I've always used a tackle box, and always got aggravated at it. Recently I've started using a backpack instead, with trays. Everything is absolutely 100x more organized, and I can quickly tailor the bag to that day. I should also say I shore fish and have to trek about a half mile to my spot through the woods so its even better now. Anyone else using backpacks?
Today's load:
Got sick of them about 20 years ago.
On 4/6/2017 at 10:12 AM, jbsoonerfan said:Got sick of them about 20 years ago.
Ditto. Ditched my tackle box about 20 yrs ago. Picked up a large canvas bag, kinda like a luggage bag. It came with 6 plano boxes. I added about 6 more. Now the thing weights about 40 pounds loaded for a normal trip. Not exactly something I could strap to my back.
I actually carry a shoulder bag now to allow for two machetes.
Seriously, I gave up on a traditional box by the late 90s and just started using a backpack/similar bag for most shore/wading trips and carry everything either in crates (kayak) or a giant Rubbermaid bin (tin boat). Seriously, though, machetes.
• I use tackle boxes for storage.
• I use clear snap boxes ( what I call them )
in a boat.4 of them fit in a carry box with a handle.The top is open.I can lean over and grab them with ease.
• I have a belt pack for bank fishing.
I use a backpack with 1 to 3 plano boxes and use my old tackle boxes for storage.
Just get one of those water proof boat bags and a bunch of Plano utility boxes.
Are you specifically talking about gear necessary for transporting stuff half a mile through the woods, fishing and then transporting back? Tackle boxes & tackle bags really aren't made for that. Back packs are. The real question is how long did it take you to come to that decision?
Back packs & plano boxes suitable for hiking have been available for a long time. I had something similar back when I was a meat fishing bush hippie (mid 70's to late 80's)
For me, the most challenging piece of gear to transport was the hip boots. I wasn't going to walk half a mile or so wearing them - and they did make bank fishing much easier/productive so it was necessary. Basically I wrapped them up in their own bag and then strapped them to the back pack. I could have carried them in one hand/ rods in the other, but I liked having 1 free hand - occasionally a machete was necessary, plus on the trip back I was generally carrying a stringer of fish.
Each fishing situation had its challenges and each one has a solution. It is unlikely that you will attain the ultimate solution in your first or second or third attempt.
Even now, with an 18' boat and an Explorer to tow it with, stowing gear correctly & efficiently is a challenge, one that I'm not always successfully meeting. Live & learn .. .
Back packs are the only way to go when bank fishing.
I keep all my tackle in 3700 boxes except for plastics(origional bags in gallon ziploc bags). Easier to use in boat. When i bank fish or go with some one else i have a bag from bass pro that holds 7 3700 boxes, but i carry only 4-5 boxes and my ziploc bags of plastics i plan to use for day.
I prefer my belt pack when bank fishing.It has several compartments for storing baits and accessories.I can cast easily with it on.
With a backpack its annoying to me trying to cast with one on, and I move a lot so would continually have to keep picking it up and putting it down.
But thats just me ! ? Its all good if your fishing.
for me. Payload is awesome 4X4 does well in the woods and pastures. Usually the fishing partner only has to keep the radio dialed in or work the heat and A/C to suit. Also the tailgate makes for a awesome table / bench.
I never used a backpack for fishing but almost everywhere I go I can drive close. Any traveling of distance by foot a backpack is the way to go I would say. Its just to simple banging a hard box off your leg as you hold it vs no hands and a soft bag on you back is a no brainer to me.
I use a large Gander Mountain bag and a Okeechobee Fats Tackle Bag with 3700 Plano boxes as well for most of my tackle I move from boat to truck depending on where I am fishing. The rest that almost always stay in the boat are in plastic Sterilite storage containers 6 quart like from Walmart.
Oh, I thought you meant the silly subscription monthly lure pot luck things. I've been using 3700 and 3600 boxes in a Jansport® for years. I limit myself to 1 or 2 boxes and a couple of bags of plastics max. I even go out with only what's tied on if I'm going to a place I know for a short stint. But too answer your question, yes and yes.
I love my tackle box.
It took me several decades to do it, but I've condensed my tackle into one small hard tackle-box.
That little box houses all the lures & tackle I'm currently using but undergoes wide & ongoing transition.
Over the years, guest anglers on my boat have been awe-struck by my tiny tackle box.
In stark contrast, the lures & tackle stored in my den at home probably weigh over 200 pounds.
The hard box I use is a "Plano 1150 Bill Dance Tackle Box" (17'' L x 12” W x 5'' H)
I'd be remiss if I didn't add the fact that my wife carries a BIG tackle bag,
and on those rare occasions when I might come up short, she can usually bail me out
Roger
Mobility rules from the bank.
