Back from an overnighter, got to the lake at 7:30pm so by the time I had lapped it and seen anything it was nearly dark putting the rods out, packed up and home by 9am. I feel a bit rusty given this was only my 3rd night in nearly 2 years!
I've tried many times to get more organised but seem to fail badly! I always seem to take too much stuff considering I'm only doing overnighters or on rare occasions two nights I really shouldn't be taking so much!
On the tackle side I feel I need re-organise what I've got... I have the main tackle box then seem to have lots of pouches and two rig boxes.
I have a Ridgemonkey bucket with the two trays - one for hookbaits and one for needles and bits and pieces for rigging up.
Just wondering what you guys use or what things you have done which have helped you stay organised and reduce clutter?
Thanks All!
I've tried many times to get more organised but seem to fail badly! I always seem to take too much stuff considering I'm only doing overnighters or on rare occasions two nights I really shouldn't be taking so much!
On the tackle side I feel I need re-organise what I've got... I have the main tackle box then seem to have lots of pouches and two rig boxes.
I have a Ridgemonkey bucket with the two trays - one for hookbaits and one for needles and bits and pieces for rigging up.
Just wondering what you guys use or what things you have done which have helped you stay organised and reduce clutter?
Thanks All!
In reply to Post #1
Simple question, what do you really need!
Have some food on the way, take some snacks and have breakfast when you leave, no need to dick around cooking stuff. Take a sandwich!
Morning coffee, take a flask, keep a small bottle of milk separate, stays warm for longer. Preheat the flask too with boiling water. No need for a stove and all the rest of the crap
Tent, bed chair and sleeping bag are the biggest pain for me. Barrow job. If you can park behind your swim, much easier
Aim to to get all your gear in say a medium sized carryall, leave spare clothes etc in the car.
Key point. Plan your pack up time. Leave your rods whilst last, get up on time, don’t rush and just start taking stuff down
I started out fishing with fek all and I still prefer this to this day. For example, I was fishing a day water and walking over 3/4 mile. All my actual fishing tackle was in a small fox lead pouch, 3 spare leads, 3 spare rigs, one spare leader, baiting needle and stops, tiny forceps and one pop up tub half full with 3 baited rigs in it
I HATE ****ing about with gear
Simple question, what do you really need!
Have some food on the way, take some snacks and have breakfast when you leave, no need to dick around cooking stuff. Take a sandwich!
Morning coffee, take a flask, keep a small bottle of milk separate, stays warm for longer. Preheat the flask too with boiling water. No need for a stove and all the rest of the crap
Tent, bed chair and sleeping bag are the biggest pain for me. Barrow job. If you can park behind your swim, much easier
Aim to to get all your gear in say a medium sized carryall, leave spare clothes etc in the car.
Key point. Plan your pack up time. Leave your rods whilst last, get up on time, don’t rush and just start taking stuff down
I started out fishing with fek all and I still prefer this to this day. For example, I was fishing a day water and walking over 3/4 mile. All my actual fishing tackle was in a small fox lead pouch, 3 spare leads, 3 spare rigs, one spare leader, baiting needle and stops, tiny forceps and one pop up tub half full with 3 baited rigs in it
I HATE ****ing about with gear
In reply to Post #1
oh I haven't
oh I haven't
In reply to Post #1
For a 12 hour overnighter you really only need the bare minimum of everything. Scale everything down to what you actually need. As has been suggested sandwiches, flask, and a few snacks is all you need. No need for messing about with cooking on a short session. If it's a water that you can prebait beforehand then that's a game changer. Just turn up with your rods clipped up with a stringer and you'll be sat fishing with a beer in about 25 min. Job done
For a 12 hour overnighter you really only need the bare minimum of everything. Scale everything down to what you actually need. As has been suggested sandwiches, flask, and a few snacks is all you need. No need for messing about with cooking on a short session. If it's a water that you can prebait beforehand then that's a game changer. Just turn up with your rods clipped up with a stringer and you'll be sat fishing with a beer in about 25 min. Job done
I didn't take any food or cooking stuff!
