After much experimentation, I found that the optimal size is approximately 370mm long x 270mm wide x 250mm deep. Here in Queensland the brand found to be most suitable is Starmaid from K Mart Stores. These boxes have lids making them even more useful for transporting gear. Unfortunately, the plastic goes brittle after a while but, at about $9 each, it is a small inconvenience.

Cut a piece of three quarter inch foam (an electric carving knife works great as long as your partner doesn't catch you) to fit the inside of the basket. For fingers use nozzles from silicon tubes pushed through the foam. The advantage is that they always stay straight and you can remove them and use the basket to store gear when you are traveling.  Most of the commercial baskets have fingers that are too short to prevent tangles particularly when using tropicore lines. The nozzles are just the right length and shape to carry 70 feet of line without fear of tangles.

For the belt, an elasticised 2 inch wide webbing belt fitted with nylon snap fasteners is used (available from Clark Rubber). The adjustable fasteners make it is easy to adjust to size and the stretch allows it to be pulled tight without discomfort.

The basket is hung from two straps that are looped on the top so that they can slide around the belt. This allows the basket to be positioned to suit individual preference for position. The straps lower the basket below waist level to allow long single handed strips when positioned on the side or double handed strips when positioned on the front. This avoids the uncomfortable necessity of holding the rod high to strip as you have to do with many of the commercial baskets.

The lower ends of the straps are fitted with clips that connect to stainless steel eyes that are pop riveted to the basket side. The basket can be unclipped or swung around out of the way when fighting a fish. More importantly, you can sit down in a boat with the basket on and still be ready to make a quick cast if an opportunity presents itself.

The secret of any basket design is to have some sort of retaining clip for the flyline coming from the reel. If you don’t have one, the action of casting will pull the line on the bottom of the basket and cause the line on top to tangle. I think this is the main reason a lot of people find baskets troublesome. The clip will also stop the line spilling out of the basket in strong wind or as you move around.

I found the best system is comprised of hook and loop velcro attached to the side of the basket. One piece (about 3 inches long) with hooks is attached to the side of the basket (pop rivet in each corner) and the other piece with loops is attached on top by one end at the rear with a pop rivet in each corner. The system allows the line to be pulled clear as the fish take up the slack line.

Nial Logan

Top view of basket showing line lying around fingers

 By hanging the basket on straps from a belt, the position is lowered allowing longer single strips.