Avoid These Beginner Kayak Fishing Mistakes

[@chrismorgan3886]

I just wanted to let you know that I only recently found you. I really enjoy your content and you seem like a good dude. Nice to see regular "Joes" sharing their passion and not always being bombarded by expertise and techniques. Keep up the excellent work!

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thanks for that Chris! I enjoy putting these videos out there and have been encouraged by everyone I've connected with. Thanks for watching man!

[@chadtrunnell5502]

just getting into kayak fishing. like this video. i turned a Malibu two ocean kayak into a one man fishing kayak. loving it

[@nealewatson5284]

Hey Dad, this is one of the best presentations for basic kayak fishing preparation I've ever seen. Thanks for the tips. Really great.

[@mackgray5131]

JUST GETTING STARTED…..ONLY SEEN 3 VIDEOS…….THIS ONE ROCKS !!!!! ..new subscriber

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Appreciate you man!

[@PedrooGrilo-t7f]

good video. thank you so much for the clarifications. i'll get a fishing kayak and these advice helps a lot of beginners like me. thanks.

[@realthoughts6952]

I love a good safety brief!!! Did not know about the rod floaters. Thanks for the weather tip also!! Great video!!

[@thomassmith3310]

Good video.Another thing to check is the tide or current. You might get out there and can’t get back. I know of a marina that quit renting kayaks because they had to rescue too many people because of the strong tides.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Dang! Good call!

[@steveharutunian5440]

Hey bud I’ve watched at least six of you’re vids today and I gotta say you do a heck of a job laying it out simply and enjoyably. Thanks much for all the great info and experience based advise as it will make my decisions on kayaking a much more positive experience from the get go. Thanks and again great job my man!

[@BeardedDadFishing]

That means a lot Steve! I Appreciate you watching and I’m glad it’s been helpful brother!

[@rayniemann6969]

First, thanks for making the video. I still consider myself a bit of a newbie even tho I have been kayak fishing for 2 years now. Safety is our number one concern for our kayaks. My daughter usually goes with me,and we also have a 3rd one so a friend can come if they want. Every one who uses one of our kayaks has to wear a life vest. We have a few extras and will spend the time before getting on the water to adjust them as needed. We take our 2 dogs out and they wear life vests as well. We also all carry whistles and we each have a knife

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thanks for watching man! That's great to hear that 1) you're introducing people to the sport and 2) you're educating them on safety first. We need more people like you guys! 👍🏼

[@roncharest7981]

Great point about safety gear. US Coast Guard statistics show that kayaks routinely win second place for the highest number of boating fatalities. I always wear my PFD on the water, even if the water is barely deeper than my boat. Also, I clip a safety whistle on the zipper of my PFD. This way, my whistle is right where I need it if I go into the water. Another safety tip is to carry a chemlight clipped to your PFD, if you are out at night. Chemlights are waterproof, don’t go bad like batteries do. If you need rescuing, the light will help rescuers find you. Loving your videos! I’ve been kayaking 13 years, but just added a fishing kayak to my fleet and getting into fishing.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Great suggestions brother! I love the chemlight idea. Thanks for watching!

[@MarksMobileDetailingInc]

Just bought my kayak and this video is must excellent thanks bearded dude 😎👍

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Congrats!!! Enjoy the new kayak!

[@TheMehlert]

I agree with Chris Morgan. Good job! Just moved to Colorado Springs & found out kayak fishing is a must have. More-so, sister is a kayaker & I'm an angler so 2 birds with one stone. Currently looking at the Old Town PDL 106 but haven't pulled the trigger yet. This video helped educate me instead of diving into it blindfolded. And yes, I did subscribe.👍

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Glad it was helpful! Good luck on the journey man! Always happy to help.

[@paulahenry8825]

I just found you. Love your jokes and the great tips. Just started fishing in my kayak. Thanks and keep the tips coming.

[@TheJammiran]

Thanks man. Very sincere and helpful. Best wishes.

[@78brandon7878]

Epic dad joke. I stumbled across your channel looking up some stuff for my new yak. Loving the content, keep it up man!

