Tackle Management - Recommendations 2024

Puggz reply :

Hi everyone,

It seems that I've out grown my Bass tackle box and looking to you (the eggsperts... on what the best bass tackle management system out there.

I'm currently using a vintage Flambeau Strike Force (Bass Masters Classic Edition) I bought at BPS over 20 yrs ago

I fish for both Largies and Smallies and this will be a Bass dedicated kit. The bass tackle I use consists of the following;

Spinner/Chatter/Buzz baits
Plastic worms, craws, swim baits, etc
Multiple types of jig heads, weights, swivels, snap swivels, etc
A large selection of hooks (offset/swim jig/drop shot/finesse)
All types of hard baits (long/short/Fat/Skinny)
Hollow body frogs
Flippin and swimmin jigs

I like to be very organized so I can capitalize on my time on the water. This means that keeping complimentary things together if possible. I'm sure I'm not the only type A fisherman in the world...

Thanks in advance!

Patrick.

wisconsin heat reply :

I use mainly 3600's and 3700's. I separate lures by category and just take what I think I will use that day fishing. Ex: I leave the frog box at home when it is snowing. And I leave the deep cranks home when it is summer and I am fishing a shallow, weed choked pond.

5fishlimit reply :

I would suggest a modular solution using a soft side bag, and various tackle trays that can be swapped out depending on your needs for that outing. Check the Plano Softsider bags.

Choporoz reply :

Do you use '360 boxes'? If so, what size? 3600? 3700? If you use them, do you keep your plastics in them? Or, in binder? Backpack? Other? You want it all in one bag/box? Two or more ok?

I have few good suggestions, but if you have any set preferences, it will help to answer. I use a large duffel bag with about 7 or 8 3600's that still has room for a sizable worm binder and tools. But I usually also carry a backpack full of plastics and a small one tray tackle box.

The only helpful suggestion I have is to carry like-plastics in one gallon ziplocks. I like my jigs and trebles in 3600's.

HoosierHawgs reply :

On 12/9/2015 at 4:39 AM, wisconsin heat said:
I use mainly 3600's and 3700's. I separate lures by category and just take what I think I will use that day fishing. Ex: I leave the frog box at home when it is snowing. And I leave the deep cranks home when it is summer and I am fishing a shallow, weed choked pond.

I also use this interchangeable box system. I keep all of my Spinnerbaits in a BPS Xtreme Worm Binder. I really like the different Okeechobee Fats bags for carrying. They come in all different sizes and are of good quality and are excellently priced.

GoCougs14 reply :

Do you guys use the shallow plano's (3601, 3701) for anything other than terminal tackle. Id like to use as many shallow ones as I can, so I can store more in my backpack.

desmobob reply :

On 12/9/2015 at 5:28 AM, GoCougs14 said:
Do you guys use the shallow plano's (3601, 3701) for anything other than terminal tackle. Id like to use as many shallow ones as I can, so I can store more in my backpack.

I prefer the 3701s for most anything... there's not much that won't fit in them, and you can pack more of them in the same carrying bags. I only use the original 3700s when I have to.

Tight lines,

Bob

MickD reply :

I've struggled with this for years. Then I finally figured out that I seldom needed it all on any outing, whether in my boat or in another's boat, or wading, etc, you get the idea. So I bought a fairly big soft-sided bag that will take the 3600 size boxes. I also bought a bunch of plastic storage boxes. I put all the soft stuff into the storage boxes, all the hard stuff in the 3600's, and have a few spare 3600's.

I take the big soft-sided bag whether I'm fishing my boat or another, and it has the hooks, leader mat'l, spare spools, all the stuff that would be handy when fishing for anything.

Then, depending on whose boat, what we'll be fishing for, how tight the packing has to be, I fill the soft-sided bag with what I'll need. The plastics will be separated by type and in gallon plastic bags, taking only the ones appropriate for the fishing for that trip. The hard stuff will be in the plastic 3600's, appropriate for the trip.

There may be a better system, and I'm all ears to hear about it.

blckshirt98 reply :

I use the "Basic Clears" Sterilite (http://www.sterilite.com/ProductCategory.html?ProductCategory=17&section=1) containers that I just pick up at Target on the cheap. Soft plastics stay in original packaging that I stick into Gallon Freezer Ziploc bags. You can use separate totes for line/reels/misc gear, hooks/terminal tackle, swimbaits, hardbaits, scents, trout gear, etc. Opened hardbaits I store in Planos - the small/medium/large crankbait planos are fantastic, and I have a few others based on needs.

