Fathers can be tough to shop for, but you’re in luck if your dad is a kayak fishing fan. Your search is easier than ever this year thanks to these great accessories, gadgets and more from some of the top brands in fishing. Make his Father’s Day special with our selection of kayak fishing gifts and essential gear.
Hobie
Catch Bag
$125–$300 | hobie.com
The first question newbies ask a seasoned kayak angler is: “Where do you keep the fish?” Hobie has the answer. Hobie’s Catch Bag is designed to fit the stern or bow of Hobie kayaks, but they work equally well on any boat. D-rings and bungees make tie-down easy and secure. Available in small, medium, large and XL sizes, these insulated soft coolers can be stuffed in a hatch until needed and cinched down to remove air that will melt ice and ruin fish. A half-inch of closed cell foam insulation keeps ice cold. The white outer layer reflects sun, while a dark blue interior traps cold. Freeze the bag before leaving the house for an extra cool catch. I love the carry handles that make it easy to go from the kayak to the cleaning table.
St. Croix Rods
Legend Tournament Bass Casting Series
$295–340 | stcroixrods.com
St. Croix took a renowned rod and incorporated the feedback of anglers to produce the next generation of the Legend Tournament Bass Casting series. The Legend is available in a variety of lengths, actions, power, and handle style to compliment the techniques of modern anglers. No matter which you choose, every Legend Tournament rod will be built with St. Croix’s SCIV+ carbon fiber.
Werner Paddles
Hooked Series
$125–$400 | wernerpaddles.com
The Hooked series from Werner Paddles offers a quality paddle for every angler. From plastic to fiberglass or carbon fiber, the line has a material and price point for every budget and application. As expected, the blade shapes across the line allow for smooth, powerful strokes. The paddle blades are built super tough to take incredible abuse. We like the Smart Ferrule that allows the paddle to be feathered and adjusted for a perfect fit and stroke. Fresh HD Graphics are eye-catching and fishing-inspired. Bright colors also make it easier to be spotted on the water.
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Bending Branches
Angler Rise
$74 | bendingbranches.com
Looking for a tough, no-nonsense paddle as a backup paddle or for the kids? Check out the Angler Rise model from Bending Branches. Aluminum shaft and high-impact plastic make the rise almost indestructible. Solid construction provide plenty of power without twisting or bending. True to Bending Branches’ reputation for quality, the blades are designed to provide power without cavitating. One blade even has a hook to remove snagged lines.
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H2O Performance Paddles
H2O-Fish Paddle
$156 | h2opaddles.com
The H2O-Fish paddle from H2O Performance Paddles combines power with rugged good looks. Fiberglass blade and shaft are light and tough. A hook in one blade makes it easier to rescue a snagged lure. A measuring tape on the shaft will keep the angler honest. We like the hole in the blade for attaching a fish scale. The camo blades are low profile and low vis, this is a great option for kayak anglers who look to go hunting.
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Mustang Survival
M.I.T. 100 Manual Inflatable PFD
$134 | mustangsurvival.com
The easy to wear and easy to use M.I.T. Manual Inflatable PFD from Mustang Survival features Membrane Inflatable Technology to reduce product weight and create a lighter and more flexible fit. 500 Denier CORDURA outer shell. Inflator inspection window and easy access flap. 1-fold, easy to repack design.
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Scotty
797 Anchor Kit
$37 | scotty.com
The 797 Anchor Kit from Scotty includes a 1.5-pound folding anchor, 50 feet of nylon line and a nylon clip in a watertight container. Not only does this kit include everything needed to anchor a kayak, but it keeps the anchor in a compact container to take up less space. It also keeps the anchor and rope dry and organized so it doesn’t rot or get in the way. Best of all, the container doubles as a bailing bucket in a pinch.
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YakAttack
RotoGrip Paddle Holder
$15 | yakattack.us
When the heat is on, a kayak angler needs a quick place to secure his paddle. The RotoGrip Paddle Holder from YakAttack provides a quick way to secure the paddle with one hand. The paddle holder mounts to any gear track. The holder grips the paddle shaft with enough tension to hold it tight but light enough to remove with one hand. Using the RotoGrip Paddle Holder is second nature when in the heat of battle. This is one of those gadgets you’ll wonder how you lived without.
