Tackle Question?

[bridout00]

I just recently got into bass fishing pretty good since I got my own boat and I went and bought Plano boxes for all my lures I got one for lizards worms shaky head worms senkos and tubes was wondering what other boxes people have in their boat for soft plastics and hard baits I appreciate the advice in advance

[HoosierHawgs]

I use old Flambeua Outdoors infinite divider system boxes. They are really cool because I can put a divider anywhere I want, and I mean ANYWHERE! They don't make them anymore, but Bass Pro Shops makes some that are similar, and I have seen them in store and they look pretty nice... I may pick up a few.

 

http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-XPS-Lure-Boxes/product/10203081/

[gulfcaptain]

• I use soft tackle binders for almost all of my plastics.  Just my preference.  

[bridout00]

How do y'all sort yalls soft plastics in like categories just trying to make sure I have alot of different options when going on the lake

[HoosierHawgs]

How do y'all sort yalls soft plastics in like categories just trying to make sure I have alot of different options when going on the lake

Yes, sorting them by categories are a good way to organize. First, make a big category (like plastic worms), then sort that category into two categoreis, light colors and dark colors is how I do it. Take the bags from both categories and put them in quart sized Zip Locs, then put the two quart sized bags into a gallon sized bag. Label the Zip Locs.

[roadwarrior]

Keep you soft plastics in their original packages and buy a tackle binder like this: 

 

https://www.google.com/search?q=g.+loomis+soft+plastics+bag&biw=1450&bih=818&tbm=isch&imgil=kiLxKy0qjrrBmM%253A%253BZTiW2wNVqbBYBM%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.fishsniffer.com%25252Fforums%25252Fbass-board%25252F51482-soft-plastics-organizer.html&source=iu&pf=m&fir=kiLxKy0qjrrBmM%253A%252CZTiW2wNVqbBYBM%252C_&usg=__KlGzqcilJm2_TyiGa08gAJ7qotw%3D&ved=0CEwQyjc&ei=UZmqVIyeD8TCgwTikoSoCA#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=kiLxKy0qjrrBmM%253A%3BZTiW2wNVqbBYBM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fi34.photobucket.com%252Falbums%252Fd102%252Fpepperriggs%252FTackleBag006.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.fishsniffer.com%252Fforums%252Fbass-board%252F51482-soft-plastics-organizer.html%3B600%3B800

 

 

[Felix77]

I use a Plano Pro Latch 705 XL Stowaway.  Within it I use 1 Gallon bags to separate the plastics by category (lizards, tubes, senkos etc.).  Within each I put the baits in their original packaging.

 

[scaleface]

I am so unorganized . I cant find baits. Bags of worms are just thrown in a bigger bag. Hooks , jigs weights end up in whatever box is open. The only organization I stick with is I carry two tote bags. One holds all lures and terminal tackle in plano boxes . The other holds misc. buoys, stringers , towels, camera...

[gulfcaptain]

I sort as follows,

 

 

Creature/beaver/craws.....flippin pitching uses

 

Finesse worms......dropshot/wacky

 

Worms......anything I'm not gonna fish on a dropshot or wacky (exception of some of the 5-6" senko/dinger stick baits) 

 

Swimbaits/grubs........mostly 3-4" Kietechs and 3-4" curly tail grubs. 

[Fishes in trees]

I wouldn't bother with putting soft plastic lures into plastic boxes.  Keep them in their original packages.  Group similar lures together in gallon zip lock bags.  Be mindful that the zip lock freezer bags are a heavier duty plastic than the regular zip lock bags.   I wouldn't mess with the regular zip lock bags.  Sometimes you will tear up the original packaging.   Have some quart size zip lock freezer bags on hand and transfer baits into that bag.  Take out your sharpie and be certain to label brand & color.  Take the gallon zip locks and keep them in a cheap duffle bag.   Myriads of different sizes of cheap duffle bags are available.  Pick one that suits, be mindful that as your soft plastic assortment grows, you will probably need more than 2.   3 or 4 is a good number to start with and allows you some room for growth.

 

A few years ago, Walmart had cheap, wheeled, soft sided carry on size luggage on sale.  The ones I found measured roughly 20" x 12" x 7".  I bought 5.  These stack easy in my Explorer and are easily bungeed down on the back deck of my boat when I fish by myself.

