One of the great advantages of an ARK FishDuc inflatable boat is its versatility. Straight out of the box it provides a very capable platform for fishing and recreational use, but with a few carefully selected accessories, a FishDuc/can be transformed into a far more practical and organised little fishing boat.
At Wild Coast Kayaks, we have rigged a many inflatable boats for customers over the years, and we have developed a list of accessories that we particularly like fitting to the ARK FishDuc range.
Our approach is fairly simple: every accessory should serve a purpose. We don't believe in covering an inflatable boat with unnecessary fittings. Instead, we look at mobility, rod storage, electronics, tackle organisation, fish storage and the overall fishing experience.
Here are our go-to accessories.
1. RAILBLAZA C-Tug Dinghy Wheels
One of the first upgrades we recommend is fitting RAILBLAZA C-Tug Dinghy Wheels to the transom.
An inflatable boat is relatively easy to transport when deflated, but once the boat is assembled, loaded with an outboard, fuel, fishing tackle, electronics and other equipment, moving it around can become considerably more difficult.
The C-Tug Dinghy Wheels allow you to move the assembled FishDuc between your vehicle and the water without having to carry the entire boat.
This is particularly useful when launching from:
- Slipways
- River banks
- Estuary launch areas
- Campsites
- Firm beaches and shoreline access points
Once you reach the water, the wheels can be moved out of the way for boating.
Why we like them: They make launching and retrieving considerably easier, particularly when fishing alone or with limited assistance.
Link to Product: HERE
2. 4–6 RAILBLAZA RibPorts
The RAILBLAZA RibPort is probably the foundation of our FishDuc//FishDucX accessory setup.
We generally install approximately four to six RibPorts in carefully selected positions on the pontoons, depending on the customer's requirements and the FishDuc model.
The big advantage is that a RibPort provides a RAILBLAZA StarPort-style accessory mounting point without requiring you to drill through the inflatable pontoon.
Once installed, the same mounting position can accept numerous RAILBLAZA accessories.
For example, today you may use a RibPort for a rod holder. Tomorrow you could remove the rod holder and install a camera boom, StowPod or another compatible accessory.
Why we like them: They create a modular fishing platform. Instead of permanently committing each position to one accessory, the FishDuc can be configured differently for different trips.
Positioning is important
We don't simply install six RibPorts wherever there is space.
Their positions should be considered according to where the angler sits, where rods need to be positioned, access to tackle, fish-finder visibility and the movement of people inside the boat.
Planning the layout before installation makes a big difference to the finished boat.
Link to Product: HERE
3. RAILBLAZA StowPod
Once RibPorts have been installed, one of our favourite additions is a RAILBLAZA StowPod.
Small items have a habit of disappearing around a boat. Pliers, leader material, lures, sunglasses, keys and other frequently used tackle can quickly create clutter.
The StowPod gives you a convenient storage area right where you need it.
Because it attaches to one of the RibPorts, it can also be removed when it isn't required or moved to another mounting position.
Why we like it: It keeps frequently used equipment organised and accessible without taking up valuable floor space inside the FishDuc/FishDucX.
Link to Product: HERE
4. Two RAILBLAZA Rod Holders
For fishing applications, we normally recommend fitting two RAILBLAZA Rod Holder II or Rod Holder R, each using strategically positioned RibPorts.
These provide secure rod storage while travelling, trolling or simply when you need both hands free.
Having two independently positioned rod holders also gives the angler considerably more flexibility when trolling.
Depending on the RibPort positions, the rod holders can be adjusted to achieve a useful rod spread and help keep lines separated behind the boat.
When they aren't required, they can simply be removed.
Why we like them: They're adjustable, secure and versatile while still maintaining the modular nature of the FishDuc setup.
Link to Rod Holder II: HERE
Link to Rod Holder R: HERE
5. Two RAILBLAZA RodStow Tubes
This is a slightly different type of rod storage.
We like installing two RAILBLAZA RodStow Tubes onto the transom – one on either side of the outboard motor on the INSIDE section of the transom.
While the Rod Holder II's are useful for active fishing and trolling, the RodStow Tubes provide convenient vertical storage for rods that aren't currently being used.
This makes excellent use of an otherwise underutilised area around the transom.
It also helps keep spare rods out of the FishDuc's working area rather than having them lying across the floor or pontoons.
Why we like them: They provide simple, dedicated storage for additional rods while keeping the main fishing area uncluttered.
