Where some see an off-season, we see opportunity. Colder temperatures—well that just means more solitude on the water. Lethargic fish—a chance for new tactics. Short, darker days—the window just got bigger to catch dawn and dusk patrol. The fact is, if you’re prepared and properly dressed, then unless your fishing spot is frozen over, the next few months offer some of the most rewarding kayak fishing of the year.
The trick to staying motivated through this Rorschach Test of a season is sometimes as simple as a gear solution. Whether it’s spicing things up with the new boat or fishing style you’ve been mulling, adding a helpful accessory to your kit, or getting your post-fishing routine dialed, there are a few pieces of gear our editor has found especially helpful in keeping the angling fire burning this year. And, for those whose kayak fishing is very much frozen over, give our columnist Jeff Jackson’s “Off-Season Survival” a read.
The gear our editor Ric Burnley loves this winter
Bonafide PWR129 Fishing Kayak
$1,999 | bonafidefishing.com
Buy from:
BONAFIDE ECO FISHING SHOP SCHEELS
Why Ric Loves It
Looking into the future, I see the rise of motorized kayaks becoming miniature plastic skiffs. Bonafide is leading the way with the PWR129. Right after the boat premiered at ICAST 2024, I received a PWR129 to rig with motors and electronics. I added a MinnKota Xi3 trolling motor to the bow and a Newport 300 electric outboard to the stern. Newport Lithium Ion batteries power the whole unit and Connect Eze switches and wires tie the system together. Add the famously comfortable Bonafide High-Rise seat with smart gear and tackle storage and the PWR129 offers all the advantages of a motorboat in the size and weight of a kayak. Forget paddles and pedal systems, modern electric motors and improved battery options are making motorized kayaks more reliable and easier to own. The Bonafide PWR129 is one of the first boats to take advantage of the latest technology.
Bottom Line
The Bonafide PWR129 is a kayak optimized for motorized power. The deck is ready to be rigged with a layout that integrates plug-and-play mounts, lifts, and controls. The bow and stern can easily be motorized. The PWR129 also features 660” of standing deck space built over a stable 35” wide catamaran hull.
Orvis Encounter Fly Rod Outfit
$198 | orvis.com
Buy from:
ORVIS AMAZON BASS PRO SHOP SCHEELS
Why Ric Loves It
When a premium tackle outfitter produces an “entry-level” product, consumers get a great deal on a quality product. Orvis’ Encounter Fly Rod Outfit comes from one of the oldest and most respected fly fishing houses at a price that beats the box-store equivalents. The package includes a sensitive and responsive four-piece fly rod, large arbor reel, backing, weight forward fly line and leader. All I need is a fly and I’m fishing. The combo packs into a carry case with rod tube ready for airlines and Ubers. The quality and convenience preclude calling the Encounter Fly Rod Outfit a “beginner’s” combo. The rod, reel and line are a great combination for anglers starting fly fishing or adding a travel combo without breaking the bank.
Bottom Line
The Encounter fly rod is available in 5, 6 and 8-weight rod and reel combo options. The Encounter reel comes ready to sling a fly with backing, line and leader.
YakPower 12 Volt Mobile Phone Wireless Charger
$69.99 | yak-power.com
Buy from:
YAK-POWER BASS PRO SHOP AMAZON BASS PRO SHOP
Why Ric Loves It
My smartphone is a valuable fishing tool, so I like to keep it handy and charged. The YakPower Mobile Phone Wireless Fast Charger has a locking cradle that I can open with one hand. The phone holder charges my phone with a USB port to power another electronic device. I have the charger installed with a T-bolt in my gear track and they offer a surface mount base. The ball-mount and gooseneck let me adjust the phone so I can see it from my seat or standing up. Using my smartphone for navigation, weather, communications and everything else drains the battery. The wireless charger keeps my phone secure and powered up.
Bottom Line
The YakPower Mobile Phone Wireless Charger is compatible with 4.0” to 6.9” phones. It features a 15W wireless charger and a USB C port to plug in a second device. The charger also has a waterproof power switch with an indicator light and has an IP66 waterproof rating.
Columbia PFG Castback Shoes
$100 | columbia.com
Buy from:
COLUMBIA AMAZON BASS PRO SHOP PUBLIC LANDS
Why Ric Loves It
To win my approval, a fishing shoe must dry quickly, absorb shock and protect my feet. Columbia’s PFG Cast Back checks all three boxes better than any shoe I’ve tested this year. My feet are in love with EVA foam for shock absorption and the Castback has a thick foam midsole that protects my feet, legs and back. Inside, the footbed is cupped with a unique lace web to keep my feet secure on a rocking kayak deck. The mesh upper is cool and dries fast while drainage ports release water that enters the shoe. On the bottom, the tread is articulated where the shoe bends and is channeled to push water out and increase traction. Columbia treated the Castback with their Blood and Guts stain repellent so I can wear the shoes on the water or on the town.
Bottom Line
The Castback features Columbia’s Omni-Max shoe sole that focuses on cushioning, stability and traction. The Castback drainage ports let water out, while combined with a mesh upper for breathability. The Castback also uses Omni-Shield Blood ‘n Guts stain-releasing yarn.
Hedgehog Buddy Black Ionic Dryer
$199 | hedgehogdryer.com
Buy from:
Why Ric Loves It
James Brown sings “Don’t Stop the Funk,” but he never smelled my fishing waders. Water, heat, dead skin and an enclosed space are a recipe for odor. To stop the funk, I use the Hedgehog Buddy Black Ionic dryer. The heater and fan have four hoses to dry accessories. I can stick two hoses in my paddling pants and use the other two hoses to dry my booties. In summer, the Hedgehog dries my river shoes. The heater has a thermostat and the fan has a timer to set the perfect combination to dry my gear in a half hour or less. The Hedgehog is so efficient at drying and deodorizing it can even get the funk out of James Brown.
Bottom Line
The Hedgehog dryer has five speed settings and timer options from 15 minutes to 10 hours. The temperature can also be set from room temperature up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit to dial in the heat for sensitive materials like paddling gear.
Feature photo: Ric Burnley
