The Ultimate DIY KAYAK CRATE WITH ROD HOLDERS 🎣

Build your own Ultimate DIY KAYAK CRATE WITH ROD HOLDERS for under $30!
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SUPPLIED NEEDED:
🗃 - 2 Milk Crates: geni.us/MilkCrate (Amazon)
🪢 - 20 Mini Bungee Cords: hgeni.us/Bungees (Amazon)
🎨 - Spray Paint: geni.us/Rustoleum_Paint (Amazon)
⋈ - 8” Zip Ties: geni.us/ZipTies (Amazon)
🔘 - 10’ piece of Black 1.5” PVC Pipe (Lowes or Home Depot)
🪵 - 2- 1’ Sections of 2X4 (Lowes or Home Depot)
GEAR USED:
📸 - GoPro 7 Black: geni.us/Go_Pro_8 (Amazon)
🤳 - Manfrotto Monopod: geni.us/Manfrotto_Monopod (Amazon)
🦍 - Gorillapod Kit: geni.us/Joby_Gorillapod (Amazon)
🎥 - Ulanzi Go-Pro Casing: geni.us/GoPro_Case (Amazon)
🎙️ - Rode Mic: geni.us/Rode_Mic (Amazon)
📷 - Gopro Chest Mount: geni.us/ChestMountHarness (Amazon)
SOCIAL:
👍 - FACEBOOK: / wendellfishing
🕦 - TikTok: / wendellfishing
💻 - Website: www.WendellFishing.com
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS⏱️
0:00​ Intro
0:55​ Supplies needed
1:56​ Tools needed for the build
2:26 Building the Kayak Crate
8:15 Building the Rod Holders
13:35 Attaching the rod holders to the crate
23:32 Final Product
23:40 Do you love these types of videos?
#WendellFishing
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[@PaulMotu]

Best one I’ve seen on YT mate. Loved it and this will be the one I go for!!! Thanks for creating and sharing! Paul 😎

[@wendellfishing]

Thanks for the kind words Paul! I will be taking mine out after work...Go get some!

[@markhuisinga1698]

modelo beer bottle is the best thing for forming the taper on the rod holders. using your same technique for heating then push it down to where the neck steps up. you get rod holders that are exactly the same every time.

[@wendellfishing]

Mark, I think you are just looking for an excuse to buy beer :)

[@adrianleal1648]

Good advice got plenty of access to those

[@nickc2144]

Good job and thanks for sharing. Thank goodness for KZbin tutorials!

[@wendellfishing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@williamphillips1662]

Very nice, only thing I would do differently is I would crimp the hooks on top so they couldn't pop off. At least on one side so they wouldn't go shooting off into the water.

[@wendellfishing]

I would have to say I agree with you. In fact, I created a V2 and completely removed the hooks for a cleaner look. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bIe3dGigf8SEr8U

[@shihanjulio]

Great video. Hint: use a Dremel with a sanding drum bit to clean the hacksaw cut on the rod holders. Much easier to use and control than a palm sander.

[@wendellfishing]

Solid add Chris!

[@breauxp]

Solid design, please update as you use it and make changes. I’ve just started build crates, but not making videos😉 Suggestions: Lose the wood and use the top sections of the crate you cut (for lid), lighter, waterproof, color matches, and makes fuller use of second crate. You could even double up side pieces if you wanted more thickness. Test fit bungees BEFORE you cut and see if splitting them would work, could make them go twice as far. Same jigsaw would have cut pipe, as would the chop saw. Rounded bottom of cut could be made with hole saw in drill. PVC cement primer works for paint also. Heat gun works for PVC, but hot sand is more manageable. Could have heated all six at same time. The bungee net on lid is nice, but hooks can snag coat material. You could bend hooks closed or just cut them off and knot. I’m a huge fan of zip ties, I liked the lid hinge made with them, if you add paracord to sides of lid and base, you’ll prevent lid from flipping over in strong wind. Last, budget bungees are great, but bulk shock cord is even cheaper.

[@wendellfishing]

Thanks for the ideas! I’ve never though of using hot sand for the PVC. Great suggestions and I’ll update as I go for sure!

