There are several fishing accessories that you can buy when you want your kayak fishing to roll on smoothly. Generally, having a smooth fishing experience is awesome. It gives you the calmness that you need and the concentration that you need for the best kill.
So which accessory is vital for such a process? A kayak crate. When going fishing, coming with a crate in your kayak is an awesome idea. That’s why most people who want to have a good fishing accessory will always go for a crate in there kayak.
Even so, the type of crate that you get in your kayak should be based on a personal choice. It should impact your needs and requirements positively and above all that help you to keep your kayak neat and clean.
Reasons for Using a Kayak Crate
For anyone who is looking for a crate for their kayak, here are some of the top reasons why you should bring a crate on board if you are headed out for a recreational ride on your kayak. Take a look!
Cleanliness
Having a crate in your kayak is awesome. You can use the crate to dispose of plastic bottles and other litter. This prevents you from littering the lake, sea, or river and thus keep the marine lives safe.
Organized
If you are not using the crate to throw litter, you can use it to organize your kayak. Let me say that if you carried several accessories in your kayak and needed a space to set them up, you could use dividers for your crate and set up things in different compartments.
Spacing
Setting two kayaks on top of each other again gives you more storage space in your kayak. Even so, you shouldn’t exceed the weight limit of your kayak. Make sure that the weight you carry falls around your weight range.
Storage
While you can use your kayak crate to keep your kayak organized, it can be used to store things too – normal storage without necessarily organizing the kayak. You can use to carry fish, fishing baits, extra layering clothes, and an extra pair of shoes.
Décor
Finally, depending on your choice of a crate, you can use the crate to add some aesthetic value to your kayak. With proper décor, design, and look, a crate can easily blend in with your kayak’s design and give you an awesome touch.
NOTE: The utility of any fishing crate in your kayak should never be underestimated. It is a top addition that can come in handy in very many situations. For the kayak angler intending to keep an organized kayak or have easy access to his/her accessories, this is an awesome choice. The same applies to the recreational kayaker who wants a storage compartment that they can use to keep their food and beverages safely.
Types of Kayak Crates
While we have seen every reason why you’ll need a kayak crate, we haven’t looked at the types of crates that you can use in your kayak. That’s why in this section, I have included some of the best crates for your kayak.
Milk Crates
For the kayaker that needs a simple but effective crate for their kayak, going for a milk crate will make up for an awesome idea. The use of milk crates has been around for decades, and many kayakers love it.
Thanks to its durability, simplicity-of-use, and affordability. More importantly, this type of crate is again compact in size. It will fit well into the kayak’s tank well. It is easy to customize in several ways in case you are looking for utility and versatility.
Apart from that, milk crates are light and portable. This makes it easy to carry and store in your kayak. There is never any fear of falling over when carrying a milk crate in your kayak.
In case you want to create more space or give the crate an awesome cover, you can cut out the bottom of one and use it on top of another.
Using zip ties, you can then use this type as a cover. A mounted bottomless crate can give more storage space too.
A milk crate, when used for your kayak, will be fitted with bungee netting and the rod holders.
Kayak Bags
Kayak bags are basically a mixture of the milk crates and soft insulating tackle bags. They come in small, normal, and large sizes. The normal models are easy to set in the normal milk crates.
They can be set inside or even outside your first compartment easily. Using the bag for storage purposes without a crate is possible too. However, we recommend the use with a crate in case you aren’t fishing at a shoreline or for pier fishing.
While the bags provide more firmness to the crate, it’s again good at minimizing fluids from leaking onto the kayak’s deck.
Kayak Crates
Finally, we have the crates built for use in a kayak. These are called kayak crates. They are purpose-built for this use and will come in handy at any time. These crates are constructed to whether to harsh kayaking environments.
They are durable and will leave you with perfect longevity. They are light in weight and thus easy to carry, set, move, transport, and store.
In addition to that, these types of crates will come with multiple mounting around the edges for a safe setting. This is the perfect crate if you are looking for countless ways to set up your kayaking crates.
One thing that makes these crates likeable is their water-proof technology. With this type of technology, you’ll keep your tackle and gear safe and protected – no worries about splashing water of accidental falls.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Kayak Crate
In case you plan on buying a kayak crate for your use, there are several factors that you must keep in mind. In this section, I will put down some of the most fundamental ones. Please have a look at what I’ve wrapped up for you.
Size
The crate’s size is to be the most important consideration that you have to keep in mind when choosing a kayaking crate. Since there is limited space within the kayak, it’s a good thing to create more space.