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Appreciate the support my guy! 💪🏼 Feel free to join the FB group also. Kayak Fishing Dads. Lots of great info on there.

[@robcarr8505]

All great points. I made that first mistake when I bought my first AR-15. I bought every gadget, Lazer and light I could fit on it. By the time I was done, it was so heavy I had to take everything off. It looked ridiculous!! I just bought my first kayak yesterday and almost made the same mistake but decided to wait until I get it on the water and see exactly what I need. Thank you for the great advice!! 👍💪

[@BeardedDadFishing]

I hear that! Good call 💪🏽

[@rightpa]

This was excellent advice. As a dad that is trying to get myself and my sons into kayak fishing I'm glad I found this channel.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thanks brother! Always happy to help if you have any specific questions! Good luck on the journey. It is fun!!

[@mrbautista773]

I’m liking your channel keep them coming. 😊

[@yhuang9]

thank you, Sir. all 10 valuable tips!! I actually think the 10th tip is the number 1 that all fishmen need to pay attention for.

[@acon2834]

Just picked up my first kayak this is a huge help!

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Congrats! I’m glad it was helpful!

[@johnkinard6251]

GREAT video. I'm about to purchase my first kayak, and every bit of this was helpful. thanks!

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Awesome John! Which kayak are you going with? Thanks for watching!

[@havoc_64]

Great Video, your dad joke sold me to subscribe. I am looking for my first kayak to fish around NE Kansas and this video helped... thanks

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Appreciate it brother. Thanks for watching!

[@ronnypotts9645]

Thanks, good info. I'm rigging up my rig now.

[@SuperDuty23XL]

Great info, made me think about a few things. Thanks !

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thanks for watching Bill!

[@colobisman6132]

I'll be buying an Old Town kayak next spring. So glad I saw this video because I was going to use ratchet straps to secure it to my truck. Not now.

[@coreyolivas2850]

Thanks brother! I just bought my first kayak and I'm very excited to start fishing with it. Your vid was helpful and brought up a couple things my buddy didn't mention. Right on!

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Glad it was helpful Corey. Congrats on your first kayak!

[@EvaLuna-c3f]

My favorite subscribe! Learning a lot from your videos!

[@miriammigliacci9427]

This was extremely helpful!

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Glad it was helpful! 🙏🏽

[@TheMichiganFisherman]

IF YOU GUYS AREN'T ON KAYAK FISHING DADS... GET ON IT! 🤨👍 1. Mods too early: Totally agree buddy. I own a couple things I never use. Gotta get a feel for what you need. 2. Don't Skimp on Safety: Again! Spot on. My NRS PFD is NOT cheap but I LOVE it and I'm so glad I bought it. Wish I bought an Orange one in hindsight. Worth every penny. Even if you're an Olympic swimmer, it's hard to swim if you're knocked unconscious by a jet skier. And I also have a whistle. Those are cheap. I really need to get a 360 light though. Since my PFD isn't Orange I wear an orange vest anytime I'm on bigger water now. 3. Killing your back: I don't have to worry about it too much with my kayak. But you're right. 4. Ratchet straps: Agree. Although I'm stronger than Hulk Hogan. 😂 5. Storage: Yup. I store mine outside but I do it upside down wrapped in a tarp. Not the best but the best I can do. 6. Headspace: GUILTY! Every overpass man...🤦‍♂ And I've been in the game awhile now. 7. Repair kit: I don't have one. Duct tape, that's it. 8. First aid kit: MUST have. I've never used mine, but the first day I leave it behind I know I'll need it. 9. Rod floats and leashes: GUILTY 10. Weather and Wind Reports: Totally agree man, especially for me on Lake St. Clair. Great list, bro!

[@andrewcox7179]

You go on lake st clair? Thought about crossing it last year for jobbie but I decided not to. I have a predator pdl so I would probably be fine but man that lake can get nasty!

[@robertbartalits85]

Great info. Been power boating for many years but new to kayaking. This info very helpful

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Happy to hear it Robert! Enjoy your time on the water!

