Inshore fisheries comprise a large portion of the modern kayak angler's fascination. For this environment, we decided to take a different direction, of sorts. Few things are as exciting as sneaking up upon a surfacing fish, and sight casting along a snaking, inter-tidal waterway. Sure, there exist many kayaks capable of allowing this type of stand up angling. Many of our editors, however, have become enamored with paddleboard fishing. Angling from a surfboard is, in itself, a unique scenario, and the practice demands a truly unique array of gear. Exposure protection is paramount, and tackle/equipment management is arguably a difficult endeavor. The following collection is one that has the potential - for board and kayak anglers alike - to enhance and expand upon many of the inshore attributes that make this habitat so popular.

Bote 14' AHAB

Yes, this choice may belie a sacrilege to our magazine's namesake, but the fact remains that SUP angling is an absolute blast. For anglers seeking a new experience, or one that expounds upon the stealthy and mobile tactics dictated by an inshore fishery, the Ahab is a vessel leading the SUP fishing movement. Laden with an arsenal of well thought-out features, this vessel transforms the humble paddleboard into a fish chasing machine. When armed with the removable aluminum fishing post and Yeti cooler, the Ahab is capable of hauling bait, food, tackle, and rods with the greatest of ease. Anglers timid of a perceived lack of stability amongst SUPs will find little to worry about with the model in question. Sporting a displacement hull and a width of 34", the board easily stays under the feet of even the most inexperienced paddlers. Three through-holes allow for the use of stake out poles, and a genre-defying amount of tie down points offer unlimited rigging potential. If you or your very lucky gift recipient are looking to throw a rewarding twist into the inshore game, look no further than the grandaddy of all angling-specific SUPs.

From the manufacturer: A fourteen-foot fishing platform with a racing pedigree, the Ahab is the ultimate combination of stability, speed, and versatility. The Ahab combines a racing style hull for speed with a large flat deck, and is outfitted with multiple tackle rac receivers, cooler tie downs, bungee tie downs, and through-holes for a stake-out pole. Ye best be ready for the adventure of ye life with the captain of all paddle boards.

More info: www.boteboard.com
Price: $2399

Ex Officio Sol Cool Hoody

Anglers seeking piscatorial prey on open bays or snaking intertidal waterways are often left vulnerable to the fickle mercy of unshielded sun rays. Add to the experience a standing position upon our pick of vessels, and the angler's body is prone to multiple angles of attack from damaging UV rays. Ex Offico's Sol Cool line is designed to offer upwards of 50 SPF units of protection; the company's hoody is the ultimate weapon against this onslaught. With a face-enveloping hood and integrated thumb holes, the garment keeps the entire upper body swathed in a lightweight fabric that shields the sun's rays and keeps hyperthermic conditions at bay. The cut of the shirt is such that paddling movements cause neither chaffing nor irritation, and the wicking capabilities eschew the usual muggy conditions associated with protective wear. When wet, the hoody's fabric, which is laced with a compound dubbed, Icefil, acts as a cooling mechanism to further ward off overheating. If Santa's list includes a warm weather inshore fisher, the pinnacle of Ex Officio's Sol Cool lineup in sure to guarantee many seasons of sun protection and extended saltwater forays.

From the manufacturer: The Sol Cool Hoody is the pinnacle of sun protection. The full hood and high collar keep the sun's rays off your neck and ears. UPF 50+, the highest rating for a garment, protects from the sun even when wet, and the thumb loops keep sleeves in place. Sol Cool also features Icefil® technology, which binds Xylitol, a compound found in the birch tree and mint gum, to fabric fibers. It cools the body up to five degrees upon contact with moisture. Underarm gussets provide maximum mobility, and the antimicrobial Intelligent Moisture Control fabric wicks efficiently to keep you dry and fresh.

More info: www.exofficio.com
Price: $75

YakAttack BlackPak

It's time. Time to rethink that ratty, supermarket-liberated milk crate bungee corded to the stern tank well of your steed. Sure, onto said crate you've zip-tied enough PVC piping to accommodate your quiver of rods, and you've found impressive ways in which to attach your camera mounts and bait cutting boards. We're all for garage-derived ingenuity, but YakAttack's latest offering is stout enough to make us rethink our priorities. Think of the BlackPak as the milk crate's logical evolution - a dairy container birthed into the world with all of the requisite trimmings. With the ability to house up to ten rods, and the capacity to hold both GearTrac and Mighty Mount-focused accessories, this cuboid dream is versatile and all-encompassing. Easily topping our list of kayak angling gift ideas, the BlackPak - complete with 3 rod holders and detachable lid - can be had for a modest sum of $125.

