Paddlerscove kayaks, kayak gear and accessories
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Kayak Gear List

Kayak gear (or accessories) and safety gear is just as important as the kayak itself. Items that most paddlers use include: dry bags, dry boxes, paddle floatation, rudders, kayak carts, seats, straps, and roof racks. Safety gear may include: whistle, paddle leash, navigation lights, deck flags, deck lights, signal mirrors, laser flares, paddle flashers, flashlight, life line, bilge pump and throw bag. And of course, a PFD.
 
 

The right kayak accessories

The right kayak accessories depends on the type of kayak you use. If you are a recreational kayaker you need basics first: a PFD, a paddle leash and a bilge pump. As you become more experienced, you could use a paddle float, extra flotation for the bow and stern if you are doing solo river running. A safety whistle is also a good idea. For touring, or sea kayaking, the basics are still a PFD, paddle leash and bilge pump, plus strobe lights or deck lights, and extra flotation if you don't have doulble bulk heads. For fishing, the basics are the same, plus anchor trolleys, anchors, rudders, and recessed or deck mount rod holders.
 
 

Places to kayak in New Jersey

Some of our favorite places to kayak in Northern New Jersey are Merrill Creek Reservoir, Round Valley Reservoir, The Mustconetcong River, Spruce Run Recreation Area, and Oxford Furnace Lake.
Paddlerscove holds most classes and paddle days at Merrill Creek, so I thought I'd fill you all in on some features of the area.
Merrill Creek Reservoir was built atop Scotts Mountain in Warren County's Harmony Township. The water is as deep as 200 feet and encompasses about 650 acres. Boating and fishing are free. There is ample parking and a convenient boat launch. There are over 2000 acres of forest and fields surrounding Merrill Creek, full of critters like bear, deer, fox, owls, bald eagles and herons. Many  Paddlerscove friends are kayak fishermen, and have been successful in catching full size lake trout, brown and rainbow trout, and also small and large mouth bass. It's a pleasure to visit the site, that's why Paddlerscove brings people there to experience paddling for the first time, and to try out boats before buying.
 
 

Kayak fishing/ gear

Fishing from a kayak/trolling gear

Kayaks are sometimes designed with flat sterns specifically to hold a trolling motor. The space makes it easy to mount and use the motor, enabling you to take a break from paddling and concentrate on the joy of fishing. Carrying an extra battery with your gear and accessories make it possible for anglers to spend long, pleasant hours on the water.

Trolling is a favorite technique for catching just about any species of fish. Just turn on the motor and go, dragging your lure behind you. In a kayak, prop the rod in a special rod holder on the hull while you steer.

Criss-cross over submerged hotspots like weed beds, sunken timber or rocky points. When you increase your speed, your floating crankbait swims a little deeper. When you slow down, it moves closer to the surface. Varying speed and depth helps you avoid snags and tempt finicky biters.
 
Some great fishing kayaks are made by Heritage, Wilderness Systems and Native.
 

Kayak Rescue Gear

Kayak rescue gear is something that paddlers hope to never need, but is important to have and know how to use. Make sure you've got a good first-aid kit, an air horn, a sharp knife, lengths of spare rope and bungee cords, emergency food bars, aerial flares, and a good survival bag. Same as whitewater kayaking, only you'll need a spare to lash to the deck. Make it a two piece aluminum model that you can reach in an emergency.

This is a basic, brief overview of the subject. If your planning a trip, be sure to be thoroughly informed about kayak rescue gear. A good rule of thumb when buying kayaking accessories is try and buy the best quality equipment you can afford--especially when it's your safety of the line.

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