Tackle storage keeps changing because new tackle is discovered and brought out regularly, packaging changes all the time and new storage containers are invented all in the hope to catch more fish.
As good as this sounds, the side effect is that it leaves anglers to be constantly organizing and reorganizing their tackle and boats. For those of us who live far from any body of water, it is fun, it’s like playing with your toys for others it’s a hassle mostly because they can go fishing instead of organizing tackle,
I call this constant organizing and reorganising of tackle, tackle evolution.
My tackle evolution started out with a simple bag that had ziplock plastic bags inside and from there I went on to cheap plastic box containers, 6 Pack cooling bags, Ziplock lunch bags, Plano boxes, money bags, and finally speed bags. At some point, I realized that I was spending more money on tackle storage than on tackle but most of all I was not being efficient on the water because I was looking for baits I never found and forgetting to use certain baits as they were out of sight out mind.
I was spending more on tackle storage than on tackle
At first, I was looking for a constant, I wanted everything to be stored and organized in the same size and shape boxes. This kept me busy for weeks and almost drove me insane. Eventually, I had to realize that this is not possible my OCD was not going to win here, a 8″ worm will not fit in the same container as a 3″ shad. But still, I needed to satisfy my OCD somehow.
I asked myself what is the main purpose of tackle storage? the awnser was simple….to catch more fish!
I wrote down the following requirements of a tackle storage solution that would help me catch more fish;
- Find and acces bait as quickly as possible.
- this meant and effective labeling system
- containers that could be stored next to each other inside the hatches.
- hassle free access to the bait in one action
- provide an easy overview of all the options availble of a specifig bait.
- that meant that all the baits should be in one container spread out
- problem was that there are so many options, but truth is certain options only work at cetain times. Not all options where required.
- not overwelm me with all the options availbe since there are so many colors, scents and variations of plastics available
- by sorting the baits according to speacy, location and season
- keep baits in a good condition
- origional packageing is the best
The Plano box fitted all the criteria except for keeping baits in the best condition, that capability belonged to the original packing, so I came up with what I call the Ammo box and clip solution.
Soldiers have what they call an Ammo box and inside the ammo box, there are clips or rounds containing the bullets. Borrowing this principle my Plastic box containers became the ammo boxes containing my plastic baits stored in their original packaging and the Plano boxes become the clips storing my bullets or plastic bait. As it becomes necessary I would refill my clips with bullets from the ammo boxes, thus the ammo boxes would store and keep my baits safe and in good condition inside the original packaging, and my Plano boxes would provide me with the capability to quickly and effectively reload.
I load my clips (Plano boxes) before I go to a body of water, thus solving the issue of not being overwhelmed by bait options. No stress of what baits to try and what would work, or at least until I have worked through a clip. I select baits for my clips based on the season, the body of water, watercolor, temperature, species of fish I am targeting, and baits currently being used on the water by anglers, I talk to co-anglers and use Facebook as a source of information.
I understand that this Ammo and Clip system is not a new discovery and many anglers already use a similar system, however, I hope this post helps new anglers who have not discovered it yet, such as my self and gives new ideas to veteran angles who will be willing to comment and share their experience.
I also realize that this system does take a lot of effort, having to pack baits in and out all of the time but this keeps your baits fresh and you are fully aware of what is going on in your boat and your tackle storage.
So, stop wasting time, get your tackle organized and go have fun on the water without the frustration of looking for baits.
God bless.
Great content! Keep up the good work!