Bank fishing tackle organization 2024

Bassdestroyer reply :

What is the best way to organize tackle and soft plastics for a bank fisherman? I carry a lot of stuff and a lot of soft plastics when I'm fishing, is their a certain bag that does the job perfectly, or what other ways do you carry your tackle when bank fishing?

Fishes in trees reply :

There is no "best" way. There is a "best" way for you and it involves trial and error. Back when I was a bank fishing meat hog bush hippie, I had a back pack which has stuff I didn't expect to need very often. (Spare clothes, poncho, thermos, lunch, wallet & ID, etc.). Then I had a large, bulky women's canvas purse that I got a Salvation Army for around a buck. It carried all the tackle I needed ( Med sized box of cranks, jigs, jig heads, soft plastics, half dozen jars of pork frogs, box of hooks, stringer & back up stringer, small box with spinner baits/buzz bait and enough trailers, and enough catfish gear/weights & hooks). On the plus side, the bag was a neon green/tiger stripe print which guaranteed that no one would ever steal it. None of my self respecting fishing acquaintances would even get near that bag. It worked for me then. I'd probably do it different now, but I don't bank fish any more. I have an 18' floating tackle box now. It carries gear, beer and most everything I need. If I don't have it it is because I forgot to put it in.

Onvacation reply :

If you use a log of Z Man baits, this is the best way. Of course there are other worm binders out there, but their bags are pre punched for the binder. Nice.

MassYak85 reply :

For smaller bags of worms and craws I keep them in a 3700 box. For larger worms I just toss them in a big Ziploc.

Yeajray231 reply :

On 12/23/2016 at 7:24 AM, Onvacation said:

If you use a log of Z Man baits, this is the best way. Of course there are other worm binders out there, but their bags are pre punched for the binder. Nice.

That is pretty neat... But so many baits out there I couldn't let go of to just bring z man. It is cool though.

I like to bring a small soft pack that holds 3 small planos (jigs , terminal tackle, cranks, blade family etc.) and some plastics , scissors , multi tool, powerbait (crappie nibbles work on most panfish,and channel cat), some bait scent/dye and that can keep me busy for hours on end

Iluvsmallies reply :

I'm still trying to find it myself... I know I'm gonna get some bass mafia boxes... I just need to find a bag???? Hopefully someone else will chime in

Team9nine reply :

On 12/23/2016 at 7:24 AM, Onvacation said:

If you use a log of Z Man baits, this is the best way. Of course there are other worm binders out there, but their bags are pre punched for the binder. Nice.

Exactly what I do, only mine's green Best way to go IMO...

-T9

cgolf reply :

For bank fishing I agree there is really no best way, because we all fish differently. For me I go with a 3500 size bag and carry a small box of 5 cranks, a second box with rigged plastics, and a third box with rigged Zman baits. Also in there is my scent, pliers, hook cutter, extra snaps, a cutter and lip gripper. That is it for me. If you need more gear a backpack should work and you can still be very mobile.

Scarborough817 reply :

i carry a backpack with 2 3700's and a few select soft plastics

RB 77 reply :

Back pack with a couple trays with a little bit of this and a little bit of that in them. Some water, snacks and you're good to go. You can always carry extra stuff in your vehicle and re-load if you get on a hot bite with a certain bait.

snake95 reply :

On 12/23/2016 at 4:10 AM, Bassdestroyer said:

s their a certain bag that does the job perfectly, or what other ways do you carry your tackle when bank fishing?

I am an avid bank fisherman and I used the orange spiderwire over-the-shoulder bag available from Walmart all 2015-2016. I love it. I started off with a fancy tackle backpack from Cabela's but took it back. The advantages of a good over-the-shoulder bag are:

Wide top to pack plano boxes or the worm binders shown above. Super easy access and efficient use of space. I think it is way easier to have a single open compartment than to have boxes stacked deep.
Can cast with it slung around your side without putting it down.

