Kayak Fishing Set Up and Must Haves

This kayak fishing set up is compact and ideal for any kayaker that is looking to slime up their deck and make the most of their space. Links below for my set up.
Like my page on Facebook: beardeddadfishing
Videos:
Build your own custom milk crate tackle box: • Kayak Milk Crate Tackl...
YakAttack kayak rail install video: • Fishing Kayak Rail Ins...
Items:
NRS Chinook OS PFD - geni.us/PqON (Amazon)
Wilderness Systems Kayak Cart - geni.us/zhswLO (Amazon)
Plano 3600 boxes:
Single compartment - geni.us/xAjowgH (Amazon)
4 pack - adjustable dividers - geni.us/LoBy93 (Amazon)
YakAttack Might Mount XL - geni.us/V4Qi0 (Amazon)
YakAttack universal fish finder mount - geni.us/XyLIS (Amazon)
YakAttack PanFish Pro Camera Mount - geni.us/mQS3A4q (Amazon)
YakAttack Rod Holder - geni.us/b4n8 (Amazon)
Ketch Measuring Board - amzn.to/4eU4Vxg
Seat Cushion - geni.us/NIsj (Amazon)
Collapsible Fishing Net - geni.us/phfP (Amazon)
Intro bumper: Song: CHENDA - Mr. Bully [NCS Release]
Music provided by NoCopyrightSounds
Free Download/Stream: NCS.io/MrBully
Watch: • CHENDA - Mr. Bully [NC...
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS ⏱️
0:00 - Intro
0:36 - Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL
1:38 - PFD - NRS Chinook OS
3:48 - Kayak Cart - Wilderness Systems HD Cart
5:34 - Milk Crate Tackle Box
6:31 - Landing Net
6:59 - Seat Cushion
7:24 - Seat Risers
7:42 - Ketch Board
8:18 - Paddle
9:17 - Fish Finder Set up
10:28 - YakAttack Camera mount
10:40 - YakAttack MightyMount
11:00 - Decals
12:11 - Outro

[@BeardedDadFishing]

If you guys are on that dad wave, join us on the FB group, Kayak Fishing Dads 🤙🏼

[@charliejohnson8034]

Appreciate the response

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thanks for watching! Good luck with the set up!

[@charliejohnson8034]

Absolutely. Great material!! I seen a video where you mentioned that your in the PA area, same here. I’m on the west side of the state. Enjoy the videos.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Yes sir! Let's get together next season for some fishing!

[@charliejohnson8034]

@@BeardedDadFishing always down for a good time. We’ll have to find time and link up.

[@thereelridder]

Open with a dad joke… instant winner. Another great video showing you don’t need to go over the top with a bunch of stuff. Do what works best for you. And beard life👊🏼

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thank you sir! Not minimalist by any means, but I definitely like keeping it simple. And thanks for supporting the beard life! 💪🏽😆

[@thereelridder]

@@BeardedDadFishing yes, not minimalist but no motor, power poles, foot steering or 17 specialized holders and mounts. Sometimes I worry too many boats like that make our sport look unapproachable or intimidating. Best tip was the stickers! Own YOUR boat!

[@andrewmoore499]

It was a lame joke tbh

[@keftonbrown1460]

​@@andrewmoore499 sounds like your a lame dad tbh

[@TheMichiganFisherman]

Your first tip is the best one. It doesn’t matter how well you can swim if a jet ski hits you in the head and knocks you out. Love your rig. Love the tips. I need risers and I ALWAYS forget an extra cushion. Good tip. And your crate is sick. I think that video was how I originally found you.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thank you brother. PFD is 100% necessary always IMO. The crate is definitely used more than any other mod and surprising cheap to make. Thanks for watching 💪🏽

[@kielhouser1561]

Love the yak bro! This is definitely my ideal kayak for fishing. Thank you for sharing your set up!

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Absolutely dude! Happy to hear it!

