Fishing from a kayak means that your gear is more vulnerable to getting wet than if you were fishing from a boat or shore. But being that close to the water gets you closer to the action, so that means you’ll just have to find a way to keep your gear dry and safe. Kayak Angler asked 7 pros what their system is for keeping their gear safe from the elements. Here’s what they told us.
7 Pro Anglers Share Their Waterproofing Secrets
“As far as waterproofing, I use the LifeProof case for my phone and have numerous sizes of Pelican cases tied inside the hull of my kayak to store anything that I don’t want to get wet and keep safe.”
— Mike Zilkowsky, Wilderness Systems pro staffer and Eastslope Kayak Fishing Classic Tournament Director
“I have the luxury of just tossing my keys, phone and wallet into the center hatch of my Hobie Pro Angler 14. I purchased the Hobie rectangular bucket to keep any moisture out that may be in the hull of my kayak. The combination of the bucket and water tight twist and seal hatch keeps everything nice and dry.”
— Landon Mace, Loon Outdoors ambassador, Fly Water Travel fishing guide and tournament angler
“Anytime I take a first-timer out, before a toe even hits the water, we take everything out of their pocket and put it in a dry box, the phone especially. The first rule I have is to act like I’m going for a swim. The only thing in my pockets are things I wouldn’t mind getting wet.
I have use two types of dry boxes: I have a clear Plano Guide Series field box for my keys and wallet and I have Pelican Cases for my cameras and electronics. I use my phone a lot on the water, so I use a Lifeproof Nuud and a Lifeproof life jacket.
I used to carry a bluetooth speaker on water with me, until the salty air alone caused the speaker grill to rust. I found a bluetooth speaker that is water-proof and floats called the Ecorox by Ecoxgear.”
— Rex “RexDelRey” DeGuzman, YakFish TV team member, ActionHat entrepreneur and operator of the RexDelRey YouTube channel
“As far as keeping gear dry, I have two options: my non-camera option is a Boat Bailer dry box made by SeaSense. It is big enough for my phone, keys and a small point and shoot camera. The other is my camera option, and that is if my DSLR is in the boat I keep my keys and phone in my Watershed dry bag.”
— Chris Funk, Jackson Kayak and Bending Branches pro staffer, writer, contributing photographer for Kayak Angler and the owner of Feral One Photography
“I like to keep my phone, camera and video camera within easy reach. After all, if you can’t get to them quickly, why bring them. I use a Watershed Chattooga duffle for my electronics gear on the water. The smaller Ocoee is favored by many paddlers as well.
The bags are legendary for their ability to keep sensitive gear dry. The heavy duty rubber zip lock style seal inspires confidence. I line the bag with a super absorbent camp towel just in case I splash water into the case while opening it.
I do take extra precautions with my iPhone. I use an Outdoor Technologies Water Proof Case. It allows access to all functions except the ear phone jack. It’s fairly inexpensive so I did a little testing when I first got it. I placed it under a rock in the kitchen sink full of water for over one hour. No leaks so I was good to go!”
— Juan Veruete, Wilderness Systems and YakAttack pro staffer, licensed fishing guide and an ACA certified kayak instructor
“I use two dry boxes: a Pelican 1060 and a Pelican 1040. They are padded on the inside, super tough and float-even when full of gear. Plus they are easy to store in the side hatches of my Malibu Stealth 12 and hold my wallet, keys, phone, camera and other odds and ends.
In the winter, I will carry a large dry bag with a change of clothes and other cold weather supplies. Good dry storage is a must for me!”
— Drew Haerer, Wilderness Systems and Carolina Custom Rods pro staffer
“When it comes to keeping things dry while breaking through the surf and waves busting over the side of my Hobie left and right while fishing offshore, I found the most trust worthy product is a simple watertight dry box. It’s small, maybe 4” by 3” and a depth of 2”, but it holds the important stuff like my keys, fishing license and cash in case I need to buy more bait on the water.
Once I have the products I need to keep dry in the box, I simply place it between the liners of my fishing bag which sits on my front hatch. Between the liners to keep fish blood and slime off it but in the front for easy access if needed. I just lean forward unzip and there is my stuff nice and dry. I keep a couple ziplock baggies with me at all times as well.”
— Eric McDonald, fishing guide and owner of Deep Blue Kayak Fishing
Feature photo: Rex “RexDelRey” DeGuzman
Man you guys are banging out the articles left & right lately – thanks – really enjoying them!