This particular bag has the following:

Appropriate amount of small pockets to organize hooks, sinkers, o-ring tools etc neatly in the front compartment - without also being so over-the-top that you squirrel stuff away and can't access it.
Little cylinder things on the side that you can put a line spool on and spool up your reel without needing someone and a pencil to hold it (even puts a bit of tension on for you).
Bigger than some of the less expensive over the shoulder bags - big enough for what I feel I need most outings.

I also sometimes use a hard canvas over-the-shoulder bag for carrying lots of plastics if I am out for a longer trip and experimenting with different types. But a lot of guys would think that's excessive. Works for me.

OkobojiEagle reply :

On 12/23/2016 at 4:10 AM, Bassdestroyer said:

What is the best way to organize tackle and soft plastics for a bank fisherman? I carry a lot of stuff

The best way is to limit your tackle to a small variety that can be fished with one rod/reel and fit in a couple of pockets or a small bag. Bass will bite on many different lures so you don't need to bring more than a few that you will be able to present effectively. Location is more important than tackle, so put your effort into learning where the bass will be.

BrackishBassin reply :

I use a backpack. Lures in one box, terminal tackle in another, and all my soft plastics in a gallon ziploc bag. Any used plastics can get tossed back in the ziploc bag along with any line I clip off. That's what I've worked out for myself so far. However, I'm looking at a decent walk most times I bank fish (at least a mile one way), so I need to keep everything compact.

JustinJ reply :

Plastics in my pocket. terminal tackle and a few hard baits in a small plano box

Oklahoma Mike reply :

I normally just carry a backpack that was made for a laptop. In the main compartment I will usually have a bass mafia deep coffin with all my hard lures. It will hold about what I can jam in 3-4 3700 boxes, so it is a space saver. I will also have a standard 3700 with all my terminal tackle. Then I jam all kinds of soft plastics in the secondary pocket (and sometimes more of the same in the main compartment). I use the smaller accessory compartments to hold things like pliers, digital scale, water, gloves, etc.

I also have a fanny pack style pack that is made for shotgun shells (I think that's what it's made for - I use it for that when bird hunting anyway), and on days I want to go light or know that I will only be fishing a certain type of bait, I will load that up.

jsh32 reply :

BPS has a backpack that I use and it is perfect. has room for 4 smaller plano boxes, to top pocket I keep all my terminal tackle and some soft plastics or whatever else I need

Sam reply :

KISS.

You have to keep it simple and compact.

I have one small tackle box when I pond fish, other than loading the SUV down with all types of baits and tackle when I go to my double secret pond.

Otherwise, it is one bag of three types of trick worms; one bag of two colors of finesse worms; some moving baits; and my hooks, needle nose pliers and fishing license.

The Bassman reply :

I know this'll sound dated but a lot of times I just wear my wading vest (no sheepskin hat band with spinners hanging off, though). Other times I carry a small Plano bag that I got at Wal-Mart for under 12 bucks. It forces me to limit my choices and focus on a few techniques.

Catt reply :

MDbassin reply :

On 12/23/2016 at 10:26 PM, Scarborough817 said:

i carry a backpack with 2 3700's and a few select soft plastics

same here, i just use an old LL bean backpack from when i was in school

In the main compartment i can put 3 3700 with all my hard baits and jigs, chatterbaits, frogs, spinnerbaits etc plus a 3600 with all my terminal tackle

Then in the other compartments i can fit all my plastics i use one compartment for worms and brush hogs then the other compertment for trailers (craws and paddle tails)

wisconsin heat reply :

Most of the spots I bank fish, I'll have a pretty good idea of what I want to throw, so I won't have to bring much. Most of the time, I will just bring assorted plastics in an empty bag in my pocket. If I'm throwing a jig, throw a couple extra in here as well. If i'm fishing hard baits, I will put a few in an empty tic tac box (big one), they are perfect for a few cranks, and can easily fit in a jacket pocket.

Otherwise I do have a belt tackle box thingy that I will use if I want to bring a few more things with me.

CTBassin860 reply :

I have my BPS stalker backpack jammed full of crap.When I bank fish I transfer the plastics and hard boxes I'm going to use,depending on what setups I'm bringing into my BPS man purse fishing satchel.

