Done some searching on here for Stripping buckets and on the googles. Went out today to ace hardware and bought a lawn /leaf collapsible bucket for $13 after seeing that idea. I didn’t like it. So I went back to searching and can really only find Carbon Marine and Strip and Feed that make buckets. I’m thinking about making my own bucket, but to my wife’s point, if I mess the first build up I could’ve just bought one after making the second. My question is are there other companies that make buckets? Just not keen on spending +$200.
I’ve owned the Pro-Trim tube previously. It was OK, but they are no longer made. On my flats boat I had room to stow it in my forward compartment. That luxury is no longer available on the Mosquito.
I ordered a nearly indestructible Rubbermaid office trash can off Amazon. Can’t remember the price but it was very reasonable. I had a Texas Fly Caster rubber prong mat that I cut and glued into the trash can using Liquid Nails Super Bond (I’ll have to check the exact formula). It has held up well. It fits in my rear hatch and I place it on top of my cooler on the stern deck so I can strip down from the poling platform.
Photo posted below in another reply.
I have an old Protrim that a rarely use. If I was going to use one it would be the leaf basket with a piece of 3/4 plywood in the bottom with line spikes.
@Hobie_Juan_Kenobi yep,that video is what gave me the idea to build my own. 3 items on Amazon is like $110 - $79 for the can, $20 for a base, and $9 for the edging. That’s when the wifey chimed in.
The issue I had with the leaf basket is how flimsy it is. Set my rod in it from the poling platform and the basket just kinda flopped/smushed on the side the rod leaned to. May just build one off Amazon. It’ll given me a project.
I built my own for under $60 but I recently went and priced everything again and that’s no longer the case.
I got the bucket (trash can liner) from zoro.com, then got the rubber bucket base and caulk gun nozzles from Amazon. I had some scrap 1/2” marine grade plywood. I cut two circles out and sandwiched the nozzles in between em. Then mixed up some concrete to put in the bottom for weight. I installed some screws about 1/2 way into the wood base so that they would be imbedded in the concrete.
I initially used a 10lb plate weight, but went back later and added the concrete. It works much better.
Been using it for probably 2 years now. Works great in the wind.
Nice bucket… but is that an XB12!?
Thanks for pic and info Mike. Think I’ll just build one also now.
Here’s my version. I already had the mat, so that was the biggest cost in making mine. The spikes at the top hold the fly rod in position so it doesn’t slide out of reach when I’m on the platform. The weight of the mat also helps keep the can in place.
Oh I like spike/rod holder idea. Do you find your line getting hung on them though?
I know the $$ for a CM Adjustable seems like a lot, but I use mine so many ways and not sure I could go without. Holds my gear bag when running, works on the bow great, and worth every penny when solo. I’ll lash it on top of backrest and it can hold line/rod. I’ll move around locations and leave the rod rigged standing upright and so many more uses. It never feels like it’s in the way because it gets used accordingly.
No, hasn’t been a problem.
A lot of thought and R&D went into the design of the S&F bucket that they are now making out of Islamorada.
A bit of a lame argument, but how much was the skiff you’re putting the bucket on and how much is the fly rod, reel, and line you’re holding while fishing?
Get the right tool for the job and buy once/cry once. You don’t have to be like Mike and build everything you fish with. Even if it is kind of cool. You can also usually find a used one for $100 or so right after Tarpon Season..
Ha! That’s my wife’s point.
A collapsable leaf basket works better than anything IMO. To keep it from moving around, I use a 10lb plastic cap weight in the bottom. I can put a rod and line in it, put in the cockpit and run to another spot and it won’t fly out. I collapse it and wrap a bungee cord around it to store in the bow hold.
You can’t do that with rigid baskets, which I am not a fan of. Wind whips line around a lot and find the line makes it into the basket 50% of the time. I find some anglers are to focused on trying to make sure their line is in the bucket - the leaf bag has a wider opening and catches line more easily.
Coconut - how tall is your leaf basket?
26” high, 23” in diameter and $20
The strip and feed buckets are well worth it especially if you find one second hand for $100. The main thing I like about it more than a leaf bucket or something else is I can rest the rod across the top while fishing solo which I do often.
To me the bucket is just for the first shot 95% of the time. Don’t worry about getting it back in there while feeding the fish. Once tight I can normally manage clearing the line with no issues but being tangled up on stuff and landing 10-20’ short and blowing your best opportunity is unacceptable if you e got time between shots.
I don’t like the collapsable baskets because even with weight in the bottom it will lean over in wind if you set the rod in it - I use my fishing solo a lot a need it to hold the rod.
I’ve also tried to find other options including the DIY video posted above but have recently decided to bite the bullet on the carbon marine. My buddy I fish with has one and it’s great.