I'm talking more about the tackle side / bags / luggage etc
I'm talking more about the tackle side / bags / luggage etc
In reply to Post #1
I've only ever fished midweek overnighters for 30+ years, I've pretty much got it down to a fine art. Haven't taken a tackle box with me for about 20 of those years, I use a 30litre Korda rucksack and I use everything in it each session (sometimes not the scales unfortunately).
It does depend on the type of waters you fish as to what you take, obviously if there is the potential for multiple fish hits then you take more leads etc. I've never had the reason to take loads of tackle and if you are fishing the same lakes regularly you'll get to know what tactics work so no need for taking set ups that won't get used.
I use a bucket with a tray that drops into it and all my tackle stays in that, I buy the tinniest hookbaits pots off of eBay that take about 10 at a time, I can then take a few options and it uses no more space than a normal pop up tub. Bag of spares sit in the car for emergencies, only take the footwear I need for the swim I decide on, don't drag chesties with you if your swim doesn't warrant them. Try and get your head out of the 'just in case' packing, you'll be amazed how much you can get away with leaving at home.
I've only ever fished midweek overnighters for 30+ years, I've pretty much got it down to a fine art. Haven't taken a tackle box with me for about 20 of those years, I use a 30litre Korda rucksack and I use everything in it each session (sometimes not the scales unfortunately).
It does depend on the type of waters you fish as to what you take, obviously if there is the potential for multiple fish hits then you take more leads etc. I've never had the reason to take loads of tackle and if you are fishing the same lakes regularly you'll get to know what tactics work so no need for taking set ups that won't get used.
I use a bucket with a tray that drops into it and all my tackle stays in that, I buy the tinniest hookbaits pots off of eBay that take about 10 at a time, I can then take a few options and it uses no more space than a normal pop up tub. Bag of spares sit in the car for emergencies, only take the footwear I need for the swim I decide on, don't drag chesties with you if your swim doesn't warrant them. Try and get your head out of the 'just in case' packing, you'll be amazed how much you can get away with leaving at home.
In reply to Post #1
For a quick overnighter imo you should be able to get everything rig wise in your ridgemonkey bucket tray.
Ask yourself, how many times am I likely to cast out, then in my case triple it....jic.
Unless your awake all night fiddling (you might work nights for all I know and do just that) then in reality you won't be needing any extra rig gear.
For a quick overnighter imo you should be able to get everything rig wise in your ridgemonkey bucket tray.
Ask yourself, how many times am I likely to cast out, then in my case triple it....jic.
Unless your awake all night fiddling (you might work nights for all I know and do just that) then in reality you won't be needing any extra rig gear.
In reply to Post #5
whilst I have trimmed some unused end tackle from the large PVA pouch and the hefty leads tub stays in the back of the motor I'm carrying virtually the same kit I carried 15 years ago for overnighters or weekends.
Ruck sack with plenty of space for coat, salopettes, brew kit. End tackle..too much but currently fishing days and really not confient enough to turn up with four ready rigs andlfour leads.
Large bait bag- gazillion pop-ups and perhaps a 5l bucket with some particle.
This is me ready to go later, add unhooking mat and bedchair & sleeping bag if required
whilst I have trimmed some unused end tackle from the large PVA pouch and the hefty leads tub stays in the back of the motor I'm carrying virtually the same kit I carried 15 years ago for overnighters or weekends.
Ruck sack with plenty of space for coat, salopettes, brew kit. End tackle..too much but currently fishing days and really not confient enough to turn up with four ready rigs andlfour leads.
Large bait bag- gazillion pop-ups and perhaps a 5l bucket with some particle.
This is me ready to go later, add unhooking mat and bedchair & sleeping bag if required
Don't do many overnighters but mainly day sessions. But my philosophy if I haven't used it in a year dont take or leave in the car
In reply to Post #1
I think people pack for all eventualities rather than pack to their strengths. If you're fishing a 3 acre pond and 95% of your angling is edge fishing or short flicks, then why do you have 3oz distance leads and shockleaders in the bag? I'll buy them when I need them. The rest is tucked away in a coolbag indoors.
We are in an age where the media tell you that you NEED this, you NEED that. In reality, it's the exact opposite. My medium tackle box is barren. I've been using the same bait for ten years. I don't need lotions and potions changeable depending on a slight shift in the barometer. Most of what you're told is complete broscience with an agenda.
