Snap-N-Trac tackle storage system
The restricted space available on a kayak means that kayak anglers need to either limit the amount of gear they carry, or devise ways of keeping gear out of the way without limiting accessability.
Snap-N-Trac is a system of modular tool and tackle holders which snap into interlocking base tracks that can be fitted to any flat, vertical surface. Of course, most kayaks don't have suitable mounting surfaces but this is not an issue for those that carry either a crate or icebox in their tankwell.
After looking at the available components, I ruled out both the knife holder and the cup holder. On a kayak, I prefer not to have an unsheathed knife somewhere behind me. The cup holder might be okay if you tend to hold a drink while waiting for something to happen, but my fishing style tends to be more active and I use hydration pack. Any drink left in the cup holder is also going to warm up pretty quickly in the Queensland sun.
The components ready for installation.
Although the sides of my crate are straight, they are not flat. I cut a strip of exterior grade ply, and after giving it several coats of sealant, screwed it to the crate.
The photo below shows how the tongue on each base unit keep adjacent units perfectly aligned. Stainless steel screws were provided as part of the kit.
Once I had prepared the plywood, the whole installation was done in less than 30 minutes.
In use, the Snap-N-Trac has lived up to all its claims. It is clean, tidy, and unobtrusive. My pliers are always at hand (I've added a loop of shock cord to the crate to keep them in place in rough conditions), and I've found the lure hangers invaluable whenever I am re-rigging or changing lures. No longer are treble-laden lures sliding under my seat or small jigs sinking out scupper holes.
The Snap-N-Trac used for evaluation was provided by Snap-N-Trac Marine Inc. An Australian distributor Sun2Sea has recently been appointed and should be able to advise about local availability.