It’s true, $100 doesn’t go as far as it used to. When it comes to gifts for kayak anglers, many of the best accessories and latest tackle are still a bargain. Our list of the best holiday gifts for kayak anglers under $100 pulls from our own gear closets and tackle boxes. These gift picks passed our test, so they are sure to make your family and friends happy.
YakAttack
DoubleHeader
$35.00 | yakattack.us
The biggest challenge to rigging a kayak is making the most of limited space. Dedicating a whole gear track to mount a paddle holder is a waste of prime real estate. As a solution, YakAttack’s DoubleHeader provides a single-gear track mount with injection molded plastic arms positioning the paddle away from the kayak. Rubber teathers secure the shaft so the paddle is there when you need it.
Buy from:
AMAZON AQ OUTDOORS WALMART
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Garmin
Striker 4
$119 | garmin.com
For around $100, you would expect a simple fish finder with a greyscale display. But Garmin packs a long list of features in the full-color Striker 4. Starting with a dual-signal CHIRP transducer that produces the most accurate and detailed returns, Garmin also added a flasher mode to produce real-time images of fish and structure. A favorite features is the sonar rewind to review sonar images for marks you may have missed. Garmin added a GPS that displays location, waypoints and speed. You can mark fishing hot spots and return to the same place each time. And, add a waypoint for the launch and other landmarks to stay oriented on the water.
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AMAZON BACKCOUNTRY BASS PRO SHOP CABELA’S CANADIAN TIRE SCHEELS WALMART
BUY DIRECT
Mustang Survival
Adelphi UV Women’s Hoody
$89.99 | mustangsurvival.com
I’ve got a drawer full of UV-protective hoodies, so a new one had better be special to get my attention. Mustang Survival’s Adelphi UV hoody wowed me as soon as I wore it. It’s one of my go-to garments, either as my shirt-du-jour or as an extra layer to throw on when the weather on the water gets chilly. It’s technically a base layer though it’s not the lightest one I own, probably because it packs a whopping UPF 50+. It keeps my fair skin from sizzling in the sun. Wicking—check. Thumb holes—check. Stinky—nope. Feels silky not like plastic—check. The fabric is made from 100 percent recycled polyester that’s non-hazardous and environmentally safe. There’s even a small, zippered hip pocket where I can stash my fishing license and car keys. And the real test—while I was wearing the Adelphi UV I caught my first northern pike of the spring. –Lisa Ballard
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Paddling Film Festival Gift Card
$18.50 | paddlingfilmfestival.com
Perfect for loved ones both near and far, adventure awaits at the click of a button. The Paddling Film Festival collects the best paddling films, including Best Kayak Fishing films from 2020–2023. Highlights include fly-fishing in Montana and wrestling monstrous sailfish from a 12-foot kayak in Florida. Seamlessly forward the gift card email or print it out to tuck into their Christmas card, bringing the joy of aquatic exploration directly to them.
Purchase a gift card today at an exclusive holiday price and get 20% off with the code: PFF2023KAPM2
Shimano
Mastiff FC
$22.99 | shimano.com
Winning Best Fishing Line award at ICAST 2023 tradeshow, Shimano’s Mastiff fluorocarbon wowed the judges with new technology never seen in fishing line. Shimano started with the highest-quality raw materials and manufacturing standards to create a supple and soft fluorocarbon mainline. Then, they added microscopic ridges on the surface of the line to improve knot strength. Acting like grip tape, the tiny ridges keep the line from slipping through the knot. The ridges also improve line strength and durability. Anglers fishing finesse jigs and glide baits appreciate the Mastiff’s low visibility, sensitivity and abrasion resistance.
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Kokatat
Squirt Pant
$105 | kokatat.com
Outdoor dads know the mantra, a comfortable kid is a happy kid. Wet and cold children quickly become whiny and squirmy children. Kokatat’s Squirt semi-dry pants use Hydrus 2.5 waterproof and breathable fabric to keep kids dry and warm. That’s the same material as the Kokatat Tempest dry pants. The Squirt comes in three kid-specific sizes with a drawstring waist and neoprene ankles that grow with the young paddler. Combine the Squirt with Kokatat’s Super Breeze dry top for a splash-resistant and rainproof outer layer to keep a kid happy for hours of paddling and fishing.
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AMAZON OUTDOORPLAY
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NRS
Silkweight Hoodie
$74.95 | nrs.com
For maximum sun protection and minimal heat retention, NRS Silkweight Hoodie is super light and covers the most skin. The drawstring hood, laser-cut thumbholes and drop hem assure full coverage from head to hands to waist. NRS placed the seams where they won’t interfere with PFD straps or restrict movement. The 100-percent recycled, breathable, moisture-wicking fabric offers UPF 50 sun protection with antimicrobial elements to keep the shirt fresh after days on the water. Like all NRS gear, the Silkweight Hoodie is designed to the highest standards for long-range expeditions so you can stay comfortable in your local fishing hole.
