gear – Page 2 – The Plastic Hull

2015, Gear, Gear Review, Hydration Bottle, Kayak Fishing, Safety Equipment

Gear Review: Thermos Water Bottle

August 13, 2015 by Matt Trucks No Comments

Gear Review: Thermos Water Bottle

An essential piece of kayaking and kayak fishing gear is a water bottle. Its imperative that you stay hydrated through out the day of being in the sun fishing and paddling. I prefer ice cold water on those hot days. Most water bottles will not keep water cold or even cool for long sitting in the sun. The only option is to carry a cooler in this option until i invested in a thermos.

The Thermos Vacuum Insulated 24-Ounce Stainless Steel Hydration Bottle is special because it keeps water cold all day! On a hot day of fishing I typically will consume (2 bottles) or 48 oz of water. The Hydration Bottle is important to avoid Heat Stroke. This Thermos works with both Hot & Cold but for hot it recommends you do not drink from the bottle.

Description:

Rigid stainless steel construction
Thermos vacuum insulation technology for maximum temperature retention
Keeps beverages cold for up to 18 hours
Sweat proof design eliminates water rings
Hygienic push button sip through lid with locking mechanism
Locking Lid but allows 1 handed operation
Wide opening for easy drinking
Screw off top for ease of filling and cleaning
Dimensions 10.25 inches x 10.25 inches x 3 inches

Cost: $25.00 + Free Shipping on Orders over $35.00 on Amazon.com

2015, Do it Yourself (DIY), How To, Kayak Fishing, Rod Leash

Bungee Rod Leash

May 13, 2015 by Matt Trucks No Comments

DIY: Make your own Rod Leashes

It is really simple to make your own Bungee Rod Leash. Over time using many different types of rod leashes from DIY coiled wire from old cell phone chargers to rope the bungee chord style leashes I have always liked the best.

Things you will need:

1/8″ Bungee Chord

3/8″ DIA. x 3″ L Heat Shrink Tubing with Adhesive cut in half

Stainless Steel Carabiner + Eye

Small Sea Clamp^®

(2) C-Ring Crimps

How To:

Cut the 1/8″ bungee to any length you would like. I prefer 30″. Then cut the heat shrink tubing in half. Slide both pieces of the heat shrink tubing on the bungee. This way you don’t forget to slide the second piece on later. Using pliers position the C-Ring Crimp open end out. make 1.5″ loop at the end of the bungee. and place the tag end and the main line into the crimp. Crimp down making the loop permanent. Make sure by pulling on the bungee it does not slide through the crimp. Next slide over one piece of the heat shrink tubing and using a heat gun or lighter shrink the tubing in place. Open the Sea Clamp and close it through the loop. This is your fishing rod connection.

On the other end slide the tag end through the Carabiner eye. Using the same technique as on the other end crimp a loop. Slide the remaining heat shrink tubing and shrink over.

Your DIY bungee rod leash is now complete.

2015, Extended Use Review, Gear Review, Kayak Fishing, Paddle, Paddles, Year

First impressions of the Bending Branches Navigator Paddle

February 24, 2015 by Matt Trucks No Comments

Love that new paddle smell!! Here is a description and first impressions of the Bending Branches Navigator Paddle.

First thing all Bending Branches paddles are hand crafted in the USA! The Navigator Plus is a lightweight wood blade paddle mated with Bending Branches patented T700 carbon shaft. In all the two piece snap lock ferrule paddle weights 28 0z total. The blades are crafted from Red Alder a hardwood and Roasted Basswood a softer type of wood which gives this paddle a vintage look and rigidity but adds a flex that gels to your paddling style.

Making its debut in 2010 as an advanced low angle touring paddle it is now catching the eye of those in the kayak fishing scene. The low angle style of paddling allows for less fatigue during the fishing trip. After all less paddling fatigue equals more time on the water catching fish!

The blade being crafted from Alder a hardwood is additionally protected by Bending Branches patented Rock Guard then covered in a layer of protective fiberglass. So the paddle if cared for should last a lifetime.

Overall the blade construction is impressive being made from wood this eliminates the spline on the back side of the blade. This should prove to be a quieter paddle which is essential while fishing for spook easy fish. In addition the paddle is also available with the Plus Ferrule. This provides you with an additional telescoping length of up to 15 CM. A great advancement for kayaks with high/low seating systems.Very much looking forward to using this paddle over the 2015 fishing season! Check back for a complete extended use review in the fall!

For more information please visit the Bending Branches website!