It’s December and it’s that time of year where the weather may have anglers, even those who enjoy winter fishing, sitting indoors. Wrapped in a blanket next to the fire they're surely dreaming of warmer days, early sunrises, and beams of warm light casting an orange glow across the water’s surface. You may envision that trophy rising out of the shadows and eating your bait but for the moment it’s not to be. Right now, a cold wind is blowing in from the north, skim ice covers the water, and the sun hangs low in the west—but all is not lost. Your day can be brightened with a holiday gift to yourself. Or, you could brighten the day of a loved one as they sit there staring out the window. And whether it’s for yourself, that someone special, or a friend, these cool new goodies will bring a smile to any kayak angler’s face.
YAK-EASE
Let’s start with ICAST’s Best of Category 2024 award winner from Connect-Ease. The product is YAK-EASE Power Pack Pro. It is a self-contained, plug-and-play portable power system. It provides multiple connection points for your kayak’s lighting system and fish finder. It accommodates any 12V Lithium Battery with a maximum battery dimension of 8” x7.5” x5.5” in a premium Pelican Waterproof Case. Price: $699.
Guardian Angel Kayak Lighting Kit
Have you lit up for the holidays yet? Lighting up a kayak is a must if it’s powered with anything other than manual power. Guardian Angel now has a new remote controlled kayak lighting kit. This rechargeable kit comes with a red/green light for the bow, a 360-white light for the stern, two magnetic mounts, two wearable mounts, two tether attachments, and a remote control. These lights provide over two miles of visibility on the water with a single button push of the remote. The remote allows you to control your lights without having to reach the bow or stern of your kayak, taking precious moments away from your casts or the risk of falling overboard as you take that long reach. Price: TBA.
Pro Series Fish Bag
Okay: so you’re out fishing and you’ve landed a keeper red drum. You promised to bring home dinner, but you don’t want to stringer up your catch. Obsession Fishing has a solution and a gift for the season, the Pro-Series Fish Bag. This floating bag has mesh openings on each end to allow fish to remain alive and well while you continue your day of fishing, whether you’re shoreline, wade, or kayak fishing. The zipper ends allow you to easily dump your catch on the cleaning table once back at the dock. The floating bag comes with a leash of your choice and has an easy to open magnetic closure at the top to load in your catch. It comes with a ruler on the top, too. Price: $120.00.
Stocking-Stuffers for 2024
Looking for some affordable items that will bring some holiday cheer to any ice-locked kayak angler? Check out these must-haves for the upcoming fishing season.
- Gerber Magnipliers are a must have while out on the water. Freshwater or saltwater models are available. Price: $100.00.
- Goodsmann 4PK Kayak Light will give you a simple, inexpensive, but necessary safety light for your fleet of kayaks, or to share with your fellow kayak anglers. Price: $63.95.
- Who loves topwater strikes? Everyone! The Game On Lures X-Walker Topwater (available in 4.5” and 6” versions in a wide range of color patterns) will have the kayak angler you love looking forward to blow-ups and bent rods. Price: $14.99/$15.99.
- Have you ever dropped a cell phone overboard? The Yakattack Rotogrip Phone Holder secures your phone so you can take the next cast without worry. Price: $70.00.
Happy holidays, to you kayak anglers everywhere.
-By Eric Packard