[@bigskip56]

Great review! Thanks for the insight!

[@eugene955]

A lot of good information, thank you for tips. I had forgotten about the rod floats.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thanks Eugene! Those rod floats are amazing. Small, out of the way and inexpensive.

[@shred5]

I feel like this is all solid advice. I did buy kayaks for myself and my kids in 2020, and we modded them as soon as the snow thawed. However we spent the offseason looking at what others did and figuring out what we wanted to do. The only thing I had to change was I bought the baseline YakAttack track mounted rod holders, but had to later buy the extension to make them taller so I could get my rods in and out easier. One thing I will note about wind reports is that I was on a couple of lakes last year with mountains on each side which created a wind tunnel. What is normally an easy day with 6-10mph winds because rather difficult.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Great info. Thanks for watching and sharing! I’ve been in similar conditions with mountains on both sides and you’re not lying. That can really add to the wind factor.

[@kylekiberd2630]

Great video, love the STC shirt!

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thanks brother! Love STC 🤙🏽

[@kensorensen5321]

Great video! PFD and lights or tall flag always go with me. I like the advice of not over buying before you get your yak. I'm upgrading to peddle drive and almost did that.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Great feedback Ken. Thanks for watching! 💪🏽

[@Fishbabies]

Thanks for this great video, Jay!! I'll be buying a kayak next year & I'm watching videos now to help me learn. This video is GREAT!! Thanks for taking the time to educate people! I greatly appreciate it!!

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thanks for watching! Good luck with the purchase. Before you know it you’ll be out on the water and loving every second!

[@pjroyse]

Strongly suggest getting a high quality flashlight that has the strobe light function to point at boats coming toward you …… saved my butt on a couple occasions because they ain’t looking!!!!

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Great call!

[@brettg2309]

G'Day from Australia Jay, When transporting my kayak on my truck bed, I use cam buckle straps to tie it down. I also secure it at the nose, with a coated motorcycle chain lock. This is the best insurance if the straps fail or break while travelling down the road. Cheers

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Great ideas my friend! Thanks for sharing and for watching all the way from the land down under 🤙🏽

[@jimnason9271]

Excellent tips and well presented

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thanks for watching Jim! Appreciate you 💪🏼

[@DyslexicDragon1]

Hello from southern Australia. Great advice in this video. I've been kayak fishing for 6 years. On top of all the safety items you mentioned I also carry a phone, floating torch, and PLB (personal locator beacon), especially if I'm kayak fishing solo.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Great suggestions Mathew! Appreciate your support from across the big pond!

[@Just_A_Name14]

I prefer cork handles for the feel and for the floating capability also keep a paracord bracelet on that has a compass and a whistle on it. I’ll put it on my PFD when I get my kayak and vest.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Good call!

[@papsfishingadventures6597]

I never go out without my first aide bag and wet wipes😂😂 excellent dad joke!

[@fishingismydrug1]

Watched a few of your videos, subscribed. Your informative and get tot he point! Thank you. Trying to sell my boat to get a pedal kayak.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thanks for watching! I appreciate you!

[@notyetabassmaster2356]

Excellent list. Well considered.

[@tombosanko3085]

When I bought my kayack I bought with it a orange pfd, orange bladed paddle, orange seat cushions. I also got a whistle, the wilderness cart , spare prop. I made my own fishing pole leashes out of .105 weedeater string. I keep my pfd when not using in my front batch along with a big wide hat and the spare prop is attatched to the hatch cover.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Awesome Tom. Thanks for the feedback!

[@randynickels7363]

Thanks for the refresher course, all good topics for discussion. One thing I would add to #10 if it hasn't already come up in the comments is to check local tide charts. I do this religiously here on the gulf coast of Florida as 2ft depth can become 6-8 inches in some of the tidal creeks like my trip a couple days ago.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Good call! I don’t fish any tidal water so I totally didn’t think of it. Great info brother. Thanks for sharing!

