Fishing kayakers know the struggle – where do you put all that gear?! Between rods, tackle, coolers, and more, storage space fills up fast. It’s enough to make you flip your kayak in frustration.

But don’t abandon ship just yet! Kayak crates are here to save the day. These nifty storage systems let you organize and access your equipment with ease, making more room for the big catch.

We’ve reviewed the top kayak crate options to help you keep things shipshape. Read on to find the storage solution that will have you sailing smoothly on your next fishing adventure!

Best Overall: Wilderness Systems Kayak Krate

Dimensions	Weight	Capacity
13.3” x 12.3” x 18”	10.9 lbs	29 L

Anglers meet your new fishing buddy – the Wildernessmaiden voyagemaiden voyage!With 29 liters of carrying capacity, you’ll have room for all the essentials. The main compartment stores bulkier items, while the lid offers a perfect spot for smaller accessories.

Rod holders keep up to 4 lines ready for action. Adjustable brackets allow you to customize the rod positions to fit your kayak’s tankwells.Now for the catch – this crate doesn’t come cheap. And it’s got some heft, so it may weigh down lighter kayaks. But for anglers who demand top-quality gear storage, the Kayak Krate delivers the goods. Your search for the perfect fishing buddy is over!

Best Affordable Kayak Crate: Yak Gear Grab & Go

Dimensions	Weight	Capacity
10” x 13” x 13”	5.2 lbs	25 L

 

Sometimes the simplest storage is the best! The Yak Gear Grab & Go Kayak Crate keeps things fuss-free yet functional for anglers on a budget.

This classic milk crate design is made for easy loading and fits most kayak tankwells with its 13” x 13” size. Although it’s straightforward, some handy accessories are included too – rod holders, a storage pouch, an anchor cleat, and a leash to secure your gear.

Now for the catch – there’s no lid to protect your stuff from the elements. So while it works fine for flatwater, rough seas may leave your gear soaked. But if you want basic storage without breaking the bank, it doesn’t get much simpler than this grab-and-go crate! Sometimes keeping it simple does the trick.

Best Soft Crate: Perception Splash Kayak

Dimensions	Weight	Capacity
12.5” x 17” x 13”	5.3 lbs	36 L

Innovation meets practicality with the Perception Splash Kayak Crate – the only soft-sided storage option on our list. This crate is made of durable, waterproof ripstop nylon so your gear stays high and dry.

Strong webbing loops and D-rings let you lash it down firmly. The large main compartment has plenty of space for all your fishing gadgets or picnic supplies. A removable lid adds versatile storage options. Ergonomic handles and a packable design make transport easy and breezy.

Some downsides: rod holders and organizers are sold separately. And it’s a bit bigger than some crates, so you’ll need a kayak with a sizable tank well.

But if you want an adaptable soft-sided crate to bring along on paddling adventures, the Splash has you covered. Its smart design keeps your gear safe from the elements while giving you storage flexibility.

Which Kayak Fishing Crate IS THE BEST? (It’s Not What You …

Kayak Fishing Crates Buying Guide

Choosing the perfect Kayak Fishing crates may seem straightforward, but there are several key things to think about. Here’s what you should consider:

Types of Kayak Fishing Crates

The Classic Milk Crate

Just like the ones you see in grocery stores, these crates are basic plastic boxes often made from repurposed milk cartons. They keep costs low but don’t have lids to shield gear. Best for fair weather paddling on a budget.

Rugged Hard-Sided Crates

Built tough from molded plastic, these rugged crates resemble hard coolers. Perfect for protecting your gear from splashes with their water-resistant designs. But they can get heavy and pricey.

Adaptable Soft-Sided Crates

Made of durable ripstop nylon, these crates are like soft coolers for your kayak. They save weight and money but don’t offer as much protection as hard-sided versions. Great for gear you want to keep dry on lighter kayaks.

Size & Weight

Make sure it fits! Before dropping cash on a crate, measure your Kayak Fishing Crates tankwell or deck space. Manufacturers’ specs can be off, so tape measures don’t lie.

Crate weight matters too. Hard-sided crates can be twice as heavy as soft ones. If you’re already packing lots of gear, those extra pounds add up. An overloaded kayak is no fun to paddle.

So do the prep work. Note your tankwell dimensions, consider how much stuff you haul, and factor in crate weight. A storage box does no good if it doesn’t fit your kayak or bogs you down in the water.

