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.

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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.

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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.

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Jax,
Got any pics of your setup? Thanks.

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I'm not familiar with the Fish Stalker model, but I have this one, and couldn't be happier with it.
Plenty of ventilation/doesn't restrict your paddling/casting motion, and the big front pockets have ZIPPER closures. They're being enough for a small compressible rain suit or in my case, my "dunking" gear.

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Mapsguy1955 wrote on Feb 16^th, 2015 at 4:15pm:


I have used one the past few years. I have a Cabela's model that is very similar to the Wild River models posted here; although it appears that Cabela's no longer sells the model I have.

My random thoughts on the pack / system are as follows:

> I can carry it with the canoe on one trip, so that works well.

> Four 3600 boxes are more tackle than I need, yet as a tackle addict I always bring that much (but I don't pack it in super tight).

> My rain gear doesn't pack small enough to share the top compartment with my depth finder.

> I find that I then need a second day pack, Frost River Nessmuk, to carry my camera (DSLR) in a Pelican, rain gear, small first aid kit, and other small odds 'n ends.

So I guess my summary is: yes, the system works fine for that, but I have other stuff that I want to have with me on day trips, and that stuff doesn't fit.

Another option that I may try next: I have a Granite Gear under-seat pack that fits two 3700 boxes with some odds 'n ends on the side. I may give that one a try, and either leave it under the canoe seat, or slide it under the top flap of a pack to portage.

Ranger 

Per MT's comment above, I generally try to pack just two cranks per slot in my Plano boxes as well. I don't use bonnets but I pack them back-to-back with hooks on opposite sides. Same reason - trying to prevent scratching them up. Hey, these lures are freaking expensive! The side benefit is that I can change lures very quickly as I'm never messing with tangles.

I don't think it makes a whole lot of difference if your lures get scratched or not.  As soon as you use your lure whether casting or trolling they are going to get scratches on them.  Most lures should be fished close to the bottom which means you will hit bottom and therefore rocks.  So protecting your lures and preserving their pristine condition is good for about 5 minutes.  Plus, I have caught plenty of fish on lures that have scratches and paint knocked off.  If you are trolling for lake trout in deep water, you could actually keep your lures pristine for a long time.

As Al Lindner said what is natural about a fill in the blank (Daredevil, silver spoon, jig, Rapala, etc.).  Plus, fishing lures are primarily designed to catch fishermen, if they also catch fish so much the better.  I think structure, water depth, water temperature, time of day, wind, how deep your lure runs and speed of retrieve are much more important than a pristine finish.  It is similar to your canoe, remember when it was new and didn't have any scratches or dents and how proud you were to own it.  Now it has dents and scratches and it works as good as new.

I think some of you may find this to have possibilities as a tackle box. 
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Interesting possibilities MP.......my mind was all awhirl until I remembered that you can't use wheeled aids on the portage trails.......

I really like the the soft tackle boxes. I broke down and got a duluth waxed canvas fishing tackle box. It can easily fit all my gear.  For a backpack, I got a Frost River Summit expedition. I feel these will last the rest of my life.  You can easily put in all you mention and more into the FR expedition and it is not too big. It will fit well in a canoe and looks classy.

This is a good question. There is no single or simple solution.  I used to use an inexpensive backpack and it worked OK.  In the last 3 years I bought a Duluth fishing pack made of waxed canvas and like it a lot. It is pricey - but I figure it would last the rest of my life and I could hand it down.  I also more recently purchased a Duluth Rambler and Frost River Summit Expedition daypack.  The Rambler is larger and can carry my fishing gear plus some camp gear and emergency gear in the canoe. It has 2 side compartments for nalgenes or other stuff. The FR is similar but a bit smaller.  I plan to use it more locally for fishing northern Wisconsin lakes and streams from my canoe.  What I like about day packs is that you can consolidate all your gear in one place. As someone said earlier, you may want to bring your fish finder and some other odds and ends. This avoids having a lot of loose gear in the canoe.  As I said, there are many options but I think some kind of daypack that concentrates your gear is the way to go.