My crate makes it easy!

[Joe Poole]

Many folks new to kayak fishing ask me about what I take with me and how do I carry it all. It amazes them when they find out I carry 3 rod/reels, 5 tackle trays, drift anchor, manta anchor, stick anchor, fish lippers, drinking water, snacks, and a 360 degree light, as well as my wallet, camera, keys, extra smokes & lighter in a small dry bag. The best part is that most all of this stuff fits into my crate. When I get to the water, I unload my 160, put my crate in it, load my rods, PFD, stick anchor and light. And I am off. And really, it isn't all that much stuff, but for me it is everything I need.


Here is my crate with the stuff that I normally carry in it while on the water.

Here is the crate loaded. Notice that the rod holders are arranged in such a way that spinning reels won't hook on to each other. It sucks when you reach back with one hand and pull out 2 rods!!!! I used some extra PVC on the 2 front outside rodholders because they aren't for rods. One holds fish lippers and the other holds my manta anchor. In order to keep the rod holders and pvc pipe from turning in place, I drill holes into them and run cable ties through the holes and the crate.

And finally here is the crate loaded as it would be in my boat with the rods and my 360 degree light pole & light. I will post up my light pole construction in my next post, but note it fits snug in the center rod holder which can be used for a 4th rod as well. And the light pole is tall enough to shine over my head so it is actually visible from 360 degrees.

one more view

And it makes it easier to pack for a trip when everything is already packed!!! ;) ;)

Calm Seas & Tight Lines,
joe

[Todd Llewellyn]

Nice set up Joe. I add a small bungee inside my crate to keep the tackle trays on one side so that when you pull one out they do not all fall to one side. Sure is nice when you get your tackle narrowed down to just a few items.

[Joe Poole]

I would prefer Bogas.Tthe jaws are too thick on the Hobie fish lippers but their price is hard to bea,. $15 verses $160. I will settle for thick jaws on my fish lipper.

[ron romeis]

Like your set up. How do you like the fish lippers vs boga?