Fish Storage

[HobieMirage]

Hey guys I was just wondering the different and best ways to store your caught fish on a trip. I haven't had to really worry about this problem yet but hopefully plan on confronting it in the future :). I've looked around and one of those thicker cord stringers looks pretty good.

[all_in]

A lot of guys use stringers, but I don't like lugging them around: If you leave 'em in the water when you move, they effect the boat's performance too much. And if you take 'em out of the water your fish are toast. Not that those things really keep fish alive for long, especially in the summer. And with water temps in the 80's, any dead fish won't stay fresh, just wet.

I use a soft sided cooler that fits behind my seat. It keeps ice & fish cold, even in the summer. Sam's Club has nice ones for a good price.

[HobieMirage]

Thanks I was thinking the same sort of thing about the heat. Ill have to be on the look out for a good soft sided cooler, because the hard ice chest tends to take up a bit too much space. Anyone use one of those fish bags that'll fit on top the boat?

[Hobie1Kenobie]

There is more than one way to skin a cat...er...store fish. I just depends on what best suits you. I use a 48 quart marine igloo (with the lid measure ruler). I drilled holes and installed 2 rod holders. This gives me plenty of room for ice, drinks and fish. I does take up lots of space but it does triple duty. It works for me.

[all_in]

H1K's set up is sweet. I can vouch for that.

[barhopper]

I can hold them for you. No Problem !!

[HobieMirage]

H1K does the ice chest get in the way at all or weigh down the back of the yak too much? And I also just experimented with bungee-cording a similar sized ice chest to the back of mine, does yours lay parallel or perpendicular to the yak?

[jallen355]

If you go with the soft side/fish bag. Try using frozen water bottles instead of loose ice. That way it doesn't leak as the ice melts.

[MDR]

My avatar will show you one reason I went from a stringer to the soft side cooler. The California Innovations bag from either Sams or Academy (one of our sponsors) is under $10. Some have had a bad experience with reds punching a hole in the liner but I have never had that happen with mine.

Ditto on the use of frozen milk cartons. A couple of those in there keeps my fish cold until I get back to the truck. Also super easy to clean.

[revredfish]

I use the sam's bag with a float bag inside - Ice and fish go in the float bag, drinks and food on the outside of the float bag. Works fine unless you are catching alot of fish or really large ones. Works well 90% of the tiime. fits nicely between my seat and my overloaded milkcrate

[Hobie1Kenobie]

H1K does the ice chest get in the way at all or weigh down the back of the yak too much? And I also just experimented with bungee-cording a similar sized ice chest to the back of mine, does yours lay parallel or perpendicular to the yak?

My cooler fits behind my seat in my Outback longways (from bow to stern). It does take up all of the space back there but with a few tools you can set it up so that it fills your needs. I took off the hindges and re installed them so the the lid opens longways also. Then I took out the plastic piece that kept the lid from falling all of the way over and used that to make a handle for easier opening. Lastly I took tow cheap plastic rod holders and screwed them in on the back, thru and thru, and sealed that up with rtv and squished it all with flat washers. The rod holders sit aft enough that with my rods in them they are not in the way. There is a ruler on the lid which is tremendously handy (but does not go up to 27" the way I would like).

I fill it just below half way with ice for each trip, three soda's and three waters. Not sure how much it actually weigh's but I guestimate it is less than 20 pounds. I do bungee it to the kayak. I removed the handles, put a carribeaner in a plastic "loop" on the handle and put them back on for an extra secure tie down. I also use the cooler as a "waste bin". When I am done with a water bottle I just throw the empty's in the cooler so I don't lose them overboard. I am not at home right now but can get mama to post some pics if anyone would like to see.

The best thing about the cooler is it is cheap, ice lasts all day, easy to transport, & easy to clean.

[HobieMirage]

thanks man sounds perfect. I'll have to do the whole re-install the hinges on it that sounds nice, then slap a ruler sticker and rod holders on it and I should be good to go!

[Yak-a-Lou]

Always a tad contrary... I've taken to using a stringer AND a California Innovations soft-sided cooler bag. I leave the terminal end of the stringer in the bag and have the stringer hook or spear handy. The fish stay close to the boat on a loop.

When the trout bite is fast I find it expeditious to slip one on a stringer and go get another one. When things slow down or when I get ready to move I slide them down to the stringer into the bag.

[Durango]

I use a 48 qt igloo in the rear of my Ultimate. I rigged my hinges on the lid where it opens from the end rather than the side. Works really well for me. Fish in net, FishGripper in mouth, fish and FishGripper in ice chest, release FishGripper, slam lid, hoop-n-holler. :buttrock: I bring a small soft cooler for my drinks. Can't handle slimy drinks.

[jallen355]

I use a 48 qt igloo in the rear of my Ultimate. I rigged my hinges on the lid where it opens from the end rather than the side. Works really well for me. Fish in net, FishGripper in mouth, fish and FishGripper in ice chest, release FishGripper, slam lid, hoop-n-holler. :buttrock: I bring a small soft cooler for my drinks. Can't handle slimy drinks.

48qt in the Commander and I ustilize the same fish installment method. I do close the lid as much as possible before releasing the fish grip, too.

I will have to look into the hinge mod. I'm still going at it from the side.

[HobieMirage]

I already and went through with the hinge change and took me no longer than 20 min. It's looking good so far can't wait to give it a run this weekend.

[Hobie1Kenobie]

I think you will find it is easier to put fish in the cooler after the modification.

[thrash]

Anybody use these?
http://www.creativefeathers.com/KayakFishBags.cfm
I am thinking about one. They are $72.95 but i talked to the dealer to see if i can get a better price for more than one, if anyone wants in.