Tackle Storage Ideas

[Redfish]

Hey guys, how about posting up on your favorite tackle storage ideas. I would like to see some pics too--especially if you are using something unconventional, unique, or simply especially well-suited for your needs.

Here is my dilemma: I have tried the usual stuff--flip-flop (two sided) boxes, the boxes with tops that open to reveal trays, the boxes with drawers on 'em, soft sided tackle storage, etc. I can't find anything I really like for various reasons:


Flip-flops always keep your stuff jumbled and hooks entangled.
Tray boxes always get in a mess and tend to let your stuff get wet.
Drawer boxes don't seem to have enough room and also can let your stuff get wet.
Soft sides generally don't have enough room for your "odds and ends" like hook removal pliers, extra spools of line, corks, and other materials.


Help me out here, fellows. I've literally got a shop full of tackle boxes, none of which I really like. *fingerscrossed*

[blackdog]

Hey Redfish,
I feel your dilemma. I hate tackle boxes! My most recent system that works well involves the Plano Guide Series soft bag, that holds 4 individual plastic boxes - and expands to 5 plastic boxes. And a plastic bin for all my plastic assasins. The Plano compact and simple containing lures, jig heads, leaders and swivels.

How I work it, I keep a bunch or the individual plastic trays rigged specifically for different species and tasks... so I just swap them out for the bag when I go. Example, when I go to the coast I grab: 1 box jig accessories, 1 box topwater, 1 box spoons, 1 box spinner bait. Then some smaller boxes with hooks and swivels. Typically, I really only have one box out on my console at a time. If I want more lures than the tackle bag will carry, I just store the extra boxes up front. If I go to them, I'll swap out from storage to the bag.... keeping compact assortment available and deck clear.

This worked well when I had limited space in the J16... and works well in the DLX - just because I have the room doesn't mean I need to grab everything including the kitchen sink. It also keeps my extra, unnecessary, duplicate gear free of the salt since I don't need a ton of crap all the time.

On the old J16, I had an elastic cargo bag (used to strap cargo onto the backseat of a motorcycle) stretched between the grab rails on the console. I threw plastic tackle boxes I was using in it, keeping them handy but off the deck.

My new idea for the DLX, I plan to string a shallow mesh dive bag (I'll have to search for the right dimension) on the front of my lean post, hanging below my legs. I plan to keep the plastic trays in use handy there, but out of the way... I'll try let you know what I find...

[blackdog]

And by the way, the Plano Guide series bag has just enough extra comparments from me: holding extra spools, leader material, two neat narrow sleeves that hold my hook remover pliers handy.

And it even holds my small FIRST AID KIT tha ALWAYS goes with me EVERYWHERE - I keep it in the bag in case I go on someone elses boat: bandages, tape, small individual use anticeptic bags, snips to cut a hook if I need to push a barb through.... I got stuck on an offshore guided trip where my boss hooked himself... the damned peg-leg captain had no first aid on the boat... had to work a barb back where it entered...

Just thought I'd mention the address your dissatisfaction with soft bags and the extra room and my concern for first aid.

[Gary13]

My J16 has NO storage capabilities other than the flip-flop cooler seat which, as noted. doesn't do very well. I looked at the tackle that I had and what I usually need to find a place for and decided to first....clean house!!
I gave away a LOT of stuff that I never used (or no longer use). Then I decided that instead of having something to catch anything with fins, I would narrow my selection down to what I need to catch the fish I normally target (1)Specs/Grays (2)Reds,(3)Flounder, and occasionally (4)Bass. That done, I then selected the lures I use that are effective on multiple species.
After the selection was done, everything that I use would fit in 3 small plastic boxes. I began looking for a suitable container that would hold everything in one dry storage place and decided to use a small cooler that I had. The boxes fit in perfectly with plenty of room left over. Since my boat has no rod holdere, I attached a 3-gang rod holder that has slots for pliers and knife and solved my rod and net storage problem.
The best thing I have found with this storage method is....if I am invited aboard another boat, all I have to do is pick up the cooler storage and go. Everything I need is right there. Also, it can be placed out of the way anywhere on the boat. I have learned that the comment "That's all you have?" is not important. It's all I NEED!!rotflmao
http://www.carolinaskiffowner.com/picture.php?albumid=165&pictureid=3812

[justaddwater]

My J16 has NO storage capabilities other than the flip-flop cooler seat which, as noted. doesn't do very well. I looked at the tackle that I had and what I usually need to find a place for and decided to first....clean house!!
I gave away a LOT of stuff that I never used (or no longer use). Then I decided that instead of having something to catch anything with fins, I would narrow my selection down to what I need to catch the fish I normally target (1)Specs/Grays (2)Reds,(3)Flounder, and occasionally (4)Bass. That done, I then selected the lures I use that are effective on multiple species.
After the selection was done, everything that I use would fit in 3 small plastic boxes. I began looking for a suitable container that would hold everything in one dry storage place and decided to use a small cooler that I had. The boxes fit in perfectly with plenty of room left over. Since my boat has no rod holdere, I attached a 3-gang rod holder that has slots for pliers and knife and solved my rod and net storage problem.
The best thing I have found with this storage method is....if I am invited aboard another boat, all I have to do is pick up the cooler storage and go. Everything I need is right there. Also, it can be placed out of the way anywhere on the boat. I have learned that the comment "That's all you have?" is not important. It's all I NEED!!rotflmao
http://www.carolinaskiffowner.com/picture.php?albumid=165&pictureid=3812


Just wondering Gary, how dry does your tackle storage system keep your tackle?rotflmaorotflmaorotflmaorotflmaorotflmaorot flmaorotflmao I would guess under normal conditions pretty well huh?*Cheers*