The crate has fast become an essential accessory and this article will help you make an educated purchase for your kayak crate organization. I’m going to break down the features of each kayak fishing crate I’ve found to be useful based on my experiences.
It’s been nearly three decades since I first paddled a kayak and took my fishing rod along. There was no room for my tackle box on board those early models so I just stuffed a couple of lures in my pocket in case I needed them while out on the water. With the evolution and innovation of these small plastic boats, areas to place larger items started to be molded into their hulls. Anglers searched for an ideal container to hold their stuff but keep it readily accessible.
Milk crates soon became the answer as their honeycomb construction didn’t hold any of the water that would inevitably work its way in. I could place small packs of plastics and Plano boxes in the crate for easy storage, tucking it out of the way behind me in the kayak. I remember ordering a nice metal-rimmed milk crate off of Ebay for $5 back in those early days, creating my first kayak fishing crate. I still have it now!
We secured our fishing rods in those first crates by zip tying pieces of 2-inch PVC to the inside corners. Since that time, manufacturers have designed crates that are specific to kayak fishing and provide custom storage opportunities. Today, most kayak crates come with specially-made rod holders. Some even adjust so that your rods can be stored horizontally when fishing under trees or docks.
- MOST POPULAR KAYAK CRATE: YakAttack BlackPack Pro Kayak Crate
- BEST BUDGET KAYAK CRATE: YakGear Kayak Angler Kit in Crate
- BEST FOR ADDITIONAL ACCESSORIES: YakGear Black Angler Crate
MOST POPULAR: YAKATTACK BLACKPAK PRO KAYAK FISHING CRATES
YakAttack’s BlackPak Pro kayak fishing crate offers innovative, customizable storage in three sizes, complete with tethered rod holder tubes on each version. The hard-sided kayak fishing crates are built using injection-molded UV-stabilized polymers; each panel has a rib structure that offers rigidity with minimal weight. The company’s GridLoc 2D mounting system offers several attachment points on the inside and outside of the panels, letting anglers utilize a multitude of dividers, tool holders, and other accessories.
With a clip lock lid that keeps splashing water and rain from getting inside, numerous anglers have placed their batteries in these crates for reliable security. This product is made in the USA and built with a lifetime guarantee.
FEATURES:
- Rod holders offer horizontal or vertical storage
- Water resistant when closed
- Rubber feet offer noise dampening
- Dimensions: 13 inches x 13 inches x 13 inches / 13 inches x 16 inches x 13 inches / 16 inches x 16 inches
- 13.25 inches x 12.25 inches x 18 inches
- Weight: 6.9 pounds, 8.2 pounds with rod holders / 7.6 pounds, 9.2 pounds with rod holders / 9.1 pounds, 11.5 pounds with rod holders
Need to store additional gear? The 16 x 16 ShortStak Upgrade Kit is the perfect way to add additional tackle or other items on top of your existing crate.
BEST BUDGET: YAKGEAR KAYAK ANGLER KIT IN CRATE
The YakGear Kayak Angler Kit in Crate builds on the Black Angler Crate with additional accessories, including two Build A Crate single rod Holders and an accessory pouch. The pouch, which holds tackle boxes or other accessories up to 11 inches in width or 9 inches in height, allows for protection and organization of your fishing stuff while on the water. It can be mounted anywhere on the crate or kayak with the included installation hardware. The 12-inch long rod holders feature trigger cut outs to properly rest and secure reels, and can be easily installed to the outside of the crate leaving more room for stuff on the interior.
FEATURES:
- 13-inch x 13-inch YakGear Black Milk Crate
- 1 x YakGear Accessory Pouch
- 2 x YakGear Build A Crate Single Rod Holders
BEST ADDITIONAL ACCESSORIES: YAKGEAR BLACK ANGLER CRATE
The original milk crate provides great storage on the deck of your kayak while being very economical. YakGear’s Angler Crate is standard sized at 13-inches by 13-inches to fit most kayaks. The honeycomb design allows for customization using YakGear crate rigging accessories or others. There are other basic crates out there on the market like this one but what we like about the YakGear crate is the ability to add rod holders specifically designed for it. An angler can easily fit up to 200 pounds of gear in one of these basic crates.
FEATURES:
- Dimensions: 13-inch x 13-inch
- Compatible for rigging with all YakGear crate accessories including the Build A Crate Series
- One year warranty
YAKGADGET LOWPROCRATE SYSTEM
This LowPro Crate System keeps your gear secure and dry from the elements. The angled design can be configured to hold 3700 Plano tackle boxes longways or 3600 Plano boxes horizontally, depending on the arrangement of the dividers. This also allows for water to easily run off this storage system. And with the tackle boxes leaning towards you you can easily reach them without having to turn your body. Three rod holders keep spare rods handy for when you want to switch techniques. Plus, the zippered compartments help keep your tackle and gear dry when fishing.
FEATURES:
- Includes 3 rod holders
- Soft cover with one extra storage pocket
- Holds 3600 or 3700-sized Plano boxes
- Super strong and resistant to warping, scratching and fading
RAILBLAZA GEAR HUB
The Railblaza Gear Hub is a very versatile and durable option for fishing storage on your kayak or paddleboard. Designed as an organizational solution as well as a mounting platform, anglers can easily customize theirs with a variety of accessories such as rod holders, cup holders, camera mounts, and much more. Simply add whatever accessories you need to the slots. A rigid top helps the elements at bay, and keeps everything contained.