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Plano
Soft Crate Kayak Bag
$69.99 | planooutdoors.com
The worst part of kayak fishing is loading and unloading the kayak between trips. Plano makes the process more enjoyable with the Soft Crate Kayak Bag. The soft-sided box is designed to fit inside a standard storage crate. Two removable bags double as the handles and fold down for extra storage outside the crate. Another removable pouch serves as the lid. The soft crate will hold six Plano StowAway tackle trays. The removable bags can accommodate more tackle trays with small pockets and D-Rings to attach other accessories. Store all your tackle and tools in the Soft Crate and simply remove the crate between trips.
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AMAZON TACKLE DIRECT WALMART
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Simms
Dry Creek Z Gear Pouch
$59.95 | simmsfishing.com
The Simms Dry Creek Z Gear Pouch will quickly become permanent part of your gear kit. The waterproof and durable bag is great for storing pliers, scissors, leader material and other essential accessories. The Dry Creek Z is also the perfect size to fit in a gear crate—leave air in the bag for added padding or compress the pouch to fit in a tight space. The heavy-duty 300 D ripstop and TPU-coated material is super tough with a clear plastic window so you don’t have to dig around looking for gear. The TRU Zip zipper is 100 percent water and air-tight, keeping your stuf dry and easy to access.
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AMAZON BASS PRO SHOP CABELA’S SCHEELS WALMART
BUY DIRECT
UTTy
Classic Single
$35 | theutty.com
There is never enough storage space no matter the size of your gear closet. When the shelves and drawers are full to overflowing, and waders, life jackets, rain gear and hats hang from every corner it’s time to clean up the mess. Add a couple of these UTTy Classic vertical hangers to your storage system.The four-foot long strap with adjustable hooks is the ticket for hanging a life jacket and paddle so they can dry. Or put your life jacket on a coat hanger and use a bungee to hold the paddle. The UTTy doesn’t take up much space and it can hang from a shelf or wall hook. To take the UTTy on the road, pack it in the included carry bag and it is ready to organize gear wherever you are fishing.
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Scotty
139 Phone Holder
$43.99 | scotty.com
Cellphones and water don’t mix and Scotty’s 139 Phone Holder makes sure the two never meet. Constructed out of high-impact and UV-resistant plastic with marine-grade components the 139 Phone Holder will accommodate phones from 2 ¾ to 3 ¾ inches. Space under the cradle allows you to route a charger cable to the phone. To secure the phone, a T-handle tightens and locks the clamp. The 139 uses a double ball mount for infinite positioning. You can attach the phone holder to any ball mount base including adhesive, track-mount and traditional bases.
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Mustang Survival
Adelphi UV Women’s Long Sleeve Top
$69.99 | mustangsurvival.com
I gravitate to this long-sleeve t-shirt for its “bluefin” (bright teal) color but once on, it feels good for a number of reasons. My skin likes its soft, comfortable touch and its strong UPF 50+ sun protection. It’s made from 100% recycled polyester that’s certified by both Bluesign® and Oeko-Tex as nonhazardous to my health and environmentally friendly. I wore it for several days in a row on fishing trips in the Adirondacks and on Florida’s Gulf Coast, and my friends still liked to give me hugs when I landed a big fish, so its antimicrobial claims proved true. No stench after a sweaty day—hurray! It dries quickly, too, whenever a restless seabass or snapper splashed me. The cut is nice, not boxy. This may be a shirt designed for marine use, but I’ve been wearing it as a base layer for everyday life, too. –Lisa Ballard
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Deeper
Fishfinder Start
$102.99 | deepersonar.com
Outfitting your kayak with a fish finder doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. You don’t even have to drill holes and run cables. Deeper Fishfinder Start sonar is a wireless, rechargeable sonar transducer with built-in Wi-Fi to transmit sonar signal to a smartphone application. You can attach the sonar transducer to a mount on the kayak and dangle it in the water. Or, you can tie the transducer to your fishing line and cast it out. Then, watch the sonar signal on your smartphone as you retrieve the Deeper transducer. The Start is a basic fish finder with powerful features. Two sonar modes allow you to choose between easy-to-read display or raw data for more detail. The Deeper app also includes a simple GPS to mark locations and create a custom chart of depth contours. After the fishing trip, the Deeper app serves as a fishing log to record information about fishing conditions as well as post photos of the catch.
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AMAZON WALMART
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Kayak Angler Magazine Subscription
$30 | kayakanglermag.com
Give a gift that is sure to inspire your loved one to get out and paddle. For a limited time, you can get (or give) a print subscription to Kayak Angler Magazine and save 50% off the cover price! Order now to receive 6 print issues of Kayak Angler Magazine for only $30!
- Award-winning editorial features
- Print issues delivered to your doorstep
- Every page of every issue in our digital archive
- First access to digital issues
- Download our app to read stories anywhere, online or offline
Feature photo: Midjourney
