Be it the neighborhood reservoir or an alpine cirque, the lake is an environment near and dear to many kayak anglers. Days spent on the lake can be long and rife with exposure to sun, wind, and pestering insects. The fishing can demand precision, and success often depends on a mixture of technology and local word-of-mouth. The below items are ones chosen to enhance the experience of lake fishing through increased safety, comfort, and efficiency. They are comprised of hot new tickets and time honored stalwarts. We tried to address as many lake-dictated needs as possible, but you'll still be on your own when it comes to chatting up the local's for tricks and secrets. At least we offered up a snazzy shirt for help in that quest.

Wilderness Systems Ride 115X

Wildy has recently updated the venerable Ride 115, and the resulting vessel is one perfectly fitted for lake-focused adventures. Whether trolling for deep dwelling trout or plying the inlets for early season smallmouth, anglers have within the Ride a canvas ripe for unlimited customization. The Phase 3 seat allows for long days in the saddle, and the boats stability, when coupled with the seat's assist strap, makes for effortless stand-up fishing. With the new removable console, sonar installation is a snap; anglers previously hesitant to employ fish finders will quickly be discovering new drop offs, points, and underwater ledges teeming with fish. The modest hull length is perfect for throwing into the pickup bed and heading off to the local pond for post-work unwinding; it also allows the Ride 115X to easily fit under the Christmas tree.

From the manufacturer: Working closely with well-­known kayak angler, Chad Hoover, and other members of its Pro Staff, Wilderness Systems took all the best qualities of the extremely popular Ride 115 and added highly customizable features to make it the ideal fishing kayak. New features of the Ride 115X include a removable console that reveals a large pass through the hull, including a battery storage area. Eight inches of SlideTrax along the stern tankwell and under the removable console, and the increased bulkhead width, provide more flexibility for mounting accessories. Security bars on the stern provide excellent options for securing gear with web straps or carabiners, and a stand up assist strap eases the transition from a seated to standing position. Add the Phase 3® AirPro, the most innovative and comfortable seating system on the market (available in standard, Advance or Advance Angler options), and you have the perfect yak angling machine. The Ride 115X Advance and Advance Angler come with the Phase 3 AirPro Advance seat, an elevated seat with 4” of height for better visibility.

More info: www.wildernesssystems.com
Price: $1059

Howlers Bros Harker's Flannel

Perhaps the notion lies within this editor's Pacific Northwest roots, but the flannel shirt is a timeless piece of attire perfectly suited for the cleaning of an evening's catch. Roll up the sleeves, throw some wood under the cast iron skillet, and season a few rainbows with a simple salt and pepper mix. Howler Bros seem to also draw upon these nostalgic images, as their Harker's flannel pays homage to the threadbare Pendletons in your grandfather's closet. Modern accoutrements, however, are present, and the shirt is handsome enough to pass for dinner attire at the brew pub.

From the manufacturer: The Harker’s Flannel brings buttery soft warmth to the Howler table. We kept it simple enough to be a staple in your closet but added a little Howler vibe with a single button-through flap pocket on the left chest, reinforced elbow patches, contrast stitching, custom metal buttons, and a hunter’s yoke on the right shoulder to help you stalk your game. Available in Blue Ibis Plaid and Red Slider Plaid.

More info: www.howlerbros.com
Price: $85

Outdoor Research Sensor Command Deck Bag

With the ubiquity of the tablet computer, it's no surprise that anglers are using the devices on the water. Given the cheap and easy access to apps specializing in tides, maps, weather, and fishing forums, tablets can, indeed, be valuable angling tools. Thanks to Outdoor Research, there now exists a way in which to safely stow - and use - a kayak-bound tablet. The Sensor Command Deck Bag is a do-it-all offering that functions as a dry storage unit for all of your valuable possessions. The top-most sleeve (which handily functions independently from the main compartments) fits, and offers easy access to, a variety of touch screen devices. An included cord even allows anglers to make use of headphones or speakers. If that's their cup of tea. The Sensor Command can be used on the bow or in the stern tank well, and secures to kayak or SUP via high quality static cords.