[@teamchromechasers9006]

I carry and wear my pfd , knife, whistle , 360 light and flag. Also carry a first aid kit , bolt cutters in case of getting a hook stuck in me . Also carry my phone and a walkie-talkie. Sunscreen is a must and lots of water . Cheers from a bearded father from Toronto Canada 🍻🎣

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Great list of safety gear! I’m digging the bolt cutter idea. Wouldn’t be a happy camper with a treble stuck in my hand. Sunscreen is 100% needed! Thanks for watching!

[@peterevans3247]

Excellent Mate thank you !!!!!!!

[@peterbravo357]

I have to say. A lot of these types of videos are hard to watch and not relevant to wide varieties of fishing. Not this one. All 10 points you made are absolutely spot on. It doesn’t matter if you fish fresh or salt water, these tips are universal for kayak fishing. I’ll be getting some rod floats asap. I usually go without leashes because I switch rods often and they are annoying. I lost a rod overboard last year and the float would have saved me the headache of recovery (which I was able to do) and then service to clean all of the salt out of the reel. Number 10a for me would be to dress for the water temp….not the air temp if you fish in cold weather. If you dress for the air temp and fall into cold water…..not good. Excellent video !

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thank you brother! Agreed on the leashes. They can be a pain. The rod floats are much less intrusive and worth the small cost. And definitely spot on with the water temps. Can be very dangerous to not do so. Thanks for the feedback! 💪🏽

[@Luigitavares296]

​@@BeardedDadFishing great tips my parents love your tips and my parents love your video

[@rvfishingyet]

Great video. I will check out the rod float idea in particular. Whatever state/fed requires for the water is key (flag on the back when towing etc). Best paddle you can afford - really liked the video from Chat Hoover on that. Thanks again for the video!

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thanks for the feedback brother! Agreed on the flag and all safety necessities! The rod floats are something you don’t think you need until it’s too late. Definitely worth the investment! Thanks for watching 💪🏼

[@richdorak1547]

Agree 100% on all points . I kills me when I see ANYTHING put into a scupper hole other than a plug . Very weak in there . Great video. Thanks .

[@elsuperpollo2273]

It trips me out, in my teens I did kayaking whitewater, and now I'm in my early 40's I want to get back into kayaking and do some fishing but mainly get on the water and customize a fishing kayak with minimal modifications

[@davidlewis9572]

PFD , inflatable..small air horn/ whistle. Several light sources mounted n handheld. First Aid Kit .

[@johnryle6917]

I learned a lot thank you

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Glad it was helpful! 💪🏽

[@tomballard8877]

Always have the proper pfd. Things I have are the pfd with a noise device,knife,bottle of water,boating flag and sometime the 360 deg white light. I also have a stick about 4ft. long to help getting out of the kayak or just to hold me in place by putting it through the anchor trolly ring or the scuppers hole. If your with a party have a cell phone or two way radios. I you’re going in tidal water ,check the tide. Is coming in or out, how stronge is the tide and which way is the wind blowing.

[@jordangouveia1863]

An anchor trolley is a mod you can't make too soon! Also a paddle leash is a must have. I like the CO2 self inflating PFDs, mine came with a marine whistle. A flag on a pole when I'm around a lot of boats. A hand pump, a sponge, an anchor with ground tackle is on every trip. I only use rope for securing my yak or canoe. With the correct knots, rope is far better than straps. I have a "boat bag" it contains many items some of which I hope I do not use, but would need if something happened and I got stuck in some of the remote locations where I fish. Of the items in the bag I do use is a walkie talkie with a marine weather band. Also a personal GPS has come in handy for getting back to the launch point in the dark. Binoculars is another item in the bag I use normally. Of course a first aid kit. Everything in the bag is waterproofed.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Yes! Great suggestions! 💪🏽

[@killswitch7775]

Thanks, I didn’t know what to actually strap it down with

[@jerry.goodman]

Good info. Keep up the good work. Look forward to seeing your channel grow.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thanks Jerry! I'm glad it was helpful. Tight lines my friend!