[@dereks8786]

Fantastic setup and layout. Defiantly gives me some ideas for my yak.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Happy to hear it Derek! If you have any questions during your set up, feel free to reach out! Thanks for watching!

[@brandonedwards3062]

love the videos man! just started kayak fishing great information!

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Happy I can be of some help Brandon! And welcome to the family! Best of luck on your kayak fishing journey 🙌🏼

[@ryanclayton5085]

dad joke..... you have my subscription!

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Gotta love them! Thanks Ryan!

[@SaskFisher]

Love the shirt, hahaha. Nice looking setup. I started Yak fishing last year. Love it... lots of the ponds I go to boats cant so its even better! You have a little more of an advanced setup lol. Looking forward for more!

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thanks! I started last season as well on the yak and I was hooked from the beginning! You can really sneak into some hard to reach spots. Definitely my top way to fish. Thanks for watching 🤜🏼🤛🏼

[@spaceman8839]

Good stuff bro, thanks

[@Checktwicecutonce]

Great video and knowledge of everything on your boat. Thanks for making it.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thanks for watching!

[@brmicklos]

I got a lifetime teton 100 as my 1st kayak earlier this year. So far, I've made the crate storage system following your crate instruction video. I made an 8 ft stake out anchor pole using a green heavy-duty garden stake, pvc T-joint & eye bolt. The last upgrade was a pvc stake out anchor deployment system that fits in the rod holder of the kayak. Just pvc pipe with 2x T-joints & 2x 90 degree joints. I might add an anchor trolley to give me better control in the wind. Also want to add a dry storage to the front.

[@willhoward9865]

Bought my first Kayak today - Old Town Predator MX... Used and trying to find out what others are doing to theirs to personalize them. Nice Vid...Nice tribute to the "Beach Bum" ...Love it.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thank you Will! Congrats on the new to you kayak! Good luck rigging it out! It’ll be awesome!

[@brandondulle]

One of my favorite mods on my Bigwater 132 Pdl besides the trolling motor/custom pdl pod I made. Pistol magnets. I have one on each side on the inside and they hold pliers, lures anything really. Flush and mount with 3m tape.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

That's an incredible mod and brilliant idea! Thanks for sharing!

[@fishinwiththefam3093]

New subscriber. I have recently started getting into yak fishing and I am loving it. Enjoyed the video.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thanks for watching and happy it was helpful. Kayak fishing is definitely my favorite way to fish. If you have any questions, always feel free to reach out!

[@TUFFBASS]

Just got my first kayak, and I am going out for the first time on it tomorrow

[@johnnyV75]

Sweet set up!!! And love the "Dad Joke Loading" shirt lol

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thanks brother! The shirt is pretty sweet if I can say so myself 😆

[@fishhuntingtackles8057]

hi buddy i really love u r clear info and i wana do these kind of fishing in india for the first time just good info buddy

[@billhobson6637]

Love the t-shirt!

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thanks Bill!

[@BrettNTammy]

I subscribed because if the shirt. Awesome present from your Daughter. Happy Birthday 🎂

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thank you! It is the best shirt 👌🏼

[@montycraig5659]

Just bought one of the New Lightning Nomad kayaks. I’m waiting on delivery now, and your video is a wealth of information. Picked up a Chinook, and have a Stryker 4+. I haven’t figured out the tackle system yet. I am waiting on the kayak, to see what kind of room I have to work with. Carrying a 19qt Engle cooler with rod holders on it. I may try to rig it so that I can carry a few Plano boxes on it for the day. Man! There is a lot to consider when just starting out, isn’t there!!!

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Awesome brother! The Nomad looks like a great option. Excited to hear your thoughts once you get it on the water. Thanks for watching!

[@nicholashroch9400]

Great vid got a new sub

[@pitchkapizda8355]

Great review bro loved it 👍🏼

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thank you friend!

[@live2fishofficial]

Love the shirt, Happy Belated Birthday!

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thank you brother!

