Fishing from inflatable watercraft is radically different from coastal fishing, requiring a special approach to the organization of space and the preservation of prey. PVC boat cage It becomes not just an accessory, but a vital element that determines the quality of the catch and, in some cases, the safety of the vessel itself, and a design that is not chosen or fixed correctly can cause the cylinder to puncture with the fish's sharp dorsal fin or lose its entire catch due to a sudden break in the attachments.
Unlike metal or wooden boats, inflatable boats are made of soft, mechanically sensitive material. So the question of which cage is best for fishing from a pvc boat requires a detailed consideration not only of the shape and volume, but also of how to integrate into the vessel's design. Experienced anglers know that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, but there are proven standards that minimize the risks.
The main task of any cage is to ensure a constant flow of fresh water to the fish, keeping it alive and resilient, and the design should not create unnecessary resistance to water, interfere with movement along the cockpit or, worst of all, damage the cockpit. PVC fabric or Hypalon In this article, we will look at all the nuances of choice, from the type of net to the methods of fixing, so that your catch always remains fresh.
Typology of cages: design and purpose
The first thing that fishermen encounter when choosing is a variety of designs, and all cages can be divided into several basic types, each with its own advantages and disadvantages in the context of use on an inflatable boat, and understanding these differences will help to weed out the inappropriate options at the buying stage.
The most common option is netting They're a cylinder or parallelepiped made of grids, the top edge of which is reinforced with foam or plastic floats, and they keep the neck above the water, allowing you to easily access the fish without having to lift the whole cage, but they have a significant disadvantage: the soft top can be pulled under the weight of large fish, making it difficult to access.
The second type is frame-cageThey have a rigid frame, often made of stainless steel or durable plastic, which holds the shape of a mesh. These models are ideal for storing large fish, because the mesh does not crumple or get confused. But on a PVC boat, they take up a lot of space in the transporting position and can be dangerous for the sides when rolling, if they do not have soft linings.
- 🐟 Floating top mesh: Lightweight, compact in folded form, but less durable when working with a predator.
- ⚓ Frame models: Reliable, shape-shifting, but require more space and care when installing.
- 🛶 Folding structures: Compromise option with flexible ribs, easy to transport.
It is worth mentioning separately. basket-cageThey don't require water to keep fish for a short time and are often used when fishing from a boat if you plan to return quickly to base, but for long fishing, when the catch should stay alive for hours, they are least suitable because of the lack of constant water circulation.
Materials of manufacture: grid, plastic or metal
The durability of a cage and the safety of your boat depend on the material it is made of. Aggressive aqueous environment, ultraviolet light and mechanical loads require the use of quality components. Cheap analogues quickly become obsolete, turning into sieve or rust after the first season.
Most cages are based on a mesh, which can be made of synthetic threads (capron, nylon) or metal wire. Capron grid It's soft, it doesn't scratch fish scales, and, important for PVC boats, it doesn't hurt the side by accidental contact, but it quickly stains, absorbs odors, and can be bitten by pike. The metal mesh is stronger, but heavier and more dangerous for an inflatable balloon.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly not recommended to use cages with open metal elements (hooks, sharp wires of the mesh) without additional protection. When pitching or sloppy movement, a sharp edge can easily pierce the PVC boat cylinder, which will lead to an emergency on the water.
Plastic elements, such as neck rings or floats, must be made of frost-resistant and UV-stable plastic. Cheap plastic in the sun becomes brittle and breaks when it first strikes the boat. Metal frames must be marked AISI 304 or AISI 316This indicates high corrosion resistance, and conventional steel will rust after a few trips, oxidizing water and spoiling the presentation of the fish.
Secrets of longevity of the grid
To keep the netting lasting longer, after each fishing, it must be thoroughly washed with fresh water and dried in the shade, the remaining mucus and scales destroy the structure of the thread, making it brittle.
You should also consider the grid mounting nodes to the frame, which should be made of stainless wire or durable plastic, if the nodes are metal, they should be carefully bent and have no free ends that could cling to clothes or damage the boat.
Methods of attaching the cage to the PVC boat
The right fixation of the cage is not just a matter of convenience, it's also a matter of safety. On a fast run or in a strong wind, an unsecured cage can be carried away by the current or, conversely, it can start to beat against the board, rubbing the material. There are several basic ways of attachment, each of which has its own specifications.
The most popular method is to attach to rindoba It's a carbine or a reliable knot, and it's important that the cage doesn't hang dead, but has some freedom of movement, but it doesn't go beyond the size of the boat. Often anglers use extra phalanxes to lower the cage into the water to the right depth.
☑️ Checking the anchorage
Another option is the use of special bracket-holderThese are the ones that are placed in the nests for oars or in special glasses, which allow you to rigidly fix the cage on the outside of the board, which frees up space in the cockpit, but requires the appropriate equipment on the boat, the bracket must be adjustable in height, so that you can lift the cage to inspect the catch.
