Native Watercraft’s “Watertrail” accessory line has a variety of choices for kayak anglers’ needs. One of the very first questions there is when it comes to a day on the water: Where will I store a fish if I “get a keeper?” Moreover, while out on the water, everyone is going to want something cold to drink and the idea of refrigeration becomes a topic.
Native has you covered for both. They have choices in fish bags and soft-sided coolers that are perfect for kayak anglers, even if you do not own one of their boats. From oversized fish bags to their smaller “made to fit” coolers, these are items that can be a much better choice than other ways of keeping items cool. With conveniently designed handles for easy carrying and adequate insulation, these are ice-preserving cooler bags that are pliable for fitting into a variety of storage locations.
Back to the topic of storing a harvested fish: Some of you will say, “I just use a stringer for that.” Are you sure you want to tow a fish along with you? There are some very compelling reasons to put your catch on ice that relate to the quality of your fish to eat and safety. See the article reference below.
There are numerous options for the fish bags and also the coolers in the Native/Watertrail accessory line. There are “crossover” uses for these, a fish bag being just fine to ice down a lot of beverages and, conversely, the coolers can also be used for both food, beverages and fish storage. Obviously for the larger fish, the fish bag will be more useful. The cooler options that have dual compartments can actually be a “two for one” where food and drinks can be kept “un-fishy” while your dinner fish have a compartment of their own.
The Ultimate “Stern Bag”
They are all built to the same high standards of other Native accessories and with heavy use of over two years; my fish bags still look the same. What I thought may be a “weak point”; the zippers on these bags are as smooth as they were when they were new. Comparison to other “fish bags” I have utilized in the past, the bottom line comes down to the durability. My other fish bags deteriorated in a relatively short period of time. They also suffered from a very obvious “stench factor”. The Native fish bags and cooler I use to store fish clean out nicely with a blast of the hose and left open to air dry.
Custom fitted for Native Watercraft
You have some options. There are cooler bags and fish bags that are perfectly designed to fit in the bow and stern sections of various Native watercraft. There are stern and bow bag options for the Ultimate and some versatility when it comes to outfitting a Manta Ray or Redfish. With the Ultimate, the cooler bags easily fit inside the craft. With the Manta Ray or Redfish, these bags will fit in the tankwell area aft or can easily be strapped down to the bow of the boat. Don’t forget the Fishing Buddy, which has a six rod holder feature but the middle is an insulated cooler and also the “Behind Seat Cooler”, great for storing a lot of drinks, food or your catch.
Not just for kayaks
Acquaintances of mine who saw my Coolers/Bags have bought them for use on their powerboats, camping, family picnics and for whatever outdoor use they wish to keep things cold. Evidence of the versatility and appeal of these great soft-sided bags came from a client who showed up with two Watertrail products: One fish bag and one of the double-sided coolers. When I asked him about it, he said, “I’m also buying these as gifts”.
If you are a part-time outdoor adventurer or get out all the time, the Native “Watertrail” bags are a great investment. To review the options visit the Native web site: Watertrail Fish Bag Accessories
Why utilize a fish bag? Take a look at “The Case Against Stringers”.
August 11, 2011 By Neil Taylor
- The Neil Blog… - July 26, 2023
- The Catfish - July 26, 2023
- update - July 22, 2023