[@breauxp]

@@wendellfishing There are tons of videos on PVC bending with sand and I’ve seen guys on job sites using campstove and paint can to do it FYI

[@PaulMotu]

Excellent comments Breaux. This is a top kayak crate, the best I’ve seen on YT and your tips would be the cream on the cake. Thanks for sharing your broader knowledge tips mate! Paul 😃

[@mikesouthworth1999]

Please explain the hot sand method.

[@breauxp]

@@mikesouthworth1999 Use a campstove or portable burner (electric gives good heat control) to heat a pot filled with sand. Put pipe ends into sand to heat then mold/shape as needed. An infrared (non-contact) thermometer makes this easier, but a fryer style glass one works also.

[@txmexnittro]

awesome kayak hack and thanks for sharing

[@wendellfishing]

No problem 👍

[@crawford323]

Pretty darn slick mr!

[@wendellfishing]

Thanks boss!

[@southernexposure123]

Great project. *IF* you make your own baits keep the pieces of cut off bungie cords. Inside the stretchy bands are good for making fly bait legs and jig legs.

[@wendellfishing]

Great Tip Southern Exposure!

[@LostInTackle]

Can you dye the rubber?

[@jimmatt8005]

Great job on the crate. My crate is almost identical. Fabulous build with readily available material that doesn't break the budget. Thanks for making this.

[@wendellfishing]

Thanks Matt! Appreciate it.

[@countrymagic61]

You did a good job for on the fly build, and it will work for what you want it to. I myself are not a big fan of counting on zip ties other than using them for cable management. A 2x4 is 1.5" x 3.5". So if you have any 3/4" plywood, or other 1 by ? boards they are 3/4" thick. You can get them in various widths. I would use a piano hinge to assist in the alignment of closing the lid. If you don't want to paint PVC, use ABS tubes. On the inside of your box, you can also use the bungies to help separate any gear loaded in the box. Awesome video and build. I am not knocking it. It is fine. I am only offering up some suggestions. The most important thing is you keep doing you👍

[@countrymagic61]

Shared your video link with a FB group I'm in. 👍

[@wendellfishing]

Thanks Mikell.. here's a more recent 2.0 version as well with some upgrades over V1: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bIe3dGigf8SEr8U

[@madone8993]

WF, Just went for the first time Kayak fishing and borrowed friends Kayak and I had no equipment so I went on the Tube looking and found your page, This crate system is perfect for what I am doing and I am soooo stealing this idea. Awesome DIY and will be perfect for what I need. Thanks so much . I own one pole and am looking for used Kayak to get started. AWESOME!!!!!!!

[@wendellfishing]

Madone.. Thanks a ton for reaching out. Let me know how I can help moving forward. You are going to be hooked!

[@KevinSmith-xt7gt]

Great idea. This is the 4th or 5th video of your I have watched. Seen some of your latest videos. Liked the content and smart ideas. Starting here and will try to watch them all 🙏👍👍

[@KevinSmith-xt7gt]

PS 😂…. Really like the DIY

[@wendellfishing]

Awesome, thank you!

[@MrThatOneRandomGamer]

Another good idea for mounting the 2x4’s would have to stainless bolts run through and have a large washer on the to hold the 2x to the creat and you could zip off any extra bolt sticking out on the inside of the creat

[@wendellfishing]

Great tip Ryan, thanks for the add!

[@AussieRic]

verry smart, Thumbs UP !!! love it

[@wendellfishing]

Thanks boss! Let me know how it turns out if you make one!

[@markhirst4946]

I want to see this thing in action with you in the Kayak on the water.

[@wendellfishing]

I’m planning on getting out on the water here on Thursday. I hope to post a video.... if I catch any :) Also look forward to filming our trip!

[@john_kelley]

Great idea, and a HUGE money saver!!!!

[@wendellfishing]

Thanks boss! Cheaper with the same/better result!

[@robertchadwick1552]

Great setup & tutorial. Thanks!

[@wendellfishing]

Thanks Robert, Appreciate the feedback!

[@dakotamason2588]

Great video!

[@wendellfishing]

Thanks Dakota! Appreciate it!

