ARC Holiday Gift Guide: Kayak Fishing
Kayak anglers tend to be some of the biggest gearheads we know, so if you’ve got one in your family, Christmas should be a breeze. From the casual paddler who often brings along a rod, to the die-hard tournament angler, Appomattox River Company has a gift for everyone on your list. Floundering? Just give us a call—we’ll help you find a gift that definitely won’t be crappie. Okay, okay, we promise there will be no more fish puns!
Wilderness Systems Recon 120: $1099
Where do we even start with the all-new Recon 120? At $1099, it’s an approachable boat for beginners but well-equipped enough for even the most serious of kayak fishers. Wilderness Systems has used their tried and true S.M.A.R.T. hull philosophy to make this boat stable, maneuverable, and responsive, while retaining the tracking and acceleration to get to any destination in a snap.
Besides its balanced hull design, the Recon offers an abundance of essential fishing features, including an extra-wide padded standing deck, horizontal storage for up to three rods, two flush mount rod holders, and an extra large StowPro bow hatch for all your important gear. The Airpro ACE seat has kept all the classic comfort of the Airpro MAX, but added simple one-handed adjustment for easier on-the-water changes.
With the ability to be paddled, pedaled with the separate Helix Drive, or powered with a trolling motor, the Recon 120 is a beautifully versatile craft that will delight any beginner, and keep its place at the top of the quiver no matter what demands present themselves down the road.
Old Town Autopilot: from $3799.99
For those ultimate anglers out there, the Old Town Autopilot has changed the fishing kayak game. Available in 12’0 and 13’6” versions, the Autopilot is the pinnacle of well-rounded, cohesive integration. The GPS-enabled, 45lb thrust MinnKota motor eliminates the need for anchors and complicated trolleys with its SpotLock Technology, which anchors the boat in place using a GPS signal. The motor is controlled with the I-Pilot remote or with a smartphone app, which allows you to adjust the direction, speed, and anchor position of the boat at the touch of a button. The foot-controlled wide blade rudder means a fully hands-free fishing experience, and the padded high-low seat offers hours of comfort, so you can stay out all day. Thoughtful features like tackle pockets, measuring tray storage, and a universal transducer mount round this boat out for the ultimate fishing experience, from small lakes to offshore waves, and everything in between.
Bending Branches Angler Pro: from $299.95
No boat is complete without a paddle—not even the mighty Autopilot. Anyone who’s on the water for hours at a time knows how important a high-quality paddle can be. The Bending Branches Angler Pro has won the Kayak Fishing “Paddle of the Year” award not one, but six times, and is the perfect complement to any fishing kayak setup. A 100% carbon shaft and full fiberglass blade give this paddle a blissfully light swing weight, without compromising durability. Handmade in Osceola, WI, the Angler Pro is available in fixed lengths from 250-280cm, and in a telescoping adjustable version from 240-255cm.
Astral Ronny Fisher: $159.95
Know someone who’s still using a bulky universal fit PFD? Or maybe someone who won’t wear a PFD because they’re just not comfortable? Gift them the Ronny Fisher, a design from Astral that’s comfortable and convenient. Graded sizing means less bulk, and the thin back keeps the vest from interfering with high-backed kayak seats. The front of this vest boasts two extra large pockets, big enough to accommodate a tackle box or dry box, and complete with rigging and attachment points for small gear. Air movement through the back mesh vent makes the Ronny Fisher worlds comfier than your standard outfitter style vest. The Ronny Fisher also keeps the wearer dry with the stowable rain hood in the collar. If you know a PFD skeptic, this might be the vest that changes their mind.
YakAttack bills this rod holder as "the last rod holder you'll ever need," and that's exactly why it's a perfect gift for any kayak fisher. It installs in seconds on any kayak with a standard gear track, and can be removed just as fast. It accommodates virtually any rod, including casting, spinning, and fly rods, and allows maximum adjustability to suit any style.
Ideal for paddlers who share big bodies of water with larger motorized craft, the VisiCarbon Pro is an essential piece of safety gear made better. It’s collapsible, easy to install and remove, and burns 100 hours before needing a battery change. Equipped with a bright LED light and high-visibility flag, the VisiCarbon Pro is the most convenient way to make sure your kayak is visible to larger boats, even during the day.
NRS ATB Wetshoe: from $55.96
Wellies aren’t safe for kayak fishing, and neither are your most comfortable pair of hiking boots. So what’s a kayaker who needs supportive, comfortable cold water footwear to do? NRS made the answer with the ATB wetshoe. The snug, zippered upper keeps sand and grit out, protecting any dry socks underneath. The workboot sole provides unmatched support, grip, and durability for treks through mud, across rocks, and up slippery boat ramps. These are a perfect gift for a kayak angler who needs an upgrade from standard water shoes, or anyone who’s building a cold water kit. Remember to size up if they’ll be worn over a dry suit.
Kokatat Supernova Angler Semi-Dry Suit: from $615
For those who need the ultimate cold water protection, the Kokatat Supernova Semi-Dry suit offers a durable water repellent Hydrus 3.0 fabric and latex wrist gaskets. The neoprene cinch neck keeps out most water without the need for an uncomfortable neck gasket. It’s important to note that this is a semi-dry suit, and will not provide complete protection from immersion for long periods of time. Perfect for kayak fishers who do not expect to be submerged except in an emergency, and who layer appropriately underneath, the Supernova ideally balances comfort and performance.
Immersion Research Fishing Waders: $419
Conditions that would destroy a lesser pair of waders don’t faze these Immersion Research heavyweights. Perfect for wade fishing, and just as useful for keeping dry getting in and out of a kayak, the IR Fishing Waders set a new standard for what a premium wader should be. A waterproof YKK relief zipper and self-burping valve make these exceptionally convenient, and the Taslan fabric blends durability and flexibility to move like a favorite pair of pants.
What day on the water is complete without a cold beverage? The (much) littler cousin of the original Puffy Blanket, the Rumpl Beer Blanket keeps hands warm and drinks cold, and stuffs into its own tiny pocket when you’re done. It’s the ultimate stocking stuffer for any beer drinking paddler, and packs down so small and light that it can hang out in any gear kit for the next great day on the river.
Ketch Karbonate Board: from $29.99
For anyone who participates in catch-and-release tournaments, the Ketch fish measuring board is an essential gift that they probably don’t already have. Many tournaments have recently changed their standards for measuring boards, and this board meets those new criteria. The Ketch Karbonate is KBF-approved and comes in both 26” and 32” versions.