From the manufacturer: The Sensor Command Deck Bag mounts quickly and easily on sea kayaks or SUPs. It keeps essential gear within arm's reach and electronics or other key items dry and visible. On top, a dry compartment for tablets or GPS devices offers touch-screen compatibility through the clear dry bag screen. A second dry compartment protects layers and other items from moisture, while a third compartment offers one-handed access to items like sunscreen or a water bottle that don't need to be kept dry. Tablet case and deck bag can function independently. Attachment to boats and boards is with an extremely secure static-cord system with locks, so it stays stationary on top, even in heavy waves.

More info: www.outdoorresearch.com
Price: $120

Salt Life Optics Captiva

The folks behind the Salt Life brand are passionate about aquatic adventures and the gear necessary for maximum enjoyment thereof. Though their free diving and marlin-centric advertising may not lead one to envision a day on the lake, the company produces optics perfectly suited for freshwater pursuits. Eyewear styles are a personal affair, and the Captiva is the model that drew us in. Modern lines couple with a classic tortoiseshell motif to create a frame worthy of housing lenses produced under the famous Zeiss name. Wearing a pair featuring the smoke blue lens tint, we were able to spot within stained water crappie sitting motionless amongst similarly colored boulders. With an MSRP of $169, the Captiva is the ideal stocking stuffer for the angler needing both UV protection and an unimpeded line of sight.

From the manufacturer: Live the Salt Life in fashion eyewear! These Salt Life sunglasses feature Zeiss lenses and will protect your eyes with stylish looks and serious Salt Life attitude. These Salt Life Captiva men's sunglasses feature polarized polycarbonate lenses with Ri-pel front and AR5 back of lens treatments, a Salt Life logo on the side of the frames - perfect for the beach or boat.

More info: www.saltlife.com
Price: $170

Ex Officio BugsAway Paisley Bandana

We've all been there in some capacity. The day is the warmest of the year to date, the wind is still, and the rising sun has yet to penetrate the lake's depths. The perfect scene, however, is nearly ruined with the first fleeting buzz of a waking mosquito. The solitary hum is soon a chorus, and, before you know it, the morning's focus transitions from angling to the repelling of throngs of hovering no-see-ums, stingers, biters, and, if you live in the tropics, far worse. Ex Officio is here to help, though, and through their BugsAway line, anglers can find respite from the swarm. The company's stylish paisley bandana looks smarter than a garish neon gaiter, and is loaded with a long lasting repellent. Worn around the neck, the bandana is an odorless, unobtrusive, and highly effective means of protection. Under the tree for less than fifteen bucks, the BugsAway bandana will add immeasurable enjoyment to any freshwater angler's adventures.

From the manufactuer: This bandana can be worn in a variety of ways for versatile protection for you or your K9. Permethrin, the active ingredient in Insect Shield®, is invisible, odorless, and tightly bonded to the fabric fibers, and lasts the expected lifetime of the garment (70 washes). It repels mosquitoes (including those carrying West Nile virus and malaria body type.), ticks, ants, flies, chiggers and midges (no-see-ums).

More info: www.exofficio.com
Price: $12

Stohlquist Fisherman PFD

Classics are that for a reason - they offer a timeless appeal and functionality that delivers throughout the years. Stohlquist's Fisherman isn't the newest PFD on the block, but it is one that remains at the top of our holiday wish list. With pockets ample enough to house nippers, pliers, extra leader, an energy bar, hemostats, and the metaphorical kitchen sink, the vest allows for easy management of all necessary knickknacks that would otherwise clog the deck or, worse, end up dropping through a scupper and into the abyss of the local reservoir. Said pockets remain rigid, protecting any fragile inhabitants during re-boarding after a cooling swim. The Fisherman's padded shoulders offer a wear-ability that goes unnoticed, and the adjustment straps conform the model to every imaginable body type. Life vests are a necessary component of any paddle sport, and the Fisherman is one of the rare models perfectly suited for the unique needs of kayak anglers.

From the manufacturer: Comfort and water safety with all the necessities, close at hand. Put to work, while you play, the Fisherman provides excellent cockpit management with places for the little things that could end up in your seat, or overboard. Ready to load...new features include an array of pockets with anchor-points, front zip entry closure, padded neoprene shoulders, plus new ultra-soft and Gaia flotation foam. The Drawbridge...dual front-mounted tool pouch pockets have protective EVA stiffened outer shells to protect pocket contents when re-boarding the kayak from “over the rim”.

More info: www.stohlquist.com
Price: $99

Be sure to check out our editor picks and 2013 holiday guides to river, inshore, and offshore fishing, as well.