Kayak Organization and simplicity?? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Mr. NiceGuy · 06-12-2015, 09:49 AM

Good questions and suggestions.

I'm always thinking about simplifying and organizing as well. It's good to have exactly what we need -- no more, no less.

---

This is how I manage that:

I store my kayak and a few plastic storage boxes of anything I might need (active possibilities, not dead storage) in the back of my van. I am ready for rapid deployment at a moments notice, any direction for any kind of fishing or other restless and impulsive escape.

In my van, I have tools for repairs, first aid, all kinds of tackle that is current and useful (no junk, nothing redundant), poles, sun screen, hat, towels, extra set of batteries for my fish finder, hand sanitizer, mustache wax, knives, 2 gallons of water for washing, cleaning fish or anything else. I have an extra jacket, rubber boots and dry clothes. Gear for shore fishing. Gear for the half day boats. The largest plastic storage box doubles as my fish transportation container to keep fish goo out of my carpets.

Also in my van is a general purpose ready bag with everything I need if I don't want to go home for three days, including a pillow and blanket.

When I roll my kayak out the back door of the van, I take ONLY what I'm going to use for that fishing session. The kayak is pre-packed with the minimal essentials only. I add to my kayak what I need when it's on it's wheels behind my van. Less clutter, less weight, less things to lose or clean and restock when I get home.

If I need to fix something or respool my line, etc., or anything else unexpected, I can go back to my mothership for restocking or repair. It's so much easier than going home or to a store, especially at night or mornings before the stores open.

I can respond immediately for any unexpected urge to go fishing. I can probably bug out in less than 5 minutes if necessary, then organize the rest of my plan as I'm driving to the destination. If I have 15 minutes to deploy, then I will probably make a fresh thermos of hot coffee for the drive, and for my return to the van after fishing. Styrofoam cups are already in the van.

---

PS - I just decided to add another plastic storage container with a table top propane grill, bottle of wine, lantern, cooking ingredients, plates, cups, paper towels, utensils, and tin foil for emergency picnics. Service for 4 people. Not much space, but it adds a whole new dimension to my hedonism and impulsiveness.

Thanks for prompting me to think about this.

Life is sweet

Fish · 06-12-2015, 12:38 PM

That's exactly what I'm planning on doing ,take what I need and use what I take - Surfisher

Mr.Niceguy I wish I had your van haha sounds like you have it covered for any situation!

Fish · 06-12-2015, 01:06 PM

http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/a...1&d=1434142928

Was tinkering around yesterday instead of drilling any holes the boxes stay still even getting into the hatch, hope it works.

DanaPT · 06-12-2015, 01:07 PM

"organize the rest of my plan as I'm driving to the destination"

those fish have NO chance. Now for the WFO call .

JayB619 · 06-14-2015, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. NiceGuy

Good questions and suggestions.

I'm always thinking about simplifying and organizing as well. It's good to have exactly what we need -- no more, no less.

---

This is how I manage that:

I store my kayak and a few plastic storage boxes of anything I might need (active possibilities, not dead storage) in the back of my van. I am ready for rapid deployment at a moments notice, any direction for any kind of fishing or other restless and impulsive escape.

In my van, I have tools for repairs, first aid, all kinds of tackle that is current and useful (no junk, nothing redundant), poles, sun screen, hat, towels, extra set of batteries for my fish finder, hand sanitizer, mustache wax, knives, 2 gallons of water for washing, cleaning fish, or anything else. I have an extra jacket, rubber boots and dry clothes. Gear for shore fishing. Gear for the half day boats. The largest plastic storage box doubles as my fish transportation container to keep fish goo out of my carpets.

Also in my van is a general purpose ready bag with everything I need if I don't want to go home for three days, including a pillow and blanket.

When I roll my kayak out the back door of the van, I take ONLY what I'm going to use for that fishing session. The kayak is pre-packed with the minimal essentials only. I add to my kayak what I need when it's on it's wheels behind my van. Less clutter, less weight, less things to lose or clean and restock when I get home.

If I need to fix something or respool my line, etc., or anything else unexpected, I can go back to my mothership for restocking or repair. It's so much easier than going home or to a store, especially at night or mornings before the stores open.

I can respond immediately for any unexpected urge to go fishing. I can probably bug out in less than 5 minutes if necessary, then organize the rest of my plan as I'm driving to the destination. If I have 15 minutes to deploy, then I will probably make a fresh thermos of hot coffee for the drive, and for my return to the van after fishing. Styrofoam cups are already in the van.