[@wanderingcalamity360]

Third video is outstanding. Just got a fishing kayak this weekend and was looking for mod ideas for it. Thanks for this!

[@wendellfishing]

Right on Wandering Calamity. I've been using this design for a couple years now and love it. Enjoy and congrats on the new kayak!

[@robertjameslawson1]

About to make this crate in the morning, thanks for the info 👍

[@wendellfishing]

Heck Yeah... I've had mine for years and love it. Let me know if I can help in any way.

[@WendellWoodworks]

Very cool and creative. Great hack.

[@wendellfishing]

Thanks!

[@joywendell2591]

Awesome...great video...thanks!

[@wendellfishing]

No prob!

[@tammysellers9080]

This is awesome

[@wendellfishing]

Right on! I have a 2.0 version as well. Check it out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bIe3dGigf8SEr8U

[@JustinsFishinFetish]

Awesome diy. I just got a kayak so I got to make this. Thanks for sharing.

[@wendellfishing]

Right on Justin... Let me know how it turns out

[@someoldguy109]

Darn great idea!!

[@wendellfishing]

Thanks boss! Working on a V2 as we speak!

[@someoldguy109]

I'm looking forward to it.

[@mackjenkins7721]

Man that was awesome watching you building this kayak cart. I built one similar to that. I don't have a lid on mine but I'm thinking about adding one but I do have four fishing rod holders that i zip-tied to the crate and everything has been working out great. Two other rod holders are for the kayak dollies & the other two are for the fishing pole. Great video thank you for sharing.

[@wendellfishing]

Right on! Yeah, I think you enjoy the lid with bungees.

[@davidwendell1592]

What a good creat!

[@wendellfishing]

Thanks!

[@trentthompson2928]

I like that you are in my general area, I’m 30 minutes northwest of Pittsburgh. Same fishing conditions. Hopefully I will have a kayak for fishing next year. Love the tips!

[@wendellfishing]

Right on Trent.. What kayak are you thinking of?

[@trentthompson2928]

@@wendellfishing if I can do it, looking at a Crescent, I’m 6ft 230lbs. Definitely appreciate the 60% info

[@peterevans3247]

Lol well mate you certainly attacked that crate with the saw. No ones going to be sticking their out the window when thats burping.

[@wendellfishing]

Question of the Day ⚡ Did you make this crate and how did it turn out? Let us know! 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼

[@08JeepinKK]

I had one very similar to this when I bought my first kayak. Instead of the 2x4 wood, try to find and use a plastic cutting board. You can cut it down to the size of the crate side, mount the rod holders to that, then secure it to the crate.

[@wendellfishing]

@@08JeepinKK Sounds like a great idea... especially if your kayak is a bit thinner... save some room. Thanks for the tip!

[@papa2u875]

Good job

[@wendellfishing]

Thanks brother! Got the 2.0 version coming out this Sunday

[@Two_Buck]

Excellent.

[@wendellfishing]

Thanks TwoBuck! Let me know how it turns out for you!

[@kenpitman2350]

love the crate! built mine (sans side rod holders) going to add a couple pieces of left over pvc i have for two piece paddle storage and to fly a "here i am" yak safety flag

[@wendellfishing]

Right on Ken!

[@enricorizzo9318]

Thx!! Earned my sub

[@wendellfishing]

My man.. thanks Enrico!

[@w4ame]

Great project. Subscribed!

[@wendellfishing]

Thanks Andy!

[@nealio4278]

awesome job!

[@wendellfishing]

Thanks boss!

[@GaryBowen73]

a table saw also works well to make quick work of that cutting of the milk crate and makes for pretty clean straight lines too since you have the fence to guide it.

[@wendellfishing]

Nice trick for sure. Thanks for sharing!

[@relopez-k2]

Excelent ¡¡¡ Regards from Mexico ¡¡¡

[@wendellfishing]

Thanks!!!

