Finding a good backpack

[Chemomancer]

I used to be into fishing more as a kid, my dad used to take me fishing all the time, however when he lost interest, I kind of put the hobby down for a long time.

 

Now at 26, I'm starting to get into it again. There's a lake about an hour's bike ride from where I live, man-made, stocked, mostly bass. I've started to assemble a few of the things I need, with the goal being to essentially be able to just pick up, any day I want... ride my bike down to the lake (I don't drive), and just spend the day out there.

 

With this said, I've run into some logistical problems with this idea. Namely... transporting equipment. I'm afraid my old school backpack won't quite suit my purposes. See... my largest concern is none other than the arizona sun. I don't want to get out there, finally bring in that big bass, only to discover that by the time I've made it home, the heat has already caused my catch to go bad. In addition to this - riding a bicycle with tackle, and a fishing rod, may prove problematic.

 

Long story short? I'm looking for a backpack with the following traits:

• at least 2 storage pouches. One insulated - where I might stow a couple ice packs and anything I catch, effectively a cooler, and one smaller secondary pouch in which I can store a small container of tackle.
• Either molle, or a storage system which can be otherwise used to secure a fishing rod to the backpack, so I can ride a bicycle without hassle. If molle - I'm also having trouble finding a molle attachment for fishing rods.
• side netting which I could stow a waterbottle in. Water can be re-filled at the lake (no, not from the lake itself. There are drinking fountains), but I would like to have a bottle on-hand. This wouldn't be necessary if the backpack has a molle system (I can find molle waterbottle holsters easily enough).

 

Anyone have any ideas? I've checked Amazon, Bass pro shop, and a generic google search, and haven't found something that meets that criteria fully.

[J Francho]

Throw your big bass back, and there are a myriad of backpack options that will work.  If you want to eat fish, get some tilapia fillets at the market.

[Chemomancer]

10 hours ago, J Francho said:

Throw your big bass back, and there are a myriad of backpack options that will work.  If you want to eat fish, get some tilapia fillets at the market.

I know times are hard right now man, and idk what you're going through with what's going on out there, but as said upfront, I am just a rookie lookin' for help finding a piece of kit. Any help would be appreciated. Sarcasm? Not really necessary.

[JustJames]

How about small cooler backpack that have small pouch for your gear and plastic? You might not get a whole lot of lures but minimalist might pay off in your case of hour bike riding.
For you rod if you have 2 pieces rod might be easier to carry, use Velcro on both end then try a rope or nylon strap. Or you can tie up 1 1/4” pvc pipe to your bike as rod holder.

[HenryPF]

Don't have an answer for all you need, but if you are traveling light, try this:

 

https://www.patagonia.com/product/fly-fishing-vest-front-sling-pack-8-liters/48156.html?dwvar_48156_color=LBOG&cgid=root

 

I bought mine used on ebay. My house is max 10 min walk from my fishing area if I *really* need something so I travel light and with minimal tackle.

[Born 2 fish]

My son has this one.

 

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ozark-Trail-Fishing-Tackle-Backpack/346677681

[schplurg]

If you're looking for something simple and not a full-on fishing backpack, try Walmart and stores like that.

 

I use a book backpack for my truck kit. Only thing it doesn't have that you mentioned is an insulated separate pouch. Was $11.

 

My main backpack is nothing special either. Has the separate pouch if you wanna take home fish or whatever. Not sure where it came from though.

 

I suggest staying away from webbing/mesh as much as possible because they like to eat fish hooks. Not sure about mounting a rod to it but you could rig something up.

[NYWayfarer]

https://www.amazon.com/RED-GILLS-Fishing-Tackle-Backpack/dp/B07FRKF225
 

How about something like this?

[Fishes in trees]

Son, it ain't being sarcastic to suggest that you release a big fish you catch and grab some other form of sustenance on the way home.   If you're going to get in to serious bass fishing, it's called catch & release and sooner or later you need to learn it.  Should you happen to catch a fish that is " big " for the waters you fish, that fish is worth more living in the ecosystem it came from than it is filling your belly.   That fish could be caught several times. Big fish have a unique niche in whatever ecosystem they live in, and only seldom are they part of a "sustainable harvest" option.

 

I would suggest that no matter what kind of fish toting paraphernalia you acquire, it is unlikely that fish will last an hour bike ride in the Arizona sun, or afternoon or evening for that matter.  The quality of the fish would deteriorate some - I wouldn't eat it.    I'd rethink the toting fish home thing.

[Armtx77]

Are you locked into a backpack? I use a fishing vest and like it better than a backpack.

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B077MDSZVY/ref=sspa_mw_detail_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

I own this one and have about 40 days of bank and river fishing on it. I would buy it again.

 

It doesn't have a "cooler" option. Buy a ice mule and keep that in your ride with a couple ice packs.

