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Gear Keepers for all your tackle needs.

Gear Keepers

By: Mark Zimmerman

Have you ever dropped something accidentally? I think it’s safe to say that every one has dropped something accidentally during their lifetime. Unfortunately for kayak fisherman, dropping something accidentally may mean an expensive piece of equipment ends up at the bottom of the lake or ocean. We sit very close to the water and because our kayaks are only 30 inches wide, dropping a piece of equipment often means losing it. I’ve known people who have lost lip grippers, pliers, and tackle boxes. There is an extremely high need for a product that will reduce or even eliminate the potential for losing a piece of equipment if we get clumsy. So, what can be done to resolve this problem? One option is to tie one end of nylon cord to everything you don’t want to lose and the other end to the kayak . Obviously, this is not a practical solution. Envision the amount of rope that would be laying in your lap waiting for entanglement. There is a better solution.

Gear Keepers are retractable gear attachment systems made by Hammerhead Industries located in Ventura, California (http://www.gearkeeper.com/index.html). They make retractors that can be used for a variety of situations and they say that the retractors can be used in saltwater environments. The two models they sell are retractors and security tethers. The retractors are made to retract/suspend gear or devices, which means it is strong enough to retract the items weight. Security tethers are primarily used to prevent loss or damage to gear or devices, but it is not intended to retract the item’s weight. They have the advantage of longer extension and less spring force. When not in use the gear must be secured with a belt clip, holster, or a pocket.

The company suggests ways to choose a retractor to meet your needs. Special application packages have been created to match your application needs. For example, cell phones, pliers, and flashlights.

If your application does not come in a specific package then Hammerhead Industries suggests the following:

Determine the weight of the gear or device.
Decide if you need a retractor or security tether.
Determine the RT2 or RT3 Series by force and extension from the table in their catalog.
Choose a mounting system such as a pin, snap clip, Velcro, or belt clip.
Determine if a lanyard is necessary for your application.

So, how does kayak fisherman take advantage of the retractors? I tested seven Gear Keeper applications for the sole purpose of kayak fishing. First, I tested the RT3-4613 which I attached to my lip gripper (Boga Grip). This 24 oz retractor retracted and suspended the weight of the lip gripper. The RT3-0032 has a 12 oz retraction force and can be used as safety tether for the lip gripper. I really liked this application. I use the lip gripper frequently, especially when fishing in saltwater. I’ll never have to worry about losing my lip gripper ever again. I highly recommend this application. Also, I used the 24 oz retractor for the backpack I use for my fishing equipment. The weight in my pack was heavy due to the hydration bladder which I carry in my backpack. Therefore the 24 oz retractor had trouble retracting the weight of the pack, but I don’t have to ever worry about losing it. In addition, I used this application as a safety tether with the two dry bags that I carry in my crate located behind my seat. Again, I highly recommend this application if you carry a back pack or dry bags.

Pliers are a must while fishing. The RT2-0041/RT2-0031 Medium Force (6 oz) is excellent choice for pliers. Here is a tip for where to store the pliers when not using them. I attached a fanny pack to the back of my seat. The pack has a pouch on each side for a water bottle. I found this an excellent place to keep the pliers when I’m not using it. The other end of the retractor is attached to the milk crate. You may find better ways to attach them to your kayak such as deck loops. In addition, a lanyard (AC0-0902) can be added for flexibility.

Another application I found very helpful was the Pin Mount safety tether (RT2-0021) which I attached to my PFD. I attach fishing line clippers or a safety whistle using this application. I really liked this application for ease of access. Anytime I needed to cut my fishing line, the clippers were right there. Again, I did not have to worry about losing the clippers I dropped it.

A VHF radio is a must have item if you fish in saltwater. Therefore, you definitely don’t want to risk losing this highly expensive and highly priced piece of equipment. The RT3-4653 18 oz. Retractor is perfect for the size VHF radio’s we use, and it will suspend the weight of the radio. Attach one end of the retractor to your PFD, and the other end to the radio. Then, clip the radio to your vest, or put it in a pouch or pocket located on your PFD. Once again, I highly recommend this application.

The last application I tested is for a knife. This is a must have safety item. I recommend a knife with a quick release sheath. The RT2-0020 Low force (3 oz) safety tether (or RT2-0040) was perfect for this application. I attached one end of the retractor to the knife handle, and the other end to my PFD.

I am very impressed with the Gear Keepers for kayak fishing. It’s amazing how many headaches I avoid every time I use these products. I’ll never have to worry about getting tangled in rope tethers, or losing any of the gear I attach to the Gear Keepers. They are extremely easy to use, and appear to be built very well. I’ll never be caught out on my kayak without Gear Keepers. You can find the link to their website on the column to the right or earlier in this review. Feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions. I give this product 5 out of 5 paddles.

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