[@mersninizar5046]

Perfect man. I love it i will make one soon for my bigwater 132. But don’t forget to attach it to the kayak 😊

[@wendellfishing]

For sure.. bungee cord is sold by the foot at Lowes or Home Depot

[@mersninizar5046]

@@wendellfishing am in qatar so very far from Home Depot but i will find something here. Fish on ❤️

[@Arcturian1111]

Great job man I think I'm going to bolt the 2x4 and use a butterfly nut on the inside instead of using zip ties to keep the 2x4 in place. I may also just use a thinner piece of wood instead of the 2x4, not sure yet. Cool beans. 2 👍s up.

[@wendellfishing]

I've made a couple of these and the other is a thinner piece of wood and it works well. Some kayaks need that extra space to fit. Let me know how it comes out.

[@castncatchem3808]

This is awesome!!!

[@wendellfishing]

Right on! Let me know if you end up making it!

[@castncatchem3808]

@@wendellfishing I definitely will be making one! Luckily the store next to me gives me the crates for free when I ask 😁. I don’t have a yak yet but I will be making a travel compact cart with mine. Might add the crate to a small collapsible hand cart. It can carry my bait bag or something and my poles. We’ll see what happens until I get a yak.

[@wendellfishing]

@@castncatchem3808 Right on and nice score on the crates! Good luck in finding a yak as well. Sooooo many options out there.

[@user-sz2xv8bw9u]

Love it!! Straight to the point

[@wendellfishing]

Thanks boss!

[@user-sz2xv8bw9u]

Just a quick question what’s the best way to actually secure the crate to in the kayak ?

[@wendellfishing]

@@user-sz2xv8bw9u Best way is to use bungee cord. It[s pretty cheap and you can get it at the local hardware. Hope that helps!

[@user-sz2xv8bw9u]

@@wendellfishing thanks mate

[@wendellfishing]

No problem

[@xPigBear]

Wire cutters work well for cutting off zip ties flush so they're not exposed.

[@wendellfishing]

Right on PigBear

[@garrettgreenberg60]

Great video. Friendly advice with zip ties: When you cut the tails off, the leftover nub is sharp enough to slice a diamond- your fingertip much easier. Instead of cutting, grip the tail with pliers and spin a few times until the tail breaks off. The nub will be smooth and not cut you.

[@wendellfishing]

Right on .. thanks Garrett!

[@zealousoutdoors]

Very true. I had to send an employee to the E.R. for stitches due to a old zip tip opening his forearm up while loosening a drain plug on a truck. Walmart sells a small pair of flush cuts for like $5 in the tool section. They work very well for eliminating that sharp tag end.

[@allendavis9033]

We put bungies to the back to make it spring up or down, so it doesn't slam down on your hand. Hope this helps others. Ps happy yaking

[@wendellfishing]

That's a solid idea Allen. Thanks for the add

[@jeffkawakami8241]

The zip tie connection would be better if it was inside on the crate and the lid

[@wendellfishing]

I can see why you would say that but the lip of the crate doesn't allow for compression on the self lock mechanism. You are good either way.

[@MrAscroggin]

I've just found your channel and I like it but, your fresh water and I'm moving to Florida from Illinois. Some of these things you are making or your trip to walmart, can you do a video on doing these walmart shopping tours using items that will not get damaged by the saltwater?

[@wendellfishing]

I'm jealous of the fishing you are about to get yourself into down in FL Andy. Let me think through your video idea a bit and see what I come up with

[@MrAscroggin]

@@wendellfishing sounds great. Love the videos so far. Been in Law Enforcement for 20yrs. Time to make a change in my career path plus I hate Illinois. Lol. Going to MMI to train for Marine Mechanics

[@wendellfishing]

@@MrAscroggin Thank you for your service Andy! Sounds like a good move.. and I agree.. Illinois Sucks

[@ahchv]

I may borrow the 2x4 trick because when adding rod holders on the side of my crate in my Hobie Outback, they are too wide and it interferes with one of the bungee cords… thanks great video!!

[@wendellfishing]

Thanks boss! Glad it helped!

[@AndrewVSmith10]

Nice

[@wendellfishing]

Thanks

[@utetrahemicon]

Milk crate theft is a really big problem for dairies and stores in the US and costs the industry thousands of dollars every year. While the big boys might be able to suck up this kind of loss, it can have a very real impact on the smaller shops and dairies and it’s you, as the consumer, who will end up paying for it.

