Tidying your tackle

by Jarrod Day on 15 Sep 2011 Tackle storage is a very important part of angling. Some anglers choose to take every piece of tackle they own with them, and though this may be fact, they actually only use a very small portion of it in any one session.

When it comes to storing your tackle, separating it is the best key and being an organised angler will enable you to become more efficient out on the water.

Tackle boxes, bags and trays come in a large assortment of sizes leaving anglers confused when it is time to upgrade. The following suggestions and ideas about new storage systems may just prompt and better idea for you to store that bunch of oversized lures and excess tackle you never knew where to put.

Tackle boxes:
Standard tackle boxes are the most convenient way in storing your fishing tackle. The majority of anglers out and about today use various types of tackle box designs from one, two or three tray boxes, tackle boxes with draws and even loose single trays. Finding a tackle box you suit your own needs can be a very challenging task. These days it is all very brand specific, Flambeau, Plano, Black Magic and Penn to name a few. Whenever I look for a new box it isn’t the name calling out to me but the features. Three trays, strong latches, extra boxes etc: this is all important information as your new tackle box is going to be exposed to the elements so purchase one which is going to withstand the toughest of conditions. In the last few years, Flambeau has introduced a polymer which is moulded into many of Flambeau’s products. This polymer is known as Zerust. Zerust is the best way to protect your terminals against rust and corrosion. It does this by emitting a harmless vapour which forms a protective layer around metal surfaces. Yep, that’s right, no more rusty hooks in the tackle box. Even better than that, they even claim the Zerust will last up to five years, now think about that new time you by a tackle box. Just look for the Zerust sticker when you purchase you next Flambeau tackle box. When purchasing a new box remember to inspect things like is it strong, does it have sturdy handles and secure latches, what about roomy lure compartments that will allow the storage of larger lures. Most of all has it got a deep base that can hold a variety of miscellaneous tackle like knives and leader rolls. The only downfall to plastic tackle boxes is their weight which brings us to tackle bags.

Tackle bags:
If you decide to use the tray option to store your fishing tackle then you will need something to carry the trays around in. These days, most leading tackle storage manufactures produce tackle bags that are capable of carrying up to 5 trays, some even more. If you’re a soft plastics nut, then products like the Guide Series from Plano can compensate for the large amount of trays you have to fit in it or the Black Magic bag also a three tray capacity and 4 large pockets capable of carrying excess leader, reels and other accessories you may have. Even if you don’t own a lot of tackle trays then models like the 3387 satchel, 3337 and 3375 tackle bags from Plano are ideal. Even if you decide to carry an assortment of different sized trays for those hiking days inland or just down to the local jetty then these models can still suit your needs, oh they can even fit in your lunch. Large tackle bags are also available for those going on fishing safaris to carry your clothes and tackle suiting the travelling angler, I prefer the 3397 when I travel, only because it has wheels and I usually stuff it that full I can’t lift it anyway.

Soft plastic wraps:
Another alternative to storing soft plastics is placing them into a wrap. Specially designed wraps are available so that when you purchase your packets of softies, each packet neatly fits into a pocket. Soft wraps even have or come with a small tackle boxes so you can put some jig heads into it as well. This is ideal if you’re walking river banks or a long stretch of beach flicking about. Even when in the boat they are a neat way to keep your plastics together and organised.

Jig-Bags:
With the fast growing sport of jigging becoming more popular, specially designed jig bags have been designed. Jig anglers tend to be travelling anglers, carrying with them only a rod and reel, leader, braid, jigs, hooks, swivels and split ring pliers. The newly designed jig bags are small and compact yet have the capacity to carry 15 or more jigs and all the relevant components for the travelling jigger. If you ask me they are an accessory you don’t want to forget for around $60 bucks.

Lure wraps:
Game anglers tend to have multitudes of large skirted lures with fierce hooks and other pointy bits which can inflict quite a nasty wound. Specially designed lure wraps enable anglers to store their lures in this neat wrap after a day’s fishing. Not just that, they have a netting type backing so after fishing all day the wrap can be strung up and hosed off to rid off all the salt. They can be air dried and put away for the next outing. Most game anglers opt this way to protect their lures due to their price and quality.

Leader holders:
This is the best invention since, I won’t say sliced bread, but I will say tackle boxes. Leader holders have been unbelievably handy in the last few years. How many times do you tie up a rig, wrap it up and try to store it in the top of your tackle box, then it all unwraps with line, hooks, sinkers and tangles everywhere. Look no further, Mira font has it covered. Mira font manufactures a polystyrene rig holder that enables anglers to pre-tie rigs and store them onto this holder. This way you can just take the holder out fishing rather than an entire tackle box.

When I first started collecting fishing tackle almost 20 years ago I was a much unorganised angler, I can even remember using 35mm film canisters for holding my fishing hooks. Although I thought this was a great idea, after a few drops of saltwater all that was left was a pile of rusty hooks. Now-a-days my fishing tackle is much more organised, lures in specially designed lure trays, rigs in rig wraps and rods neatly on display where they won’t get broken or scratched. You may already do this or you may not but regardless, if you want to break the habit from rusty hooks and mixed up swivels then get out and start organising.