New Plano box and Flare Gun mount

Since this summer will be my 5th summer yak fishing the salt, I decided this winter to break my yak(s) down and make all those changes/upgrades you discover while fishing that will make your boat better etc.  I mostly only fish in the ocean so my mods may be overkill if you fish for bluegill in the farm pond down the road.  I have two Cobra Fish and Dives and I plan to rig them exactly the same so I can take a buddy/wife and they will have a dialed boat to use.  Also working on a light weight dedicated yak trailer that to haul fishing/yak stuff plus a little extra room for camping gear among other mods I will share latter.

In the past I kept fishing tackle in a smaller ammo style plano box that I kept below deck going though the surf then set it behind the seat while fishing.  I wanted more storage and not to have to stow it under deck while going though the surf BUT, have it not vanish into the depths when I huli. I picked up a large orange plano box and with some stainless hardware secured it to the yak! Everything is though bolted with large washers and completely "gooped", the bungee just keeps everything snug. 

I then rigged  a way to mount my flare gun so that is accessible yet secure.  The bolt is epoxied in place (through the top of the lid of the box) so it can't turn.  To access the flare gun all I have to do is spin the wing nut off and lift the gun off the bolt.  I plan to attach a floatie or two to the gun to ensure it floats.

wow, that is nice with all the hardware.
 I just stuff the box in my baot and attach a small chord to a seat ring.
 I will be getting a flare gun soon and that is a solid way to pack it.
 Thanks for the Pics!

Nice work PP. You are gonna love that box. Now that I've been using mine for a few years I don't know how I'da got along w/o it. Perfect size, perfect price. BTW those buckles make it surf proof!

Z

Hopefully that is the idea..  I wanted something that would stay with the yak no matter how hard I wiped out.  I know they are not totally waterproof, but I store all my water sensitive tackle in sealed containers anyway.  Love the size, about twice what I had.

Anyone have any ideas for Crab storage.  I most always set pots on the way out fishing, pulling them on the way in ( how come you sunset boys aren't crabbing? looks like a great and easy spot??).  I have been just tossing the sea spiders in the hull for the trip back in.  Would like to come up with a "Surf Proof" crab condo that would protect my catch (secured above deck, but not take up a ton of space) yet save me the hassle of digging them out of the hull of my yak onshore.  I have been considering a piece of light weight perforated drainage pipe (10-12in dia) about 2ft long, with a cap on each end. slide the spiders inside put the cap on and bungee to deck?

What's the bungie for?

-Allen

Little overkill huh?   In order to be able to connect the snaps I had to leave a little slack in the connections, the box can shift about an inch in any direction (except forward of course) the bungee gets rid of the slack and keeps the box snug on the centerline of the yak. It can also be stretched over the top of the box to keep the lid ultra secure in rough surf. 

The only problem with shoving the bugs down into the hull is that they crap the place up, after a day or two it really stinx....don't ask me how I know this!

Would like to come up with a "Surf Proof" crab condo that would protect my catch (secured above deck, but not take up a ton of space) yet save me the hassle of digging them out of the hull of my yak onshore.

Diver's game bag?

-Allen

Anyone have any ideas for Crab storage.  I most always set pots on the way out fishing, pulling them on the way in ( how come you sunset boys aren't crabbing? looks like a great and easy spot??).  I have been just tossing the sea spiders in the hull for the trip back in. 

Milk crate with a plywood lid strapped hehind your Plano box?

Anyone have any ideas for Crab storage. 

Old burlap bag and a piece of rope. Make slits in the top of the bag kinda like belt loops on a pair of pants and put the rope through them all the way around. When it's full of crabs, cinch it up tight and tie it to something. I usually stow them but I think a nice knot and the bungies in the tank well will keep them in.

Z

What about using one of the bow-mount catch coolers?

all great ideas.. I have done the bag thing and it works.  I am always paranoid that if  I dump the yak I will end up with a bag of crab mush, that is why I have been tossing them into the hull lately.  My old man has a couple collapsible milk crates in the back of his rig, might have to see what I can do with those?

I don't think you will mush the crabs.  Just remember to leash the bag so it doesn't sink.

-Allen

I vote for the milk crate trick.  Just get two milk crates and cut the bottom out of one to use as a lid on the other one.  Either wire it together on one edge to create a hinge or use heavy bungee laced through as a hinge.  Then just do the same with the crate as you did with the Plano box. 

the best part of using a bag is it takes up little space in or on the yak. I only deal with the crabs the last 20min or so of the trip.  I am out there to fish and I would hate to waste deck space with a big crate lashed to the deck.  I also have my 3 traps and floats to bring in with me too.  I think I will pick up a quality dive bag and rig a good leash and maybe a float to it