For all my shore fishing trips, everything I carry either goes here:
or here:
If I ever find myself bringing more (almost never), it simply goes here:
I have a large bag for boat trips (Plano guide 3600 series) and a smaller bag for bank fishing. It is a cabelas 3500 series and it holds 4 main boxes and several bags of plastics, plus accessories. Its small enough to comfortably carry, even on long hikes, even with 1-2 rods.
I have a hard box I bought back in 2006 or so. It is about the size of a briefcase, and I can carry everything in it that I will need for fishing from the bank.
I use tackle boxes in my boat because they fit in the compartments nicely. Would I ever carry them through the woods to the bank to shore fish? Hell no. When I fish in someone else's boat I'll grab what I think will be important that day and put it in a bag with a strap, so its similar to a back pack.
went through so many plastic tackle boxes from wallyWorld. i picked up a tackle bagpack 2years ago from BPS. And man that thing came in handy. I would post a pic tomorrow. I tried lookin to see if they still had it in stock but no luck.
On 4/7/2017 at 4:47 AM, N Florida Mike said:I prefer my belt pack when bank fishing.It has several compartments for storing baits and accessories.I can cast easily with it on.
With a backpack its annoying to me trying to cast with one on, and I move a lot so would continually have to keep picking it up and putting it down.
But thats just me ! ? Its all good if your fishing.
What belt pack do you have?
I currently have a medium sized sling that fits a single 3600 box and maybe 3-4 bags of plastics and a handfull of hard baits, and a small chest pouch that holds a small 5-slot plano, 1-2 bags of plastics, and maybe 3-4 hard baits. I use the sling for short trips where I will be close to my car and the chest pack in conjunction with a small hiking day pack when I am going several miles.
On the same page as everyone else, backpack, sling bag, etc for the shore. In the boat though I use the tackle bags with hard waterproof bottoms to keep my tackle dry. I got learned that the soft bottomed bags pick up a ton of water on those early morning trips when the carpet is still damp.
I ditched the box and bag this year. I purchased a medium size water bladder compatible pack that fits 2 3600 boxes and 2-3 smaller ones in the other pouch. Right now i have the 2 boxes in the main compartment and 2 smaller double sided boxes with crank baits and several packs of worms in there. pliers and such fit in the water bottle holders on the side and its very compact and holds all my stuff. I was even able to break down my 5ft7 ugly stick with 30 size reel and put it in the front draw string pouch.
I plan on mountain biking a few state parks and fishing them so this fits perfect. I might end up going with a larger one to fit my bass and catfish stuff in there so i can do both at the same time.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ozark-Trails-Larimore-Hydration-Pack/46488325?variantFieldId=actual_color
I don't bank fish very often but when I do, I would never even consider a back pack. If bank fishing, I never carry enough gear to even fill one 3700 size utility box. I use a small sling pack to carry a couple bags of plastics, a spinner bait or two, and a small utility for 3 or 4 topwaters or cranks and another even smaller box for a few hooks.
On 4/7/2017 at 7:39 PM, Bunnielab said:
What belt pack do you have?
I currently have a medium sized sling that fits a single 3600 box and maybe 3-4 bags of plastics and a handfull of hard baits, and a small chest pouch that holds a small 5-slot plano, 1-2 bags of plastics, and maybe 3-4 hard baits. I use the sling for short trips where I will be close to my car and the chest pack in conjunction with a small hiking day pack when I am going several miles.
Not sure.It was a gift.It is actually for hunting but it works great for me.The compartments are perfect for baits and whatnot.I dont carry a lot though.I keep my surplus baits in the truck.
I use a nike back pack with three plano boxes, a gallon bag of soft plastic bags, a cd case with buzzbaits and spinnerbaits, and scales, scents, etc.
Yep. Have always used a backpack and 3700 boxes.
Switched to tackle bags about 15 yrs ago & haven't looked back. Most modern tackle bags offer a much better system for organizing tackle.
I totally agree. I bought a few Flambeau boxes and now I just throw them in a normal backpack and walk anywhere I want. Keeps my hands free all the time and much easier to carry.
Went a small soft sided tackle box many many years ago. Then upgraded size twice and capped out with the biggest blasted Tackle bag you've ever seen. It was insane.
Scaled back to a moderate size tackle bag for boat fishing.
When in the kayak I have one 3700 size waterproof tray and a BPS tackle binder. Both have 95% more crap than I need or will use for any given outing. Typically I could get away with packing the stuff I actually need in a cigar box and calling it good.
pretty sure almost everyone here uses trays i fit 6 of them into an under armor gym bag and 3 more with almost all of my soft plastics in a shimano tackle bag
I wear a vest and stuff the pockets with small boxes . I carry one combo so all the lures must fit into that rating .