A tip for all you bank fishermen out there

[BassManNY09]

As a fisherman who fishes predominately from shore at local ponds, rivers, and lakes-- I realized I always needed more stuff then I liked to carry. Tackle box, net, 2 poles, cooler, etc... and walking around tree's and such was always a hassle to make sure I didn't snag my equipment on the surrounding tree's.

One way you can help alleviate some of this frustration is to replace that old tackle box with a backpack. There are certain company's which sell tackle box backpacks, but they seemed to be overpriced for what they offered. So, I went to good ol' Walmart, and looked through the backpacks for kids-- and foundthe biggest one with the most pockets including two large inner pockets, two smaller outer pockets, and just as important-- two mesh pockets (one on each side) perfect for holding drinks. The backpack cost me about $15, which is a modest price for a tackle box. Simply by purchasing some clear plastic tackle boxes--those ones that are about 8"x12"x2"... fill em up and slide em in. Now you have a decent amount of room for tackle, and plenty of room to store all your other fishing needs such as line, pliers, extra reals, water, etc... it puts it all on your back, super easy to carry and best of all, free's up your hands!

Below are some examples I brought up from Walmart to show you what I mean:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Outdoor-Recreation-Group-Morph-Backpack/10928115

One last note, you can also be creative and figure out ways to attach other supply's to the backpack such as a folding chair or a net to make your day even more enjoyable.

Hope that helps some bank fishermen out there!!

[TheMiz54]

BassManNY those are some great tips I do some of my fishing from the bank on ponds and will be on the lookout for a backpack to carry all of my gear. How many plastic Plano boxes fit in that bag? Also whereabouts in NY are you fishing. I am from Rochester NY but I fish a lot near my college at Alfred University on some local ponds.

[Joshawa]

I agree, a Backpack works great for bank fishing. I like to cover a lot of water quickly when I bank fish so I am constantly moving and the backpack makes it so much easier. I usually only bring 2 rods and my backpack but you can fit everything you need in there.

[BassManNY09]

BassManNY those are some great tips I do some of my fishing from the bank on ponds and will be on the lookout for a backpack to carry all of my gear. How many plastic Plano boxes fit in that bag? Also whereabouts in NY are you fishing. I am from Rochester NY but I fish a lot near my college at Alfred University on some local ponds.

I dont know about that particular bag... it looks a little bigger then the one I use, which fits 2 large plastic boxes, and 1 that is about 5" by 8", although I could get the next size bigger in there im sure. I also have about 8 different bags of soft plastics in one of my side pouches, a spare reel in the other side pocket... and my pliers, hooks, weights, small scale and a few other things in the small pocket on the front.

I fish all around the elmira, corning, big flats, watkins glen area... (about 30 mins east of Alfred)... fav place to fish is a pond off rt. 17 in big flats as it has a good combo of 2-5lbs bass, crappie and a few northerns.

[shlomo]

Great tip! I started using a backpack a few years ago during a drought when most ramps were closed. A backpack makes it a lot more convenient. I get the same boxes as BassManNY09 in mine and it's a low end North Face from Dick's SG. Half the time I just throw the backpack in the boat for night tournaments, too.

[Bassinkorea]

Great tip BassManNY09    thank you for sharing 

[islandbass]

I see great minds think alike.  I also use a backpack and I also got mine from Walmart.  As a bank angler myself, I agree with all of your suggestions and can relate.

Just let BassinKorea or me know when you're ready to either:

1) Start carrying more than two rods or
2) Get tired of carrying two rods among the fingers of one hand.

We have a solution that works. 

[BassManNY09]

I see great minds think alike.   I also use a backpack and I also got mine from Walmart.   As a bank angler myself, I agree with all of your suggestions and can relate.

Just let BassinKorea or me know when you're ready to either:

1) Start carrying more than two rods or
2) Get tired of carrying two rods among the fingers of one hand.

We have a solution that works.  

I actually saw in another posting in this section that some people have designed a 'rack' or sorts to carry multiple rods at once... Only thing I can compare it to was a pool que rack... Looked interesting, and deff a great idea if you plan on carrying any more then 2 poles, or even if you are carrying 2 poles. (That posting was actually what sparked me to post my backpack tackle box idea... or as I have dubbed it, the "Backpackle box"  )

[islandbass]

Yup, you did come across it. BK actually improved the design.  Backpackle box. That's a cool. 

[screwballl]

I just run with something like this:



no need to carry multiple planos when these 10 or so baits will handle most everything needed... for me anyways :D

[GIjake]

I bank fish quite a bit and have used a similar back pack set up also but one thing I did to help increase what I could fit was add a worm binder from Basspro to hold more plastics as well as a few spinners. I keep all the plastics in their original bags so I can swap them out fast or stuff a few more in. More worms make more weight but I hate treking in and thinking "Sure would be nice if I had these in _______________ right now... Bet I would be all over the fish..."




http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_37109_999043014_100000000_999043012_100-22-2

[JeffD]

Great ideas !

[TNDiver]

I use a fishing bag with a strap, but the strap just broke on me so maybe I need to pick up something like this or use one of my older backpacks I might have lying around. I find I just carry too much crap out.  I need to do a better job planning.  The last time I went out, I forgot ALL my plastics!  I was so mad  

After loosing a War Eagle spinnerbait and snagging a bunch of other lures, I figured it was time to go home!

[BassHunter_Hunt]

Tacklewarehouse has a nice back made by them. It even have two rod holders on the sides each holding two rods. It really nice, I use it because I ride a bike to get around.