r/ChicagoFishing

Designing a fishing bag for mobile anglers and want honest feedback before I build a prototype.

The problem: if you're walking a river, creek, lake, or marina, most bags are either way too big or too small - and even the right-sized ones still make you stop everything to change a lure. Unzip, dig through the bag, open the tackle box, swap the lure, put it all back - all with one hand while holding your rod or putting everything on the ground.

What I'm building: a compact crossbody bag that sits at your hip. Holds 1-2 tackle boxes, a water bottle, snacks, phone, wallet - your essentials for a half-day to full-day walk. Small enough to stay out of your way, big enough for what you actually need.
The main feature is a magnetic fold-out workstation on the front - no zipper. Pull it open, the flap drops down flat and becomes a surface to stage a lure swap. One hand, a few seconds, back to casting.

Made from recycled nylon, all black, built to last.

For anyone who walks and casts - spinning, conventional, trout, bass, whatever:

1. What do you currently use to carry gear on a walking trip?
2. What's the most frustrating part of accessing your gear while actively fishing?
3. Is quick lure access actually a problem you deal with, or do you mostly set up and stay put?
4. What would you pay for something like this? (Fishpond/Simms comparable bags run $100–150)
5. What would be a dealbreaker?

[Update] Thanks for the advice everyone! I will go to Humboldt with my son as soon as the weather settles!

Hi all. My 8 yr old son recently expressed interested in fishing and I would like to take him in the next few weeks to fish. We are located in Logan Square and I would like to go somewhere north/near north. I've heard Big Bend Lake, Belleau, and Beck Lake in Des Plaines were good spots. Can you confirm or recommend any other noobie friendly spots?