[@jerry.goodman]

I'm starting my research for a fishing kayak purchase this fall/winter. Scouring YT for tips/tricks/hints/lessons/etc.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

That's awesome man. The more research, the more informed your decision. There's some great manufacturers out there. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.

[@jerry.goodman]

Thanks. Right now I"m looking at the Seastream Angler 120 PD. I'll be doing saltwater inshore fishing at first but quite possibly taking it offshore. I don't want to spend a ton on a kayak and the outfitting...otherwise I'd just get a boat.

[@dwightluecht7061]

Thanks ! Some great tips!

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thanks for watching!

[@franko2026]

Very good video!! I'm looking to buy my first kayak (3 Big waters 103), and you given me some great ideas, and must have items for my kayak such as a good kayak cart, tools to keep onboard. I have a vest, but will invest in a real good one. Thank you!!!

[@BeardedDadFishing]

That’s great to hear! Good luck on the new yak and enjoy it! Lots to enjoy out on the water. Thanks for watching my friend!

[@MillerDC]

I’m guilty of using the ratchet straps 🤦🏻‍♂️ lol gonna get me some cam straps. Dope video ✊🏼

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thanks brother! I was guilty of it too! But thankfully I switched up before any damage was done. 👌🏼 cam straps are so much easier to manage too.

[@ramonvalentin4449]

You are number one. Your are growing little by little. I hope to see you soon God bless you

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Gracias papi! Bendicion!

[@raulcoto9137]

Thanks for your tips bro.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thanks for watching my guy! 💪🏽

[@tanioraaura1274]

I'm well equipped with the most basic items because the salt water is high maintenance. Less i found is best. Good issues made aware,thank you , Yip like and subbed some time ago.

[@NicholasHorvath]

Always always have a PFD. Lake Erie and its watershed claims lives far too often. I carry a VHF/UHF radio in addition to everything you mention

[@russellbenning240]

Padle float and floating wrope for self rescue. Small first aid kit.

[@TPITEOTG]

That’s why I ordered Prospector 14” canoe: 29 Lbs, no need for tires, no need for repair kit, 650Lb capacity. And that’s why I use Daiwa telescoping rods ;)

[@teamchromechasers9006]

I love your videos . I love your Dad jokes my kids don't they say dad jokes suck but they're wrong keep up the content you just got a new subscriber cheers 🍻🎣

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thank you for the support brother! My kids don’t like my dad jokes either. I’m starting to think they’re just for dads 😭

[@keithangstadt4950]

Another good thing to keep in the spare parts kit is a tube of aquarium silicone. It can be used as temporary glue and even for emergency hull repairs.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Great idea!

[@hehe7026]

I also bought a small air horn as back up just incase whistle is not loud enough

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Good call!

[@elsuperpollo2273]

I noticed I see people with Jon boats add marine radios to thiers but I hardly see no radios am/fm and vhf ok a kayak. Lots of people skimp out with a HT vhf radio but won't get a GPS feature built in or a strobe beacon with built in GPS.

[@johnheerema7888]

Great advice,Can you tell me where you got your floating prop nut, thanks

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Yes sir! Bought them from Nick at Navarre Kayak www.navarrekayakfishing.com He’s an awesome guy.

[@johnkohls9591]

Just found your channel. Great video and advice. Do you have dimensions for your kayak storage rack you built?

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thank you sir! No unfortunately I do not have the dimensions and have since took it down since I moved the yaks over to the shed.

[@BaradineAllawa]

Non-negotiable safety gear for me is a tiny first aid kit, railblaza light kit (i actually have the full navlight kit, rather than just the allround white), PFD (mine's an auto inflating), whistle, mirror, and because I fish tidal areas (and there is a chance of being swept out into the bay), there's 2 electronic devices I have. First is a Personal Locator Beacon (GME MT610G). Literally a mini epirb. 2nd is a waterproof marine VHF (Icom M25) that has a float & flash (if it unclips in the dark, it'll flash the screen on contact with water, making it easy to find). Both are tiny and just clip onto PFD. It's just peace of mind really.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Great list! Really like the personal locator beacon and vhf radio. Peace of mind and a wise safety investment. Thanks for watching my friend!