My bait bag is filled with boilies, with my PVA and pots of hookbaits (albeit 12 of them) are chucked on top. Those alone would equate to three or four seperate bags and pouches for others.
Everyone needs a bag for a bag. Everything needs it's 20 quid pouch. Pouch for PVA. Pouch for leads, Pouch for Hookbaits, Pouch for boilies stops....
You really don't need half the **** you carry. Why should I spend 20 quid on a lead pouch when it takes me just seconds to stick my hand in the bottom of the bag and find one rattling about? Apart from my 8 year old sleeping bag and cool bag, nothing has zips as they just break.
People moan about the time it takes to clean the mud off their gear. Well, if you didn't have to get a dozen pouches and bags out to find your solid PVA divider with EVA reinforced handles, maybe you wouldn't have all your **** strewn across the swim
Christ, for a few years I was using M&S bags for life before I had a slight twinge of shame. Upgraded to the Wychwood Bits & Bobs bags, which fit nicely inside a cradle on top of the barrow. Don't get me started on the waste of space that people fail to utilise within their meter long cradles.....literaly everything fits inside it!
https://www.wychwoodtackle.co.uk/products/tactical-hd-bits-and-bobs-h2581
I have one of these, and a cool bag for my bait. That's it. My banksticks slide into the bag at the end of the session or are chucked into the unhooking mat.
All my money goes on hooks, line and bait. When my brolly exceeds the two holes it already has, I may change it.
I think people pack for all eventualities rather than pack to their strengths. If you're fishing a 3 acre pond and 95% of your angling is edge fishing or short flicks, then why do you have 3oz distance leads and shockleaders in the bag? I'll buy them when I need them. The rest is tucked away in a coolbag indoors.
We are in an age where the media tell you that you NEED this, you NEED that. In reality, it's the exact opposite. My medium tackle box is barren. I've been using the same bait for ten years. I don't need lotions and potions changeable depending on a slight shift in the barometer. Most of what you're told is complete broscience with an agenda.
My bait bag is filled with boilies, with my PVA and pots of hookbaits (albeit 12 of them) are chucked on top. Those alone would equate to three or four seperate bags and pouches for others.
Everyone needs a bag for a bag. Everything needs it's 20 quid pouch. Pouch for PVA. Pouch for leads, Pouch for Hookbaits, Pouch for boilies stops....
You really don't need half the **** you carry. Why should I spend 20 quid on a lead pouch when it takes me just seconds to stick my hand in the bottom of the bag and find one rattling about? Apart from my 8 year old sleeping bag and cool bag, nothing has zips as they just break.
People moan about the time it takes to clean the mud off their gear. Well, if you didn't have to get a dozen pouches and bags out to find your solid PVA divider with EVA reinforced handles, maybe you wouldn't have all your **** strewn across the swim
Christ, for a few years I was using M&S bags for life before I had a slight twinge of shame. Upgraded to the Wychwood Bits & Bobs bags, which fit nicely inside a cradle on top of the barrow. Don't get me started on the waste of space that people fail to utilise within their meter long cradles.....literaly everything fits inside it!
https://www.wychwoodtackle.co.uk/products/tactical-hd-bits-and-bobs-h2581
I have one of these, and a cool bag for my bait. That's it. My banksticks slide into the bag at the end of the session or are chucked into the unhooking mat.
All my money goes on hooks, line and bait. When my brolly exceeds the two holes it already has, I may change it.
In reply to Post #10
Agreed
I don't understand why people need pouches for everything.
For instance my buzzers stay on their buzz bar and are stored inside my bedchair.
If they've picked up some dirt I put them inside a carrier bag
Leads are inside a plastic bag stuck in a carryall pocket
I could go on but you get the picture
Agreed
I don't understand why people need pouches for everything.
For instance my buzzers stay on their buzz bar and are stored inside my bedchair.
If they've picked up some dirt I put them inside a carrier bag
Leads are inside a plastic bag stuck in a carryall pocket
I could go on but you get the picture
Simple thing to do is keep tidy, doesn't matter how many pouches you lug around, goes on a barrow.