[jbrew73]

I don’t have any suggestions for a backpack but by all means keep any legal fish if you plan to eat them.  If you catch a trophy size bass consider putting it back but that’s up to you.   Enjoy your catch!   

 

[Hammer 4]

A bit late, but I use a Surfing backpack, very roomy. Unfortunately the brand I have is not made anymore, but if you google Surfing Backpacks, you will see some good ones, not real pricey either for what you get.

As for keeping a Big female bass, I'm also in the camp that would suggest you release her back. Bass that grow large, and I'll say over 6 lbs, can be few and far between in a small pond/lake. Keeping in mind, 1 out of 1000 baby bass may be lucky enough to reach that size, much less make it to adulthood. 

[MN Fisher]

30 minutes ago, Hammer 4 said:

As for keeping a Big female bass, I'm also in the camp that would suggest you release her back. Bass that grow large, and I'll say over 6 lbs, can be few and far between in a small pond/lake.

For big bass, I'm also in the release it group. I DO keep those in the 2#-3# range as I've found it's the best compromise between amount of eating flesh and taste...once they get bigger the eating-quality goes down rapidly.

30 minutes ago, Hammer 4 said:

Keeping in mind, 1 out of 1000 baby bass may be lucky enough to reach that size, much less make it to adulthood. 

I think the percentage is much lower than that...at least what I remember from my Aquatic Biology classes long ago.

[FishTank]

Through the bass back that you catch.  To me they don't taste the best and besides, it really is cheaper to buy fish at the store than it is to fish for them as a source of food when you add up the equipment, baits, etc.  Just fish for fun, unless it's perch or crappie....

 

As far as a backpack goes, my personal preference is Osprey.  They have several that would fit the bill. 

[haggard]

Consider an insulated lunch bag (filled with crushed ice or a couple refreezable ice blocks) that will fit inside a backpack. You'll have many more choices available, compared to trying to find a backpack with built-in insulation section. 

 

As for the water bottle holster, maybe just get a carabiner that clips to the pack and a water bottle with a compatible lid, and just hang it from the pack. 

[Revival]

I have researched and also purchased more backpacks than I can count and I don’t think that there is any backpack that meets your requirements.

 

Your best bet would be to bring a separate cooler but even that could be a problem on a bike.  This would also give you more backpack options.

[OnthePotomac]

Big discussion on here a while ago on back packs with lots of recommendations.  Try a search.

[kdubracing]

You may want to look for some saddlebags that fit on your bike in addition to a backpack for your tackle. I’m guessing there may be some you could use as a cooler.

[schplurg]

If you're looking for something simple and not a full-on fishing backpack, try Walmart and stores like that.

 

I use a book backpack for my truck kit. Only thing it doesn't have that you mentioned is an insulated separate pouch. Was $11.

 

My main backpack is nothing special either. Has the separate pouch if you wanna take home fish or whatever (not insulated). Not sure where it came from though.

 

I suggest staying away from webbing/mesh as much as possible because they like to eat fish hooks. Not sure about mounting a rod to it but you could rig something up.

 

For taking home fish, I did it this way once for stripers. Get a mylar bag, or make one if you can find a thin sheet of mylar. Just tape a bag together.

 

Even in direct sun it will keep stuff fresh for awhile (there are youtube videos that test this with a temperature gun). Leave the fish alive on a stringer until you're ready to leave. Maybe have an ice filled cooler waiting in your truck. Not a problem if your hike back isn't extremely long. 

 

A couple bottles of frozen water as ice in the bag was enough to get my fish home. Stick that in your backpack, or another bag and that's all you need.

[camman]

On 4/10/2020 at 3:01 AM, Chemomancer said:

my largest concern is none other than the arizona sun. 

You in Phoenix?

[J Francho]

On 4/10/2020 at 8:49 PM, Chemomancer said:

I know times are hard right now man, and idk what you're going through with what's going on out there, but as said upfront, I am just a rookie lookin' for help finding a piece of kit. Any help would be appreciated. Sarcasm? Not really necessary.

Sarcasm?  Lol, I haven't even opened that can up.  There's a reason what you are looking for doesn't exist - no demand.  If you are looking to keep anything cold, RTIC or Yeti are your best options.  If you're looking for a tackle stiarage with rod holders and bait storage, take a look at Plano.  Good luck, rook.

[Crankin4Bass]

There are tons of videos on youtube on how to set up bike for fishing. You can get a rear bike rack and attach a crate to hold gear and a soft cooler. You can add some PVC pipe to hold rods in the crate. Here's one idea.

 

 

[volzfan59]

While at Walmart the other day, I saw Ike's new tackle box backpack. I wasn't in the market, but gave it a once over. I think it held two of the deep 3700 size boxes, several zippered  storage pockets. Seemed well constructed and had smooth zippers. Not sure of your budget, but it was $39.95.