Tools And Tackle Management For Small Boats
Keeping tackle, tools and other angling gear organized is always important in a fishing boat, but is especially true in small fishing kayaks, canoes and other small watercraft due to space restrictions.
WHY TACKLE MANAGEMENT MATTERS
Tackle management and angling gear organization may not be as exciting as how-to content on the best new fishing techniques, but here’s the thing: having an effective, orderly approach for storing gear impacts an angler’s efficiency on the water. This, in turn, directly influences the number of fish one is able to catch to catch.
Disorder, on the other hand, can take an angler away from fishing action. For instance, time is of the essence when bass, walleye, trout, pike, musky and panfish are actively feeding — and not being able to find an essential fishing item quickly derails productivity and can lower catch rates.
WHY SMALL FISHING BOAT TACKLE ORGANIZATION IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT
Fishing solo from a kayak, canoe, fishing SUP, inflatable fishing boat or other small watercraft can go from picture-postcard tranquil to a hot mess in seconds for the unorganized. Tight quarters and being more “tippy” than larger boats, are just two reasons small fishing boats are ripe for mishaps.
Consider the thrilling experience of catching a big, powerful fish out of a small boat, which can involve a lot of leaning, spinning around and sudden movements. Such maneuvers risks fishing equipment left out and strewn around the boat to go overboard. Not only is this a costly setback, but trying to rescue gear is distracting. This is just one scenario emphasizing keeping fishing lures and tackle organized, and within easy reach at all times.
HOW TO ORGANIZE A SMALL BOAT FOR FISHING
There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to organizing fishing equipment in a boat. The ideal storage products and overall approach varies based on individual preferences, their fishing styles and target species.
Kayak anglers paddling offshore for striped bass in the maritimes or salmon in Lake Ontario have different needs than other anglers who stalk trout from a float tube in an inland lake in British Columbia, or those ply remote Quebec waters for brook trout from a canoe.
However, most anglers apply similar tackle management and gear organization strategies for their fishing boats. These can include:
- Using labels and see-thru tackle trays for easy identification of package contents
- Mounting tool and gear organizers for keeping pliers, scissors, fluorocarbon leader material, fish scent, fishing net and other essentials within easy reach
- Securing gear and fishing equipment using lanyards, tackle organizers, rod holders, bungees and other items
- Organizing gear and tackle to maximize fishability, while maintaining onboard safety at all times (e.g., reachable first aid kit, fishing kayak tackle storage crate with integrated high-visibility flag and light, water bottle holder to support hydration)
- Taking measures to protect gear and reduce unwanted noise (e.g., soft, anti-slip padding on floor and storage compartments)
- Keeping fishing tackle, tools and other gear dry using various approaches
THE BEST GEAR FOR KEEPING ORGANIZED AND CATCHING MORE FISH FROM SMALL BOATS
All kinds of fishing products are on the market to help anglers stay organized. Here are just a few essentials for small boat fishing adventures.
Rapala’s SmartHub System of mounts and accessories make it easy to take small-boat gear management to the next level. The Magnetic Tool Holders are perfect for tool and tackle organization, while the Cup Holder is perfect for holding a water bottle or travel mug of warm coffee. The Track System 16, Clamp Mount and Adjustable Arm give plenty of options for mounting GoPros and other POV cameras, and other SmartHub accessories.
The Rapala Magnet Tool Holder is different from the SmartHub option above, and comes in 3- and 2-Place Holder configurations, giving anglers other options for customizing tool storage configuration in small boats.
Heavy-duty, see-thru RapStack Tackle Trays come in seven sizes with smart-designs, and keep tackle protected and in perfect order in the most demanding conditions. Small-boat anglers will appreciate the tray’s Quick Latch System, allowing for effortless opening and closing with a single-hand motion, and the included re-writable labels for systematic storage and the UV-proof plastic.
Smaller Jig Boxes are handy for small-boat adventures, and great for stashing in fishing kayak storage areas, a jacket pocket or other small spaces.
Using a Lure Wrap to cover lures when transporting or storing rods is a good habit to get into. This low-cost accessory fends off line tangles, stops hooks from accidentally getting snagged and other mishaps.
Keeping a Microfibre Towel onboard provides a simple solution for easily cleaning and drying hands after handing live-bait and fish, or wiping down a boat.
Don’t forget about essential tools, making sure you have Fisherman’s Pliers, cutters and/or scissors, fish grippers, a folding ruler, etc.
A landing net is another must, and a Single Handed Floating Net is an excellent choice for the solo angler fishing from a small boat.
We hope the content shared here provides some inspiration and helps you determine the best tackle management and overall organizational setup for your fishing kayak, canoe, car-topper, float tube or other small fishing boat. Keep things tidy onboard and you’ll find there’s less getting in your way of catching lots of big fish this season.
