yakass

With the 25th of December fast approaching, now is an appropriate time to highlight some of the latest and most useful kayak fishing accessories. If the recipient of your intended Xmas cheer is a yak fisho but you're running out of ideas, this post is for you. Here's 10 ideas for kayak fishing Xmas gifts, with suggestions catering to all budgets.

Shark Shield: The Australian designed & owned Shark deterrant system is a very welcome addition to any blue-water kayak fisherman's tool kit. The Freedom 7 is the recommended unit for kayaking, and comes complete with battery, charger, unit & antenna - everything you need to get started. Although at around $700 they aren't cheap, they certainly do offer peace of mind to the user.

Stealth Serpent 34 electric motor: this electric trolling style motor (incorporating a Jarvis Marine Watersnake motor and Hobie livewell cassette plug) has been creatively customized to fit into the miragedrive well of a Hobie kayak, and have the ability to get kayaks (such as the Outback) moving along effortlessly at around 10km an hour. And at just under $700, they're no more expensive than a Hobie miragedrive (although battery is not included)! A great idea for anyone who finds themselves wishing for motorized propolsion on their kayak.

Hobie kayak livewell: these are only suitable for Hobie kayaks (Sport, Outback, Revolution, Pro Angler, Adventure & Quest) and are a great accessory for anyone livebait fishing, or otherwise fishing in tournaments. If the catch absolutely positively must be kept alive, the Hobie livewell will give them the best chance. Expect to pay around $400 for one of these.

Lowrance x50DS Fish Finder package: this package has a lot going for it, including a competitively priced and highly reliable waterproof sounder, RAM mounting system as well as all of the required bits & pieces for an internal or external transducer installation. The Lowrance Fish FInder package is available at most Hobie kayak dealers at around the $370 mark. The same unit is available individually for around $260 (though does not include installation and mounting accessories).

Rack & Roll: The Aussie made and designed 'Rack & Roll' is a car-topping aid that takes the back-breaking work out of getting a kayak on and off the roof of a car. Simple to use and a godsend for those who find themselves loading their kayaks solo. With models available for Rhino, Rola and Thule style racks models are available for most style of racks on the Aussie market. $150 well spent!

RAM Rod Holder 2000: Of all of RAM's various rod holders, the 2000 Syetem model - otherwise known as the RAM-117U, has swiftly become one of the most popular rod holders for kayak fishoes. Perfectly suited for both trolling and bait fishing, this rod holder has the greatest range of movement and versatility. At just under $95 it's also one of the dearest... but hey, it's xmas!

SPT lockable tie down straps: are extremely popular with kayakers, especially kayak fishoes who value their yaks almost as much as themselves. SPT straps have a solid lockable buckle that is a terrific deterrant to would-be theives. The thick webbing strap also has 2 lengths of stainless steel cable on either side, making them pretty much slash proof. At just under $90, these make for pretty good insurance. Highly recommended for those who travel with their kayaks a lot.

Hobie self-inflating seatpad: designed to ward off sore-backside syndrome (heavily associated with lengthy kayak fishing sessions), the Hobie self-inflating seat pad can be used to replace the existing hobie seat pad, or otherwise added on top of it for double-plush comfort. These can be purchased from most Hobie kayak dealers for around $50

Frillneck cap: The Aussie designed Frillneck cap, or 'urban turban' as they are otherwise known, offer unsurpassed protection from the sun out at sea. These are extremely popular among Aussie kayak fishoes and for good reason. Available in a range of colours and at the very reasonable price of $30, Frillnack caps can be found at many kayak and outdoor stores.

AskHuey suncream: would be a great 'xmas cringle' or stocking style gift, that would be a welcome pressy for any kayaker or outdoor enthusiast. The unique aspect of AskHuey's suncream is that there is a code-reader bar code on the tube, which when scanned by a mobile phone equipped with a code reader, will log on to the AskHuey website where the user can get an update on the weather. Pretty cool, and somewhat unique. Oh yeah... the cream itself is pretty good stuff to!