 

I've been doing this for a few years now.  After you have been doing it for a few years, you will find that there isn't any perfect system.  I try to have one or two carry ons for each season.   Spring soft plastics - fall soft plastics and summer soft plastics.   There is some overlap, but that don't matter.  The point is to have a bag that you can grab and go and have enough options within that bag.   Another option is to divide baits by water color, i.e. baits for clear water - stained water - dingy water - muddy water.  Experiment with your secchi disc to figure out what these different water color titles mean where you live.   By this I mean that what is considered clear water in Texas isn't the same thing as clear water in Missouri.   Even in Missouri, Lake Ozark clear isn't the same thing as Table Rock clear and neither of those are the same as Bull Shoals clear ( which is mostly in Arkansas, I know)

 

Whatever soft plastic system you decide to employ, be sure and label it.  Do not count on your memory because it will betray you at the worst possible time.   I have went through several different labeling systems.   I have found duct tape and permanent marking sharpies to be my current best system.

 

I hope this gives you an idea of how to sort your working assortment of soft plastics.  How to sort your spare & extra soft plastics that you keep back in your fishing shed is a different topic.

 

Here is a hint for that storage issue.  Dust, insects & mice are your enemies here.  Go to Walmart and buy many plastic shoe boxes.   I think that the ones with the attached lids are better than the ones with the separate lids.  Buy several different colors of duct tape and label everything, trying to stay organized.   For me, Berkley plastics are one color of duct tape, different brands of worms are sorted by length and type of tail and are another color.  Baits that I have a lot of, like trick worms,  get their own box (or 2).  Lizards get a different label color than worms; same goes for tubes, craws, creature baits, swim baits, what have you.

 

If I have aided you in your soft plastic organization strategy or added to the confusion, then my work here is done.   On another side note, once you have decided to take an afternoon and devote it to soft plastic organization, I find that several IPA's and a blasting stereo help.  Bridgeports (out of Oregon),  Boulevard Pop-up IPA (out of Kansas City), O'Dells (out of Fort Collins, Colorado) and Deschutes  (another Oregon Brewery) are a few good IPA choices to start with.  Don't get bent out of shape if you don't get done in one afternoon.  There will be more afternoons and more IPA's.  Tune wise, on the stereo, I have found that Bob Wills, Billie Holliday, George Thorogood,  Dwight Yokum, Lynnard Skinnard, Count Basie & Bob Marley to all be good soft plastic sorting tune choices.

 

Oh, by the way, in your profile, it helps to know where you live.  Guys who live more or less in your neighborhood will be more likely to respond.

[Blues19]

I fish with my Uncle and a friend in their boats so I bring a couple Planos and then soft plastics. The Planos are sorted by Jigs, Terminal Tackle, Deep Cranks, Shallow and Medium Cranks, Frogs.  The Soft Plastics are in Tackle Binders and then I have a few Gallon bags if I have too.  Like someone else said, the Freezer Bags are much better.  Another thing I really like are the  stand up flat bottom (Expandable bottom) ziplocks. I find them to hold the original packaging about perfect and they are easier to go through than a regular ziplock.  I will typically throw what I plan on using in one of those and set it on the deck. Its easy to get throug. Then if I need something from the binders, I know where the other stuff is. As long as you know where your stuff is, thats all that matters. There are thousands of ways to organize your stuff. Mike Iaconelli and Aaron Martens have some good videos on tackle organizing in the boat on youtube.

[Brnnoser6983]

I recently upgraded what I was using for plastics. I use to carry what little I had in my main bag in a side pouch.

I than had to upgrade to a small bag separately, and used the free bass master bag for all my plastics. But this to didn't last long. I just purchased a large Plano bait storage bin. From experience, the plastic shoe boxes work okay, but larger bags of Sanko's didn't fit well side to side.

I still plan on using my side bag to bring small amounts to the lake versus my large bin now.

[fisherrw]

soft tackle bag.

