Bait Rack System

easternshore · May 16, 2011, 08:44:54 AM

I have been considering purchasing one of these bait rack systems for a while now. Seems I am always stuffing bags upon bags of soft plastic baits in the compartments and pockets in my boat. As i did a little research, looked like the materials the retailers were using weren't that out of the ordinary, which any common dude (me), couldn't put together for a quick Sunday project.

So I went to Lowe's and grabbed just a few items, namely 2 pcs of Aluminum corner brackets and some safety pin hook clasps. In all, the materials for the bait racks i made probably ran me anywhere from $7-10. You could go online and purchase same systems for $12-20 depending on brand, but I like to build and manufacture whenever I can! If you're not handy with a drill, I would suggest going to www.thebaitbar.com and ordering a set already assembled.

For the project I used:

2 - 36" aluminum brackets
24 - wire safety pin hook clasps
11 - 3/4" self-tapping screws (SS if subject to moisture/humidity)

Basically, I created 3 bait racks. I kept one piece at 36" and cut the other into two (2) 18" pcs. For the 36" rack I measured out 12 equally spaced hook slots and drilled holes in the aluminum on one edge, then drilled 5 equally spaced holes for the screws. The support bars in my compartment lids are metal so it was easy to drill with the self-tapping screws once I got past the carpet.

Did the same for the two (2) 18" racks, measuring 6 equally spaced holes for the hooks, and three (3) equally spaced holes for the screws and voila! I painted the bars with a Rustoleum auto finish paint, mostly because I thought the paint would adhere to the metal better, plus it's a fine spray from the can. Of course metal on metal scratches, and I don't expect the paint around the hook holes to last very long, but it's a rough job anyway!

Here are the pics: