Cleaning, preparing and loading your kayak fishing equipment can seem like an endless task, but one way to streamline the process is by storing gear in rollovers, duffels and satchels. Here are five of the top gear and tackle bags to help you stay organized and spend less time “going fishing” and more time actually on the water.
5 Best Gear And Tackle Bags For Kayak Fishing
Advanced Elements
Funk Bag, 45L
$59 | advancedelements.com
When I saw the Advanced Elements Funk Bag advertised on Facebook, I had to have one. Even before I saw the name, I knew what the mesh top and heavy vinyl bottom would do—get the funk out. Wet waders, drytop, shoes and clothes will quickly mold and stink. The ventilated Funk Bag allows gear to dry preventing must and mold.
I’m able to stuff waders, boots, dry pants, drytop, PFD and more into the bag with no worries; the welded seams in the tarpaulin bottom won’t rip out. I throw extra neck gaiters, gloves and dry socks in the water-resistant pocket and carry the whole wardrobe to the truck with oversized shoulder and hand straps. This is my favorite gear bag.
Mustang Survival
Bluewater Roll Top Dry Bag, 10L
$29 | mustangsurvival.com
Regardless of the season, it’s essential to carry rain gear and dry clothes in the kayak. I trust Mustang Survival’s Bluewater Roll Top to keep my summer rainsuit or winter layers dry and compact. Ripstop nylon coated with waterproofing agent is pressure tested to guarantee dry gear.
When stuffed and compressed, the bag is cube-shaped to live in my bow hatch without rolling with the waves. A see-through label window is handy for organizing multiple bags of gear.
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Plano
Weekend Series Speedbag 3700
$27 | planomolding.com
Plano’s Weekend Series Speedbag allows me to organize my tackle and tools with separate bags for different species. I’ve loaded one bag with my scissors, pliers and other tools. Another bag holds leader material.
I’ve dedicated Speedbags for big soft plastics and small lures. I used a permanent marker to label each bag with a letter. When it’s time to load the fishing gear, I grab the appropriate bag and throw it in my tote.
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SealLine
Skylake Dry Daypack, 18L
$129 | seallinegear.com
We love the Skylake Dry Daypack for what it is not. The 18-liter roll-top drybag is not heavy, bulky or stiff, making it perfect for filling with gear for a day hike or paddle. Sometimes I pack the bag with camping gear for longer trips. Other times, I paddle to my location, transfer tackle and water bottles to the Skylake and hike to the fishing spot.
The lightly padded shoulder straps can be removed and a stretchy, mesh pocket in the front keeps my phone in reach and in sight. Rolltop closure means the bag can be compressed to take up the least space in the hold. The Skylake is simple to fit anywhere.
Reliable Fishing Products
Insulated Kayak Bag
$179 | reliablefishing.com
“Where do you keep the fish?” is the first question newbies ask. Reliable Fishing Products has the answer. The Insulated Kayak Bag is shaped to fit on a kayak bow or stern. D-rings and handles make it easy to secure the bag. The outer material is UV and mildew resistant. Ice lasts all day in a half-inch of dense, closed-cell foam. I leave the fish bag in the truck cab while I’m on the water, then pack my fish in ice when I return to land.
This article was first published in the Fall 2019 issue of Kayak Angler Magazine. Subscribe to Kayak Angler Magazine’s print and digital editions, or browse the archives.
Save time and energy by staying organized with gear and tackle bags. | Feature photo: Ric Burnley
A good dry bag makes for an emergency flotation device, too so make sure whatever bag you use has a good, tight, waterproof seal to keep the air in, even if you compress it down to fit, the captured air will provide some buoyancy. Also remember that “dry” bags not only keep moisture out, they keep it in, too. Anything moist that is sealed in a dry bag will cause everything in that bag to become damp, everything. Make sure it’s bone dry if you value any delicate gear or equipment stowed in one.