Preston Innovations Ventalite Large Side Tray

Preston Innovations Ventalite Large Side Tray

The Preston Innovations Ventalite Large Side Tray is a staple for the serious match and coarse angler. At Gerry’s Fishing, we find this to be the “Goldilocks” size for many—perfect for those who need a substantial amount of bait close at hand without the excessive bulk of an XL tray. It is designed to accommodate up to six standard bait tubs, making it ideal for a variety of sessions from natural rivers to commercial fisheries.

The standout feature is the Ventamesh base. This lightweight, perforated material is essential for modern angling; it allows rainwater to drain away instantly while facilitating airflow to keep your bait (especially maggots and worms) fresh during hot summer sessions.

Professional Design & Stability

• Self-Supporting Design: Despite its size, this tray is engineered to be self-supporting. The twin sliding clamping knuckles provide a rock-solid connection to your seatbox legs, minimizing the need for additional support legs on many setups.

• Ventamesh Construction: The mesh base is both incredibly strong and functional. It reduces the overall weight of the tray while ensuring that your bait tubs aren’t sitting in puddles during a downpour.

• Secure Sliding Knuckles: The knuckles can be adjusted to fit various leg spacings, making it compatible with a wide range of seatboxes. The clamping mechanism is designed to be “non-marking” while providing a death-grip on the leg.

• Versatile Compatibility: The tray is fully compatible with the Preston Ventalite Hood (sold separately), allowing you to shield your bait from extreme sun or heavy rain.

• Outrigger Knuckle Included: Supplied with one outrigger knuckle for added stability, ensuring the tray remains level even when fully loaded with heavy bait tubs and groundbait.

Technical Specifications

Tactical Advantages

The Large Ventalite tray offers several benefits for the competitive angler. The Gerry’s team suggests:

• Heat Management: During summer festivals, the Ventamesh base is a lifesaver for live bait. The airflow helps prevent maggots from sweating and “clumping,” keeping them active for the duration of the match.

• Wet Weather Drainage: Unlike solid plastic trays that act as a basin, the Ventalite ensures your pellet tubs don’t float away. If it rains, the water simply passes through the mesh, keeping your station organized.

• Customizable Layout: The large surface area allows you to organize your station for maximum efficiency. Keep your primary hookbaits at the front and your backup groundbait or spare tackle items toward the rear.

• Easy Cleaning: At the end of a session, a quick splash of water from a bucket or a hose easily removes any groundbait residue or slime, leaving the tray clean for your next trip.

Gerry’s Verdict:

The Preston Innovations Ventalite Large Side Tray is the perfect balance of capacity and portability. It’s built to the high standards expected of the Ventalite range—durable, lightweight, and incredibly functional. For the angler who wants a clean, professional, and bait-friendly setup, this tray is a top-tier choice