Description
The Preston Innovations Ventalite Hoodie Combi Side Tray delivers the ultimate balance of bait protection, airflow, and layout customization for match and coarse anglers. Featuring a hybrid configuration, it pairs a fully waterproof hooded compartment—designed to shield delicate baits like casters, maggots, and pellets from driving rain or blazing heat—with an open Ventalite mesh section for instant access to tools, hookbaits, and terminal gear.
Engineered with a unique modular design, the open mesh section can be attached to either the left or right side of the main hooded box. This provides essential clearance when shipping pole sections in the margins without sacrificing bait protection.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
| Tray Construction | High-grade aluminum frame with Ventalite mesh base |
| Protection System | Heavy-duty waterproof folding hood |
| Knuckle System | 3 x sliding main clamping knuckles + 2 x outrigger support knuckles |
| Layout Option | Fully interchangeable (open section mounts left or right) |
| Leg Compatibility | Fits standard 36mm round seatbox legs (with inserts for 30mm, 25mm, etc.) |
| Base Ventilation | Mesh construction for water drainage and air circulation |
Key Features & Performance
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Modular Convertible Layout: The open Ventalite section unclips and mounts onto either side of the hooded box, allowing you to configure the tray for left-handed, right-handed, or margin pole setups.
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Waterproof Folding Hood: Shield live bait, meat, and groundbait from heavy downpours or hot sun, with tension knobs to secure the hood at any angle.
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Ventalite Mesh Drainage: Open mesh tray floor allows rain run-off and spilled water to drain through instantly while maintaining airflow to keep groundbait fresh.
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Five-Knuckle Stability System: Equipped with three sliding main leg clamps and two outrigger support knuckles to eliminate flex, sag, and wobble under heavy loads of bait and water.
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Margin Fishing Clearance: Eliminates the restricted shipping angles often caused by full-width hooded trays, allowing smooth, unobstructed pole shipping down the margin.
Ideal Applications
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Commercial Margin Pole Tactics: Position the open mesh tray on the shipping side to keep pole movement clear while keeping primary bait protected under the hood.
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Changeable Weather Matches: Keep your main bait sealed under the waterproof hood during rain showers while keeping active feeder tools and towels accessible on the open mesh.
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Heavy Bait Setups: Secure multiple 3.3pt bait tubs, groundbait bowls, and water buckets on a rock-solid, fully supported platform.
Pro Tip
Maximizing Margin Efficiency & Stability: Mount the two outrigger knuckles onto support legs or extendable leg blocks before loading heavy bait containers. When fishing down the margin, position the hooded section closest to your seatbox seat cushion and place the open mesh section extending outward on your shipping side—this keeps your active hookbaits within easy reach while giving your pole sections complete clearance as you ship back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the open mesh tray section be attached to either side of the hood?
Yes. The tray features an interchangeable mounting design, allowing you to attach the open Ventalite mesh section to either the left or right side of the main hooded box depending on your preference and peg layout.
Does this tray require extra support legs?
While the three main clamping knuckles provide immense strength, using support legs on the two outrigger knuckles is highly recommended when loading heavy bait tubs, groundbait bowls, or water buckets to keep the tray completely level.
Will this side tray fit non-Preston seatboxes?
Yes. The clamping knuckles fit standard 36mm round legs natively and come supplied with inserts to fit 30mm round, 25mm round, and 23mm OnBox leg profiles.