[@MajorSmartBassFishing]

One thing I add is a snake bite and sting kit... Can get them cheap at Walmart... But never know

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Good call!

[@EssentialOutdoors]

My 360 light mounts on the top of my power pole spike with a 1/4-20 stud, Nav lights on the bow (red/green)

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Sweet! That's a great place to put your 360 light. When I get a power pole, I'll have to do the same.

[@moyejoel95]

Repair kit is a good idea, i keep a 30min filler incase of cracking but keep it in those cheap orange emergency containers...dedicated repair kit for hardware and all else is great. Thank you!!

[@dwaynebearden7433]

Good Advice….. Thanks

[@omaralcantara7177]

So I’ve seen you test out the jonny boat, I see you have the sportsman. I’m also looking into the pelican catch pwr 100. Just wondering if you’ve done a comparison video on any of them? And if so which would you say is the best? Looking to buy one pretty soon and haven’t seen a video comparing the pwr 100 and the sportsman more specifically. There pretty close in prize. Just stuck between them two.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Hey Omar! Both the 120 PDL and Jonny boat are awesome kayaks. For a powered boat, you won’t find a better value. And for a pedal kayak, the old town PDL is my top choice. Plenty of options and accessories for both. Really depends if you want to pedal or want a motor. Happy to answer specific questions. Shoot me an email if you want to reach out! Thanks for watching!

[@brittanihileman811]

I HATE ratchet straps! Didn’t know cam straps were an option THANK YOU!!!!!!

[@tombosanko3085]

When the water was low at a lake I was fishing, I found a$400.00 set up that had been down there for a while. I had it cleaned up and now I'm fishing with it.

[@brandondietz3384]

Great information thx u

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@rodneycraig9353]

Hi jay love your channel, got a question for you . I’m from Australia and kayak fish . Do you recommend a hand held marine radio which we have here , which has a satellite tracker on it . They aren’t cheap but can be great in a life and death situation.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

I don’t have a specific marine radio to recommend since I don’t carry one. Sorry brother! I def agree you should have one off shore too!

[@leogunderson2923]

At least u got the safety down 🎉

[@markskibo5159]

All thumbs up Bro. What about a ladder or type of loop to aid in reentry if I one goes overboard, for safety gear ? Do you use them ? I'm 66 a big boy and have my doubts. New to this , most lakes around here no bodily contact., Im going up north but water is too cold to try.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thanks for watching my guy! A re-entry rope is a good call, as is testing it out beforehand. That northern water can get dangerous.

[@markskibo5159]

@@BeardedDadFishing 120 degrees rule.

[@rayvillarreal1225]

I use racket straps. But i wrapthe straparound the hull front and back

[@BeardedDadFishing]

It’s not the ratchets that are bad, it’s our tendency to over tighten them. They can be used I just advise against it for folks unfamiliar to strapping things down.

[@elsuperpollo2273]

I'm curious to know would people add a PA system with a horn lol, if it ain't I would to annoy my family lol

[@javieralmaraz8187]

Just got mine 4 days ago, same color waiting for everything to get here. The trolley was hard to find. Let's see what this thing is made of! I am a beginner first kayak owned.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Congrats! That’s a great first kayak!

[@notyetabassmaster2356]

You like you old town PDL? Weren’t available locally during COVID so went with a Native Slayer. Enjoying it but tracking is atrocious. Likely going to try the Old Town with next kayak.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Absolutely love my Old Town. It tracks amazingly and it crazy stable. I'm 6' 250# and I can stand and cast all day on that thing. Definitely recommend an old town. 👌🏼

[@Plan36c]

Are those ratchet straps holding the ceiling down?

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Que?

[@Blgtn43]

Thank you.

