As usual money's tight. I'm getting a $100 Academy gift card from work and don't know what to buy with it. Should I get a Lowrance Elite-3x? Or some accessories like rod holders for a crate, a paddle leash, a small net, some rod socks, and a reel cleaning kit? I don't have a FF at the moment, so anything would be an upgrade. And I would still have to get a battery and some type of method for the transducer. But then again there are many added benefits to the other items I could get.

What are your thoughts?

Edit: I could also wait and get the Elite 3x-DSI for a little more.

I always asked myself the same thing. I fish with a bunch of guys that's use electronics and I catch the same if not more fish then them. If I was In your boots I'd pick accessories over a FF. Part of the reason I love fishing is the part of finding the fish myself

yea, if you have to spend it right now. I would accessorize...

RJ, I have you covered on the battery. If it were me, i would buy the accessories and wait to get the FF you really want. As for mounting, again, we can figure that out. I used 1" square tubing. I have a better plan for when I upgrade my FF.

What kind of kayak do you have, and what kind of lakes/rivers do you fish?

I'd definitely hold off on the fish finder until I had $150 or so to spend. The technology leap from $100 to $150 fish finders is significant. The best months to purchase a fish finder are March/April when stores are clearing out the previous year's models.

Personally, I'd start doing some DIY work instead of purchasing from Academy
rod holders for a crate--easy DIY with PVC + plastic milk crate
paddle leash--nylon rope from Big Lots $1 + caribiner
a small net--I have one and hardly ever use it
some rod socks--don't need this if money is tight
reel cleaning--all you need is a cloth and some reel oil

I'm glad I asked you guys. Last night I was hell bent on getting that FF. My original plan was to wait until the holidays and get one, so I will probably stick with that for now. Give me time to work out mounting and a battery. Looks like this pretty girl will be accessorizing!!

I have an Ascend FS12T and fish small lakes primarily for LMB.

Good point on the FF. I didn't know about the spring time price drops.

I have a crate Elliot gave me, just don't have the means to cut and drill so DIY is a little of a hassle, plus I want everything to stay black. Uniformity is key to me.
I've definitely considered making a paddle leash, I have TONS of 550 cord at home, just need to add a Velcro piece to go around the paddle. Just needed motivation to do it so thanks!
I lose a few fish by the boat so I think the $15 waders net from Academy might do me some good. If not, i'll give it to someone else.
I load my rods in my car through the backseat via a cutout from the trunk so rod sleeves are a priority.
I am weird about cleaning kits so I want it all in one little place haha.

I have 3 rod holder tubes that I made out of pvc that I will not be using on my kayak. you can have them for $5 if you want them (covers the cost of the pvc on my end-free labor)

That would be awesome! PM sent.

Check walmart for discounted lowrance units. I saw an Elite-4x HDI (with broadband trans. only) for $79 a couple weeks ago.

I would get a FF. It has really helped my fishing strategy.

id go FF, it helps if your fishing a new area. you will know in minutes if your wasting your time. via water temp depth and bottom type, submerged trees, grass/drop offs etc. i dont have much need for accesories, a good brush clamp and some rod holders im set 20$ max for all. FF is my most important addon.

I think I am going to get some accessories and lures. I still need to figure out how/where to mount a FF. Plus I need to save up a little longer, and there are things I need now.

Most pictures I've seen have the FF mounted just forward of the bow hatch compartment. Nice flat area. I don't understand what the recessed channel in each gunnel is for...probably a slide track system for more accessories, but I've seen FF mounted on either side as well.

That's where I was thinking about the gear track. Might get some with a couple rod holders even if I don't put a FF on it right now. And I know in a few years I am going to upgrade to a better kayak. This makes me want to mount it using a cellblok type setup. Plus I am loading and unloading the kayak from a car to an apartment patio and don't want to risk knocking off a permanently mounted FF. All the more reason to save up and get the right setup for me.

I bought some rod holders and made a crate and never use them. Figure out what you really use to fish effectively. It might be the sonar unit.

I use a YakAttack mount for the sonar screen and a Mad Frog Liberator for the transducer, both mounted on the gear track. The battery is up front, riding low, in a Rubbermaid container. It comes down to personal preference and what you want to spend.