Hey guys thanks for all the replies on my "Kayak Suggestions" post. Im trying to get a list of things together that are "must haves" so I can better budget. What are some of the things I must have with my new yak and what are some optional but highly suggested things I should have. A PFD is a given.

The required whistle is another given.
I like a PFD with big pockets and then small tackle boxes in the pockets. You may like the kind with lots of pockets
Get all of the hatch options you can get.
You will need something to keep bait in.
Something to keep fish, stringer, cooler or both. The safety pin type stringer is not recommended.
Rod holders should be installed to your specs.
Rod and paddle leashes.
A 100 year fishing hat and maybe gloves. Water ski gloves work pretty good.
Rod and reels rigs that you handle in the kayak.
Some kind of knife.
Shimano needle nose pliers, and or a hook extractor of some kind.
May want some kind of anchor. I use a barbell sometimes and an anchor bag for traveling the river. Don't like anchors that can hang especially in flowing water.
Footwear, and waders in the winter.
The paddle is as important as the kayak. I have an ONNO that I like a lot.
A cart for getting back and forth to the water, Suggest one that does not use scupper plugs. Scupper plug type can cause leaks

Do you mean in general or for overnighters or what?

Clarify some goals then we'll be able to help you
are you primarily fishing or just paddling around?
if you are fishing what are you going after
what type of fishing do you do recreationally, catch and release, feeding the family?

like with most things there are a billion options. ive seen some yaks with every accessory known to humankind. ive seen others with only a pole and a paddle. best advice i can give you is to keep it simple. the less stuff you have to mess with the more time you have to be enjoying the water...

o yea the whistle is required by law...

I will be doing mostly saltwater bay fishing out of this yak. But I meant pretty much in general.

Salty fishing....I can't give any suggestions.

I fish rivers for LMB and smallies when I'm lucky.

I agree with Zen keep it simple. Unless your doing an overnighter, then go all out to make the trip enjoyable.

You don't need much for bay fishing.

Aside from the PFD, Paddle etc. I would reccomend a drift sock and a stake out stick of some kind. A dry box is criticle for my camera, keys etc. A short handled landing net comes in handy as well as a small cooler or fish bag for drinks and your catch.

If you don't like to use a paddle leash, consider getting a spare emergency paddle to keep on board.

If you are going alone and your not sure of your cell phone coverage, you might consider getting a handheld VHF radio in the future.

For drifting over reefs in the middle of the bay, your gonna need a GPS unit of some kind.

I love my waterproof digital camera - got a lanyard and put it wround my neck. Don't forget pliers or hemostats for hook removal and some nippers. A lot of "stainless steel" nippers have components that rust (including the ones that Bass Pro Shops sells, which have the pin that the handle connect so rusts and the handle has a tendency to fall off over the water). First aid kit and some kind of signalling device in a waterproof case - I keep mine inside the hull. Stake out stick needs to be no more fancy that a pointed broom handle.

P.S. Even if you use a paddle leash - watch out if you get ferried out by boat - I lost a good carbon paddle when in the busyness of reloading the yak, the paddle slipped overboard and was ripped off of the leash when the boat took off.
The most important things I learn are always the hard way.