Just be warned - once you start storing tackle in containers you only end up buying more and larger containers lol

blckshirt98 reply :

On 12/9/2015 at 5:28 AM, GoCougs14 said:
Do you guys use the shallow plano's (3601, 3701) for anything other than terminal tackle. Id like to use as many shallow ones as I can, so I can store more in my backpack.

I have a couple of shallow ones that seem to work best for jigs/jig trailers.

Evan K reply :

I've figured out a system that works well so far.

I use Plano 3600 size boxes, I have a ton of the 3601 because they're slim and I can fit more boxes in a bag (and therefore keep everything better organized).

I have a BPS backpack that holds around 16 boxes, fewer if I'm carrying a bunch of gallon bags of plastics.

I also have a Plano bag that holds about 6.

I have all my boxes on a wooden shelf. When I go out, I grab the boxes I think I'll need and put them in one of the two bags, depending how many I think I'll need that day. That way i don't ever have to carry everything, and depending on the outing I don't need a big floppy half empty bag.

68camaro reply :

On 12/9/2015 at 5:28 AM, GoCougs14 said:
Do you guys use the shallow plano's (3601, 3701) for anything other than terminal tackle. Id like to use as many shallow ones as I can, so I can store more in my backpack.

I just started to change over to the shallow 3701 for same reason you like them.

I just picked up two more on sale and need to reorganize. While they will be for specific baits I do plan to have one that will hold cross section of my favorite and most used baits for when I just want to grab one tray.

Puggz reply :

Great ideas! Keep them coming..

I have to drive at least 1 1/2 hours to get to a fishing spot, many times 3 hours (one way) so I will just bring everything.

I like the gallon bag idea for plastics and I'll look at some of the ballistic nylon totes with Plano boxes..

Brnnoser6983 reply :

I personally use a bunch of different storage options depending on where/what is stored. I have my main bag that holds different variations of 3600 & 3700 boxes for my basic lures. For my plastics I use mainly 3731 boxes. normal packages of plastics fit side by side and I can keep all the different style bags of plastic ordered nicely. I also have a Flambeau 4150 to store all of my line and misc items. Not to mention my box of "I'm going to use it later".

When it comes to going out I choose what boxes to fill my Cabelas magnum bag with and I use a bass matter bag to store misc plastics to bring. Some times I bring a small bag that holds 3600 to carry my duos and plastics if I'm going on am all day trip out.

desmobob reply :

I have a big old Plano hard box that has a top-opening lid with a quick-access covered compartment built on top of it. Under the lid is a spinnerbait rack on one side and slots to hold several small Plano boxes on the other side. The main part of the big box has a drop-down front that covers slots for four Plano 3700 boxes (they slide out like dresser drawers). It is one of the handiest tackle boxes I've ever owned.

I carry another soft bag made to hold 6-8 Plano 3700s and a duffle with gallon Zip-Loks of soft baits and a Plano line/leader spool box. I can carry it all out to the boat in one trip and I'm sure I have all the tackle I might need with me.

I keep some Plano boxes with my ultralight stuff in a compartment on the boat.

Tight lines,

Bob

Fishes in trees reply :

We've had many different threads about tackle management, both for bank fishermen and boaters and co-anglers… I'm not saying enough is enough, but enough is plenty. Here is my advice - pick one - doesn't matter which one, just pick one and try it out. Should that not be perfect for you, use your best judgement and pick another one. Repeat. Sooner or later you'll reach an acceptable compromise, a deep and personal understanding that no tackle management system is perfect. All it will cost you is a few dollars. Very cheap for an important lesson.

68camaro reply :

Can plastic soft baits baits be kept in a tray or do they need to be stored in original bags or zip-lock bags to avoid drying out or going bad quicker?

5fishlimit reply :

On 12/13/2015 at 3:28 AM, 68camaro said:
Can plastic soft baits baits be kept in a tray or do they need to be stored in original bags or zip-lock bags to avoid drying out or going bad quicker?

You can store them in boxes just fine. Be careful of mixing Z-Man and Elaztech baits with non Elaztech baits. They will melt and become a goopy mess.

bigbill reply :

Sometimes the plastics just melt in the plastic case. There is a release agent that's used in the molding that I think the sunlite or heat can reactivate it again the case melts to the plastic baits.

Tackle management is there any successful way to do it?

I have a BPS DENNY BAUER Magnum boat bag with 3600 / 3700 cases in it. Great for when I'm on a boat. Need a red rider wagon for shore fishing.

I regret upgrading to two 9606 split roof tackle boxes. I went from five tackle boxes to three for shore fishing.

I need too scale back now.(back problems).

There is no easy solution to carry a assortment of everything. I still carry five rod setups.

My quick fish box has my hottest baits. But I like to vary what I throw.