Careful positioning is obviously important so that the rods do not interfere with the outboard's steering, tiller operation or movement.
Link to Product: HERE
6. RAILBLAZA Rotating Platform for Your Fish Finder
A small fish finder can make an enormous difference when using a FishDuc for fishing.
Whether you're searching an estuary channel, identifying structure, looking for baitfish or checking depth, having sonar and GPS information available changes the way you fish.
Our preferred solution is mounting the fish finder onto a RAILBLAZA Rotating Platform.
The platform provides a neat mounting surface for a suitable compact fish finder while allowing the installation to remain part of the RAILBLAZA modular system.
It also means the fish finder can be removed from the boat when transporting or storing the FishDuc.
Why we like it: You get a proper electronics installation without having to create a large permanent console inside a compact inflatable boat.
Link to Product: HERE
7. RAILBLAZA Camera Boom 600
For anglers who enjoy recording their fishing trips, we recommend the RAILBLAZA Camera Boom 600.
Mounted into one of the RibPorts, the Camera Boom allows an action camera to be positioned away from the boat to create a much better filming angle than simply attaching a camera directly alongside the angler.
It is particularly useful for recording:
- Fish catches and releases
- Trolling action
- Fighting fish
- Fishing tutorials
- Family boating adventures
- General on-water footage
The RibPort system also means you can experiment with different camera positions around the FishDuc.
Why we like it: It provides much better filming possibilities while remaining removable when you aren't using a camera.
Link to Product: HERE
8. WCK Custom Catch Bag
The final item on our preferred FishDuc setup is something we have developed specifically around practical fishing requirements – the WCK Custom Catch Bag.
Fish storage can be challenging on a small inflatable boat.
A conventional cooler box takes up valuable deck space, adds weight and can become another bulky object to move around while fishing.
Our custom catch bag provides a more practical way of storing your catch while making better use of the limited space available aboard the FishDuc/FishDucX.
It helps keep fish contained and the fishing area organised without requiring a large rigid cooler.
For anglers planning longer sessions, we'd recommend adding suitable ice or frozen cooling media to help maintain the catch at an appropriate temperature.
Why we like it: It provides useful fish storage without sacrificing a large portion of the FishDuc's available working space.
Contact us for details on this product.
The Complete WCK FishDuc Setup
Put these accessories together and you end up with a FishDuc that is considerably more fishing-orientated without losing the simplicity that makes an inflatable boat so appealing.
Our typical setup consists of:
Transom
C-Tug Dinghy Wheels (outside) + two RodStow Tubes (inside) positioned either side of the outboard.
Pontoons
Four to six strategically positioned RibPorts.
Fishing accessories
Two Rod Holder IIs/Rod Holder Rs onto RibPorts + two RodStow Tubes.
Electronics
Rotating Platform with a suitable fish finder.
Filming
Camera Boom 600 onto RibPorts.
Catch storage
WCK Custom Catch Bag.
Importantly, not every accessory has to be installed or used on every trip. That's one of the biggest advantages of building the boat around the RAILBLAZA system.
You can rig the FishDuc for a serious fishing session one day, remove most of the accessories and use it as a simple recreational inflatable the next.
Why We Prefer a Modular Setup
When rigging an inflatable fishing boat, there's always a temptation to add more and more equipment.
We prefer the opposite approach.
Keep the boat relatively simple and install a number of well-positioned mounting points. Accessories can then be added, removed or repositioned depending on what you're doing.
This helps retain some of the FishDuc's biggest advantages: its portability, relatively uncluttered layout and versatility.
It also gives the owner the opportunity to expand the setup later rather than trying to decide on every possible accessory from day one.
Have Your ARK FishDuc Custom Rigged!
At Wild Coast Kayaks, we don't just supply ARK inflatable boats and RAILBLAZA accessories. We can help customers plan and install a FishDuc/FishDucX setup around the way they intend using their boat.
The positioning of RibPorts, rod holders, electronics, wheels and other equipment can be planned before installation so that the finished boat remains practical and uncluttered.
Whether your FishDuc is going to be used primarily for estuary fishing, freshwater fishing, recreational boating or general exploring, a few carefully chosen accessories can turn an already versatile inflatable into a very capable compact fishing platform.
Check out this video we did on one of our setups of a Ark FishducX showcasing these specific products we mentioned above HERE
