Here are the few things you require before kayak fishing with a guide or even renting a kayak on your own.
Usually provided: Life Vests, Rod holder, Icebox (sometimes), Fish Stringer (sometimes), Air pump (sometimes), Landing Net
1. Apparel: Long sleeved UV protection dri-fit shirt and UV protection leggings will go a very long way. Dri-fit and quickdry material is preferred as getting splashed is inevitable. I also like to wear a pair of shorts over the UV leggings in case i need to carry small items with me when in land on shore. Also, you might want to invest in a good quality hat and neckbuff to protect your head from the sun. Sunglasses are helpful as well but do find a way to secure them to your life vest, as they are commonly dropped into the sea.
2. Dry Bag or waterproof bag: This is essential to keep your belongings dry. You may also bring a fresh change of clothes in case you are heading out after the session. The dry bag should have a sling which you can latch onto the chair or the ropes on the backspace of the kayak.
3. Water and light snacks: treat kayaking like a long distance cycle, but because the kayak can store more items you should bring more water. Minimum 1.5-2L of water for an 8 hour session. It need not be chilled but it is mainly for hydration to avoid head exhaustion or heat stroke. Also snack bars and granola bars work absolute wonders by giving that short sustained burst of energy when you need it.
4. Waterproof phone casing/ziplock bags: you never know when the phone might drop out of your hands, especially when the wave is strong. So why not mitigate the risks by having it fully water protected. You may get this from decathlon for cheap.
5. A good pair of water shoes: whilst slippers are also possible, they offer little protection against rocks and sharp debris when landing the kayak to shore. Get a good pair from decathlon, i personally like the stand up paddle boots as the bottom has an additional layer of protection. Also, the shoes protect your feet from the sun.
6. Mosquito repellant for the mangroves/brackish areas
7. Sunblock - minimum SPF50
The rest of the items are for fishing enthusiasts
8. A medium heavy setup (up to 20-25lb rating), paired with 30lb mainline and 30-50lb leader. I like to use a BC setup for jigging and a spinning for casting/luring in the mangroves. For rigs you may try these options:
i) single apollo rig size 2 to size 2/0, sinker size 2-3
ii) double apollo rig size 2 or size 2/0, sinker size 2-3
iii) Ball rig 60-80g with size 2/0 hook
iv) 30-60g jigs (must tie leader pls!!)
v) soft plastics with 5-7g jighead (mangroves, breakwaters)
vi) crankbaits (breakwaters)
Bait can range from cut prawn, mussels, octopus to live prawn and live tamban (yes you can play sabiki to catch bait as well)
9. Get a simple diy rod float just in case your rod falls into the sea, it may still be retrieved (70-80% chance). Check out my youtube video, “30 cents DIY rod floater for kayak fishing”.
10. A good pair of full finger gloves and fishing pliers will be very useful and have saved my life many times when handling venomous species. The gloves also protect your fingers from the sun.
11. Boga/lip grip - for the ever most coveted CR (catch report photographs)
12. Anchor or heavy duty Carabiners - to keep the kayak stationary or clip onto structure. Carabiners may also be used for towing other kayaks in emergencies.
13. Nautide App and My Env App: to read the tide tables and anticipate the weather. This is very useful and has helped me in many situations.
14. Fishfinder - Optional but it is helpful for you to learn where the structure are.