Customize Your Fishing Kayak to Make it Your Own

Discovering new horizons on a fishing kayak equipped with everything you could ever want or need is a luxury that many anglers dream of. Ahead of a busy season, it's only natural to consider how you will be using your kayak, given that it’s the central element around which you’ll be organizing your fishing trips.

You'll first want to organize your boat to be useful, practical, and adapted to the type of trip you'll be taking. For example, start by optimizing the available storage space to hold your personal belongings and fishing gear, which is made easy thanks to recessed rod holders and accessory eyelets.

Any modification requiring drilling or cutting of the hull will void the warranty in the immediate area of the modification.

A well-organized fishing kayak is worth its weight in gold

As an avid organizer, you can start making a storage rack for your kayak or a trolley to make it easier to get around and into the water. Once you've settled on the rack and dolly design you'd like to have, all you need to do is get some PVC pipe and follow one of the many tutorials on the web to make your project a reality. It's even possible to build your rod holder out of the same material, an idea that will undoubtedly appeal to experienced anglers.

Fishing in comfort should be a priority

Modifying your fishing kayak can also improve your comfort during your trips. As a starting point, you could consider adding an Ergoform seat cushion which will offer you targeted support with its quality padding. You can also attach multi-purpose bungee cords to secure all kinds of things, maximize space, and keep your hands free. Last but not least, if you anticipate staying in one spot for a long time in your sit-in kayak, you could add knee support that will guarantee you prolonged comfort, no matter the duration of your fishing trips.

Efficient storage for all your fishing accessories

Adding accessories will also optimize the storage space on your fishing kayak. Consider adding bungee cords to attach small accessories on the deck of your sit-in kayak, like your water bottle or your VHF radio.

Installing a mesh deck cover will appeal to those who wish to maximize storage space, no matter the amount of gear. Not only is it practical when you have a lot of bags, but it also allows you to keep everything in one place, which avoids unnecessary clutter. There are as many organization options as there are accessories to enhance your storage system, so don't limit yourself.

Marty Zoffinger, a clever influencer

Looking to improve your construction skills while doing a DIY project on your fishing kayak? Take a cue from Marty Zoffinger, one of our proud influencers at Pelican, who has extensive video series on Youtube. Be sure to check out his channel here and follow along with his projects.

With a little ingenuity and creativity, he manages to make lasting modifications to his kayaks. For example, you might consider adding carabiners and rope to your Pelican kayak to build a functional anchoring system. You can also use carabiners to secure waterproof bags or even your paddle to avoid losing it. Permanent or removable bungee cords could also be very useful as they keep your gear secure while you’re out on the water — one less thing to stress about when planning your adventures.

Let this fishing enthusiast's practical ideas guide you so you can enjoy the satisfaction of realizing projects on your own that serve you on the water.