On 12/25/2016 at 12:08 AM, wisconsin heat said:

Most of the spots I bank fish, I'll have a pretty good idea of what I want to throw, so I won't have to bring much. Most of the time, I will just bring assorted plastics in an empty bag in my pocket. If I'm throwing a jig, throw a couple extra in here as well. If i'm fishing hard baits, I will put a few in an empty tic tac box (big one), they are perfect for a few cranks, and can easily fit in a jacket pocket.

Otherwise I do have a belt tackle box thingy that I will use if I want to bring a few more things with me.

That fishing fanny pack trumps my Fishing man purse lol

gulfcaptain reply :

I use a waste pack when bank fishing. I pack what I THINK I'M GOING TO NEED ONLY. I don't need every bit of tackle I own to fish a pond or small city park lake. But knowing the water I'm fishing helps me pack what I think I need. If I think there is other things I might need, well then I may put it in the trunk and take it with me just incase but only carry it on me if I need it. Same for rods, I carry 2-3 rods with me but have a few in the car just incase. Now the best part of the waste pack, that space between the pack and you works great to slip the extra rods between to keep both hands free and yourself mobile where you don't have to keep putting stuff down and picking it up. If you're fishing familar waters, pack what you use and have the most confidence in unless it's something new you want to try, then if that's the case, pack only that and go fishing.

j bab reply :

I've got my BPS backpack quite full... 14 3600 size boxes plus tools

Attila reply :

Nowadays I have a Plano 3700 Tackle Bag but back in the day I would put my essentials into a Plano Waist Pack which held a 3500 which would contain my crankbaits and topwaters. Then I'd put some tubes and grubs into one of the side pockets with pliers and scissors occupying the other side pocket. At that time I would only be carrying one rod with me for targeting smallmouth and didn't worry about different leader types or a wider assortment of lures like I carry now.

scaleface reply :

When bank fishing , I am not going to have my hands full and the only thing I want to bend over and pickup are bass . I carry one rod and reel and wear a vest . I stuff the pockets with boxes loaded with lures that cast well with my rod and reel .

roadwarrior reply :

On 12/26/2016 at 12:36 AM, scaleface said:

When bank fishing , I am not going to have my hands full and the only thing I want to bend over and pickup are bass . I carry one rod and reel and wear a vest . I stuff the pockets with boxes loaded with lures that cast well with my rod and reel .

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas-Mens-Safari-Vest/722816.uts?productVariantId=1854392&WT.tsrc=PPC&WT.mc_id=BingPLA&WT.z_mc_id1=90131217&rid=20&gclid=CKmFmKKAkNECFeJdMgod8a8Pcw&gclsrc=ds

Mumbly reply :

When I know that will be out bank fishing for the day i will have a backpack geared up with 4-5 plano 3601 boxes, a decent selection of soft plastics and the tools and accessories needed for most situations.

When out for just a few hours I will be a lot more specific in how I want to fish and what lures to take. Some might laugh but when I was in my late teens I bought a Berkley strap-on tackle box that I still use today. Works great for me and holds a decent amount of lures. Aside from that I will also carry a fanny pack with several bags of soft plastics.

http://www.berkley-fishing.com/berkley-tools-and-equipment-tackle-management-berkley-fishingear/berkley-soft-belt-tackle-box/1285975.html

Fishhook21 reply :

Whenever I go bank fishing I use an old backpack with 3-5 3600 boxes in it. Then for the plastics I put them in ziplock bags. This year I might throw the plastics in a double-deep utility box though, since the plastics were being squished this year. All tools and extras are in the front two pockets.

AustinHellickson reply :

A few one compartment tackle boxes work best for me

One for baits and another for weights and hooks

Crankin4Bass reply :

Lots of good ideas here. I like to keep things light and easily accessible when bank fishing. I have tried a few things.

First I started with this small Plano satchel box:

http://www.planomolding.com/fishing/stowaway-utility-boxes/specialty-stowaway-utility-boxes/connectable-satchel-17-compartment-utility-box

I found it a pain because I constantly had to set it down.

