The complete guide
What actually needs to stay dry on a belly boat session
Belly boats keep tackle accessible, but "accessible" and "waterproof" are not the same thing — which is where a dedicated dry bag earns its place in the kit.
What belongs in a dry bag, not a boat pocket
Phones, car keys, wallets, spare clothing layers and food are the obvious candidates — anything that is either electronic, valuable, or simply unpleasant when wet. Tackle you expect to get damp anyway can stay in the boat's own pockets.
Why seamless construction matters
Cheaper dry bags are often welded at the seams, and those welds are exactly where pinhole leaks develop over repeated use. Seamless construction, like this bag uses, removes that specific failure point.
Rolling the closure properly
A roll-top only seals if it's rolled enough times before buckling — 3-4 full rolls is the usual guidance. A single loose roll looks closed but won't reliably keep water out in genuinely wet conditions.
Positioning it on the boat
Secure the bag somewhere it won't shift or drag in the water as you fin — clipped to a D-ring or tucked securely between your legs works better than balanced loosely on top of the tube.