Building the Ultimate Bass Fishing Kayak: The Best Accessories for Fishing Success

Is Storage Space the Best Accessory For a Kayak?

For obvious balance reasons, kayak seating is approximately in the middle of the boat, halfway between the bow and stern. That leaves a good amount of space behind you. One popular upgrade is to add a storage compartment that organizes your gear and keeps it safe, but is relatively easy to access in this awkward-to-reach spot. The YakAttack BlackPak Pro has quickly become the gold standard option for this job.

I’ve added the 16” x 16” version to my fairly roomy boat, but they are also available in 13” x 16” and 13” x 13” sizes. Even the big version weighs just 9.1 pounds (11.5 pounds with all 6 rod tubes installed). This largest size is optimized to accommodate seven 3700-size tackle boxes, with a little extra room on top for more gear.

Injection-molded from UV stabilized polymers, the BlackPak Pro will last for many years, even in harsh marine environments. Each panel of the box features a clever design that makes it easy to assemble and allows for a ton of configuration modifications and customization. It comes with 6 rod tubes that can be mounted in a variety of positions and angles. Both the lid and the bottom of the box include rubber sound dampeners for stealthy fishing.

Upgrading For Even More Storage

For most anglers, myself included, there is no such thing as too much storage space. The ShortStak Upgrade Kit is a stackable box that replaces the lid of the BlackPak Pro, adding a second layer of storage for quick access, go-to items. With the ShortStak installed, you can bring more gear, but you can also prioritize gear by how likely you’ll be to access it during the course of the day. Maybe your rain suit can go to the bottom of the big box, while your “Plan B” lures stay in the easier-to-access ShortStak.

Small Easy Access Storage

Like I mentioned earlier, even though the storage box I’ve added is designed to be the most convenient solution possible, the space behind you is awkward to reach. For items you’ll need again and again in a day of fishing, you’ll want a storage area that’s always within easy reach. Introducing the TracPak Stackable Storage Box. These little beauties use a quick release system that mounts right on the tracks that come standard along the edges of many kayaks (or tracks can easily be added wherever you need them). Each box gives you 8.375” x 5.375” x 2.375” of storage space—perfect for soft plastic baits, other lures, sunglasses, bug spray, or anything else you’ll be reaching for all day.

Mounting a Fish Finder

I did mention this item in an earlier article about installing my Hummnibird Helix 10, but this item is worth mentioning again. In order to keep the big screen in place, I used a LockNLoad Mount from YakAttack. This track mount system feels incredibly strong, and provides infinite viewing angles. It even allows me to angle the unit back out over the water to keep everything within easy reach, but eliminate crowding in the kayak. The mount locks securely into place with the flip of a switch, and is just as easy to unlock and remove for safe travel.

Document Your Catch

Kayak tournament fishing includes a few new challenges to overcome compared to traditional, bass boat, weigh-in-style tournaments. Being able to quickly, fairly and accurately document each fish caught is the number one priority of both competitors and tournament organizers. Since I plan to do my share of competing, I wanted to make sure I had a good system in place. The YakAttack Leaderboard Measuring Board is designed to answer all of the most common questions and concerns kayak tournament anglers.

Its buoyant design ensures it floats in the case it falls overboard but also features a dedicated leash point to prevent accidental loss. It includes built-in, dual, identifier holders, allowing the clear display of your ID cards for catch, photo, release style tournaments. Integrated cull tabs allow you to quickly set a visual reminder of the length of your recent catches. And the lines and numbers were laid out as a collaborative effort with key tournament decision-makers to maximize accuracy and easy-of-reading tournament photos.

Also, YakAttack has come up with a really slick way to store this rather large, but crucial piece of tournament gear. I’m using the Leaderboard DoubleHeader Track Mount. This mount utilizes their RotoGrip System which holds the measuring board securely, but makes it incredibly easy to stow and deploy.

Continue To Modify Your Kayak

Now, it’s time to get this kayak on the lake and spend some time fishing and getting comfortable with all this new gear. And remember, this can all be repositioned and reconfigured to optimize your fishing. If you decide the TracPak Combo would be better on the left side of the kayak, then you can move it in seconds. If you’d prefer one box on each side instead of double-stacking them, just order a second mount and the problem is solved.

I think the reason this Yak Attack gear is so thoughtfully designed and so well made is  because the company is owned and operated by actual hardcore anglers who manufacture these products in the USA. That makes a big difference. To learn more about any of these products, or the tons of other items they offer, check out YakAttack.us.