Buying for an angler or boat owner is easier than it looks once you know what’s genuinely useful rather than just novelty. Here’s our pick across a few price points.
Under £100
A pair of quality titanium fishing pliers or a safety light get used every single trip — genuinely practical rather than a drawer-filler.
£100-£300
The Deeper PRO+ 2 castable sonar is a brilliant gift for shore or kayak anglers who don’t have a boat-mounted fish finder — casts out, streams to a phone, no installation needed at all.
£300+
A handheld VHF radio or a genuine upgrade to their existing fish finder setup makes a serious, memorable gift for the boat owner who has most of the basics covered already.
Not sure what they already own? Get in touch and we’ll help you avoid buying a duplicate. Browse the full shop for more ideas.
A dedicated fishing cooler does more than keep drinks cold — it doubles as a livewell, a dry storage box, and often extra seating on a kayak or small boat. Here’s what makes a good one and our pick for kayak and small-boat anglers.
ENGEL ENG35 35-Quart Kayak Dry Box Cooler Combo
At £344.99, the ENGEL ENG35 35-Quart Kayak Dry Box Cooler Combo combines a 35-quart dry storage cooler with a design built specifically to sit behind a kayak seat — rod holder mounts, a comfortable seat-height lid and genuinely solid ice retention for a full day, or multiple days, on the water.
What to Look for in a Fishing Cooler
Ice retention: rotomolded and vacuum-insulated coolers hold ice significantly longer than basic foam coolers — worth the extra cost for multi-day trips.
Kayak compatibility: check the footprint fits your kayak’s tank well or rear deck, and whether it’s designed to double as a seat.
Rod holder and accessory mounts: a genuine convenience upgrade if you’re already running a track-mount accessory system.
Drainage: a drain plug makes emptying meltwater far easier than tipping the whole cooler.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a fishing cooler as a livewell? Many anglers do, with an aerator added — check the cooler isn’t treated with anything that could harm fish if you plan to keep catch alive in it.
How long does ice last in a quality cooler? Rotomolded coolers like the ENGEL ENG35 typically hold ice for several days in moderate conditions, depending on ambient temperature and how often it’s opened.
Does it fit standard kayak track systems? Check compatibility with your specific kayak and track system — see our kayak accessories guide for mounting options.
Looking to complete your kayak fishing setup? Our team can advise on cooler sizing and mounting — browse the full range in our online shop.
Kitting out a new (or new-to-you) boat with electronics from scratch is genuinely overwhelming — there are a dozen categories to consider and it’s easy to overspend on one thing while missing something essential. Here’s a sensible order of priority and what to budget for each category.
Non-negotiable safety kit for anything beyond very sheltered water. See our VHF radio guide for fixed vs handheld advice — most boats benefit from both.
3. Battery and Charging
Every other piece of electronics depends on a properly sized, properly charged battery system. Start with our marine battery guide and pair your battery with a smart charger — see our charger recommendations.
4. Fish Finder / Sonar
If fishing is part of why you’re on the water, sonar is where a genuine budget decision needs to happen. Our fish finder guide covers everything from entry-level to flagship, and our live sonar comparison covers the newest forward-facing systems if budget allows.
Safety essentials (PFDs, VHF, PLB if going offshore) — non-negotiable regardless of remaining budget.
Battery and charging system — everything else depends on it working properly.
Chartplotter — your primary navigation and information hub.
Fish finder / sonar, if fishing is a priority.
Trolling motor, anchor and accessories — build out from here as budget allows.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I budget for a full electronics package? It varies enormously by boat size and ambition — a modest small-boat setup (chartplotter, VHF, battery) can be done for under £1,500, while a full tournament-ready angling setup with live sonar and a premium trolling motor can run well into five figures.
Should I stick to one brand? Not essential for every category, but chartplotter, sonar and live sonar systems generally need to be the same brand to network together — see our brand comparison guides for details.
Can I add electronics gradually rather than all at once? Yes, and it’s often the sensible approach — start with safety and navigation essentials, then add fishing-specific electronics as budget allows.
Planning a full electronics fit-out for a new boat? Our UK-based team can help you plan and budget the whole package — browse the full range in our online shop or get in touch.