Puggz reply :

On 12/13/2015 at 2:24 AM, Fishes in trees said:
We've had many different threads about tackle management, both for bank fishermen and boaters and co-anglers… I'm not saying enough is enough, but enough is plenty. Here is my advice - pick one - doesn't matter which one, just pick one and try it out. Should that not be perfect for you, use your best judgement and pick another one. Repeat. Sooner or later you'll reach an acceptable compromise, a deep and personal understanding that no tackle management system is perfect. All it will cost you is a few dollars. Very cheap for an important lesson.

Point taken but that is just what I was attempting to prevent. I figured with all the experience on here that I may get lucky and find the "holy grail" of bass tackle management. I agree that perfection doesn't exist but it can get pretty close... but then again, I drive an Audi..

:leisures-and-sports-076:

OkobojiEagle reply :

Buy fewer baits...

desmobob reply :

On 12/14/2015 at 1:20 AM, OkobojiEagle said:

Buy fewer baits...

oe

What are you... some kind of nut case?

Tight lines,

Bob

Jon G reply :

I organize everything but my plastics into Plano 3740s (Waterproof 3700). My plastics get organized into bags by type (creatures, flukes, craws, ect) and then put into another bag by color (Dark creatures, Natural creatures, Dark Craws, Natural Craws, ect) They then get thrown into a storage bin.

Evan K reply :

On 12/14/2015 at 1:41 AM, desmobob said:

What are you... some kind of nut case?

Tight lines,

Bob

My thought exactly.

blckshirt98 reply :

Keep plastics in original bags if you can...certain colors from certain brands tend to bleed heavily and can stain both other plastics and plastic containers you store them in (Yamamoto in anything purple or red comes to mind in particular).

Munkin reply :

Like several others have mentioned keeping plastics in their original bags and putting those bags in gallon freezer bags works the best for me. This allows me to carry the most baits in the least amount of physical space and retain organization.

Hardbaits I keep in 3600 size boxes so I can switch out based on fishing conditions. There are 3 3700 boxes that I use; terminal tackle, jig components, and my "Best of the Best" box. This box contains all my "Go-To" lures and in case I can only grab one box this is it.

Allen

SPECIAL ENGINEER reply :

On 12/13/2015 at 2:10 AM, desmobob said:

I have a big old Plano hard box that has a top-opening lid with a quick-access covered compartment built on top of it. Under the lid is a spinnerbait rack on one side and slots to hold several small Plano boxes on the other side. The main part of the big box has a drop-down front that covers slots for four Plano 3700 boxes (they slide out like dresser drawers). It is one of the handiest tackle boxes I've ever owned.

I carry another soft bag made to hold 6-8 Plano 3700s and a duffle with gallon Zip-Loks of soft baits and a Plano line/leader spool box. I can carry it all out to the boat in one trip and I'm sure I have all the tackle I might need with me.

I keep some Plano boxes with my ultralight stuff in a compartment on the boat.

Tight lines,

Bob

---------

I think I have the same tackle box that you describe. It's a Plano 7771.

It's great for organizing everything. I put bags of soft plastics in the main top compartment and everything else in trays. Not my pictures but it shows what I am describing.

desmobob reply :

That's a newer version that's similar. Mine is an older version of this one:

There are slots to the left of the spinnerbait rack that allow you to store about five or six of the small Plano boxes, standing on their edge.

I'm glad to see they still offer it.. "The Stow Away System."

Tight lines,

Bob

tander reply :

If you are going to use a tackle box, that Plano 7771 is a great looking box. !!!!

desmobob reply :

On 12/17/2015 at 10:42 AM, tander said:
If you are going to use a tackle box, that Plano 7771 is a great looking box. !!!!

For sure!

I keep my go-to stuff in the hard box, and all the other tackle in 3700s in a big soft zippered case. The 3700s are so handy for organization, I can hardly consider NOT using them, but the whole system sure ends up being bulky. I guess there no easy way around it if you like to carry a lot of stuff.

Tight lines,

Bob

davecon reply :

Several years ago I got sick and tired of fighting the crowds on the larger lakes here in Florida. I overed the tournament thing after many years of that too. Sold the traditional bass boat, 18 footer with 150 and bought a small boat called a Gheenoe. Now the boat Is rigged as nice as any and very comfortable to fish from, it's just small and lets me get in smaller bodies of water with virtually no other fishermen.

This necessitated a reduction in tackle carried with me, just not as much room as the old boat.

Went thru every lure I own and actually tried to remember when I used the lure last, how many fish did it catch, etc. If it wasn't a good producer I put it in storage in the garage.

