DIY catch bag

So I had a little bit of sticker shock when I was looking around at catch bags. Ranging between $70 and $300 for an insulated bag. I decided to build my own bag. I will call this own a prototype because I think I might make another one with some different materials.

So for what I have right now.
Materials:
2 thermal bags $6
Closed cell foam $9
Rip stop nylon $8
Zipper $3.50
Webbing $4
Total cost total cost about $30

I sandwiched some closed cell foam for insulation between the nylon, sewed it. Added some handles with some gaps so I can bungee it to the side of my crate or front of my deck. It zips closed. It's 27" deep and 28" wide. I am no seem stress so there are a few sewing mistakes. But it turned out really well.

cool.  some guys swear by burlap bags... you can get them at some coffee shops cheap or free... course they leak.

let us know how it works.

That may be the nicest homemade catch bag I have seen.

That may be the nicest homemade catch bag I have seen.

Thanks it was a good experiment if I make another one I will make it shorter and longer.

No kidding..... if you would have just posted a picture of it.   I would have thought it was one purchased from the store.   Let us know when your up and running in production 

That is way more awesome than my improvised catch bag made of Foil-Bubble-Foil insulation and metallic tape.  I used a large dry bag as a liner.


How hard was it to sew the strapping to the vinyl? Does that require a special sewing machine?

That is way more awesome than my improvised catch bag made of Foil-Bubble-Foil insulation and metallic tape.  I used a large dry bag as a liner.


How hard was it to sew the strapping to the vinyl? Does that require a special sewing machine?

The body is nylon not vinyl. But it did take a heavier needle. We broke one and then got a heavy duty one.

Cool.  Thanks.

I got this insulated bag at TraderJoes (I think it was $4.99) as a trout/kokanee catch bag (measures 20" diagonally), it fits perfectly under the Vantage seat of a PA12/14 and with the zipper to the front, just unzip, slip the fish in, and back to fishing...I found that 2 small reusable ice packs keep it cold all day...cheers, roger

Depending on how long you need to keep stuff cool these are some great solutions. So far I've just used a burlap or cotton game bag as needed; dip it in the water, put it back in the boat and evaporation helps keep things cool. I think that having ice packs or ice would be a lot better for some situations, though.

Depending on how long you need to keep stuff cool these are some great solutions. So far I've just used a burlap or cotton game bag as needed; dip it in the water, put it back in the boat and evaporation helps keep things cool. I think that having ice packs or ice would be a lot better for some situations, though.

If you have room in your freezer at home, keep several 32oz frozen water filled Gaterade bottles on the ready. 
Just using two in a big dry bag, they will keep your catch cold all day.  Easily 8-10 hours of ice.
The can also double as backup drinking water or wound rinse water if in emergency.

Depending on how long you need to keep stuff cool these are some great solutions. So far I've just used a burlap or cotton game bag as needed; dip it in the water, put it back in the boat and evaporation helps keep things cool. I think that having ice packs or ice would be a lot better for some situations, though.

If you have room in your freezer at home, keep several 32oz frozen water filled Gaterade bottles on the ready. 
Just using two in a big dry bag, they will keep your catch cold all day.  Easily 8-10 hours of ice.
The can also double as backup drinking water or wound rinse water if in emergency.

Good tip - I like it. Now to choose a dry bag to sacrifice to the fish gods...

Depending on how long you need to keep stuff cool these are some great solutions. So far I've just used a burlap or cotton game bag as needed; dip it in the water, put it back in the boat and evaporation helps keep things cool. I think that having ice packs or ice would be a lot better for some situations, though.

If you have room in your freezer at home, keep several 32oz frozen water filled Gaterade bottles on the ready. 
Just using two in a big dry bag, they will keep your catch cold all day.  Easily 8-10 hours of ice.
The can also double as backup drinking water or wound rinse water if in emergency.

Good tip - I like it. Now to choose a dry bag to sacrifice to the fish gods...

Andy and Bax in Portland have a 16"x 31" dry bag for like $16.