DIY cargo storage hacks for pontoons?

D

downriver79

Steelhead
I recently picked up an older model used Fish Cat FC9. It's bare bones so none of the side saddle bags or striping apron were included. Just the one rod holder that comes with it. I'd like to add the ability to carry a couple of rods broken down to 2 pieces and a storage box/basket of some sort on the back, as well as something to keep some fly boxes and gear in where the side bags would be. Trying to do for cheaper than ordering direct from OSG or Scadden. I'm thinking I can easily make the rod carriers with 1 1/2" PVC or ABS and put one of those mesh sleeves over the rods when stowing them. Anyone got any cheap hacks for tackle storage? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
 
I remember seeing one at a launch where a guy had found a rubber maid lid that fit the area behind the seat (between the seat and the anchor) and he just drilled some holes thru the lid and zip tied the lid to the frame. That gave him something to set his bags on. I'd imagine any sort of basket/wire carrying vessel could get attached in that same location fairly easily if you wanted something a bit more secure.
 
For rod holders, I've used these Bass Pro rod holders without the aluminium spike. It's light gauge PVC so I've used a box cutter to extend the slot and add a "notch to lock the reel in place. I've attached something similar to the front of my Fish Cat Scout for my spare rod (I'm left-handed). Picture shows the holder held by Velcro but I'm now just using a 1" nylon web strap. I've been living on borrowed time leaving my 2nd rod fully assembled as shown in the picture!! I've just bought a mesh sleeve that I'm going to start using this Spring with the sprare rod in two pieces. Never too old to learn.

It might be worth checking Facebook Marketplace or Craig's List for stripping aprons this Spring. There was one listed in my area a couple of weeks ago. I'd check the used markets for medium-sized gym bags with a large top opening for side tackle bags. Plastic milk crates/drink crates are pretty handy for storage behind the seat.

Good luck,
Ken
1735947899907.png
2f2 Rod Holder.jpg

20210708 1.jpg
 
@Haggis57,

What a great idea. If you havent done so, look at the Scotty Fly Rod Holders. You basically made one of those. You could easily fab a small bungy or piece of shock cord and a few screws/bolts and keep that rod a little more secure, as per the Scotty design. The rod will not fallout and it is easily deployed/stored. Lowes has some of the flat strap bungies or I bet Scotty may have replacements for their fly rod models.

Soft sided, square shaped camera bags make great boat bags and would also attach nicely to pontoons or float tubes. Can usually pick them up at a thrift store for like 5 bucks or less.

Have a good day.

Bob
 
Draketake said:
You could easily fab a small bungy or piece of shock cord and a few screws/bolts and keep that rod a little more secure, as per the Scotty design.
Click to expand...
Actually all my fishing with the Scout has been stillwater so I haven't been concerned with rod security. I do have a Scotty on the left side for my active rod and I've removed the restraining strap on it as well. I have the holder oriented horizontally though so the reel hangs vertically down. The weight of the reel alone holds both rods in place - so far! I've caught some 20" plus Rainbows and Tiger trolling with the active rod in the Scotty holder and the rod hasn't come close to coming out of the Scotty. I'd would have restraining straps on both holder if I was floating rivers though.

Good idea about camera bags and thrift stores. Camera bags are always well padded.

20220628a.jpg
 
I had sidebags on my personal pontoon but they weren't waterproof.
I bought these and put one in each sidebag.
I silicone sealed one of the front/back closures on each container so that it created a hinge. Air tight/waterproof.
If you don't have sidebags I would velcro the container to your pontoon.
 
Last edited:
For saddlebags: got an old hip or sling pack? Clip it around the tube like it was your waist/chest
A soft sided cooler with an adjustable shoulder strap would also work.
 
All great ideas, thanks everyone! I'll be keeping my eye out for some good thrift store/CL deals for camera bags, soft coolers, and milk crates!
 
@downriver79,

Any pics on what you ended up doing? Ive recently come into possession of an older Fishcat 9 myself. I am in need of storage bags, for the side rails. I probably will pony up and buy the Qutcast, "Deluxe Cargo Pocket" setup but am open to less costly ideas.

Thank you in advance.

Bob
 
Draketake said:
@downriver79,

Any pics on what you ended up doing? Ive recently come into possession of an older Fishcat 9 myself. I am in need of storage bags, for the side rails. I probably will pony up and buy the Qutcast, "Deluxe Cargo Pocket" setup but am open to less costly ideas.

Thank you in advance.

Bob
Click to expand...
One of those storage bags for the rear rack of a bicycle. They've got the velcro straps going across the bottom that you can use to strap to the frame. Also got a pack of plastic snap buckles to use with the excess strap material cut off from the cam straps to strap to the opposite frame bar.
bike storage bag
snap buckles
 
I feel like I commented this on another thread, but I have a friend who deconstructed a shopping cart and put the basket on the back of his pontoon. So that’s an option
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top