Kayak fishing, although unknown to many, is a mature and widespread endeavor. While the majority of kayak fisherman dwell in warmer climes, with current clothing and safety technologies we find kayak fisherman from Hawai'i to Alaska.
Personally I first saw kayak fishing in Hawai'i while I was shore fishing. It seemed an inexpensive and effective way to extend one's fishing options from shore out a couple or more miles. At the same time a buddy and I were considering the purchase of a used fishing boat. Something like a 19' Arima Sea Ranger Hardtop or a similar C-Dory. Living in a cool/wet environment and needing to operate on salt as well as fresh water we wanted a cuddy cabin. Then the 2008 Recession hit and while these types of boats are not ruinously expensive, it was more than we felt comfortable given the economic conditions. It was then I got the weird and crazy idea to marry current clothing technology (dry suits) and kayak fishing as I had seen in Hawai'i. I spent a few days researching then bought a boat.
I got lucky. The Ocean Kayak Prowler Trident 13 Angler above is a fine boat and it was only after I had taken delivery that I discovered kayak fishing was an active pursuit world wide and climate wide. In fact there was an active and large (few hundred) kayak fishing community in my local area. They were even organized under a local web forum like these:
In general kayak anglers are using Sit-On-Top Kayaks (SOTKs) rather than the more familiar Sit-INside Kayaks (SINKs). SINKs are long, narrow, fast, light, tippy, and often fiberglass. SOTKs are shorter, wider, slower, heavier, stable, and usually molded polypropylene plastic. SOTKs are often affectionately referred to as "tupperware" boats. SINKs tend to have rounded decks, small sitting areas, and so are limited in their ability to conveniently carry fishing gear, crabbing gear, and fish. SOTKs on the other hand are generally flat, often with molded live wells in-front or behind the seating position. The possibilities for carrying gear are endless. Also SOTKs tend to also have interiors accessible by hatches (similar to hatches found on SINKs) so the interior of the boat while sealed from the elements in also useful as a storage space. Also, since SOTKs are so stable, with experience it is easy to access the entire surface of the boat and hatches while on the water.
Fisherman have voted with their wallets and SOTKs are the clear choice for kayak fishing. Unless you already have a SINK I would not recommend getting one for fishing.
These are my personal choices chosen because they fit my personal needs and the climate needs of my area. I am endorsing no products nor manufacturers here.
PFD
booties/footwear
I am a MacGyver. As such a tupperware boat offers untold opportunities for outfitting, rigging, and alterations.