Organise your fishing gear on board with ease
Keeping rods, lures, safety gear and personal items tidy on a small boat can feel impossible, especially when space is limited and conditions are choppy. With some smart planning, the right storage systems and a few simple routines, you can turn a cluttered deck into an efficient, stress‑free setup for your next day on the water.
Keeping everything in its place on a boat matters not just for comfort but for safety. Loose hooks, tangled rods and tackle boxes sliding around the deck can quickly turn a relaxed trip into a frustrating or even hazardous experience. By thinking carefully about layout, storage and daily habits, you can maintain order on board and make every trip smoother.
Lund Fishing Boats and storage-friendly layouts
Many anglers look to Lund Fishing Boats as an example of how thoughtful layouts can help keep gear under control. Their designs often balance open deck space with built-in compartments, rod lockers and under-seat storage. Even if you own a different make, studying how these layouts separate wet and dry zones, heavy and light items, and often-used and rarely-used gear can guide improvements on your own boat.
A good starting point is to map where key activities happen: casting, baiting hooks, releasing fish, and navigating. On many boats, the bow and stern become work zones, while the centre is used for moving about. Lund Fishing Boats and similar brands tend to place storage so gear needed for each zone is close at hand, reducing clutter and unnecessary walking with sharp or heavy items.
How Lund Boats support organised gear
Modern Lund Boats often include dedicated rod tubes, tackle drawers and side pockets designed specifically for common gear sizes. These features show how much easier life becomes when every tool has a defined home, and when storage is shaped around the way anglers actually move on deck. Aim to recreate this logic on your own vessel.
Group your rods, lures, terminal tackle and safety gear into clear categories, then assign each category to a particular locker or box. Keep frequently used items, such as pliers, leader and a few go-to lures, in a small, easily accessible caddy near the main fishing position. Less frequently used gear can sit deeper in storage, similar to how Lund Boats keep daily essentials close and bulk supplies tucked away.
Planning efficient fishing boat storage
Efficient fishing boat storage begins with carrying only what you genuinely need for the trip. Overloading a small craft with rarely used gadgets makes organisation almost impossible. Before leaving the ramp, think about the species you will target, the conditions and the duration of the outing. Pack a limited selection of lures or baits that match those plans, plus a small reserve for changes in weather or bite patterns.
Use a mix of storage types: fixed hatches for heavy or safety-critical gear, portable tackle trays for lures and terminal tackle, and soft bags for clothing or electronics. In Australia’s variable conditions, it helps to keep anything that must stay dry in sealed containers or dry bags. Label containers clearly so you can find items quickly without dumping everything on the deck.
Practical ideas for organised fishing gear
Creating organised fishing gear systems is less about buying more boxes and more about developing simple habits. Colour-code or label tackle trays by lure type or depth range, so you can swap boxes in and out depending on the day’s plan. Use hook covers or lure wraps to prevent treble hooks tangling in rod bags or net mesh.
Vertical or horizontal rod racks, even basic DIY versions, are invaluable for keeping rods off the deck and out of harm’s way. Store knives, gaffs and other sharp tools in sheaths or dedicated holders mounted away from seating areas. At the end of each trip, spend a few minutes rinsing salt from reels, drying lures and returning everything to its assigned place; this quick reset makes the next launch far easier.
Key fishing boat features to consider
When assessing fishing boat features, it helps to look at how established manufacturers integrate storage and organisation into their designs. Many brands build in flush-mounted hatches, lockable rod lockers and side pockets that keep clutter off the deck while maintaining easy access.
Several well-known providers offer models that highlight different ways to manage gear and space, as shown below.
| Provider Name | Services Offered | Key Features/Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Lund Boats | Aluminium and fibreglass boats for freshwater and inshore use | Lockable rod lockers, tackle drawers, under-seat storage, elevated casting decks |
| Quintrex | Aluminium boats for Australian rivers, bays and offshore waters | Deep side pockets, wide decks, optional tackle storage modules, family-friendly layouts |
| Stacer | Aluminium runabouts and open boats | Multiple storage hatches, side pockets, versatile seating that doubles as storage |
| Bar Crusher | Plate aluminium fishing boats | Spacious casting platforms, large kill tanks, transom storage, heavy-duty deck hardware |
Drawing ideas from these designs, pay particular attention to non-slip decks, drainage, and how hatches open when the boat is rocking. Compartments should be easy to close securely so small items do not spill out in chop or swell. Lockable storage can be useful if you leave the boat on a mooring or in a shared storage facility.
Thoughtful seating arrangements also count as important fishing boat features. Benches that open to reveal dry storage, or seats that can be repositioned to create extra casting space, help a smaller hull feel larger and more purposeful. Wherever possible, choose or retrofit fittings that serve more than one function, such as a bait station that integrates knife storage and a small tackle tray.
Keeping gear tidy on board ultimately comes down to planning, choosing storage-friendly layouts and sticking to consistent routines after each trip. Whether your boat resembles the layouts of Lund Fishing Boats or is a simple open tinny, a clear place for every item and a commitment to putting things back will keep the deck safer, quieter and more enjoyable for everyone on the water.