Taking the time to size up your ride for the perfect crate means smoother sailing once you shove off. You got this, captain! Just use your measuring tape and have a size in mind before you ship out with new storage.

Storage Capacity

Gear piles up fast on the water, so make sure your crate has room! Check the listed capacity in liters – like with coolers or dry bags. If no liter amount is given, break out your tape measure. Use the inside dimensions to calculate the crate’s volume. That shows the real storage space.

Got your numbers? Now think about your trips. For day paddling, aim for 15-30 liters of room. More gear means more space is needed. Watch out for overstuffed crates! An overloaded kayak handles like a hog. Save big hauls for longer trips and keep it light for quick jaunts.

In the end, match the crate size to your gear and outings. Measuring capacity ensures your stuff fits and your boat still floats. Sail on with storage space to spare!

Lid vs. No Lid

Lids – yay or nay? This Kayak Fishing Crates dilemma is a toughie. Lids lock in your gear if you tip in choppy water. No more watching your supplies sink while you flail about!

But they can also be a pain to open when you’re paddling one-handed with a rod. Suddenly that waterproof phone is just out of reach thanks to the lid. Annoying! So should you go lid or no lid? Well, it depends…

If you battle big waves, securing your stuff in a sealed box brings peace of mind. But on mellow meadow streams, an open crate lets you grab gear freely.

Consider your paddle spots and if capsizing is likely. Also, think about how you access your equipment when fishing. Then decide – to lid or not to lid! It’s a personal choice, but know the pros and cons before you drop cash on a covered crate.

Water Resistance

Let’s be real – Kayak Fishing Crates means getting wet, but your gear doesn’t have to take an unexpected swim! That’s where water-resistant crates shine.

Open milk crates offer zero protection from splashes. But sealed, lidded models like the Perception Splash and Wilderness Systems crate are made of waterproof materials to fend off moisture.

That said, no crate is 100% waterproof. If something absolutely cannot get doused, use a dry bag or hard-shell case. Crates only resist light splashing – they won’t keep gear bone dry after capsizing.

So consider your gear’s water tolerance. Do you need to keep things merely splash-proof? Or is total, submersible protection a must? That decides if a crate’s water resistance works or if you need a waterproof fortress.

A splash-resistant crate adds peace of mind for most paddling. But anything super delicate still needs a dry bag, even inside a lidded crate.

Attachment System & Ease of Use

Bad weather and rogue waves wait for no paddler! That’s why lashing your crate down is a must for keeping gear aboard if you take an unexpected dip.

With multiple solid tie-downs, you can batten the hatches quickly before shoving off. No need to learn knot-tying while water’s filling your kayak! Simple, sturdy attachment points make securing a crate foolproof.

There are tons of systems out there, so we can’t cover them all. But look for Kayak Fishing Crates with several robust lash points or rings to thread ropes through before you cast off. Take two minutes to strap your storage in place and paddle easily knowing your gear stays put. Even if the lake gets rowdy and tries to hijack your hooks and hand warmers, they’ll still be safe in a secured crate when you bail out the bilge!

Fishing-Specific Features

Fishing fanatics, listen up! Finding a crate with built-in rod holders saves serious headaches on the water. For inflatable kayaks lacking fishing features, crate rod holders are a lifesaver. Now you can reel in monsters even sans kayak mounts.

Even on hard-shell kayaks, extra rod storage rocks. More holders equal more lines in the drink at once. And staying organized while battling river beasts? Priceless.

The more rods you can wrangle, the more chances for a trophy catch. With multiple built-in holders, you’ll be hooked up and hassle-free out there reeling in the big ones.

So inspect those Kayak Fishing Crates carefully, anglers. The right model brings purpose-built storage for your poles, making Kayak Fishing Crates more fruitful and far less futile.

Conclusion 

So there ya have it – the inside scoop on picking the perfect kayak fishing crates for adventures.

With so many options out there, it can get overwhelmingly fast. But keeping your needs and kayak setup in mind helps narrow things down.

Consider how much gear you haul, the water conditions you face, and if built-in rod holders would be handy. And don’t forget to measure your tankwell space first! Finding the right storage fit takes some planning upfront. But once you’ve got a crate that works for your paddling style, you’re guaranteed smooth sailing ahead.

Just load up your rods, lures, snacks, and anything else you need for a day on the water. Then get out there and start reeling in the big ones.