’s works for you, it works for you! Newport vessels and NRS got some great options.

[@josephfritz2679]

Jay, where is that boat launch located @ 5:35?

[@BeardedDadFishing]

@@josephfritz2679 leaser lake brother

[@josephfritz2679]

@@BeardedDadFishing thank you.

[@josephfritz2679]

@@BeardedDadFishing in Pennsylvania...???

[@BeardedDadFishing]

@@josephfritz2679 yes sur

[@teetimeaz]

Experience helps. Like fish scent goes on your lures, not on you!

[@BeardedDadFishing]

😂

[@Nealstone10]

Everyone needs to just get out there and fish with there Kayak. Just go fish your water. You will find out what you need then vs on youtube. Yes youtube will help but realistically everyone's fishing situation is different!!!!

[@granvillej3316]

Jay ummmmm it’s too late brother this video should have came out in January of this year I’m in deep I have a list now of everything I want and yet to make my first purchase! Since I’m a diabetic I can’t give blood but I can give plasma, I’m giving a kidney to this foreign doctor I meet online, my lung is going to science and I’m either giving my left arm or left foot to science lol! But I do have a pretty filled up note pad of stuff I want and a pdf ID my first purchase after my kayak though! Thanks for the information brother I’ll keep it in mind have an awesome day be blessed tight lines!❤

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thanks for watching brother! Good to have a list and the PFD is CRITICAL 🙏🏽

[@pdfahie]

Love the channel…but “you don’t have to buy an expensive kayak” and “buy your second kayak first” from a previous video seem to be a little conflicting 🤔

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Appreciate you bro and thanks for your thoughts! I don’t think they are conflicting. Budget is different for everyone. When I say “buy your second kayak first”, I’m saying don’t cheap out and buy bottom of the barrel. If you can afford to save a little more to get the one you want, do it. And when i say “you don’t need an expensive kayak”, again, expensive is relative. BUT my point is don’t let the fact that you can’t afford a $2500 kayak stop you from going kayak fishing. That $900, $1200, $1500 kayak might serve your purpose fine for now.

[@pdfahie]

@@BeardedDadFishing love it! I started out in the super cheap pelican but realized if I fell out at leaser in the winter, it would probably end poorly, so I picked up a pond prowler. If i didn’t have that, I would definitely have somehow tried to talk my wife into me needing a pedal kayak 🤣

[@BeardedDadFishing]

@@pdfahie pedal kayaks are where it’s at! But I’ve seen some unstable ones too 👀

[@pdfahie]

@@BeardedDadFishing yeah, if I were to ever get one, pretty sure it will be the old town 106 pedal.

[@NuFishin]

Do you have to be a fishing dad to join the fishing dad group?

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Nope! Any guy can jump into the group.

[@NuFishin]

@@BeardedDadFishing so you have to be a guy?

[@AliexFolgueira]

I'm disappointed, i wanted to hear the one thing you don't need is a Hobie! damn bro!!!! ....(for everyone, I'm just kidding ok! lol) ohh loved seeing broll of skinny me, I gotta get back there 180# makes me look like 21

[@BeardedDadFishing]

😂😂😂 Hobie for life!!

[@chadcoones9204]

Dad joke... why do they ONLY put 239 beans in a can of pork n beans?? Cause 1 more would be too farty (240) 😅😅

[@BeardedDadFishing]

😂😂😂

[@morganonayak]

nice commercial

[@MrAcuta73]

Waaaiiiit.....I thought bass fishermen were required by moral directive to carry 10+ rods and fish from a $100k boat for fish a 5 year old can easily catch with a bobber and worm? 🤣 Sorry, gotta tease a little. As former Army, I still have to give USAF, USMC, and USN crap. NO ONE gives USCG crap, and no one should. As a salmon/steelhead/ocean fisherman I have to give bass fishermen crap. Rules of the universe and all.

[@keithdoiron9718]

As a saltwater/Striper guy i love to tease the guys spending thousands to chase bass smaller than the mackeral and bunker i use for bait. so im right there with ya

[@BeardedDadFishing]

😂 it’s all love!

[@FishYourHeartOut]

domestic rod companies are dogwater.. Go JDM... The hook up tackle is a huge JDM shop in AZ and will help you out. If you fish all the time I would look inot the JDM rod market.

[@jasonbowden1422]

You didn't mention Go Pro. Every guy out there wants to be a You Tube star. Just go f'n fishing

[@BeardedDadFishing]

These dang KZbinrs

[@shauncollinson4393]

I am fairly new still to kayak fishing and the Facebook page ( kayak fishing dads ) is the best place to learn in my opinion. I've asked so many question that should be obvious or when I see people talking about a lure I don't understand they are more than happy to explain and help share links and more. I have a fishing buddy because of the group. Honestly if you want a good place all about kayak, modifications, fishing and more and head over there.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Appreciate you and glad you’re part of the group!

[@SendItVibes]

Ascend FS10-$400, Ascend canoe trolling motor mount-$60, Enduro 30 trolling motor-$130, AGM battery-$179, lights-$22, crate-$18, cooler-$14, anchor-$15.... 8 hrs of solo yak fishing every weekend-$Priceless 😊

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Not bad! 🙌🏽