UKCats55 Posted August 2, 2014 Posted August 2, 2014 Hey guys, I fish a ton of small ponds and the KY/Barkley lake area from shore. I am looking to buy a tackle bag (do not want a hard box) that will hold my gear but not weigh 50 pounds!! Some of the earlier posts indicated that a backpack with utility boxes was the way to go, but I just don't like them. I occasionally Crappie and Catfish, so will probably have some extra utility boxes that I will mix and match. Any opinions are welcome, and thanks for your input. Love the site!! Quote
Solution nascar2428 Posted August 3, 2014 Solution Posted August 3, 2014 Less plastics less weight. Backpacks make my trek to and from my fishing holes so much easier. My hands are free to carry rods and help to clear the way if needed. I have to chuckle every time I see a bucket head with his bucket, rods, tackle box. Some of these guys have to make two trips. They stare at me when I walk by them with my backpack, fold up chair , three rods and a free hand. IMO backpacks are the most efficient way to carry your tackle when your on the banks. 2 Quote
Yeti Posted August 3, 2014 Posted August 3, 2014 Seconded on the backpack comment. You could also look at shoulder bags, but I use a hunting style backpack with built in frame for my needs. I have two large double sided Stowaway boxes and two small single sided stowaway boxes with me for all of my gear. Keep in mind, while smaller boxes may be better for organization, larger boxes will result in less overall weight generally. I learned that after having about half a dozen smaller boxes and switching to my current setup. I use a Tenzing 2200 pack which is mainly for hunting, but I like that it has an internal frame so that it takes the weight off of my shoulders and places it on my hips instead. Makes it easier to cast and carry all of my gear for a long day. Good luck! 1 Quote
Super User rippin-lips Posted August 3, 2014 Super User Posted August 3, 2014 Backpack here too. Carry 2 - 3700 boxes and a handful of soft plastics. Not real heavy and gets the job done. 1 Quote
OntarioFishingGuy Posted August 3, 2014 Posted August 3, 2014 I use a satchel bag with 1 3700 and misc tools, leaders and food. If you want to carry much more than that, a backpack would be a much better option. 1 Quote
CDobber Posted August 3, 2014 Posted August 3, 2014 http://www.gandermountain.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?pdesc=Gander-Mtn-Fishing-Tackle-Bag-Blue&i=778152 I have something very similar to this combo...4 plano type boxes......both have shoulder straps so it essentially works like a backpack but is still a tackle box and slings over one shoulder...and the "cooler" I use was a $5 insulated lunch box that carries plastics in a gallon ziploc. I take 2 or 3 poles with me, depending on my desire to use an UL or not, and a decent sized net. 1 Quote
Super User gulfcaptain Posted August 3, 2014 Super User Posted August 3, 2014 I would use a backpack or waste pack. Have a waste pack that holds 4 3600 size boxes which I normally carry 2 of, a smaller utility box with weights and hooks, and finally a soft binder for what baits I may want extra. Being around my waiste lets me also put 1-2 rods slipped between and stored behind my back out of the way. 1 Quote
Super User FishTank Posted August 3, 2014 Super User Posted August 3, 2014 I have a Jansport Day hiker backpack that holds 3 double side plano boxes, a spinner bait box, a jerkbait box, a terminal tackle box, a box of rooster tails and the front two compartments hold hooks and jigs. It's big, heavy and I love it. It also has a lifetime warranty. I have also tried a spider wire shoulder bag but when I walk the bank with my rods it always slip off my shoulder. 1 Quote
UKCats55 Posted August 3, 2014 Author Posted August 3, 2014 Thanks everyone!! I may try to go the backpack route, it seems to be the bag of choice. I don' t take a whole lot, 3-3600 series boxes, spinnerbait box, and soft plastics. I throw in a digital scale, pliers, clippers, line, and a knife. Appreciate everyone taking time to answer. Heading to the lake in the morning. 2 Quote
Super User BassinLou Posted August 3, 2014 Super User Posted August 3, 2014 I recently converted from a waist pack which served me well for years to a sling pack. I converted because it allows me to carry a few more baits and essential tools more effectively. 2 Quote
