Congratulations! You’ve finally decided to upgrade your fishing experience by organizing the chaos. It is finally your time to protect and organize your valuable fishing gear. If you are dreaming of no more fishing line clutter, no more rods rotting, no more reels getting out of work and easy transport of fishing equipment, fishing bags are your besties. This article will walk you through different types of fishing bags, their properties and maintenance. It will also guide you about the features to look for when buying a fishing bag. So let’s delve into the article without wasting any more time.
Type of Fishing Bags
Fishing Waist Pack
Waist packs also known as fanny or hip packs are designed to be worn around your waist. They are within easy access to the owner and one can easily reach out to necessary fishing items within the spur of the moment. These are the best for anglers who like to carry less weight during their short fishing interval.
Shoulder or Sling Bags
As the name suggests, shoulder bags are worn over the shoulder. These are larger than waist bags and fit a lot more items. However, these are lightweight and the angler has easy access to his gear.
Fishing Backpacks
You are familiar with backpacks, fishing backpacks are no different. They have many compartments to keep your gear separated and organized. Some of these have padded shoulders and waist belts to add comfort.
Fishing tackle bags
Fishing tackle bags are the largest among these types and fit a lot more. These are the best choice for fishermen who make long fishing trips and carry a lot of fishing gear with them. Tackle bags or boxes have many compartments and trays to keep your gear organized and free from potential damage.
Must-Have Features in a Fishing Bag
While buying a new bag, one must pay heed to the following features to know whether that specific bag is tailored to fit your needs or not.
Material and durability
This is an unspoken fact that anything you buy should be constructed of the best material and should be durable. Not just to feel the premium quality and display luxury but also to enjoy a strong and tough companion which saves you time and money. You know it is a good quality bag if the construction materials are PVC or nylon and have durable smooth zippers with reinforced stitching. An ideal bag would be able to withstand hot, cold and physical impacts. Sharp hooks, rough grounds, sun, rain and wind will not sabotage such a bag.
Storage capacity
Had you had only a few items, wouldn’t you just carry them in your hands? Storage of a bag is one of the reasons you need a fishing bag in the first place. You have probably gathered a lot of fishing equipment and tools over the years, hence a bag with large capacity is a good choice. However, if you don’t have a lot to carry and are making a short trip to the nearby lake, then a small bag will do the job. Other than that, a bag with different storage compartments is the top choice of avid anglers to keep lines, baits, hooks, pliers etc separate from each other. Many bags also feature storage compartments for your phone, wallet, license, and other necessities.
Comfort
Since you will be carrying your bags, comfort is a key feature. You should choose bags with padded straps and back panels. Also, adjustable straps are a good option for weight distribution. Having a bag which only adds to your discomfort while fishing, is of no use. Your bag should relieve your problems instead of increasing them.
Portability
In addition to comfort, your bag should be portable. The last thing you want in a fishing bag is to carry its weight along with the weight of your equipment. Fishing bags should be lightweight and durable at the same time. A good bag is the perfect balance between being durable and lightweight. Carefully designed straps have mastered making a fully loaded bag appear lightweight.
Other specialized features
Bags can be upgraded to whatever extent a manufacturer wants and a consumer demands. There are bags with the characteristic of being water-proof. This feature will keep your gear dry even in the rain. Some bags have insulation to keep live baits fresh. Having your worms and crickets fresh will enhance the quality of your fishing and entice more fish. Having extra pockets, key rings or a moveable interior for your mobile, water bottle, keys etc is a cherry on top. These also separate your valuables like sunglasses to get scratched from fishing gear.
Tips for Maintaining Mour Fishing bag
You must follow these useful tips to keep your bag maintained and work for a longer time. No matter how premium quality your bag is, you will always have to maintain it for longevity.
- Cleaning and drying: washing your bag periodically will remove dirt and debris which could damage your bag. Also, dry it completely before storing it to ensure the safety of the bag and equipment together.
- Proper storing: make sure that you keep your bag in a cool and dry place away from sunlight and humidity. A damp area or direct sunlight could sabotage the look and quality of your fishing bag.
- Inspect for wear and tear: you must regularly inspect your fishing bag for wear and tear or cuts and repair it before the cut grows bigger and you start dropping your valuables.
Conclusion
Hope this article helped you understand different types of bags and properly guided you through the essential features your fishing bag must have. We have played our part in presenting facts about fishing bags, now it is time for you to play your part and buy your dream bag. Best of luck for your next trip!