[@larryhibbard340]

I need one of those bearded dad fishing hats

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Hey Larry! Shoot me an email if you'd like to buy one! [e-mail]

[@NelliHouser]

I strive to reach your level of dad/mom jokes one day. But seriously dope set up. Love your work!!

[@BeardedDadFishing]

One day, you will achieve it 😂 Thanks for watching!

[@letsgoguigui]

I'm here for the dad jokes 💪

[@davidcrowson4745]

Nice setup 👍

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thanks for watching David!

[@christopherlynn3905]

Good video

[@noelsolano4877]

Nice set up

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thank you! I hope it was helpful!

[@YakAngling]

I like this Kayak! I will defiantly be looking at adding some features of this Kayak to use on my fishing KZbin channel YakAngling great Video!

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thank you! I absolutely love my Sportmans also and recommend them highly. Glad the video was helpful! Thanks for watching 💪🏽

[@johnlieu]

Good stuff man. Got into kayak fishing last year with a Crescent Crew. Looking forward to upgrading to a pedal drive in the future now! Once you add fishing to the kayak gear, it starts getting a bit heavy though haha.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thanks brother! Pedal drives change the game! So much nicer having your hands free to focus on fishing. Good luck upgrading to the pedals. Let me know how you like them when you upgrade!

[@joehenseler]

Makes me want to Yak

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Best way to fish, guaranteed! We can bring in those monster bass together!

[@mcfaddenoutdoors4640]

I live on lake wateree in South Carolina and the weather is nice 😆

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Jealous man! Down south is calling my name!

[@ericrobinson7711]

I got myself a bass pro kayak fishing pfd yesterday got my first fishing yak today got a used unlimited

[@BeardedDadFishing]

That’s awesome. Congrats my friend!! Welcome to the mad world of kayak fishing!

[@mariochingon3842]

Great video brother and awesome boat! RiP PAPO

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thank you bro! 💪🏽

[@dennislewis7602]

That’s a nice set up J. Do you like the floats on the rods.? I got my decals! I’m putting them on , I hear I will catch %50 more fish 😂!! Thank you very much brother! Go get em !

[@BeardedDadFishing]

😂 glad you like them! I thought I heard 75% more fish? 🤷🏽‍♂️😂 Love the rod floats. They’ve saved one or two rods for me. They are cheap and out of the way.

[@livnright8662]

Great video bro. I’m trying to set up a Fishing kayak and this video really help me out. Also you should make some stickers/decals of your trademark Bearded Dad Fishing. I think they would sell, I would definitely grab some up. Thanks again bro.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Appreciate you brother! Glad it was helpful. I’ve got a couple stickers shoot me a DM on IG 🤙🏽

[@swrsak]

we have the same B'day... I just got my first Kayak 3 weeks ago. Pelican Catch Mode 110..Put a trolling motor on it already.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Awesome man! It's a good day to have a bday! 😂 Congrats on the new Pelican! I looked at that one also during the purchasing process. How do you like the motor on it?

[@andrewcolon3590]

Happy belated bday bro!

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thanks brother!

[@rvfishingyet]

Thanks for telling us about the decals and the family deets behind them. Very cool. I am curious if you still have the same paddle as you did back then. I plan on doing a lot of standing up, stealthy paddling into spots and wanted your thoughts on the paddle to you in a pedal boat. AutoPilot would be your dream upgrade? Have you had a chance to test out the Hobie PA? Thanks for the great channel!

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thanks for watching! I use the cheapest paddle available from Walmart, honestly I paid $20 for it. I only use it to launch and as a back up method. I wouldn’t suggest dumping a whole lot of cash into a paddle when you’ve got a pedal drive or motor. Have yet to get on a pa12 or 14 but I will this year for sure!

[@derekloveys3721]

I need one of those hats up here in Canada

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Once I get more I'll get one over to you! Thanks for watching bud!