Super User DogBone_384 Posted August 3, 2014 Super User Posted August 3, 2014 I'll throw my 2-cents into the conversation: I use a Spiderwire backpack almost exclusively. Like many others, I carry my tackle, a raincoat/sweatshirt and a couple of rods and have both hands free. I don't think it weighs more than 15 pounds fully loaded. I generally carry two piece rods if I'm traveling through wooded areas. Anyhow, that's my take on carrying gear when shore fishing. Best of luck with your choice. 1 Quote
Super User BassinLou Posted August 3, 2014 Super User Posted August 3, 2014 I'll throw my 2-cents into the conversation: I use a Spiderwire backpack almost exclusively. Like many others, I carry my tackle, a raincoat/sweatshirt and a couple of rods and have both hands free. I don't think it weighs more than 15 pounds fully loaded. I generally carry two piece rods if I'm traveling through wooded areas. Anyhow, that's my take on carrying gear when shore fishing. Best of luck with your choice. I carry the spider wire slingpack. It's amazing how many compartments that pack has. I like how rugged it looks. I can only imagine how much storage the backpack has. Quote
Super User FishTank Posted August 3, 2014 Super User Posted August 3, 2014 Thanks everyone!! I may try to go the backpack route, it seems to be the bag of choice. I don' t take a whole lot, 3-3600 series boxes, spinnerbait box, and soft plastics. I throw in a digital scale, pliers, clippers, line, and a knife. Appreciate everyone taking time to answer. Heading to the lake in the morning. I picked up a Columbia Backpack for my daughter for school yesterday. It was $30. The Columbia Outlet Stores had them 50% off plus an additional 20%. It is waterproof, tear resistant, and has a lifetime guarantee. It looked tough as nails. I was tempted to pick one up for myself. They had several models that would be perfect for fishing but as usual, I don't need it..... 1 Quote
Code54 Posted August 4, 2014 Posted August 4, 2014 I'll throw my 2-cents into the conversation: I use a Spiderwire backpack almost exclusively. Like many others, I carry my tackle, a raincoat/sweatshirt and a couple of rods and have both hands free. I don't think it weighs more than 15 pounds fully loaded. I generally carry two piece rods if I'm traveling through wooded areas. Anyhow, that's my take on carrying gear when shore fishing. Best of luck with your choice. Same here - I have the Spiderwire backpack and so does my son (he picked his independent of me). For the monte they have a lot of room and are well laid out. Our local Dicks Sporting Goods had them in stock so it was nice to be able to look at it in person before purchasing one. Cabelas and Bass Pro both have bags under there store brand if you are nearby Good luck in your quest..... 1 Quote
BassThumbAddict Posted August 4, 2014 Posted August 4, 2014 Okuma makes a backpack that's light and holds a lot of stuff. It has made my treks much easier. 1 Quote
UKCats55 Posted August 6, 2014 Author Posted August 6, 2014 Thanks for the tip on the Spiderwire backpack. Checked it out online and really liked it!! Going to our local Dick's this weekend to pick one up. Seems like a great buy. 1 Quote
Code54 Posted August 8, 2014 Posted August 8, 2014 Check for on line coupons or discounts. Dicks always have some discount or special going. Think the one I just seen was $10 off an online order of $50 or more but there also maybe other. Good luck 1 Quote
Super User bigbill Posted August 9, 2014 Super User Posted August 9, 2014 I'm sorry I'm a hard tackle box guy. Right now I carry two Plano 9606 split roof tackle boxes. I just can't carry enough with me. I try every size and color in all the different baits. I have five tackle boxes in the car that's close by. I take two or three with me. I'm a tackle hoarder too I'm sorry. 1 Quote
UKCats55 Posted August 9, 2014 Author Posted August 9, 2014 Got my backpack fixed up today!! Found a Browning backpack on sale at Bass Pro for $30. I already had utility boxes, one 3700 and two 3600. I also added a spinnerbait box and a small box for terminal tackle. Throw in some soft plastics and I am set. Quote
NJBasstard Posted August 9, 2014 Posted August 9, 2014 I got a backpack at the beginning of the season after having a regular soft tackle bag for the past few years. It's one of the best fishing related purchases I've made IMO. Can't go wrong with a backpack especially when your one of those guys that carry wayyy too much stuff like myself. 2 Quote
UKCats55 Posted August 11, 2014 Author Posted August 11, 2014 Sounds like you got a great deal!!!! I think so!! It is water resistant, and has 3 compartments in the main bag area. I use one for some raingear, the middle is a cooler area, and the bottom holds 4-360 boxes. It is a Browning, so it should be tough. Quote
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