Wesley Littlefield 08.15.25
Kayak fishing is incredible because you can reach the best fishing holes without spending a fortune, but that doesn’t mean kayak fishing gear “Don’t-Buys” don’t exist. I’ve made my fair share of regretful purchases; luckily, I’m happy to share them. By the end of this article, you’ll know some of the worst items to purchase for kayak fishing and the ones you should buy instead.
Don’t Buy #1 – Cheap Kayak Cart
The first kayak cart I purchased off Amazon was less than $50, and I hated it. In fact, I never used it. I dragged my kayak across the ground instead.
Every single time I tried to use the cheap cart, it would fold up and slide off my kayak, no matter how well I strapped it on. If you’re serious about kayak fishing, don’t get a cheap kayak cart. Save up a little and get one like the Railblaza C-Tug.
The Railblaza C-Tug is the best kayak cart I’ve ever used. It doesn’t fold up or slide off my kayak while in use, and it can go just about anywhere I take my kayak. Sand, gravel, grass, river rock, ditches, and hills are no match for this incredible kayak cart.
Don’t Buy #2 – Kayak Fishing Rods
In all fairness, I thought specialized kayak fishing rods were a great idea, and I’m still open to trying them, but not at the current pricing model. Kayak-specific fishing rods generally have a shorter handle so they don’t catch on your PFD while fishing. Since they use less material, one would think they might be less expensive. One would be wrong.
All the kayak fishing rods I’ve had my hands on were just as, if not more expensive than, regular fishing rods of equal quality. The butt of my rod doesn’t catch on my PFD enough for me to justify spending that kind of money on a rod, when I can spend less and still get the same quality.
Until the price drops, kayak fishing-specific rods are a no-go for me. I’ll stick with my regular fishing rods, whether kayak fishing, bank fishing, or boat fishing.
Don’t Buy #3 – One-Hand Mini Paddles
One kayak fishing gear “don’t buy” I almost fell for was the single-blade paddles. I understand the idea, but I would load one and never use it, all while it’s taking up unnecessary room in my already crowded kayak.
Instead, I use one hand and a forearm to paddle while holding my fishing rod. It’s not ideal, but it’s better than buying gear I’ll never use. I also have a trolling motor, which makes one-handed operation a breeze.
Don’t Buy #4 – Kayak Fish Finder
I love my fish finder. It’s helped me find new places to fish and catch fish I would never have caught without it. However, I didn’t settle for a cheap fish finder. I opted for a quality one from a trusted brand.
I recommend spending at least $100 on a Garmin, Lowrance, or Humminbird fish finder. I’ve tested several in this price range from each company, and all work well when installed on a kayak.
When you choose to spend less money on a cheap fish finder, you’re sacrificing quality and durability. You’ll end up with a fish finder that’s more difficult to read and shows inaccuracies. Eventually, you’ll upgrade to a better one, but why waste the money initially?
Don’t Buy #5 – Cheap Kayak
This will ruffle some feathers. I’ve fished out of cheap kayaks and high-quality fishing kayaks, and there’s no comparison. I’d much rather be in a high-quality fishing kayak because it’s more comfortable, stable, customizable, durable, and all-around just better.
Can you catch fish from a cheap kayak? Absolutely, I’ve been outfished by guys in cheap kayaks, but I’ve watched them nearly dump all their gear into the drink and want to end the trip early because they’re uncomfortable.
Get a quality kayak if you’re serious about fishing and want to spend hours on the water. You’ll need to spend $1,000+, but you’ll have a more enjoyable experience, and that’s what kayak fishing is all about.
Last Cast: Kayak Fishing Gear Don’t-Buys
Now that you’ve learned from my and other kayak anglers’ purchasing mistakes, you can avoid these kayak fishing “don’t buys”, so you don’t waste your hard-earned money on junk. You’ll spend more enjoyable hours on the water and fewer at work. Which is what we all want, right?
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