The third way is to place a cage inside the boat, and this is only possible with floating top models, and only if the boat has a special compartment or the ability to securely lock a container of water, and the cages inside the boat should not touch the sharp corners of the seats or the bottom.
| Method of attachment | Pluses | Cons | Risk for PVC |
|---|---|---|---|
| On the rindoba (Trans/nose) | Universal, cheap. | Maybe hanging around. | Medium (trail friction) |
| The bracket in the paddle's nest | Hard fixation, comfortable. | We need a special holder. | Low (if smooth) |
| Inside the cockpit | Catch control, safe for the board | Takes up space, needs water. | Minimum |
Dimensions and volume: how not to overload the boat
When choosing a cage size, you need to be guided not only by the ambition of the fisherman, but also by the carrying capacity of the boat. An inflatable boat has a limited payload, and every kilogram of excess weight affects handling and safety. A large cage of water and fish can weigh tens of kilograms.
The optimal volume of the cage for fishing from a PVC boat is 30 to 60 liters. This is enough to store a solid catch, but the design remains manageable. Cages of more than 80-100 liters are already considered professional or stationary, their use on an inflatable boat is not advisable due to sailing and weight.
It's also important to consider the geometric dimensions, because a cage that's too long can drag you down in shallow water or hit the engine screw, and it's going to interfere with the oars or create additional resistance to water, which is especially critical when using low-power electric motors.
When choosing the size of the cage, add a minimum of 15-20 cm of stock to the length of the fish. The fish in the cage should be able to turn around, otherwise they will fall asleep quickly due to stress and lack of oxygen.
We also need to be aware of the weight distribution, and a garment attached to the transom can cause a different to the stern, especially on small boats, so it's better to use a bow mount or place a cage inside, closer to the center of gravity of the boat, to keep the balance.
Safety of boats and fish: critical moments
The interaction of the cage and the PVC boat is a constant risk of friction. Even a soft mesh, in constant contact with a strained balloon on the wave, can wipe the material to the threads of the base, so the use of protective elements is a must.
All points of contact with the boat should be equipped soft-plateIt could be pieces of a car camera, special rubber bumpers, or just a tight cloth, and if the cage is attached to the cable, the cable passes through the side or the snout, and the metal carbine that hangs on the side is a guaranteed hole in the cylinder.
For fish, the important parameter is the speed of the water flow through the cage. If the boat is anchored or drift-anchored, the water should circulate freely. If the cage is closed and moves with the boat at high speed, the fish can get injured from impacts on the net or simply suffocate.
⚠️ Attention: Never leave a fish cage dipped overnight if the boat is standing in open water unattended. Poachers often take advantage of this, and there is also a risk of being attacked by aquatic predators (catfish, large perch) who may snack on the net or simply eat your catch through it.
Another safety aspect is electric current. If you use an electric motor, make sure that the cage is not in the rotor's area of operation, and the vortex can suck the net into the screw, causing the motor to break and the cage to break.
Care and storage of the cage after fishing
Proper care of the cage prolongs its life and maintains hygiene, after each fishing, the cages must be thoroughly washed, and the remnants of the scales, mucus and intestines of the fish begin to rot, producing an unpleasant odor and destroying the material of the net.
The cage should be dried in the shade, straight sunlight accelerates the degradation of synthetic fibers and the fading of plastic, and metal cells, even if they are made of stainless steel, are also better wiped with dry cloth to remove the salt plaque that can cause spot corrosion.
You need to store the cage in a dry, ventilated room, you can't fold the wet cage into a dense lump, it will lead to mold and rot, and it's best to store it in a straightened state or freely folded into a spacious bag.
The main enemy of the cage is not water, but dirt and sun. A clean and dry cage will last 3-4 times longer than one that is stored dirty and wet.
Comparative analysis of popular models
There are many models on the market, but several proven brands lead. Flagman, Salmo and Norfin It's proven to be reliable and affordable, and Chinese analogues can be cheaper, but they often fail to meet the quality of the mesh and the hardware.
When choosing a particular model, pay attention to the presence of interchangeable nets, which allows you to replace only the worn-out part without buying a new cage entirely, and also convenient models with a double mesh, where the inner cell is smaller, which prevents the escape of small fish.
Ultimately, the best PVC boat cage is a trade-off between volume, weight and safety. For amateur bass and pike fishing, a classic 40-50-litre mesh cage with a floating top and a reliable mount on a transom frack is enough.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a metal cage on a PVC boat?
You can use it, but with extreme caution. The metal cage should be perfectly smooth, without burrs and sharp edges. Be sure to use protective linings in places where you can contact the balloon. However, the risk of damage to the boat is still higher than with the use of capron analogues.
How long should the pellet be to lower the cage?
The length of the foil should allow the cage to be lowered to a depth of 1-1.5 meters from the surface of the water, where the temperature is lower and oxygen is higher. Usually 2-3 meters of strong rope are enough. It is important to be able to quickly lift the cage, so the free end should always be at hand.
How to prevent the entanglement of the cage on the engine screw?
To do this, the cage is always mounted on the leeward side or using retractable brackets that carry the cage further from the transom. You can also use a special float buoy that keeps the cage at a safe distance from the projection of the screw.
Should I change the water in the cage during fishing?
If the cage is flowing (mesh), you don't need to change the water, it renews itself. If you use a container of water inside the boat, then the water should be changed at every opportunity, especially if the fish began to choke (open their mouths at the surface).