Tackle Boxes vs. Tackle Bags
A fairly recent addition to the world of fishing is the redevelopment of tackle storage systems. The tackle bag has quickly made its wayinto the fishing market and has sent the traditional tackle box into remodeling. But what is YOUR preferred method of carrying and
As a kid I was raised with a single-tray tackle box in my hand. With a handful of lures and a pouch of hooks, weights, and bobbers I had difficulty filling all of the compartments in the small box. I fished for yellow perch, bluegill, and the occasional trout and simplicity was bliss.
As a young teenager I was introduced to bass fishing and my single-tray tackle box quickly became crowded and impractical. I went to our small-town tackle shop and all of the tackle boxes seemed too big and clunky to be carried around for shore-fishing. I had some research to do before making my purchase. Here is the breakdown for choosing a tackle system that suits your needs:
TACKLE BOX
The tackle box is the original storage system for tackle. Common models come in single, double, and triple trays. Some open away from you over the opened cover; other models split the trays and fan out away from each other leaving central access to the large base of the box. I always enjoyed the unveiling of a tackle box’s contents
TACKLE BAG
The tackle bag has stirred a lot of commotion in fishing in the past decade. The soft bag design commonly has multiple compartments and pouches; the storage of tackle is extremely versatile as you can get different sized utility boxes to accommodate your various lures. You can carry the bag over your shoulder and have a free hand, or you can shorten the strap and carry it like a tackle box. Many tackle bags now come with top handles and removable straps. The utility boxes create closed face compartments, eliminating tangled lures when your bag tumbles down the shoreline. It is a system that accommodates change and helps organize and contain your tackle and tools.
REAL MEN WEAR PURSES
As you may have noticed, my preference was, in fact, the tackle bag. I own a small Rapala Tackle Bag with side pouches and one large one in front. I sling the strap around my arm and neck and fish shorelines easily without the need for carrying around a tackle box by its handle. My friends call it a fishing purse, but sure enough they all have tackle bags now, too. I find that tackle bags are simply more convenient and allow for an angler to develop without purchasing a new tackle system. I also purchased a Cabela’s tackle bag with a rubber bass for saltwater fishing. It keeps the sand and salty water out when I walk the shorelines working for spring-time stripers.
TIPS
A fisherman should never be restricted by the products in the fishing market. I strongly recommend improvising, modifying, and customizing to accommodate YOUR needs as a fisherman. A few tricks I have picked up over the years are:
-EVALUATE SUPPLIES
Try keeping the packaging boxes crankbaits come in to throw in your pocket for quick access. I save every Rapala lure box and keep different baits in them all year long.
-KEEP IT SIMPLE
Don’t carry around unnecessary lures or equipment. Narrow down your tackle to lessen the load and save money from further unnecessary purchases.
-STAY ORGANIZED
Organizing
the utility boxes of a tackle bag can be the
difference between catching the lunker of a lifetime and missing the
opportunity.
I categorize by:
Crankbaits;
-Come chat with me, the Lucky BASStard, on the BASStard Forum.
BASStard
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