[@wendellfishing]

Yeah.. don't recommend stealing them. I bought mine

[@cattaraugustonawanda4426]

Impressive and well thought out piece of home made hardware BUT I've never found a need to bring more than one or two rods with me and I'll never understand yaks bristling with multiple rods.

[@wendellfishing]

Thanks for the kind words! Everyone’s different, I just like looking like a peacock out on the water. It attacks more peacock bass.

[@DeeKayBrewery]

Might only need a rod or two.... but might you like the option of mounting in different positions?

[@peterevans3247]

Hey !!!!! is that the Duty Truck that's your've borrowed just to get these vids done for us ? I don't think the Offr of the Day is going to be too pleased when he finds out youhave taken the Duty Veh before he did do he could go get the firewood Bwhhahahaha

[@wendellfishing]

That truck was a work truck from my father in law :) All good

[@egypthobby]

One tip do not use scissors on zip ties as it will wear down the scissor blades or cause the scissors to warp. The best things to use is wire cutters/flush cutters or even the cutting part on pliers.

[@wendellfishing]

Right on NatCav.. thanks for the add.

[@peterevans3247]

G'day Mate that is one hell of a great crate. Just bought my first yak and I will do building this for mine. stay safe and keep your powder dry, from the land down under. What was that falling from the sky was that snow ??????

[@wendellfishing]

Ugh.. yes.. that was snow and it's a fishing killer! Let me know how that crate turns out!

[@peterevans3247]

Bloody hell is that snow falling or just those damn kids messing about lol

[@wendellfishing]

ugh... SNOW!

[@jeremyrench4592]

I hope you have replaced the rusty jigsaw blade by now brother!

[@wendellfishing]

I wouldn't bet money on that :)

[@casper3130]

Omg it cost me 10$ to buy 3 pole rod inserts drill the holes in my kayak insert them screw them down and done. I use my create to keep my line and anchor tied to it and if l ever roll over my anchor dumps itself preventing my kayak from drifting away from me.

[@wendellfishing]

Getting it done!

[@Fishin-mission1]

Nice video! I'll be trying this one out for sure. How did you attach it to the kayak?

[@wendellfishing]

Great question…. I used bungee cord. You can purchase it by the foot at Lowe’s or Home Depot.

[@Fishin-mission1]

@@wendellfishing thats what I figured just wanted to make sure. Thanks for the reply!

[@wendellfishing]

No problem

[@markbridenbeck1030]

Next diy you have tools like you're a carpenter, it's cheaper for me to buy one already made

[@wendellfishing]

Ha! I do have a lot of tools and there are some great premade crates. I just saw one at Walmart yesterday without the rod holders for $40. Tight lines!

[@angertone213]

Homedepot has those crates for 7.98. for the heavy anglers, this build is quite heavy.

[@wendellfishing]

Right on.. I think they are even cheaper at Rural King 👑

[@wiffbob1484]

I’m curious as to why you only attached the rod holders with one screw vs two. Don’t they tend to pivot?

[@wendellfishing]

Good question... I used mine for an entire season before I needed to tighten them. I actually like to move mine around at different angles... especially when I set up my over the shoulder gopro angle.

[@ahmelmahay]

what kayak do you have Sir in this vid ?

[@wendellfishing]

Hey Joe.. that's a Native Slayer Propel 10

[@roastingshackspecialtycoff3996]

Do you fish with rookies? I am thinking of getting into the sport and living in Salem. I am looking for kayak fishing clubs or groups since I am definitely a rookie.

[@wendellfishing]

I don't have anything against it.. that's for sure. Might do some type of get together next year for the local peeps.

[@roastingshackspecialtycoff3996]

@@wendellfishing If you do; I would be happy to learn and attend. what do you recommend for clothing? I was thinking dry suit for oregon

[@wendellfishing]

@@roastingshackspecialtycoff3996 Interestingly enough.. this has been something I have been thinking about recently... Let me give this some more thought.

[@tokay999]

Where do you get the small milk crate ?

[@wendellfishing]

You can either get them from Rural King or I have a link in the description for Amazon! Hope that helps!

[@trddak1]

Bad Ass!!!

