Review by: Philip Ruckart (Yak4Fish)

If you happen to be in the market for a new tackle storage system for your fishing kayak or you have been looking for one that will accommodate more than what is currently available, you’re in luck. New from PrecisionPak is an entirely unique system called the YakPak. It’s available in three versions YakPak 1, 2 & 3 and two sizes, Standard - 13.5” L x 11.5” W x 14” H and Long – 16.5” L x 11.5” W x 14” H. Color choices are, Blue, Green and Orange.

Instead of using a milk crate that you normally have to purchase separately with other systems the YakPak uses built in semi-rigid polyoefinic/foam padded panels in the bottom and walls for structural stability all the while keeping the weight surprisingly low. The bag is constructed of durable 600D rip-stop nylon, which sheds water and dries quickly. Included with each bag are two large flip latch tackle storage bins with two inner divider panel that separates the tackle bins and one small pouch tackle bin. There is a detachable multi-tool sheath that can accommodate your lip gripper, attached carry handles, a detachable shoulder strap, two rod tubes that are held in place by sleeves attached to one side of the bag and a small soft-sided cooler called the “Black Ice” cooler that fits inside the bag and is capable of holding two easy access drinks, a sandwich and of course, ice.

Upon initial inspection the YakPak appears to be a very thought out, well made, tackle bag and did not disappoint during it’s use over a number of fresh and saltwater outings. The outside of the bag is well appointed and features a map sleeve on the main lid. There are two small pouches on opposing sides, a full-length sleeve on one side, three rod sleeves on the opposite side and two plier or knife pouches which all open and close with Velcro. There are four “D” rings, one at each top corner that can be used for the shoulder strap or as tie-down points to secure the bag to your kayak. Finally, on the bottom are five rubber feet to protect the fabric from surface abrasion as well as elevate the bag from minimal water in your tankwell. The interior is not to be outdone and contains a full-length mesh sleeve on the underside of the main lid. The two tackle bin dividers are held in place by Velcro, which keeps the bins upright and easy to remove and put back with one hand. One particularly nice feature are stainless steel grommets in each pouch and main compartment which allow water to drain out should you find yourself launching off the beach in rough surf or have friends that decide to splash you and your bag if the fishing becomes slow.

On a typical coastal trip the amount of gear I normally carry quickly adds up and needs to be put somewhere. With tackle, lipper tool, pliers, bait knife, cutting board, anchor and line, fish finder, battery, GPS, VHF radio, cell phone, first-aid kit, sun screen, insect repellant, rain jacket, camera, lunch and drinks it feels like I’m going on an expedition more than a day trip, but in reality, it’s all part of being responsible, prepared paddlers. The YakPak 1 (long) has 2562 cubic inches of storage space so even the most gear happy kayak fisherman will likely have trouble running out of room. One of the greatest aspects of this bag is that it makes the loading/unloading from vehicle to water process quicker as well as keeping all of your gear together, ready at a moments notice, for your next trip.

If given the opportunity, would I want to change anything about the YakPak? Of course, by nature I’m one who always wants to alter products to suit my own preferences and the following suggestions may be just that, personal preferences. First, I would like to see the main lid extend over the two sides to offer greater rain protection of your contents. Second, I would favor a main lid closure system that would be easier and quieter to open one-handed, such as magnets sewn into the fabric. The YakPak 2 and 3 feature dual-opening lids so they may be a bit easier to open one handed. Thirdly, I’d like to have the interior Velcro strip, that holds the tackle bin divider panels, extend the full length of the bag, thus allowing you to position the panels anywhere along it’s length. Lastly, I’d like to see the rod-tube sleeves spaced as far apart as possible to give more room between your rods since their current spacing can be a little tight with three larger spinning rods or a combination of spinning and casting rods. My preferences aside, this is one tackle management system that I highly recommend you consider.

Technical Specifications: YakPak 1 (long)

Construction material – 600D water resistant rip-stop nylon
Exterior dimension – 16.5”x11.5”x14”
Interior capacity – 2562 cubic inches
Available colors – Blue, Green and Orange

Included items:

• Detachable shoulder strap
• Two rod tubes
• One small side pouch tackle bin
• Two large main compartment tackle bins
• “Black Ice” cooler bag
• Multi-purpose detachable catch/release tool sheath