Use something..put it back in the rucksack/bait bag.
Use something..put it back in the rucksack/bait bag.
In reply to Post #11
....That's if my buzzers get used at all. I seldom use them for day sessions. If you ain't got the attention span to watch the water and listen/watch the rods for that period of time, better bring the tablet back home and use it there.
I guess they're ideal for those who are busy charging up their drones.
....That's if my buzzers get used at all. I seldom use them for day sessions. If you ain't got the attention span to watch the water and listen/watch the rods for that period of time, better bring the tablet back home and use it there.
I guess they're ideal for those who are busy charging up their drones.
In reply to Post #1
Get a decent compact power barrow and fish 'off it' (using the barrow bag(s) etc). . .ditch all other unnecessary bags / pouches inc bivvy bag (those Korda Bivvy Wraps are next on my list)
Decent lightweight brolly system / compact bedchair with Fortis Bag and one pillow . . .
Compact Carryall and a 17l bucket for bait etc should be more than enough for 24hrs. Rods in tip-tops / reel pouches strapped together or in sling . . .landing net / retainer strapped together . . RP1 pod slung on top of barrow is a gamechanger in terms of speed / faff. Ditch the day chair and get a lightweight bedchair buddy that you can fold into the bedchair (eg Daiwa Mission). . .lightweight mat (eg Fox Camo Unhooking with sides) . . .everything else stays in the motor . .
Personally I would rather take the kitchen sink . . .a decent amount of food and wine is key to effective angling
Get a decent compact power barrow and fish 'off it' (using the barrow bag(s) etc). . .ditch all other unnecessary bags / pouches inc bivvy bag (those Korda Bivvy Wraps are next on my list)
Decent lightweight brolly system / compact bedchair with Fortis Bag and one pillow . . .
Compact Carryall and a 17l bucket for bait etc should be more than enough for 24hrs. Rods in tip-tops / reel pouches strapped together or in sling . . .landing net / retainer strapped together . . RP1 pod slung on top of barrow is a gamechanger in terms of speed / faff. Ditch the day chair and get a lightweight bedchair buddy that you can fold into the bedchair (eg Daiwa Mission). . .lightweight mat (eg Fox Camo Unhooking with sides) . . .everything else stays in the motor . .
Personally I would rather take the kitchen sink . . .a decent amount of food and wine is key to effective angling
I've always angled with the mindset. If it don't go one my back over me shoulder or under my arm, I ain't taking it. Harks back to the good old days when you had to carry everything. If I couldn't carry it in one go, it didn't come. The only difference now is it goes on a barrow.
My God we used to spend hours trying to cut back on gear and getting the lightest of everything I have now just about got the balance right - but as I mostly fish days it's so much easier.
My quick overnighted kit 'was/is' an avid bedchair I can lift one handed over my head with a waterproof cover that has a single bed quilt inside it so no need for sleeping bag. The old AI ribbed shelter that is the lightest I've ever known. These are the two biggies for me but I am also fortunate to have a van an converted explorer barrow.
I would love to walk to swims, but have a few dealbreakers, firstly my trakker sanctuary mat - it's overkill but perfect, I would be embarrassed by some of the lightweight options and given I use this as the barrow cover I can't see me changing. Water is another thing I can't do without as not a coffee drinker and need freshly boiled water with a barrow you may as well take 5 litres as 2!
I pret tie all my rigs, except zigs and have various light rig boards to cater for the 3 rigs I'd ever use. Spare hooks to change along with sharpening small kit. I have a chod bin and a spool of Flouro for hinges if needed. The only terminal I take is the stuff I need in event of breakage, for me that's tubing, lead clips, run rings, swivels. I fish out of a small ish pouch with inlay tray this hold needle, floss, hooks, hook baits etc. the only bag I need to get fishing. I only put waterproofs in under barrow storage as find these bags the least efficient to actually use.
Buzzers, for me are absolutely essential - I nod off occasionally- am forever snooping in the next swims up and if I was swing tipping I would probably be live baiting most of the day!
My care kit is clipped on the zip on the mat as are focepts, a foldable wychwood retention sling goes into the sling (there is a zip at end of mat on mine) - as does collapsible bucket.
