For those of you guys who like me enjoy a little 'do it yourself' here is my latest effort, and I can say it works a treat.

I normally have to carry a lot of gear with me, especially with the addition of two cameras, a tripod and all the necessary bits and pieces when making videos.

Whilst researching UK websites I noted that many of the anglers carry a large box, made by Shakespeare, a very reputable company. To the best of my knowledge this is not available here in New Zealand, so DIY was the only alternative.

I looked the tackle boxes available in the local shops but these were simply full of small plastic tackle boxes with little room for the larger extras, so I went in search of ideas.

At Mitre 10 Mega, I found the perfect sized box, this retails at $40.00, an excellent start. I then discovered a large tackle tray type box, simply ideal for all the terminal gear we tend to carry. This fits perfectly into the large box and sits snugly just inside the lid, at $24.00 I was in business.



The large box require a little DIY to add handles either side. These I bolted on using very large washers at the rear so the stress of the nut and bold did not fracture the plastic. I also added a handle on the top of the large tackle tray. In the side handles I drilled a hole to accept the carry strap (from an unused holdall), this I offset to equalise the weight of the sinkers.



I purchased a metre of heavy velcro tape, this has many uses. The first job was to velcro the bait board and the bait knife underneath the lid of the box. I am not keen on sharp knives or an unclean bait board in my pack or bag.



With small terminal tackle trays it can be a beggar trying to get two fingers into a tiny compartment to grab a genie gemini clip or something similar like a bead after a break off. Now this tackle tray has room for the works, including sinkers, even the breakaway variety which are nothing short of a bloody nuisance in an ordinary bag. I have room for pliers and other necessary tools and plenty of room for things I can't think of just yet such as tip and head lights.



Well there you have it. In the main box there is room for all my rigs, a flask, tucker, cameras, cloths, wet weather gear and anything else you can think of. I have just used a selection of gear to show the room. Tomorrow I will start using more velcro to keep the bits in place.




Any questions please send me a PM, I will do my best to help. The total cost has not reached $100.00 so for what you get at the cost, it's a bargain in the making.

One thing I forgot, the box also makes an excellent seat, later I will velcro a vinyl cushion to the top.