Utilizing a sizable kayak crate intelligently will help you to get the best out of your kayak and crate. You will have enough storage space that you can use easily to get the best experience when the need arises.
Make sure that you get the right dimensions and weight for the crate to get the perfect fit. This will maximize your experience too.
Material
The material from which the crate has been designed will determine how durable and long-lasting the crate is. It is what dictates whether you’ll get the value for your money of not.
Looking for the strongest material will mean having a highly durable crate for your kayak. Strong materials are good at withstanding the harsh environments that you kayak on, constant wear and tear, and any other shortcomings.
Take your time to look for hard and soft materials with some level of sturdiness. More importantly, make sure that the material used is waterproof. It will keep your accessories dry at all times.
Pricing
In addition to what we have seen, the price of the crate will play a huge part too. If you aren’t buying your crate, the initial cost of installation will play a key role. Make sure that you take into account the amount of money that you will use to have a working kayaking crate.
In my opinion, modifying a milk crate to suit your kayaking needs might as well cost almost the same amount with buying a purpose-driven crate. To compare the two models before settling for one.
Compatibility
Not all crates are designed to be accommodated with any kayak. No! On the contrary, some kayak won’t fit in with the crate that you have in mind. As such, it’s important that you get a crate that’s compatible with your kayak.
If possible, look for an exact match with what you need. There are countless models, designs, and versions that you’d have to use if you wanted to get the best experience with your kayaking crate.
NOTE: Make sure that you establish this type of gear before you buy it. Understand the dimensions of your kayak so that you can have a great experience when looking for gear of your choice.
Mountings
The tank well is where the kayak crate is mounted. It is a fairly simple process. You can use bungee cords, clipping D-rings, or fitting the crate inside the tank well.
Even so, before you do that, you must find a model that fits with what you need. Make sure that the tank you choose corresponds well with the size of your crate. It should be a perfect fit model so that you don’t have any adjustment to make.
Don’t worry if you have a standard sized kayak crate than it will fit in perfectly in most sit-on-top kayaks. However, if the kayak design is narrower, it might need a smaller sized crate for your kayaking.
Bottom Padding
Kayaking crates will come with some padding underneath. This padding is intended to reduce the friction between the kayak and the crate and in so doing, prevent any form of damages. Look for models with soft rubberized designs, non-slip pads, and soft silicone. You can plan on using the same too in case you are working with a milk crate.
NOTE: If your crate comes with a bungee cord at the top, you will be at an advantage. Bungee cords on crates are used to fasten the crate in case of harsh conditions. It is a great way of securing the crate. You can, therefore, keep it in mind when purchasing the crate.
Proper Care and Maintenance of a Kayak Crate
A kayaking crate plays a crucial role in any fish kayaking trip. It is a great way of keeping your kayak organized, clean, and safe at any time when out for your trip. That’s why it is very important that you give it the proper care that it deserves. Here are some helpful tips that you can follow through.
- Clean your crate
- Store the crate properly
- Do not leave unattended
- Keep away from pets and kids
- Use according to manufacturer’s instructions
FAQs: Kayaking Crates
For the final part of this post, I will take you through some of the most common questions that people ask about kayaking and crates.
How Can I Secure My Milk-Kayak Crate?
Securing the milk crate is easy if you use a rod holder. Milk crates don’t come with rod-holding technologies. That’s why buying a rod holder will be important. It helps you to anchor your kayak crate and prevents any movement or accidental falls.
Where Can I Buy the Best Kayak Crate?
If you plan on buying a kayak crate instead of making one, you should buy online. Going with the online option ensures that you buy the best crates at the most affordable prices. You will also get your crate delivered right at your doorstep.
What Can I Carry in My Kayaking Crate?
Apart from your catch, you can store your layering clothes, food and beverages, fishing baits, and an extra pair of boots. A storage crate in your kayak is a very versatile add on that you will find to be quite helpful.
How Can You Mount a Crate in Your Kayak?
Crates made for kayaks are easy to mount. They come with bungee cords and clipping D-rings that you can use to mount your crate. There are models that can be placed into the tank-well.
Conclusion
If you’ve got to make the right choice when it comes to kayak crates, you’ll have to keep the types in mind. For example, if you want an easy to use a crate, the milk crate will be a perfect choice. Kitted crates will be the high-end choice.
Choose your kayak crate according to your needs and tastes. You should focus more on finding a crate that you can use for long.