Once you have it right LEAVE IT and don't get tempted by the latest thing it will ruin your feug shai
My quick overnighted kit 'was/is' an avid bedchair I can lift one handed over my head with a waterproof cover that has a single bed quilt inside it so no need for sleeping bag. The old AI ribbed shelter that is the lightest I've ever known. These are the two biggies for me but I am also fortunate to have a van an converted explorer barrow.
I would love to walk to swims, but have a few dealbreakers, firstly my trakker sanctuary mat - it's overkill but perfect, I would be embarrassed by some of the lightweight options and given I use this as the barrow cover I can't see me changing. Water is another thing I can't do without as not a coffee drinker and need freshly boiled water with a barrow you may as well take 5 litres as 2!
I pret tie all my rigs, except zigs and have various light rig boards to cater for the 3 rigs I'd ever use. Spare hooks to change along with sharpening small kit. I have a chod bin and a spool of Flouro for hinges if needed. The only terminal I take is the stuff I need in event of breakage, for me that's tubing, lead clips, run rings, swivels. I fish out of a small ish pouch with inlay tray this hold needle, floss, hooks, hook baits etc. the only bag I need to get fishing. I only put waterproofs in under barrow storage as find these bags the least efficient to actually use.
Buzzers, for me are absolutely essential - I nod off occasionally- am forever snooping in the next swims up and if I was swing tipping I would probably be live baiting most of the day!
My care kit is clipped on the zip on the mat as are focepts, a foldable wychwood retention sling goes into the sling (there is a zip at end of mat on mine) - as does collapsible bucket.
Once you have it right LEAVE IT and don't get tempted by the latest thing it will ruin your feug shai
In reply to Post #16
Once you have it right LEAVE IT and don't get tempted by the latest thing it will ruin your feug shai
Nah.... slowly adding to it over the course of the year until you're back to square one is the way to do it
Once you have it right LEAVE IT and don't get tempted by the latest thing it will ruin your feug shai
Nah.... slowly adding to it over the course of the year until you're back to square one is the way to do it
In reply to Post #14
Those Korda bivvy wraps are fine for just the basic shelter but if you have a skull cap fitted and want to include your groundsheet and door panel they are too small!
Those Korda bivvy wraps are fine for just the basic shelter but if you have a skull cap fitted and want to include your groundsheet and door panel they are too small!
In reply to Post #18
Not just Korda but who the **** is designing this stuff, ****ing muppets
I bought a Nash scope ops 2 rod sleeve to fit my scopes in, you know, made for the job, Nash. Shimano 5500 won't fit in it ffs!
After reading on a bit I bought the Korda compact 3 rod. Cracking bit of kit and it fitted my 2 rod scope set up in perfectly. Big mistake, bought another rod set up. With 3 in it I struggle to zip it up ffs. It does but it’s tight!!!
No wonder people are continually swapping their gear, there is some utter ***** around ffs
My advice, save your cash and wait for the MK15 version, they might have got it right by then
Not just Korda but who the **** is designing this stuff, ****ing muppets
I bought a Nash scope ops 2 rod sleeve to fit my scopes in, you know, made for the job, Nash. Shimano 5500 won't fit in it ffs!
After reading on a bit I bought the Korda compact 3 rod. Cracking bit of kit and it fitted my 2 rod scope set up in perfectly. Big mistake, bought another rod set up. With 3 in it I struggle to zip it up ffs. It does but it’s tight!!!
No wonder people are continually swapping their gear, there is some utter ***** around ffs
My advice, save your cash and wait for the MK15 version, they might have got it right by then
In reply to Post #19
Im sure it's all made terribly and nothing fits on purpose.
Im sure it's all made terribly and nothing fits on purpose.
In reply to Post #19
Made to fit scope 4000/5000 reels?
Design is one thing, manufacturing and QC is another.
Gear arrives in a container after months at sea, gets unloaded and shipped out to the dealers who paid for it weks before they got it in their warehouses.
Doubt if anyone checks the quality unless its a new line.
For example, Doc Martens boots, all made in the UK until they were so far behind with orders (40-50 thousand pairs) in the 90s that they moved production to the far east.