Next I tried this cheap Berkley bag:

http://www.berkley-fishing.com/berkley-tools-and-equipment-tackle-management-berkley-classics/tackle-bag---berkley/1285972.html#start=6

I slung it over my neck like a messenger bag and would turn around so it was on my back while casting. It worked ok but was small and sometimes stuff would fall out when I unzipped it.

I finally found a Simms Headwaters Sling Pack. It's made for fly fishing but it works great anytime. My hands are free and everything is easily accessible.

http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=1716528&categoryId=0&parentCategoryId=0&subCategoryId=0&indexId=0&itemGUID=52f48f54ac10845751bc71d881b55593&destination=%2Fuser%2Forder_details.cmd%3Fid%3DicR06IMzLsPl6UcOOCChew%253D%253D%26key%3D4ac21c66938a4c67a811024234093d5e

The best thing about this bag is that when you rotate it in front of you, the front pocket opens up to form a little work space.

It looks like Simms has replaced it with a newer slightly larger model called the Waypoints Sling. I think they have made some nice improvements.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/clothing/men-s-casual-clothing/men-s-fishing-clothing/fishing-vests-packs|/pc/104797080/c/104746680/sc/104329080/i/103928580/simms-reg-small-waypoints-sling/2125607.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse.cmd%3FN%3D1102599

Orvis has a similar one to the older Simms Headwaters pack called the Safe Passage Sling Pack:

http://www.orvis.com/p/safe-passage-sling-pack/14zf

I carry 3 small Plano Stowaway boxes with hooks, jigs, poppers, and cranks.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Plano-Stowaway/16351084

I use a a Dr. Slick's scissor clamp attached with a retractor to remove hooks and cut line.

http://www.drslick.com/catalog/view_item/clamps/scissor-clamp

Add a one gallon ziplock with 4 bags of plastics, a little first aid kit, a bottle of water and I'm good to go. My buddy uses a cheap messenger bag and one 3700 Plano box and carries the same amount of gear. It works for him and he spent a lot less on the bag. I probably would have done the same but I caught the Simms bag on sale for 50% off. I'm really happy with the Simms pack and have it and a 2 piece spinning rod in my car all the time.

fishwizzard reply :

You guys with a dozen 3600 boxes blow my mind with how much weight you are willing to carry. I think I am going to start carrying $50 in singles and just buy what ever I need from one of you guys.

mixel reply :

On 1/3/2017 at 3:23 AM, Bunnielab said:

You guys with a dozen 3600 boxes blow my mind with how much weight you are willing to carry. I think I am going to start carrying $50 in singles and just buy what ever I need from one of you guys.

I had the same thought. That's pretty nuts for bank fishing to be hauling all that around, unless you're sitting in the same spot all day long and backing up the truck with the bar-b-que in the back. Would not want to carry that much weight for all the ground I try to cover.

Ohitsmeagain reply :

I use the Browing Fishing Backpack. I can store alot of tackle as well as it has a cooler built in. Its very sturdy as is pretty cheap. I got mine for $60 at Bass Pro.

Heron reply :

Rule #1 - Know your fish-Know your waters. Then youll know what you don't need.

Rule #2 - Don't carry too much stuff. You wont use it, and it will be dead weight.

Rule #3 - Organize your stuff at home before you grab it. So youre not taking things you wont use.

For instance, I like to have the hierarchy of my organization be based on something like this....

> Most productive baits all year

Then...

> Season/Month

--> Approx. water temp

----> Shoreline location / Bottom features (Ex. Rock, mud, flat, steep, weeds, logs, etc.)

------> Weather conditions

That way, I can just take a quick peek out the window, and know exactly what I will take.

Rule #4 - Just grab a couple. When you decide which baits youre bringing, just grab a couple of each, depending on how long youll be down there for. Don't grab youre whole jig box, or your whole crank box, or 25 bags of plastics.

Rule #5 - When youre at the water, stop thinking about the stuff you left at home. You will lose confidence in everything you do.

georgeyew reply :

On 12/25/2016 at 2:30 PM, j bab said:

I've got my BPS backpack quite full... 14 3600 size boxes plus tools

That's amazing you can fit that many boxes in the back pack. Must weigh about 25 lbs.

j bab reply :

On 1/4/2017 at 4:25 AM, georgeyew said:

That's amazing you can fit that many boxes in the back pack. Must weigh about 25 lbs.