---

PS - I just decided to add another plastic storage container with a table top propane grill, bottle of wine, lantern, cooking ingredients, plates, cups, paper towels, utensils, and tin foil for emergency picnics. Service for 4 people. Not much space, but it adds a whole new dimension to my hedonism and impulsiveness.

Thanks for prompting me to think about this.

Life is sweet

Damn I really need a van again!

Vikingj · 06-14-2015, 03:47 PM

A great deal of useful info here that would take months/years to pick up on your own. Thanks for the Q and A. The only thing I would add is pre-tying your hali stinger rigs, YT fly line tackle, bass live bait hooks to a suitable fluorocarbon leader (2 1/2 - 3 ft) with swivel clip at end and store each in a labeled ziplock baggy. When you have to replace damaged/lost tackle or switch out to target another you are goodtogo.
PS: What does Mr. NG use mustache wax for? ..some magic lubricant?..waterproof seal? Curious minds would like to know.

06-12-2015, 09:49 AM	#1
Mr. NiceGuy Manic for Life Join Date: May 2015 Location: San Diego Posts: 839	Good questions and suggestions. I'm always thinking about simplifying and organizing as well. It's good to have exactly what we need -- no more, no less. --- This is how I manage that: I store my kayak and a few plastic storage boxes of anything I might need (active possibilities, not dead storage) in the back of my van. I am ready for rapid deployment at a moments notice, any direction for any kind of fishing or other restless and impulsive escape. In my van, I have tools for repairs, first aid, all kinds of tackle that is current and useful (no junk, nothing redundant), poles, sun screen, hat, towels, extra set of batteries for my fish finder, hand sanitizer, mustache wax, knives, 2 gallons of water for washing, cleaning fish or anything else. I have an extra jacket, rubber boots and dry clothes. Gear for shore fishing. Gear for the half day boats. The largest plastic storage box doubles as my fish transportation container to keep fish goo out of my carpets. Also in my van is a general purpose ready bag with everything I need if I don't want to go home for three days, including a pillow and blanket. When I roll my kayak out the back door of the van, I take ONLY what I'm going to use for that fishing session. The kayak is pre-packed with the minimal essentials only. I add to my kayak what I need when it's on it's wheels behind my van. Less clutter, less weight, less things to lose or clean and restock when I get home. If I need to fix something or respool my line, etc., or anything else unexpected, I can go back to my mothership for restocking or repair. It's so much easier than going home or to a store, especially at night or mornings before the stores open. I can respond immediately for any unexpected urge to go fishing. I can probably bug out in less than 5 minutes if necessary, then organize the rest of my plan as I'm driving to the destination. If I have 15 minutes to deploy, then I will probably make a fresh thermos of hot coffee for the drive, and for my return to the van after fishing. Styrofoam cups are already in the van. --- PS - I just decided to add another plastic storage container with a table top propane grill, bottle of wine, lantern, cooking ingredients, plates, cups, paper towels, utensils, and tin foil for emergency picnics. Service for 4 people. Not much space, but it adds a whole new dimension to my hedonism and impulsiveness. Thanks for prompting me to think about this. Life is sweet Last edited by Mr. NiceGuy; 06-12-2015 at 10:15 AM.

06-12-2015, 12:38 PM	#2
Fish Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Riverside CA Posts: 113	That's exactly what I'm planning on doing ,take what I need and use what I take - Surfisher Mr.Niceguy I wish I had your van haha sounds like you have it covered for any situation! __________________

06-12-2015, 01:06 PM	#3
Fish Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Riverside CA Posts: 113	http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/a...1&d=1434142928 Was tinkering around yesterday instead of drilling any holes the boxes stay still even getting into the hatch, hope it works. __________________

06-12-2015, 01:07 PM	#4
DanaPT Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: South OC Posts: 1,606	"organize the rest of my plan as I'm driving to the destination" those fish have NO chance. Now for the WFO call .

06-14-2015, 03:47 PM	#6
Vikingj Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Dana Point area Posts: 438	A great deal of useful info here that would take months/years to pick up on your own. Thanks for the Q and A. The only thing I would add is pre-tying your hali stinger rigs, YT fly line tackle, bass live bait hooks to a suitable fluorocarbon leader (2 1/2 - 3 ft) with swivel clip at end and store each in a labeled ziplock baggy. When you have to replace damaged/lost tackle or switch out to target another you are goodtogo. PS: What does Mr. NG use mustache wax for? ..some magic lubricant?..waterproof seal? Curious minds would like to know.