FEATURES:
- Available for pre-order
WEST MARINE KAYAK ANGLER CRATE KIT
The West Marine Kayak Angler Crate Kit converts your existing standard 12-inch x 12-inch milk crate into a unique storage unit by covering it in a water-resistant shell that offers additional organization. Heavy-duty 600-denier nylon and mesh construction combine to create multiple pockets with Velcro closures and D-rings for hanging your gear. You can also add a pair of optional Attwood rod holders to keep your rods at the ready.
FEATURES:
- Dimensions: 12-inch x 12-inch x 12-inch
- Water-resistant materials help keep items dry
- Material: 600-denier nylon and mesh
PLANO WEEKEND SERIES KAYAK CRATE SOFT BAG
This soft crate is designed to complement storage options that kayak anglers are already using, specifically designed to fit inside a milk crate or rest on the deck of your kayak. It has two side compartments that will fit Plano’s StowAway utility boxes or other items and double as sturdy carry handles. With flexible sides this style of storage will give a kayak angler more room to store items. The top section serves as a protective lid that secures additional StowAway boxes. All are removable with a series of buckles and straps for customization. A great starter kayak storage system!
FEATURES:
- Fits securely in a milk crate or freestanding as crate alternative
- Easily remove panels for customizable storage
- Large open interior with two sections of bulk storage
- Numerous D-rings and two tool holders offer easy access
PERCEPTION SPLASH KAYAK CRATE
This is a customizable kayak crate that will organize your fishing gear while keeping it dry, with a removable canopy-style lid securing up to seven 3700 or 13, 3600 Plano boxes in the interior. Strong webbing loops and D-rings allow for additional customization, and provide plenty of tie down options. Plastic feet on the bottom raise the crate off of wet or uneven surfaces, while ergonomic grab handles make it easy to carry. Plus, it folds down to a small size for stowage.
FEATURES:
- Folds down to a small size for stowage
- Weight: 5.25 lbs
- Dimensions: 13 inch w x 17 inch x 12.5 inch
WILDERNESS SYSTEMS KAYAK KRATE
This sturdy kayak fishing crate comes ready to use right out of the box with no assembly required. A secure latching lid keeps the contents dry. The large main compartment holds tackle trays and other bulky gear in between removable hanging dividers. A smaller second compartment sits just below the lid, keeping often used items at the ready. Four rod holders, two on each side, make it easy to switch techniques. With blow-molded construction, this one could also serve as a cooler for your food, drink, and snacks.
FEATURES:
- Comes with four rod holders that can be raised to accommodate narrow tankwells
- Water resistant when latched closed
- Dimensions: 13.25 inches x 12.25 inches x 18 inches
- Weight: 10. 9 pounds
- Capacity: 29 liters
FLAMBEAU TUFF KRATE
The Flambeau Tuff Krate provides tackle storage with lots of mounting surfaces for adding rigging of your choice. It is durable but lightweight, constructed using rugged HDPE panels that easily snap into place. The interior offers shock cords that keep the contents in place in case of a mishap, and the exterior features crate to kayak tie-down ports. Capacity is a high point, designed to hold eight 4000 or five 5000 series Tuff Tainers. Designed to fit most popular kayak decks, with built-in safety flag rings for visibility out on the water.
FEATURES:
- Crate comes unassembled for storage but easily snaps together
- Plenty of tie down points allow for additional accessories
- Dimensions: 16.75 inches x 12.8 inches x 10.66 inches
HOBIE H-CRATE
The H-Crate is an incredibly durable storage solution that was specifically designed for and by Hobie Kayaks. It has plenty of room for fishing gear in an easy-to-reach space. The H-Rails along the top provide mounting locations and act as handles when transporting your tackle. Four built-in rod holders with shock cord retainers provide secure rod storage, and the grid pattern in the crate’s walls allow for attaching additional rod holders or other accessories. Skid pads dampen sound and keep the crate from sliding around.
FEATURES:
- 4 built-in rod holders with shock cord retainers for secure rod storage
- Adjustable straps for quick installation and removal
- Dimensions: 17.45 inches x 14.14 inches x 13 inches
- Weight: 5.8 pounds
PLANO MEDIUM SPORTSMAN’S TRUNK
Need more room for storage on your kayak? Look no further! Richie Laughery of Missouri packs his tackle in a Plano medium Sportsman’s trunk which comes with a latching lid. If your kayak has a large tank well, you can store just about everything you need on a kayak using this 68-quart container.
FEATURES:
- 68-quart capacity
- Removeable, lockable lid
- Dimensions: 30 inches x 14.25 inches x 13 inches
IN CONCLUSION
Kayak crates can be a vital accessory to store your tackle and other items on the kayak. A simple turn of the body and reach will give you access to all your additional gear in seconds all while stored in a quality kayak crate. I hope this article helps you find the crate that best fits your needs and gives you an informed decision before purchasing one for your kayak.
