Lure And Rod Organization

[bleedingshrimp]

Brethren of the bass,

I have the hardest time with keeping my equipment straight, and untangled while on the water and off. How do you maintain your outfits during your trip, particularly those of you that have limited space?

Do you guys keep your lures on your various rods hanging out over the water as you're going along, or do you only ready one at a time as necessary and make sure the one you were using is secured before picking up another?

Also, I have a terrible time with hook keepers on the rod, and have one rod without them. The lures are always falling out of the hook keepers and getting tangled, and I don't want to put too much strain bending the rod.

Thanks.

[roadwarrior]

Lure wraps: http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Lure-Wraps/product/103725/

[Fishes in trees]

Tackle organization is something that everyone struggles with and everyone reaches their own level of compromise. When I go fishing by myself (which is most of the time) I take 20 to 22 rods rigged up and ready to go. I understand that if I break or lose anything, it is on my. When I bring someone else in my boat I keep my rod & reel count to around 10.

I try to be conscious of making sure to stow one rig before picking up another. One thing I learned a long time ago is to not have rod tips, lures, etc handing out over the side of the boat. That is asking for it. A bigger boat helps. I currently fish out of a wider 18' aluminum bass boat (Lowe 180W) I can carry alot more gear now than when I fished out of a 10' pond boat.

Off the water, I keep a large quantity of gear locked up in my fishing truck. Over time I've worked out a system where it all fits and is more or less accessible. Over time I've learned that if I'm sloppy stowing my gear at the end of a fishing trip, I'll pay for it later.

I've rambled too much and I apologize for that but basically on & off water tackle organization is something that you get better at over time. Good luck in your tackle organization endeavors.

[MarkH024]

Lure wraps, hook keepers, and rods sleeves/socks will make transporting your rods much easier and tangle free.

For lure storage, get a sharpie marker and label all your boxes specific to what is in there. Don't be lazy when on the water, and if you are then put everything back at the end of the day. Otherwise you'll end up with a mess of tackle if you just throw lures into the first convenient box you grab. I like my stuff all organized nice and neat so I can find what I'm looking for quickly allowing more time to fish.

[hercdoc]

If I'm not using a rod in the boat I'll secure the lure to the hook keeper on the rod or to the reel itself. Then I will grab the line that doesnt run through the guides about half way up the rod and I'll spin the rod twice and secure the line to the middle eyelet. This helps eleviate rods getting tangled up on the boat deck. I use lure wraps, rod socks, and reel covers transporting my equipment enroute to the river or the house.

[TNBassin']

Rod sleeves/socks are a must, as well as reel covers. I stopped using a lure wrap in favor of Owner treble hook safety caps. Quick and easy to take on and off.

[papajoe222]

I normally keep five rods rigged on my deck. Two on either side and one in my hand. When not in use, I let the lure hang just outside the boat while the rod lays flat on the deck. This way, if I need to do a quick follow up cast with say a Fluke, I can drop the rod in my hand, grab that rod and make a cast without wasting time unhooking from a hook keeper or unwrapping the rod or lure.

I'll keep the rods on deck about six inches behind each other so the lines don't tangle, but when I'm moving from spot to spot with the big motor, I'll secure both the lures and rods before moving out. That's when the wraps, and or hook keepers come into play for me. If it's a short run, I don't bother with a rod or lure wrap, I just use the keeper. If it's a lengthy run, I'll either cut the lures off, or add a rod sock.

Don't be afraid to add some tension on the line when using hook keepers. Not so much that the rod bends excessively, but enough to keep tension on the keeper. The only way you damage a rod is by putting a bend in the rod, and then storing it that way.

One note on tackle organization. When I cut off a lure and replace it with a different color, style, or size, I don't return it to my tackle box. I'll hang it on the inside of my gunnel. At the end of the day, I have a better idea of how well I developed a plan for that day. If there's more than four different styles hanging there, I totaly missed the boat and re-examine what made me dicide to start with them. If there's a mirade of different colors or sizes, then I know my lure selection wasn't my downfall, it was not successfully locating fish.

Next time out, I'll have a different plan as to lure selection, and or possible fish locations.

[Bankbeater]

I usually take four rods with me and each rigged for a certain bait. I will hang the lure over the side if I am using it. If I have a bait that is not working I will either remove it and put the bait back in the box, or wrap it if I think that I will use it later.

[LgMouthGambler]

Here is what I do: I have the BPS rod sleeves, the strong nylon mesh ones about $6 each. I set all my rigs down on the boat. (each rig is set up for a different purpose, I have 6) I lay them down , then use the bungee strap to secure them. The strap is tight enough to keep them there, but loose enough to where they are not stuck too tight. I just slide the rod out of the sock to use, and when done, slide the rod back in the sleeve, never having to undo the safety strap. Reels are always recovered with the cover to prevent water, dirt, boat rash, etc. Hooks secured in the hook keepers the best I can. All drags are set well before hand, so all I have to do when done is put the cover on, place hook in keeper, then reel in the rest of the line until just tight enough, slide in sleeve.

[MCS]

^^^^I can't believe you didn't mention all those great Shimano tackles and storage bags and backpacks!!!!!

[shootermcbob]

^^^^I can't believe you didn't mention all those great Shimano tackles and storage bags and backpacks!!!!!

Shimano makes several plastic containers to keep your lures organized and safe, they also make MANY different sizes/styles of extremely well built tackle bags...which, luckily enough, come with the word SHIMANO on them so you can show off to all your friends. Shimano also makes many different styles/sizes/types of clothing to keep you warm and dry on your next outing. Also, Shimano makes some very comfortable shoes to keep you safe from slips while allowing extreme comfort for feet, legs, and low back.

Need I go on about the rods and reels???

Too much?

:grin:

Sorry, just couldn't resist.

[LgMouthGambler]

Shimano makes several plastic containers to keep your lures organized and safe, they also make MANY different sizes/styles of extremely well built tackle bags...which, luckily enough, come with the word SHIMANO on them so you can show off to all your friends. Shimano also makes many different styles/sizes/types of clothing to keep you warm and dry on your next outing. Also, Shimano makes some very comfortable shoes to keep you safe from slips while allowing extreme comfort for feet, legs, and low back.

Need I go on about the rods and reels???

Too much?

:grin:

Sorry, just couldn't resist.

I do want me some Shimano tackle bags. I hear they have underwear, hmmmm...thong? Lol.