Packing Considerations for Primitive Kayak Fishing

A checklist to think through before a primitive kayak-fishing overnight trip. Not everything below is needed every time -- use it to jog your memory, not as a packing mandate.

  • Camp clothes
    • Shorts
    • Shirts
    • Socks
    • Undershorts
    • Camp shoes / sandals
    • Hat
    • Sleepwear
  • Camping gear
    • Tent
    • Sheet/blanket & pillow
    • Sleeping pad or cot
    • Folding chair
    • Toiletries (toothbrush/paste/floss, towel, soap or hand sanitizer)
    • Toilet paper (or moist wipes) & small shovel
    • Head lamp / flashlights
    • Pocket knife
    • Hammer / hatchet
    • Tent urinal (e.g., plastic jar with tight lid)
  • Cooking/eating gear
    • Eating utensils, plate, cup, bowl
    • Fry pan, pot, spatula, tongs, mitt, can opener, etc.
    • Dish soap & scrubber
    • Propane stove (1-burner backpack size)
    • Propane lantern (& holder?)
    • Extra propane cylinder
  • Food
    • Small ice chest
    • Drinking water (frozen?)
    • Beverages
    • Food for x days
    • Snacks for x days
    • Fish seasonings
    • Cooking oil
  • Boating clothes
    • Fishing pants & shirt
    • Wading shoes/boots
    • Wide brim hat
    • Stingray guards
  • Boating/fishing gear
    • Kayak
    • Paddle
    • PFD (whistle & knife attached)
    • Compass
    • Anchor
    • Drift anchor
    • Fishing rods (bay & surf)
    • Fishing map
    • Landing net
    • Stringer
    • Tackle box
    • GPS
    • VHF radio / walkie-talkie
  • Emergency/backup gear
    • Rain jacket
    • Survival gear
    • First aid kit
    • Pliers / wire cutters
    • Extra batteries
    • Spare fishing reel/line
  • Other
    • Sun screen
    • Insect repellant
    • Insecticide spray
    • Matches / lighter
    • Filet knife, sharpener, cutting board
    • Cell phone
    • Camera & waterproof box
    • Extra batteries
    • Trash bags
    • Portable shower

Notes

  • The above items are for consideration when packing -- not all are needed.
  • Try to pack out everything you pack in (including trash/waste) so bring appropriate trash bags. Zip-lock bags are good for used toilet paper/wipes to avoid contaminating bays with bacteria.
  • Ensure appropriate items are packed to be waterproof in case the kayak is overturned.
  • Personal special needs (e.g., medications, and specific foods) are not addressed.
  • You may be paddling your kayak fully loaded to the campsite (e.g., last 1/2 mile at Cedar Bayou; 5 miles to Shell Bar). If so, pre-pack everything into your boat to ensure it fits and is within weight capacity for your yak. If not, downsize, eliminate, or consider towing behind your yak (via inner tube).
  • See past event pictures (e.g., Cedar Bayou) on the web site to get a sense of typical camp gear. Look at tents, sleeping arrangements, food preparation, transport options, etc.
  • Option: Pack ready-to-eat food to avoid the need for cooking gear.
  • Option: Pack food/beverages that require no refrigeration to avoid the need for an ice chest.
  • Option: Include dry ice in the bottom of the ice chest, covered by ice, then your food.