Terminal Tackle...how Do You Store & Organize?

[LApanic]

Between, 2/0-5/0 WideGap hooks, 3/0-6/0 EWGs, 6-7 different tungsten weight variations, split rings, snaps, beads, brass c-rig weights and clackers, various dropshot, shaky head, swimbait jig heads and probably a dozen or more other items I can't recall off the top of my head, I've gotta get a good handle on all that

 

Im a non-boater in a local club and have tried a couple methods to keep terminal tackle organized.  I started out with the Plano 45-501 Hook & Sinker box and for the most part worked pretty good, except the fact that I outgrew it for the most part. Then I tried using smaller waterproof planos separated by hooks, weights, etc, and then a couple lock plastics closures broke.  Most recently I've placed each different item into various size jewelry plastics zips and used a deep plano to hold all the packaging.  I've never liked the idea of keeping terminal in its original packaging, mainly due to space, and the different package sizes.

 

So, being a co-angler, my next thought is a  Bass Mafia Bait Coffin 3700 but would love to hear any tips/tricks systems that other anglers use to get there terminal tackle around and organized.  Anything would be greatly appreciated.

 

 

[the reel ess]

 

[Cgolf]

I have the Falcon version of this box, Plano 45-501 Hook & Sinker Organizer, and highly recommend it. Now I wish Plano would bring back the Falcon rattle trap box. Just realized you didn't like this box, got to learn to read better lol

 

As a second option I do use the double plano 3500 boxes for jigs and such, with come smaller baggies you could keep the smaller items in them. 

 

For snaps and split rings, etc I like the Plano Micro Magnum 2 sided boxes. Those have worked well for me. Fly boxes have also worked well for this too, Orvis has some nice ones that are of very good quality.

[Fishes in trees]

There isn't any perfect terminal tackle organization scheme.  Try to keep items that you use together close to each other.  For tournament day, try not to carry more than you are going to need.  Back when I was fishing BFL's as a co-angler, what worked the best for me were plenty of small boxes organized according to technique.    For example, a carolina rig box, with weights, hooks, swivels, beads and pre-cut leaders.  Drop shot  box would have weights and appropriate hooks.   Tx rig box would have appropriate hooks and weights.

 

You get the idea.   Don't worry about overlap, for instance you might use the same or similar hooks in your carolina rig box and your tx rig box - but keep the hooks you want in both boxes.  If I was going to be throwing jigs a box with the trailers already rigged saved time digging around for trailers.  In the lakes I fished,  green pumpkin, PB&J and black & blue were the only colors you needed.  Your area might be different.

 

I found that 2 soft sided bags half full were better than one soft side bag completely full.   I kept boxes and stuff in one and soft plastics and stuff in the other one.   The soft one you can throw down anywhere underneath your seat and not worry if it gets stepped on or whatnot.

 

If you carry more than 3 rods, I totally recommend rod socks, especially on spinning gear, and lure wraps.  Take the time to put up one rig prior to picking up a different one.  The time you waste putting away gear as you go is better than getting one big tangle that takes 5 minutes or so to dismantle.  For going from your vehicle to the boat, I totally recommend getting a rod bag.  They solve a lot of transport problems.

 

Don't forget the other gear that makes tournament fishing easier.   Those lightweight lights that clip on to your hat are nice.  Most guys don't use them and it makes it easier for your boater to find you on the dock when it is dark out.  Makes it easier to get from your vehicle to the dock when it is dark out.   A decent rain suit is an important part of your tournament gear - don't skimp on this piece of equipment.  There isn't any substitute for a stainless steel thermos.   A glass one will last until it breaks.   A steel one will last until you misplace it.   A waterproof case for your cell phone is a great idea.  A zip lock bag is better than nothing.  Remember to seal it or it doesn't work very well.

 

The point of this rant is that there is a lot more to tournament organization than hooks & weights.  There is always room for improvement.

[LApanic]

There isn't any perfect terminal tackle organization scheme.  Try to keep items that you use together close to each other.  For tournament day, try not to carry more than you are going to need.  Back when I was fishing BFL's as a co-angler, what worked the best for me were plenty of small boxes organized according to technique.    For example, a carolina rig box, with weights, hooks, swivels, beads and pre-cut leaders.  Drop shot  box would have weights and appropriate hooks.   Tx rig box would have appropriate hooks and weights.

