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.
Re: In the Box Seat.
Posted by steveinwellington on 20/4/2015, 6:49 pm, in reply to "In the Box Seat."
Nice job, i have a similar setup, after seeing your vids i am inspired to have a go at a bit of videography myself. Only diff with my box is all my traces combinations are pre-tied in zip lock bags as i hate messing with terminal tackle on the beach. Also one day my box fell off the quad And oh what a mess !! I would be interested in buying your baitrunners. Cheers steve
Hi Steve, thanks for your nice comments. The vid's I make are generally for the UK market, the beach anglers there rarely catch fish that weighs five pounds. I have received some excellent feedback and those clips have given anglers a lot of pleasure because they have never experienced leaning back on a twenty-five pound plus fish. Unfortunately, here unless it's a table fish then nobody is much interested ... not sure what happened to the term 'sport fishing'.
In the box I have many pre-tied traces. I still wind them around foam rubber tubing, this prevents them from kinking, then like you, they go into zip lock bags.
Regarding the reels, I will send you a PM with my E-mail address. If you answer I can send you a photo of their condition, you won't be disappointed.
Hi Druid, I think the answer to your question is how you would like the method of carrying to be? I don't need to walk too far so this is not an issue with me. However, should you have a need for a long trot in to your chosen spot, then I would suggest buying a secondhand framed pack, then you can adapt the frame and the carry straps to suit yourself.
This would be very simple to do but remember to use large washers on the inside of the main box. These will help distribute the weight over a much larger area and relieve a lot of stress on the plastic.
I should add the plastic is reasonably strong but it pays not to take a chance.
In the early hours of this morning I had the idea on going to the $2.00 shop and buying a couple of vinyl pencil cases (or similar). I will velcro these inside the box and they will be ideal for storing spools of leader etc, and my ready made up rigs. I will add a picture to this thread if all goes according to plan.
Mitre ten offer a pair of wide wheels complete with an 18mm axle. This [the axle] would be easy to fit to a frame, anyone with a few tools could do the job. In fact there is a heavy duty plastic pipe at Mitre 10 ideal for the job. You can purchase elbows and 'T' sections to suit, then simply glue the trolley frame together. You would fit the axle using saddles, these come ready prepared and simply require bolting into position.
This is my first DIY undertaking when I return from China in September.
on 20/4/2015, 6:14 pm
