I was just wondering if anyone has ever used one of the tackle specific backpacks on a trip. I think it might be a good idea for for keeping fishing gear on the bottom and portable fish finder on the top. I'm thinking it could be worn on the front while carrying your standard pack on the back for portages, thereby keeping some things out of hands...

I would be sorely disappointed to be on a trip without my Orvis pack. Rod holder, depth finder and a good assortment of tackle via Plano boxes all fit ideally. Pack and canoe go across on the same trip.

I like the pack so much I have purchased 2 of them planning on the day when one fails.

(You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)

I did a fair amount of research on tackle packs and I pulled the trigger on a Wild river Nomad WT#3604. This model comes with 4 Plano 3600 trays, padded sunglasses case, lots of compartments, rain cover, and even has a light. It seems to be pretty descent quality.

Sorry I could not get website to download (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)

I wanted a tackle bag that had both shoulder straps and a sternum or waist belt for added stability when portaging and the Nomad had this feature.

I am taking this tackle pack on this years Quetico trip for a group of 4. I normally use a Granite Gear "Top of the Thwart " pack I got from Piragis some time ago and a under the seat pack to hold all of my fishing tackle when I solo. ( I do bring a lot of tackle). My 2 rods/reels  are covered with rod/reel  covers and bungeed to seat drops on side of canoe and bow plate.

Like MT I have to also have my Lowrance fish finder along on my Q trips.

Wild River is a leader in tackle packs. They offered a solar panel battery/charger that can attach to the Nomad but I didn't bite. Would be nice to charge some electronics.

I picked up the Nomad 3604 online at the PBS Boatstore on sale for $132. I see it is still on sale there.

They have a smaller version called the "RECON" that is now on sale for $96.

the first few years i went i used to tackle backpack type thing, then i found it too much hassle.

i now use a single large tray, the 5000 size Flambeau (14"x9"x2") (not sure what this is in the Plano world). i pack lots of stuff into that tray. it sits on the back deck lid of my canoe, held there by... you guessed it, industrial velcro. 2 pieces, 9 inches long, of that 2 inch wide water proof bomb proof amazing miracle adhesive.

the front seat has the same setup, only the tray hooks to velcro on the floor by the seat out of the way of your feet. through the clear lids you can easily read the laminated maps which i have taped inside.

i have my 'canada tray' of lures and a lighter and super glue and whatnot that i only take up to quetico that stay in that try all year long. whoever rides in the front of my canoe on a given year is given the other tray (already outfitted with velcro/map/lighter and enough compartment dividers to use on every slot (if you so desired) for the trip up (or sooner if i can meet them sooner). they can then organize their tray and get everything situated on the 8 hour ride up (or before the trip).

the 2 trays then velcro to the hull of the canoe with the industrial velcro. i can jump/drop/paddle all day without worry of the trays coming loose, yet they easily can be removed with the correct sideways pull and twist. they stay attached on portages without any worry. they dont bounce and bang around on rough waves as they are secured to the hull.

no zippers or other things to mess with, there are the 2 clips that hold the trays shut, as well as 2 added velcro straps to ensure they dont pop open and spill their contents.

they excel at the portages as they are attached to the canoe so they balance each other out nicely and dont obstruct foot view and there are no extra packs to put on. just my main pack and the canoe!

However people do it, I think the idea of a separate pack for ALL your fishing gear and maybe a rain suit/sun screen/bug-dope is a good idea.
I only mentioned trying out the jury rigged day pack before buying, becasue MG specifically mentioned he might want to carry as a front back with his portage pack, not a stand-alone fishing pack.

My day-pack fish pack will work either way, so that' something you "might" want to take in consideration when buying a dedicated pack or a DIY one.

I'm not a fan of Plano type boxes in a canoe, but that's becasue I have a bad habit of dumping them which is my problem not the boxes.

I like those soft tackle binders to hold gear. For my tripping style, it makes my pack more form fitting/compressible and you don't get that "rattle" you do from plastic boxes when your humping a rough portage. Again just me, but something you might want to look into IF your so inclined.

(You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)