[@bogolyskeepingitreel]

Sweet kayak setup!! Happy belated birthday 🥳. Great idea with the milk crate! Nice Garmin setup 💪🏻. Great remembrance/ honoring your grandfather and brother👊. What area of eastern PA are you?

[@BeardedDadFishing]

I appreciate the kind words brother 🙏🏼 I'm in lehigh County. Usually fishing Leaser or Nockamixon. Are you out this way?

[@bogolyskeepingitreel]

@@BeardedDadFishing oh wow!! I live Easton/Phillipsburg area. I’m in Northampton County right above you 😁. Perhaps we can collaborate on a video this season. I have always wanted to try Leaser Lake. A friend of mine goes there quite often. Tight lines my friend 👊

[@BeardedDadFishing]

We're quite literally neighbors! That's awesome man. I'm definitely down for a collaboration video and some fishing. Looking forward to it 💪🏽

[@TravisDoesKayakFishing]

The ketch board man, Try it where I do mine. I don't put anything under the seat on the deck, so I slide it on the right side where the handle it. It lays at an angle but is out of my way and fasts to pull out and play it on the deck for measuring. It's not coming out, it's not sliding around, and I can have it out and on the deck in less than 2 seconds.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Good call Travis! I have tried it like that in the past, but since I keep 2-3 tackle trays down there, it didn’t sit as nicely as I imagined.

[@TravisDoesKayakFishing]

@@BeardedDadFishing That's why it doesn't work for everyone. I put nothing under the seat on the deck. I keep the deck as clean as I can for over-the-top safety, but yeah if utilized, you are not sitting it under there.

[@extracheddar.21]

Happy late birthday

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thank you sir!

[@Allstateyakkers]

Hey good morning brother I was watching your video and heard that you are from PA. I to live in PA and i have an Oldtown kayak as well . Was wondering if you needed a fishing buddy? most of the times I'm fishing by myself. ;et me know thanks and be safe out there.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Hey Fernando! Thanks for watching man. Absolutely would love to link up sometime and go fishing. I'm in the Lehigh Valley area. Shoot me an email at [e-mail] and we'll plan a time to link up!

[@stevehogan8829]

The Wilderness is a much better cart. Especially for that Model Oldtown. The Malone did not hold up for me and my 120 AutoPilot. The Wilderness has been a champ and is going strong for over 2 years.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

100% agreed Steve. My buddy uses the Wilderness Cart for his 120 Autopilot and that thing handles like a champ, even fully loaded. Just can't beat it with these cheaper carts.

[@ellhafer2808]

Auto salvage yards usually have Van's with aluminium roof racks and with their brackets make good paddle rests . They make good anchor rope storage holders too. I put mine. Just below the tracking on both sides of cockpit ( cut tubing to 36 inch lengths ) using brackets and end caps .

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Great idea! Never considered using those rack brackets 🤔 Thanks for sharing and watching!

[@AverageDadFishing]

New sub here… us Dad’s have to stick together. I am a bit West of you in PA but loved the video. I do some Kayak fishing, and wade fishing.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thanks brother! Great to know you're somewhat local. If you ever find yourself on the east side of PA, let's get some fishing in! I also have a FB group called Kayak Fishing Dads. Feel free to join in!

[@AverageDadFishing]

@@BeardedDadFishing I love it.. I will hit you up if I get out that way… and if you come to fish the Susquehanna let me know…we’ll get you on some smallies.

[@adampullen5487]

I'm another beaded Dad, that's loves kayaking and fishing. I don't like going out alone. But no one I know Kayak fishes, but me.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Hey Adam! Happy to have another bearded fishing dad around! I feel you man, going out with a group is definitely fun. I've found that regional Facebook groups have been great to meet other local anglers and kayakers. Tons of fishing groups out there brother!

[@adampullen5487]

@@BeardedDadFishing so I have a 10 sit on top pelican. And I'm on a budget so I haven't done much . Just added rod holders and a few tie downs. Any tips or D.I.Y. to make a seat more comfortable (lumbar, back support)? And navigation lights?

[@BeardedDadFishing]

@@adampullen5487 nice! That's plenty to have a great time on the water. If you have the space behind the seat, a simple milk crate will suffice for storing your tackle boxes. And as far as lumbar/back support, raising my seat took a ton of pressure off my lower back. Just be aware of how high you're raising your seat since the higher you go, the higher your center of gravity. 1-2" usually does the trick my friend.

[@adampullen5487]

@@BeardedDadFishing thanks for the info and your time. Keep them lines tight.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

@@adampullen5487 anytime brother 💪🏽 tight lines!

[@AustinCrawleyOutdoors]

The stickers are an awesome idea! What size are they? Are they regular stickers, or did they do something to help them stick to your yak and/or be fade resistant?

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thanks! Standard 3m vinyl works great. Just cleaned off the kayak well. I made a video on it as well 🤙🏽

[@kennylitch8933]

For you YakAttic Gear Track that you added for your camera mount did you install with a backing plate?

[@BeardedDadFishing]

I did not. I’m not putting anything heavy enough to call for it. Thanks for watching 👍🏽

[@charliejohnson8034]

For a question about the handle mount, is it pretty sturdy with the fish finder attached to it ?

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Yes it is pretty sturdy. The higher the unit though the more wobble you'll get.

[@doctorflavor]

What about fin drive?

[@letun3481]

Great review! Did yo have any issues installing Navarre handle? Did holes match? Did mounting surfaces on the handle and kayak match? thanks!

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thanks! Not at all. It fit seamlessly and works great. Definitely recommend it.

[@letun3481]

@@BeardedDadFishing Good to know, I had to trim the handle, holes and mounting surfaces did not match.

[@BeardedKayakFishing]

I just picked up a fishing kayak today. So far your video is to the point and great ideas. New follower here.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thanks my friend! Enjoy the new kayak!

[@kylebarrons8219]

Nice setup! Thinking about getting the same cart. How do you store it after you launch your yak? On the yak or do you walk it back to your car? Thanks!

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thanks Kyle! Best cart by far! I've stored it in my front hatch but I usually walk it back to the car if I'm relatively close. It takes the same amount of time if you figure the time taking it apart and putting it back. It can also be bungeed to the rear of the yak if you have the space. Hope that helps!

[@michaelgangemi8961]

@@BeardedDadFishing I do not have the Wilderness systems cart but its a very close knock off. I tend to just put it in the back and pull one of the bungies over it. I fish inshore so the water is not to crazy but I have been hit with boat wakes and some strong currents and it has never even came close to coming out. I also have a carabiner and 550 cord on everything except the poles. If the yak flips or w/e I wont lose a thing.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Great idea 💡 I tether up most of my belongings and use rod floats for the Rods

[@JoeNajorFishing]

Mmmmm? I always thought I was subscribed to your channel. Well, I’m back. Sorry about that. Love the channel. We have a lot in common. Sorry for the loss of your brother. He had to be a young guy. Great setup you have there. Looking forward to more videos. 👍🎣

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Much appreciated Joe 🙏🏼 Tight lines 🎣

[@redrel21]

Awesome set up just got the bigwater ordered cant wait to rig it up. Question I see that your camera boom is towards the back of the kayak ? How do you manage to record your videos while on the water I would assume it can be difficult to reach ? Do you start recording before you go on the water ?

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Congratulations on the bigwater brother. You're going to love it! That is my yakattack panfish pro camera mount. It is a bit hard to reach but the mount unclips easily with the lock and load mount. For on water recording, I use the gopro remote. Makes life a lot easier 👍🏼 Great question!

[@gamingandfishingchannel5035]

@@BeardedDadFishing Thank you man can't wait, ordered it online and I am like a kid in Christmas waiting for his new toy lol. I appreciate the response may have to look into something like that for my Osmo action camera be safe out there Bori !