[@johnet5215]

I just started kayak fishing, but two things that go with me whenever I’m outdoors is duct tape, and para cord. This goes back to my canoe days in the 70’s and 80’s. You can put a good size hole in you yak/canoe and duct tape will get you home. Para cord is like zip ties on steroids! Rudder fix, lashing, anchor, stringer, the list goes on. Last, a leather man tool has more functionality than just a screwdriver.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thanks for watching brother! Great insight.

[@TheMachoGabacho]

I have an orange flag/360 light combo, an orange pfd, and a rescue step for getting back in the kayak. I won’t go out without those 3 things.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

That's a great set up! I'll be getting my 360 light soon. I also got the orange pfd for that very reason. Did you make your kayak step or bought it?

[@TheMachoGabacho]

@@BeardedDadFishing I bought it. It wouldn’t be hard to make one though.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Might have to add that to my gear as well! Thanks for the info brother 💪🏽

[@dennisakins8461]

First aid kit, space blanket, whistle, fire starter (water proof matches in water proof container tinder and skill n using it) and a knife

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Good list! Thanks for watching 💪🏼

[@panchopachangas4450]

Also I own two C-tugs and I don’t recommend them for the Old Towns. They just don’t work all that great for the Old Town hulls. I know they can be modified but then it defeats the purpose of the easy takedown storage of the cart.

[@waguni]

Do you find the NRS chinook PFD comfortable on your old town pdl kayak? I saw a video where someone said it was uncomfortable for PDL kayaks since it rides a little higher in the back. Just wanted to get your take please. Thanks 🙏🏻

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Absolutely love it. Very comfortable. It’s warmer than an inflatable on a hot day, but still comfortable. Never had any issues and still use it as a backup.

[@waguni]

@@BeardedDadFishing thank you sir have a good day

[@BeardedDadFishing]

@@waguni you too!

[@michaelthomson5101]

Except for #9, the rod floats, every one of these should be addressed by every new Kayaker. I am a new kayaker, my new kayak (Crescent Primo) will here in a month, before halloween, but I do not plan on fishing out of the boat till I learn what the boat can do, and what I can do in it. I need to be comfortable and confident in both. Every "NEW" kayaker needs to learn piloting, technique, and recovery skills before introducing a 4 pound bass on the run, in current, next to a log jam, with over hanging trees into to the equation. #9, should have been #10, 11, 12 or... All that being said, a very thorough video, I liked it.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thank you!

[@kayakbob5715]

I've been kayak fishing for 15 + years..one thing you didn't mention is don't go cheap on a paddle..get the best one you can afford bending branches angler paddle is always a good choice

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Agreed, a good paddle will go a long way! I’m mostly out in a pedal drive, so my general rule of thumb in that case is getting whatever paddle you can afford. It’s only there to get you out of a pinch really. But if you rely on it to move around, definitely should spend the extra 💰 on a great paddle. Thanks for watching!

[@chrisbeard7623]

I carry a small waterproof first aid kit!

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Awesome Chris! Ya never know when you’ll need it til you need it.

[@garzasal75]

Can we store a kayak on its side if it's in the garage?

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Really depends on the kayak and how heavy it is. I only put mine on the side temporarily. If you decide to, I'd recommend at least 4 points of contact, but the more, the better.

[@Pol53218]

How do you reach your gear in back kayak when you are in the water is very uncomfortable for me any ideas you can give me

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thanks for watching Pastor Juan! To reach behind it, I typically have to make a full turnaround to grab my gear. I agree it can be uncomfortable. An alternative is to keep your most used gear in tackle trays under or to the side of your seat. That’s much easier to reach. Hope that helps!

[@Pol53218]

@@BeardedDadFishing thank for answering it does help me I see lot people with tons gear I was wondering am I the only one so uncomfortable when in the water I got 106 old town paddle one hope one day you can make a video with u in the water showing us what to take or used u know basic beginnings

[@Pol53218]

Do you keep ur kayak rig all the time when transporting?

[@BeardedDadFishing]

@@Pol53218 I do not. I load everything at the launch. Once I get my trailer figured out I will most likely do so.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

@@Pol53218 happy to do that one of these days! One of my recent videos shows my favorite accessories I take out with me. Tight lines my friend!