From the manufacurer: Brand new for 2013, the BlackPak crate system is poised to set a new standard in rod, tackle, and gear management on kayaks and standup paddleboards. It ships flat and assembles quickly using common hand tools. The interlocking joint design creates incredible strength, promising many years of trouble-free service. The clean, tactical appearance demands attention, and the rapidly developing line of BlackPak accessories means there’s always another problem solving innovation just around the corner. The BlackPak has stations for up to 10 rod holders, each of which can be installed vertically or angled. When 4 or more rod holders are used, they can be installed in the “high and dry” position, preventing unwanted seepage from a wet tank well. The top rails are configured to accept all GearTrac or Mighty Mount compatible accessories. The lid is hinged and latched with elastic cord, and is designed for easy removal, allowing it to double as a bait board.

More info: www.yakattack.us
Price: $125

Yangler FBC

The ball cap is a stalwart member of most kayak angler's wardrobe. It gets hot out there, and a lot of us prefer mesh sides and backs when choosing head ware. The usual trucker caps offer function with a fair bit of gaudiness, and many of us prefer to abstain from the surf-inspired motifs of the genre. Enter the folks at Yangler. They've brought to the market a hat offering all the comforts of the traditional trucker cap, but one with the style and fit required by practitioners of our sport. Dedicated kayak anglers themselves, the guys behind the Yangler line have logged enough hours to know what works upon the water. The FBC is on our personal stocking stuffer wishlist, and is a product sure to please any inshore angler needing new head gear.

From the manufactuer: The Yangler Fitted Ball Cap is the only way to protect your dome while out in the yak. With breathable airmesh sides, 8 way stretch construction, and an anti-microbial sweat absorbent headband, this is simply the best option to protect your dome while out in the yak. The FBC is available in White, Royal Blue, and a special edition Murdered Out version, and comes with a sweet permacurv visor that will leave your friends wondering just how you were able to get the perfect arc in the bill of your hat. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t look good while filling your ice chest with dinner.

More info: www.yangler.com
Price: $25

Hala Butterknife Paddle

So, you took our advice and got yourself a new AHAB stand up paddleboard. Or, perhaps, you ply the inshore waters atop a kayak offering stability of a caliber boasting stand up capabilities. From your elevated position, you can sight cast for reds and navigate the snaky shallow channels. It's all fun and hookups until the wind picks up. If you're riding upon an SUP, you've now realized the effects of being a human sail. The traditional SUP paddle is ill-suited for all but the usual standing stroke, and this is not a position one enjoys in a wind storm. If you're piloting the aforementioned ultra-stable kayak, you're now seated and paddling your way back to the takeout. In the later case, however, you've spent the day clumsily gripping the upper-most blade of a traditional kayak paddle. Either way, your mechanism of propulsion is one that favors either sitting or standing; never before has compromise been reached. In an impressive display of engineering and forethought, the folks at Hala have offered up an item geared toward standing anglers. Looking remarkably like a traditional kayak paddle, the Butterknife, through an amazing calculation of balance, features a handle molded onto one of the blades. With an offset ferrule that is perfectly aligned with the added weight of the handle, the Butterknife handles like the best of the leading paddle models, but allows one to eschew the usual blade-gripping seen with standing kayak anglers. SUP anglers can simply grip the handle, and motor about as if using a single bladed paddleboard-specific unit. When the stuff hits the fan, one can easily sit or kneel upon the board, and paddle to safety using a kayak-style stroke. Whether you favor boards or boats, your inshore experience can now be protected from experience-robbing winds.

From the manufacturer: SUP better with a double bladed Hala Butterknife Paddle. Two blades are not just better than one; they are more versatile, more powerful, and more fun! Get out to the lineup faster, navigate whitewater more easily, and kayak or paddle from a kneeling position. Adjustable length, carbon fiber shaft and fiberglass blades.

More info: www.halagear.com
Price: $299

Tailin' Toads Fingerless Gloves

Under the name, Tailin' Toads, designer Manny Altman has developed a devout following for her hand crafted apparel and rod/reel covers. Perhaps the best known of her products are the fingerless gloves - items designed to cover and shield an oft-neglected body part. These protective pieces of hand-ware come in a variety of colors and offer an impressive mixture of coverage and functionality. The gloves are also quick-drying, breathable, and, in an homage to kayak anglers, odor resistant.

From the manufacturer: All fabrics offer SPF 50 UV protection and are hand made in Jacksonville Florida by designer, Manny Altman. They are mold and mildew resistant, and offer full function ability and mobility for fingers free action!! Slogan "Get Toaded"!

More info: www.tailintoads.com
Price: $20

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