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Absolutely my man! If you need help rigging it up later on, let me know. Tight lines bro!

[@gamingandfishingchannel5035]

@@BeardedDadFishing Will do thank you brother !!!

[@user-cp8fy9is4e]

Maybe a dumb question. But tournament fishing where do you keep the catch without a live well.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

It’s all photo catch release. No actual live well needed.

[@trevinjacobson6655]

What’s your preferred way to store/organize terminal tackle? My hooks always end up hoping around inside the box and not staying within the dividers. Tried a few different brands and I have the same issue since my containers are not ever laying flat facing straight up

[@BeardedDadFishing]

I used the 3600 Plano tackle boxes with dividers and they hold well for bigger hooks. Take a look at the Plano Edge Terminal Box. It’s built specifically for terminal tackle.

[@trevinjacobson6655]

@@BeardedDadFishing thank you 🤙🏼👍🏼

[@Gazmatson]

Nice video. What’s the silver dish?

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thanks Gaz! I'm actually going to be doing a separate video on the silver dish! In short, its a magnetic hardware dish to hold my lures/tackle while I'm on out the water.

[@brandondulle]

@@BeardedDadFishing Trust me pistol magnets. As they say "Game changer".

[@drewtruesdell5889]

For seat cushion, I think cabelas has a seat that will double as a type IV pfd. It's like 15 bucks and may help in case of a capsize. Sorry I'm spamming all these old videos. Just discovered your channel and enjoy the content!

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Appreciate the feedback Drew! I’ll look into that seat.

[@davidterro8387]

Have you installed a umbrella on your kayak

[@BeardedDadFishing]

I have not but I’ve seen guys do it before.

[@dsmt8703]

Ok you’ve seen geese flying in the sky and in the v formation. The question is why is one side always longer than the other?. . . . . . Because there’s more geese on that side!

[@BeardedDadFishing]

😂 good one!

[@DarkWolf-og4or]

So where’s ur SplitShot Transom Bracket

[@FishYourHeartOut]

You need to wear a life jacket(PFD) 24/7 on the kayak because if you get knocked out you WILL be in the water. Plus you never know when you might have a medical emergency just because you are young does not mean you can't have a stroke or maybe be eating and start choking. I PUSH safety big as 8yrs firefighting. I've seen a lot of "when things go wrong". Be safe out there guys and please stop thinking it can't or won't happen to you. P.S. if you drink out on the water make sure to bring a buddy and someone not drink or have no more then a beer.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

100% agreed my friend! Things happen when you least suspect them! Same reason I put my seat belt on all the time, not just when there's traffic.

[@RudeAwakeningTackle]

Where’s the anchor wizard

[@pernamore4224]

I have yet to see anyone stand on it... 8n the ocean 😁

[@BeardedDadFishing]

I stand on it plenty, but I only ever fish freshwater 🤷🏽‍♂️ lol Thanks for watching!

[@bottomlineoutdoors6187]

Buy a new yak, pedal drive or IX3 trolling motor

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Why’s that?

[@christophercrowdis7308]

Are you serious 160 dollar life jacket Man this video is for millionares.😅

[@Daviddear30]

They are worth it. You want one that is comfortable enough you’ll wear it. 💪

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Haha it’s not all necessary from the start but definitely get into a quality life jacket.

[@christophercrowdis7308]

@@BeardedDadFishing i agree, thanks.

[@vincentcomly7207]

Add an auto pilot

[@BeardedDadFishing]

One day for sure 😉

[@vincentcomly7207]

Actually a bigger boat for more peeps lol

[@kerrypitt9789]

You may live forever! Even God may not want to hear constant "Dad," jokes for all eternity and the other guy? I think he'd probably reform and go back to heaven! How can you tell that there's an elephant in your fridge? You can smell the peanuts on it's breath!😮😢

[@fishingwithscott1968]

Lame joke

[@BeardedDadFishing]

I do my best 🤷🏽‍♂️