What to Look for When Buying a Tackle Box
When it comes to the resources we use to capture fish, I, Matthew Davies, know that organization is the most essential factor to consider before going out on the lake. Having all of your lures, baits, and terminal tackle in one convenient location can help you become a more effective and savvier angler while also removing one more reason why the fish didn’t bite.
Anglers have a bewildering variety of choices when it comes to choosing the correct tackle box or pack, as they come in every size and shape imaginable. Choosing a tackle box is similar to selecting a pair of pants: you want them to “match” perfectly, with some extra room for development. To find the tackle storage unit that’s perfect for you, follow these guidelines.
Hard or Soft Tackle Box?
Anglers have two choices when it comes to tackle storage: heavy plastic boxes or soft bags.
Hard tackle boxes have been around since the beginning of modern fishing, bringing back childhood memories for those who enjoy the sport today. While the basic design has remained unchanged, enhancements and slight refinements have been made to increase the product’s competitiveness in this sector. Tackle boxes cover all the bases for those searching for a robust and durable build. The hard plastic and resin can withstand cracking and rough handling well, ensuring that this product’s durability is unrivaled.
On the inside of most tackle boxes are fold-out trays that allow the user to organize their lures and baits into different compartments. Before buying, make sure these trays are labeled as “worm proof,” as your plastic baits will “melt” and fuse together if you don’t have this technology. Some versions have plastic utility boxes instead of trays, which is a clever idea that allows you to organize your lures into various classes. Both types perform well, but utility boxes seem to be a better match for today’s market in terms of ease and functionality.
Top-loading compartments, which allow for the storage of more oversized items like pork jars, spare reels, and equipment, are another unique feature of many of these boxes. Accessing these things from the top saves time and effort, enabling the angler to focus on the task at hand. Keep an eye out for this critical feature that will increase the value of your purchase.
Last but not least, keep spinnerbait and jig racks in mind. These plastic additions to the box allow for tangle-free storage of some lures, allowing the fisherman to pick them up quickly. Even though many of these lures are bulky, these racks make for neat and tidy storage. (It is important to note that not all boxes come with shelves, so keep that in mind when you browse the catalog.)
Durable handles, sturdy latches, and roomy lure compartments that will allow the storage of “oversized” baits and tackle are all things to look for when purchasing a tackle box. A deep base that can accommodate several miscellaneous items is also a nice touch.
The weight of tackle boxes is one disadvantage. They can be very bulky in comparison to bags (depending on the model). This extra weight is often compensated by the improved safety they provide your tackle and gear, leaving the final decision to the angler’s choice.
Purchasing a larger model than your current set of lures, as with all tackle storage systems, is recommended. Remember that you’ll be adding more lures and baits to your ever-growing collection over time, so make sure the model you chose can accommodate those additions.
Soft tackle bags are a new trend in the storage device industry that has recently gained popularity. Tackle bags are water-resistant, lightweight shells that carry a range of plastic utility boxes, which house your lures. Utility boxes can range in size from two to six or more, depending on the bag’s dimensions.
The convenience that tackle bags have is a great feature that shines. Just take the tackle “boxes” you’ll need and leave the rest at home. (There’s no need to bring all of your bass and pike gear to the lake if you’re fishing for walleye for the day.) This will help you save a lot of weight while also making it easier for you to find your baits quickly and easily.
Storage pockets are another interesting addition to a tackle bag. These can be used to store blister packs of plastics, spare reels, fishing equipment, or even the camera. I prefer a tackle bag with pockets of various sizes because you can never have enough storage compartments, in my opinion. (There isn’t enough tackle to fill all of them!)
Make sure you buy a big enough bag to fit all of your gear, just as you did with the tackle boxes. I’ve seen some bags that only carry two utility boxes, which are perfect for pan fishing but useless for most other types of fishing. When it comes to making a final decision, bigger is always better.
Padded shoulder straps are a pleasant touch that will make transporting your gear to and from the boat more comfortable. Ensure that the straps and handles are secure and durable, with reinforced stitching for added durability. A waterproof material is needed, as well as a durable fabric that can withstand tears and punctures.
You get what you pay for in life, as for everything else. Both tackle boxes and tackle bags have their advantages and disadvantages, allowing the user to fully explore both options before making a decision. Make sure the device you chose is the best fit for you. When out on the lake, a storage system serves as an angler’s office, and being the particular bunch that we are, everything must be in complete working order.
Fishing Tackle Binders
When it’s time to file your jigs, plastics, or spinnerbaits, tackle binders can be your best friend.
A tackle binder is essentially a wrap with binder rings and plastic inserts specifically designed for the storage of different lures (with Velcro lining or a zipper for closing). Each lure, whether it’s a spinnerbait or a crankbait, fits snugly and securely in its pocket, ensuring a tangle-free and easy-to-handle storage device.
Binders are the way to go when it comes to storing plastics. Bags are big enough to hold a large number of craws, lizards, or worms, and they allow you to avoid digging through endless mounds of blister packs. This method is one of the most innovative when it comes to organizing tackle because replacement bags are also available.
These binders can fit perfectly inside your larger tackle box or case, allowing the angler to hold all of his or her lures and baits in one convenient location.
Conclusion
I, Matthew Davies, hope you’ve gained some insight into selecting a tackle storage device. When it comes to the checkout counter, functionality is essential, so make sure you cover all the bases to get the most out of your purchase. Good luck with your fishing and tackle organization!