[*Hootie]

Keep you soft plastics in their original packages and buy a tackle binder like this:

https://www.google.com/search?q=g.+loomis+soft+plastics+bag&biw=1450&bih=818&tbm=isch&imgil=kiLxKy0qjrrBmM%253A%253BZTiW2wNVqbBYBM%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.fishsniffer.com%25252Fforums%25252Fbass-board%25252F51482-soft-plastics-organizer.html&source=iu&pf=m&fir=kiLxKy0qjrrBmM%253A%252CZTiW2wNVqbBYBM%252C_&usg=__KlGzqcilJm2_TyiGa08gAJ7qotw%3D&ved=0CEwQyjc&ei=UZmqVIyeD8TCgwTikoSoCA#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=kiLxKy0qjrrBmM%253A%3BZTiW2wNVqbBYBM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fi34.photobucket.com%252Falbums%252Fd102%252Fpepperriggs%252FTackleBag006.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.fishsniffer.com%252Fforums%252Fbass-board%252F51482-soft-plastics-organizer.html%3B600%3B800

RW, I am looking for that binder and can't find it anywhere. Where did you get it.

Hootie

[Sam]

Plano boxes, both small and large.

 

I store by color and type.

 

I also mark each box as to what baits are in each box.

 

Plastics go into plastic storage bags in their original packaging.

[Sam]

And Bird.....hit the Richmond Fishing Expo the weekend of January 16, 17 and 18 and speak with the guides and other vendors about your questions and concerns.

 

Everyone is there to be helpful and they will love to speak with you.

 

Look for the Richmond Fishing Expo thread in the Southeast Fishing section.

 

I think you will enjoy the event.

[Felix77]

RW, I am looking for that binder and can't find it anywhere. Where did you get it.

Hootie

I can't speak for the G-Loomis worm bag but other manufacturers sell these as well including plano, spiderwire, BassPro, Cabelas etc.

[Choporoz]

Fishes In Trees, great post.  Thank you.

I have a 3-ring worm binder that has served me well for 4 or 5 years, but is on its last legs.  It is labeled as a Field and Stream product, but I can't find it any more.  The closest I've found is:

 

http://www.*.com/Shimano-Baraja-Worm-Binder-p/shimano-baraja-wormbinders.htm

But, I'm not sure its as rugged as the one I've got.  I will probably try the jumbo size.

 

This one looks ok, too, but I'm not confident it will be as durable.

http://www.amazon.com/Bw-Sports-Large-Tackle-Binder/dp/B0000WMW68/ref=wl_mb_wl_huc_mrai_1_dp

 

Those are great for 'regular' packages of Zoom, Berkley, Culprit, Senkos, etc.

 

Honestly, though, I don't open the binder nearly as much any more since I've gone to using a lot of Rage Tail, KVD and Keitech plastics.  The thicker packaging isn't suited to ziploc bags all that well and I end up carrying a small duffel and a backpack with my most frequently used stuff.

[roadwarrior]

I see it is no longer carried on the G.Loomis website. My particular binder

was given to me by a friend in Alabama. These were promotional gifts that

came with new rods at the time.

[*Hootie]

Fishes In Trees, great post.  Thank you.

I have a 3-ring worm binder that has served me well for 4 or 5 years, but is on its last legs.  It is labeled as a Field and Stream product, but I can't find it any more.  The closest I've found is:

 

http://www.*.com/Shimano-Baraja-Worm-Binder-p/shimano-baraja-wormbinders.htm

But, I'm not sure its as rugged as the one I've got.  I will probably try the jumbo size.

 

 

I have the Shimano in the large. Really well made, and durable.

 

Hootie

[Blaker87]

I recently bought a small tub from Walmart and I keep all my plastics, besides swimbaits, in it. My swimbaits I keep in a gallon size freezer bag. Everything else goes into 370 sized boxes from bass pro that I keep in two bags that each hold 6 containers. Has worked great for me in the past and will definitely work since my new boat has way more storage space. I also have my original bag that I started out with. It's an over the shoulder type and I keep most of my terminal stuff in it.

[CDMeyer]

That is what I do, and I keep all of my boxes not in the boat in a 20 gallon tub

[corn-on-the-rob]

This past year I started creating my own stash of tackle separate from my dad's (the bait monkey thanks me for that) and I have the following boxes:

 

- Drop shot (power minnows/roboworm sculpins)

 

- Craw (trailers/tubes/beavers)

 

- Worm/Grub

 

- Paddle tails and Flukes

 

I know it is only 4 boxes of soft plastics but I am at the point where during tournaments I don't want to second guess my self by overwhelming myself with too many options. Basic styles with basic colors makes it simpler.