[@wendellfishing]

Thanks boss!

[@TB-fb1sq]

Snow??

[@wendellfishing]

Right.. it was a cold one in WV

[@seanhung14982]

Lol with lumber prices these days that 2x4 is worth more than an h crate

[@wendellfishing]

Unfortunately true nowadays. Hope it comes back to reality soon.

[@wanderingcalamity360]

@@wendellfishing For that reason, cannibalizing the scrap bits of the top crate for making your spacers might be a better idea. Should be lighter, too.

[@austinhernandez2716]

But you don't have to cut the top crate, just flip it over and you'll have twice as much storage! I did that and even my shotgun fits inside 😂

[@wendellfishing]

Your shotgun!! Lol. I bet boats don’t get too close to your kayak to harass you :)

[@austinhernandez2716]

@@wendellfishing yeah, it's the only gun I got right now 😂 I want to buy a small handgun, that would be much easier to carry. I carry my shotgun because I went to a swampy part of a lake to fish for bowfin and I think I reeled in an alligator so I make sure to have a gun with me now

[@wendellfishing]

@@austinhernandez2716 Thats some serious fishing my friend. Send me a picture when you land a gator!

[@austinhernandez2716]

@@wendellfishing well I meant only for protection. I hope I'll never have to do that!

[@wendellfishing]

@@austinhernandez2716 I thought you were going all "Swamp People" on me.

[@enricorizzo9318]

I want too send you a sick ass fishing hack for your viewers is there a email where I can send you a photo??

[@wendellfishing]

Sure enrico.. email is on my about page

[@niko36]

Great idea! Let me go to Home Depot and drop $800 on tootles !!

[@wendellfishing]

To be fair, it does say DIY in the title. DIYers usually have these tools.

[@PaulMotu]

I have to agree totally with Wendell on his comment Kiko. It is a DIY video so I’m a little bemused why you would watch a DIY video then feel the need to comment that you don’t have the tools to do it. Also, you can do this without a lot of the power tools (you will need the drill) and do it with a few basic hand tools being a small cheap hand saw, a hacksaw blade (to be really cheap), and a screw driver. Remembering also that if you were to buy any of the tools shown herein then you’re not investing in them just for this crate build. You’d be investing in them for life because you’ll need these basic tools used herein just for normal home ownership repairs and maintenance.

[@JoeyLawerence2]

Kiko Mac was expecting you to karate chop the crate in half SMH

[@wendellfishing]

I’m thinking about a follow up video. Maybe I’ll channel my Mr. Miagi

[@mattolivo]

Crates are free at your local waffle house... lol they throw them away so they don't mind if you get a couple

[@wendellfishing]

Great tip! Are they branded? That would be awesome.

[@duck7927]

Makes no sense if you don't have the tools,better off spending the 100 dollars for a quality storage crate.

[@jasonborne682]

Worst attempt at a crate build! Total failure! Heavy as fuck too!

[@mikesouthworth1999]

Just watched video. Thought it was decent. Let's see your crate rod holder

[@wendellfishing]

@@mikesouthworth1999 Heyoooo

[@A2discgolfdude]

I felt like I was at the club the whole time watching this video lol. That music is a little intense..

[@wendellfishing]

Ha! I'm sure that video is all kinds of bad. It was the second KZbin I ever made :) I promise.. they have gotten much better since :)

[@A2discgolfdude]

@@wendellfishing It wasn't a bad video and I really dug your idea. Have you ever seen the larger milk crates? I found a website online that sells them and you can even get them in a variety of different colors and they're actually not that bad price-wise. I ordered two of those and was thinking about doing something similar to what you did but maybe changing it up a little bit. Also, I really liked your idea for the lid! I'm definitely stealing that one lol

[@wendellfishing]

@@A2discgolfdude I have seen them.. but wouldn't fit my 10 ft kayak space.. maybe with a longer yak. Steal away my friend and let me know how it comes out!

[@A2discgolfdude]

@@wendellfishing Will do!! Also, I just subscribed

[@wendellfishing]

@@A2discgolfdude Right on.. You ARE really awesome!

[@danareed1656]

awesome video!

[@wendellfishing]

Thanks Dana!