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RAM Mounts
Fishfinder Mount
$160 | rammounts.com
For a more high-tech twist on Father’s Day, purpose built gadgets for mounting electronics make a great gift. The Large Marine Electronics Mount from RAM Mounts is meant to secure a variety of large electronic devices. RAM has also introduced specific mounts for Humminbird and Lowrance fishfinder displays that mate with any of their bases and arms. Kayak anglers can install a fishfinder without having to modify the factory mount. The new mounts give the angler freedom to install their electronics on any gear track.
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Kokatat
SuperNova Angler in Gore-Tex Pro
$995 | kokatat.com
Level up your paddler protection with a semi-dry suit from Kokatat. Outside of the coldest waters, a semi-dry suit like the Supernova Angler in Gore-Tex Pro keeps the angler warm and safe. Neo Cinch Collar and latex wrist gaskets keep water out without restricting blood flow. Draw cord waist and front zipper make it easy to get in and out of the suit. The relief zipper is a must. These suits are available in a range of sizes and include Gore-Tex Pro socks with gravel guard.
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Yeti
Hopper Flip 12 Cooler
$249 | yeti.com
Yeti is synonymous for high quality coolers and accessories that work to beyond expectations and last a lifetime. Adding to their line of bulletproof soft coolers, the Hopper Flip 12 is a square soft-sided cooler that fits perfectly in a kayak crate-well. High-quality vinyl outer and inner sandwich a heavy helping of insulating foam. The material is tough enough to take fish spines and teeth and soft enough to crush into any space. The molle attachments on the outside accept a wide variety of accessories including bags and openers by Yeti. D-rings make it easy to install in the kayak and a padded shoulder strap takes the Flip anywhere.
Costa del Mar
Tuna Alley Sunglasses
$153 | costadelmar.com
Tuna Alley sunglasses from Costa del Mar have a large frame to completely block sun from entering the eyes. Blue-mirror lenses are great for white, bright, high-glare situations. Go with the amber lenses for low-light, overcast days. Internal spring hinges and rubber pads on nose and temple prevent the shades from slipping. Each pair is hand made and backed for life.
XTRATUF
Ankle Deck Boot
$114 | xtratufboots.com
Wet feet are an angler’s Achille’s heel. How many times do your socks get wet between loading the kayak and unloading at the launch? Ankle Deck Boots from Xtratuf are easy to put on and take off and keep your feet completely dry. The boots have a non-slip sole and tough rubber upper. The top of the boot is cut to allow free movement and two tabs make it easy to pull them on. One danger facing anglers is feet overheating and sweating on the way to the launch. The Ankle Boot features their Xpresscool lining that wicks moisture off the feet. These boots are so comfortable, I’ve been wearing them for yard work, trips to the farmer’s market and on rainy days.
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Stio
CFS Board Pant
$99 | stio.com
For a fashionable Father’s Day gift, try Stio’s CFS Board Pant. Designed for standup paddleboarders, they are also perfect for standup kayak anglers. The pants are constructed of a stretchy board short material that moves in four directions making it easy to go from standing to sitting without the pants bunching up or sliding down. Side pockets are convenient but low profile. There’s even a hidden pocket to safely hold car keys. The pants tie at the top for a low-profile closure. I love the weighted cuffs that keep the pants from riding up when wet. They material dries fast and moves easy when wet, it is easy to wade or swim in the Board Pant.
A subscription to Kayak Angler Magazine
Kayak Angler Magazine is North America’s #1 kayak fishing publication. Every issue of Kayak Angler is filled with the latest fishing kayak and gear reviews, rigging and tactics for saltwater and freshwater species and much more. Your subscription also includes exclusive industry news and fishing reports on what’s biting near you. Give your dad a kayak fishing gift that will last and subscribe here today.
These Father’s Day gifts will have him hooked. | Feature photo: Adobe Stock