Good guess, 27 pounds! Pretty darn heavy but I don't carry it on my back constantly, it just gets everything from one place to another. If I'm going to be walking long distances bank fishing I have small bags for that.

LCG reply :

I use a shoulder bag that carries a spool, pliers, Plano box of lures, about 8 bags of plastic baits, scissors, and two small Plano boxes for weights and hooks. The bag also has clips to attach things such as nets, water bottles, etc. Works great and is adjustable for various size people.

https://m.aliexpress.com/s/item/32251241504.html#autostay

AustinHellickson reply :

On 1/3/2017 at 11:00 PM, Heron said:

Rule #1 - Know your fish-Know your waters. Then youll know what you don't need.

Rule #2 - Don't carry too much stuff. You wont use it, and it will be dead weight.

Rule #3 - Organize your stuff at home before you grab it. So youre not taking things you wont use.

For instance, I like to have the hierarchy of my organization be based on something like this....

> Most productive baits all year

Then...

> Season/Month

--> Approx. water temp

----> Shoreline location / Bottom features (Ex. Rock, mud, flat, steep, weeds, logs, etc.)

------> Weather conditions

That way, I can just take a quick peek out the window, and know exactly what I will take.

Rule #4 - Just grab a couple. When you decide which baits youre bringing, just grab a couple of each, depending on how long youll be down there for. Don't grab youre whole jig box, or your whole crank box, or 25 bags of plastics.

Rule #5 - When youre at the water, stop thinking about the stuff you left at home. You will lose confidence in everything you do.

i carry a wide variety because I don't know what will work. I have only caught fish at the lake across from my house from a Texas rigged drop shot worm bank fishing.... Thoughts?

On 1/4/2017 at 4:25 AM, georgeyew said:

That's amazing you can fit that many boxes in the back pack. Must weigh about 25 lbs.

How much was your setup without baits? Looks nice to me

j bab reply :

@AustinHellickson the bag was $20, the boxes were probably $6 each on average, so roughly $100. You could get boxes cheaper if you looked for sales, I picked them up one or two at a time over a couple years.

Heron reply :

@AustinHellickson.......No need to take a wide variety. Bring what works (your T-rig worm), and then bring only a couple different additional baits to try. Keep your selection small so that youre not spending too much time changing baits. Kinda like Rule #4.

Then refer to Rule #3, and make sure that the additional baits you are trying are a good fit for the day's Season/Water Temp/Location/ and Weather conditions.

Figuring out which baits work with some consistency, just takes time on the water to figure out (that's part of Rule #1). But do so in an intelligent, and organized manner. Its better than succumbing to junk fishing.

Rule #6 - When in doubt, throw a Fat Ika. Fat Ikas excel at simplifying things.

AustinHellickson reply :

On 1/4/2017 at 9:18 AM, Heron said:

@AustinHellickson.......No need to take a wide variety.   Bring what works (your T-rig worm), and then bring only a couple different additional baits to try.   Keep your selection small so that youre not spending too much time changing baits.  Kinda like Rule #4.

Then refer to Rule #3, and make sure that the additional baits you are trying are a good fit for the day's Season/Water Temp/Location/ and Weather conditions.

Figuring out which baits work with some consistency, just takes time on the water to figure out (that's part of Rule #1).   But do so in an intelligent, and organized manner. Its better than succumbing to junk fishing.

Rule #6 - When in doubt, throw a Fat Ika.   Fat Ikas excel at simplifying things.

This helps A LOT

soflabasser reply :

Less is more when it comes to bank fishing. Carrying more than you really need will weigh you down,especially if you plan on fishing for +10 hours.A Plano box filled with proven lures, a couple meal replacement bars, couple water bottles and a can of bug spray is usually more than enough items for a backpack . As for rods,you only really need 1 rod/reel combo and more than 3 combos is really not needed for a successful day of bass fishing.

