There are certain things in bass fishing that are required items. Rods, reels, tackle and are things we all own. If you are a boat owner, a truck is another must-have. Going beyond just having something to pull the boat is done by turning it into a rolling storage system. It can also be a way to show off your style, all while keeping your gear safe. Professional angler Stetson Blaylock shares four things that he uses to keep his gear secure and also to help make his life easier while on the road.
Storage
A truck with an open bed can have some advantages when it comes to loading items and moving, but it also results in wasted space. When it comes to going on fishing trips or travelling for tournaments, storing as much as possible goes a long ways. There are many products on the market that will keep your gear secure and also maximize the space you have in the bed of your truck.
“I use the DECKED system to organize all of my tackle,” said Blaylock who travels with his family to each tournament. “It works great and one thing I like about it is that I can stack all of my family’s stuff on top of it for easy access.”
STORAGE AND SLIDE OPTIONS HERE
He also mentioned the benefits of not having plastic tubs or other storage that he had used in the past that made access to his tackle difficult.
Truck Cap/ Camper Shells
There are several quality camper shells on the market and while Crossed Industries does not stock them, they offer a rebate offer on their website for A.R.E. Campers.
This is the brand that Blaylock prefers and runs on his truck. He was quick to say that many on the market are good quality, but added what he likes about A.R.E. “They are solid and fit snug at all times,” he said. “That is very important to me with how much I travel and how much I rely on having my gear protected.”
The added piece of mind allows him to head out on the water knowing that his gear is protected from the elements as well as being locked to prevent thieves.
Tires
Tires are an often-overlooked part of your truck. Having the right set can ensure easier towing, better gas mileage and more. For a pro angler who travels 25-30,000 miles a year with a boat in tow like Blaylock, having the right set is crucial.
“I chose to run the Dick Cepek Fun Country tires for two seasons now and love them,” he said. “They have an aggressive tread but are holding up really well for all of my travels for fishing and then for hunting and driving gravel roads around home.”
Floor Mats
While not too exciting and probably not your first choice when it comes to your next choice for customizing your truck, floor mats are important. They can help to keep the interior of your truck clean and protect your investment.
“The first thing I do when I get a new truck is to get a quality floor mat,” said Blaylock. “They protect against sand, water and really help you protect your truck.”
His choice is the Husky Weatherbeater that is available in different colors and come in different models designed to fit a variety of brands of trucks. They are made of a rubberized material and built to perfectly fit your truck for years of use.
Crossed Industries
Blaylock recommended several products he uses on his tow rig for this article and it is important to note that many of the products he mentions are not his sponsors and instead products that he uses because they work.
All of them can be found on the Crossed Industries website. “Everything they carry on the site is the best out there,” he added. “The companies are known for superior quality. Crossed Industries does not carry junk.”
Besides all of the accessories mentioned by Blaylock, Crossed Industries also offers everything to make your truck look good. “These items I mentioned are necessities for me as an angler, but there are many more things that like wheels and lift kits to make your truck stand out,” added the Arkansas pro. “It’s not just for anglers either, they have something for everyone who owns a truck.”
When it comes to an angler’s truck, getting the most out of it goes a long ways. For serious fishermen the truck becomes a second home while traveling to the next fishing trip. Making sure you are using it to its full potential can be done with the help of these accessories.
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