I tie my flies, teasers, tails, flags, and bucktail jigs because I like to fish with custom color patterns that mimic baitfish and attract predatory fish. For saltwater species, a strong common thread works well. I recently inherited a collection of large thread spools. Hence, I built a simple thread spooler to fill my empty spools with thread for tying.

Making a thread spooler is simple. First, insert a bolt (e.g. 8-32 x 3″) with a flat washer through the small spool and then secure the bolt to the spool using a flat washer and nut. Second, insert the exposed end of the bolt into a hand-held drill and tighten the chuck. Third, secure the end of the thread onto the middle of the empty spool via a piece of tape. Lastly, press the trigger of the drill with one hand while holding the thread and applying pressure with your other hand as you guide the line so that the line wraps evenly onto the spool.

My first canal cruiser had a plastic milk crate and PVC rod holders. This system worked well— until the milk crate started to crack. For my new canal cruiser, I decided to build a custom canal cruiser crate that would provide more storage, support my fishing rods and reels, and not fail due to fatigue.

My custom canal cruiser crate has three components: the box, the clamps, and the rod holders. I made the box from 1/4″ thick plywood and the stitch-and-glue method, which uses epoxy fillets and fiberglass tape. After the crate was built, I sanded the interior and exterior with 120-grit sandpaper and then applied multiple layers of spray paint, with light sanding via 220-grit sandpaper between each layer. Three spray cans later, the box was ready to be mounted to the rear rack of my eBike via clamps.

With the box secured, I cut a foam pad to fit the bottom interior of the crate. The foam pad covers the stainless steel bolts that secure the crate to the clamps and thereby prevents the bolt heads from snagging my gear. The pad also protects my gear from impact while riding over rough terrain. Lastly, the pad reduces sounds, which is helpful when approaching a sensitive spot below the dark of night.

The most common fishing rod holder for fishing bikes is a PVC pipe and hose clamps. Installed properly, this method works well. However, I chose stainless steel rod holders mounted to the sides of my crate via stainless steel bolts because they are a low-cost insurance policy for my expensive fishing rods and reels.

My custom canal cruiser crate performed exceptionally well during my field testing. My expectations were exceeded! I love the simplicity, durability, low cost, and utility. I am paper prototyping some add-ons. Subscribe to my newsletter to receive the future article.

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On my first ice fishing trip, I was dressed for the weather, I had an ice fishing sled, two tip-ups, and no ice skimmer. Thankfully an ice angler on the lake was more than willing to let me borrow his. If you are new to ice fishing, do not get overwhelmed by the all the gear and the cost. Make your own ice skimmer!

You can make an ice skimmer from recycled products and simple tools. For example, you just need a rod, a “scoop”, and two threaded bolts with washers and nuts. I made mine from a recycled pool pole a round plastic Tupperware container that I rescued from the recycle bin.

First, drill a series of holes on the bottom of the scoop to allow the water to drain. Second, drill two holes through the shaft for the bolts. Thirdly, drill two holes through the side of the “scoop” and secure it to the shaft via bolts, washers, and nuts.

I cut the shaft on my ice skimmer based on my height so that I do not need to bend over to clean my ice fishing holes. I also made a grip by using recycled rope and electrical tape.

I tie my own teasers, tails, and flies. In order for my medium viscosity fly tying epoxy to harden evenly, I need to rotate my presentations as the epoxy cures. Hence, I made a rotary fly drier.

All you need for this simple rotary fly drying solution is a cordless power drill; a machine screw with two flat washers and a nut; an elastic; and some recycled styrofoam cut in the form of a circle. I like to use recycled styrofoam from food tray containers— I just double up the circles for more “holding power”.

Once you have the materials, mark the center of the styrofoam circle(s) and punch a hole through the mark to accommodate the threaded bolt. Insert a washer into the bolt. Insert the bolt with the washer through the styrofoam circle(s). Insert the second flat washer and thread on the nut until the washers are pressed against the styrofoam circle(s). Secure the fly dryer assembly to the drill’s chuck and wrap an elastic on the drill’s handle to apply a light pressure on the trigger, which keeps the drill rotating at a low speed.

This is a great option if you already have a cordless drill with “pedestal” base. You are simply expanding the applications of your already existing tool and increasing your ROI (return on investment).