AustinHellickson reply :

On 1/4/2017 at 1:01 PM, soflabasser said:

Less is more when it comes to bank fishing. Carrying more than you really need will weigh you down,especially if you plan on fishing for +10 hours.A Plano box filled with proven lures, a couple meal replacement bars, couple water bottles and a can of bug spray is usually more than enough items for a backpack . As for rods,you only really need 1 rod/reel combo and more than 3 combos is really not needed for a successful day of bass fishing.

What combo do u use?

soflabasser reply :

On 1/5/2017 at 6:29 AM, AustinHellickson said:

What combo do u use?

For bass fishing rods I mostly use Ugly Stiks and for reels I mostly use Shimano and Penn. I have a custom bass rod(was given to me as a gift over a decade ago)and use that rod for mostly topwater/jerkbait fishing, but honestly haven't seem it outperform my other rods enough to justify its price. Have caught several bass that weighed over 10 pounds from land using these combos, so I don't see the need for me to buy more expensive combos.

mixel reply :

I'm in same boat as soflabasser. Using Ugly Stiks and Shimano reels. I have real trouble buying into the expensive rod theory in that it will actually help me catch more fish. $45 ugly works great. Reels are a different story though as I've seen poorly made reels fail fast and generally be less durable than some more expensive ones. Still, for my needs if I can keep the reel cost under $70 it is ideal for me.

j bab reply :

@soflabasser & @mixel don't ever fish all day with a $200 rod... your bank account will be drained in no time while you replace every ugly stik you have

mixel reply :

Haha touche @j bab but my bank account has to have something in it before it can be drained and lately that doesn't seem to be the case.

Heron reply :

Combos?

Dude, my last two 5lbers this year, were caught on a $22 Berkley cherrywood spinning rod, with a $9 Outdoor angler 2000 reel. This rig has held up just fine for 3 seasons so far.

I like to use gear that is inexpensive, but has great value, because it is gratifying to me, to catch fish well with cheap gear, while everyone else spends hundreds, or even thousands of dollars, to catch the same fish.

soflabasser reply :

With my profession I can easily replace every single one of my rods for the "latest and greatest" bass rods if I wanted to,but I have no need for it and don't think I will.I rather spend the money saved on proven lures,but that's just me.Besides,my better half won't be happy if I spend more money on fishing than I already do.

soflabasser reply :

On 1/5/2017 at 6:49 AM, mixel said:

I'm in same boat as soflabasser. Using Ugly Stiks and Shimano reels. I have real trouble buying into the expensive rod theory in that it will actually help me catch more fish. $45 ugly works great. Reels are a different story though as I've seen poorly made reels fail fast and generally be less durable than some more expensive ones. Still, for my needs if I can keep the reel cost under $70 it is ideal for me.

I agree with you and these ugly sticks can easily take the beating a bank fisherman gives to his gear.I see my combos as a tool to catch bass(or any fish) and I don't want to baby my gear.I have stepped on my rods, high sticked them with big fish,yet they haven't broken,even with +2 decades of abuse.Not easy to do that with high modulus graphite rods.

soflabasser reply :

On 1/5/2017 at 7:51 AM, Heron said:

Combos?

Dude, my last two 5lbers this year, were caught on a $22 Berkley cherrywood spinning rod, with a $9 Outdoor angler 2000 reel. This rig has held up just fine for 3 seasons so far.

I like to use gear that is inexpensive, but has great value, because it is gratifying to me, to catch fish well with cheap gear, while everyone else spends hundreds, or even thousands of dollars, to catch the same fish.

I agree with you that it is more gratifying to catch a big bass on inexpensive gear with great value.Might look into combo you mentioned since that's a very good deal.

Heron reply :

On 1/5/2017 at 8:52 AM, soflabasser said:

I agree with you that it is more gratifying to catch a big bass on inexpensive gear with great value.Might look into combo you mentioned since that's a very good deal.

Found at Walmart...

An even better value, I think, is the Outdoor Angler Spinning Reel 30. Its almost a Pflueger President knock off, for only $14. Solid reel. I have that paired on a $40 Berkely Lightning Shock 7' M rod. So far it also has performed great.

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