Closed the QC dept- now QC starts when the customer opens the box.
Made to fit scope 4000/5000 reels?
Design is one thing, manufacturing and QC is another.
Gear arrives in a container after months at sea, gets unloaded and shipped out to the dealers who paid for it weks before they got it in their warehouses.
Doubt if anyone checks the quality unless its a new line.
For example, Doc Martens boots, all made in the UK until they were so far behind with orders (40-50 thousand pairs) in the 90s that they moved production to the far east.
Closed the QC dept- now QC starts when the customer opens the box.
In reply to Post #21
Sign of the times. Design is something else and I suspect predominantly in the UK.
****ing idiots trying to get things on the market asap. Best thing about it a lot claim to be anglers. Obviously not using a bivvy with a skull cap and ground sheet reading this or small reels with small rods ffs
I’m guessing they just knock something up on CAD, make me a few thousand of these. They must do because they are not obviously testing them
Sign of the times. Design is something else and I suspect predominantly in the UK.
****ing idiots trying to get things on the market asap. Best thing about it a lot claim to be anglers. Obviously not using a bivvy with a skull cap and ground sheet reading this or small reels with small rods ffs
I’m guessing they just knock something up on CAD, make me a few thousand of these. They must do because they are not obviously testing them
Cheers All, some good bits here!
In reply to Post #18
Have sacked skull cap off on new RS and have vapour shield thingy permanently fitted instead . . always carry groundsheet and infill separately anyway (Nash rear pannier bag), and either leave in car or hang off barrow handlebars
Have sacked skull cap off on new RS and have vapour shield thingy permanently fitted instead . . always carry groundsheet and infill separately anyway (Nash rear pannier bag), and either leave in car or hang off barrow handlebars
Worst piece of kit for overnighters is indeed the bedchair. And the tents today.
Bedchairs weigh the best part of 20-30kg and both bedchairs and the tents are huge.
I have a bivvy type tent but without the front the mozzies kill you.
Only the bedchair and tent and my barrow is already full. I can scale down as much as I want but I will still need a rucksack, unhooking mat, weighing sling etc.
Thats why I fish from my bus and restrict myself massively in swim selection. Also I am lazy and dont want to carry around all that tackle around the lake when I have to pack up at 7 in the morning.
Bedchairs weigh the best part of 20-30kg and both bedchairs and the tents are huge.
I have a bivvy type tent but without the front the mozzies kill you.
Only the bedchair and tent and my barrow is already full. I can scale down as much as I want but I will still need a rucksack, unhooking mat, weighing sling etc.
Thats why I fish from my bus and restrict myself massively in swim selection. Also I am lazy and dont want to carry around all that tackle around the lake when I have to pack up at 7 in the morning.
Overnights for me ( when i last did them) involved a 400 yard walk to the swim. Cant be bothered with a barrow or a van.
Small rucksack with sleeping bag in stuff sack clipped to the bottom with 2 carabinas.
Unlined goretex cover inside rucksack.
Light bed.
Jrc mat / sling holding 2 rods, net and throwing stick.
No shelter, no buckets, no cooking gear.
Kilo of boilies.
Jag sticks and bars, small tackle box. Phone for camera. Catapult, tiny scales.
Small rucksack with sleeping bag in stuff sack clipped to the bottom with 2 carabinas.
Unlined goretex cover inside rucksack.
Light bed.
Jrc mat / sling holding 2 rods, net and throwing stick.
No shelter, no buckets, no cooking gear.
Kilo of boilies.
Jag sticks and bars, small tackle box. Phone for camera. Catapult, tiny scales.
In reply to Post #27
From May onwards I’m usually doing away with a brolly, storm poles, pegs etc and using one of the Edel Maya unlined goretex bed chair covers as recommended on here. It is the nuts and I could quite easily get away without my sleeping bag too if I have a long walk with the barrow.
From May onwards I’m usually doing away with a brolly, storm poles, pegs etc and using one of the Edel Maya unlined goretex bed chair covers as recommended on here. It is the nuts and I could quite easily get away without my sleeping bag too if I have a long walk with the barrow.
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