I got it down to 2 Plano 1258's,one for plastics, one for lures, and 2 3600's (one for hooks and sinkers and one for panfish lures

Keep in mind I fish for bass, snook, reds, tarpon, seatrout, (and bluegills with the wife and grandkids).

Over the years I have learned, for the most part, what works and what is really good merchandizing. I don't run and out and buy the "hot" lures that come out all the time that usually just take up space. Sort of stick with the tried and true.

If anything, the reduction in tackle has improved my fishing not hindered it. I now concentrate on where the fish are, speed of retrieve, etc. not always wondering should I try the latest and greatest lure ever invented. I know that what I'm using will work as it has in the past.

There used to be a fellow here in Florida, "One Lure Charlie", I think his name was Charlie Orme (he died a few years ago). He used one lure and one lure only, a Devils Horse, and won literally hundreds of tournaments, and believe me, there are some pretty good sticks here in Florida.

Point is, you really don't need all that tackle. Use only what WORKS for you.

My two cents worth.

Dave

Puggz reply :

On 12/17/2015 at 8:18 AM, SPECIAL ENGINEER said:

---------

I think I have the same tackle box that you describe. It's a Plano 7771.

It's great for organizing everything. I put bags of soft plastics in the main top compartment and everything else in trays. Not my pictures but it shows what I am describing.

This is hilarious.. I have one of these boxes, i use it for my Walleye tackle... ... Maybe a second one of these eh? They're pretty good value.

Winter project will be to empty it and move all my Bass tackle into it and see how goes...

Cheers!!

Fishes in trees reply :

I wouldn't recommend desecrating your walleye system just to marginally improve your bass gear. Just get new gear. Consider yourself fortunate in that you have a first world problem that can be solved by throwing money at it.

Puggz reply :

On 12/18/2015 at 2:58 AM, Fishes in trees said:

I wouldn't recommend desecrating your walleye system just to marginally improve your bass gear. Just get new gear. Consider yourself fortunate in that you have a first world problem that can be solved by throwing money at it.

That's exactly what I plan to do..:)

Spent the morning desecrating my walleye system an I'm very impressed with the 7771 for bass gear. The only potential issue I see is that the top of mine is already full of plastics...:-D. Other than that I have one 3700 filled with hooks, weights, and jig heads, one with topwater and jerks, one with cranks and best of all, one empty tray.

Thanks again to special engineer for the original idea... I'm just glad I had one that I could test drive.

Cheers!

Felix77 reply :

On 12/9/2015 at 5:28 AM, GoCougs14 said:

Do you guys use the shallow plano's (3601, 3701) for anything other than terminal tackle. Id like to use as many shallow ones as I can, so I can store more in my backpack.

I love the 3601's. I use them for my slimmer baits like jerkbaits, lipless CB's etc. It all boils down to how much stuff you really want to carry of each type.

SPECIAL ENGINEER reply :

On 12/19/2015 at 2:18 AM, Puggz said:

That's exactly what I plan to do..:)

Spent the morning desecrating my walleye system an I'm very impressed with the 7771 for bass gear. The only potential issue I see is that the top of mine is already full of plastics...:-D. Other than that I have one 3700 filled with hooks, weights, and jig heads, one with topwater and jerks, one with cranks and best of all, one empty tray.

Thanks again to special engineer for the original idea... I'm just glad I had one that I could test drive.

Cheers!

My wife bought me the tackle box for Christmas 2 years ago when I started to fish more often. When I opened it I thought to myself: "she shouldn't have gotten such a big tackle box. I'll never get close to filling it up "

Then I found this website and you guys introduced me to the monkey. I couldn't even get close to fitting everything in it now but it is more than enough to store everything that I would need for a trip and organizes everything very well.

I do agree that the top fills with plastics pretty quick. I usually have an additional small bag with plastics that I bring. I usually just throw a couple packs in a plastic grocery bag that becomes the trash bag in the boat.

BassnChris reply :

I use 3600's and 3700's for most all tackle.

i use an old worm binder for spinnerbaits and buzzbaits.

and for plastics I use these flambeau 4510FB

Puggz reply :

On 12/19/2015 at 8:26 AM, SPECIAL ENGINEER said:

My wife bought me the tackle box for Christmas 2 years ago when I started to fish more often. When I opened it I thought to myself: "she shouldn't have gotten such a big tackle box. I'll never get close to filling it up "

Then I found this website and you guys introduced me to the monkey. I couldn't even get close to fitting everything in it now but it is more than enough to store everything that I would need for a trip and organizes everything very well.

I do agree that the top fills with plastics pretty quick. I usually have an additional small bag with plastics that I bring. I usually just throw a couple packs in a plastic grocery bag that becomes the trash bag in the boat.

Exactly!

7212

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