 

You get the idea.   Don't worry about overlap, for instance you might use the same or similar hooks in your carolina rig box and your tx rig box - but keep the hooks you want in both boxes.  If I was going to be throwing jigs a box with the trailers already rigged saved time digging around for trailers.  In the lakes I fished,  green pumpkin, PB&J and black & blue were the only colors you needed.  Your area might be different.

 

I found that 2 soft sided bags half full were better than one soft side bag completely full.   I kept boxes and stuff in one and soft plastics and stuff in the other one.   The soft one you can throw down anywhere underneath your seat and not worry if it gets stepped on or whatnot.

 

If you carry more than 3 rods, I totally recommend rod socks, especially on spinning gear, and lure wraps.  Take the time to put up one rig prior to picking up a different one.  The time you waste putting away gear as you go is better than getting one big tangle that takes 5 minutes or so to dismantle.  For going from your vehicle to the boat, I totally recommend getting a rod bag.  They solve a lot of transport problems.

 

Don't forget the other gear that makes tournament fishing easier.   Those lightweight lights that clip on to your hat are nice.  Most guys don't use them and it makes it easier for your boater to find you on the dock when it is dark out.  Makes it easier to get from your vehicle to the dock when it is dark out.   A decent rain suit is an important part of your tournament gear - don't skimp on this piece of equipment.  There isn't any substitute for a stainless steel thermos.   A glass one will last until it breaks.   A steel one will last until you misplace it.   A waterproof case for your cell phone is a great idea.  A zip lock bag is better than nothing.  Remember to seal it or it doesn't work very well.

 

The point of this rant is that there is a lot more to tournament organization than hooks & weights.  There is always room for improvement.

Thanks for the tips on separating terminal tackle applications into smaller boxes.  Been a co-angler for 5-6 years now so I've learned, hard way or not, just about everything else mentioned.  Im anal about rod sleeves and debated on a Plano rod bag, but the BPS velcro rod straps work just fine for me.

[Siebert Outdoors]

I have a falcon terminal tackle organizer.  Works great.

[kikstand454]

If it helps at all- I have all my hooks seperated by size in rattletrap boxes. They fit perfectly in a regular Plano.

[rippin-lips]

Plano 3701 boxes. I have 2 made up exactly the same. I keep 1 on the boat and the other 1 in my tackle bag. I'm covered in land or on the water. I use small pieces of painters tape in the compartments to label hook or weight sizes. I used spray adhesive to glue a section of that padded rubber you put in toolboxes or kitchen drawers in the lid. Nothing gets mixed up.

[Heron]

I put all my hooks in a styrofoam cup, and with a magic marker, I write on the side of it - "Hooks"

[LApanic]

I put all my hooks in a styrofoam cup, and with a magic marker, I write on the side of it - "Hooks"

That's cute, should've been a comedian. Probably better at that than fishing

[ColdSVT]

I put all my hooks in a styrofoam cup, and with a magic marker, I write on the side of it - "Hooks"

I use a coffee can myself

Ok i use the plano terminal box...love it

[Heron]

That's cute, should've been a comedian. Probably better at that than fishing

Hah....nah my fishing is certainly not THAT bad. 

[Crutch]

That's cute, should've been a comedian. Probably better at that than fishing

 

Do you react like a little kid when someone makes a joke at work, too?

 

 

I keep my terminal tackle with the equipment I'll use it with. Always in a plano box.

[zeth]

go to craft store

buy permanent marker

buy small plastic baggies

put all back in your coffin

clean organized hook points stay sharp and dont bang around you can easily pull out a small pack and pocket it for the day etc etc.

[hatrix]

I carry a couple of those small boxes but not the thin ones. I have no idea there actual # size. One has weights, beads, swivels, flipping hooks, drop shot, bobber stops and a couple off sets. Basically anything you would need for t-rigs, c-rigs, or a drop shot. Then another one with weighted and un weighted hooks and jig heads. Those are separated buy weighted and not and also by screw lock and not. I usually have another one with treble hooks and some other stuff but we won't get into that. Its a total nightmare really. There is always some random duolocks or speed clips in every box. I try to keep snaps and split rings in there packs sjnce they are thin and small and it can be super hard to pick up split rings out of a box. Half the time I grab them with the needle nose. The packs for mustard hooks can be keepers and I will put things like swivels, duo, split rings in them. They are really nice little bags and are heavy duty and easy to open and close quickly. I can easily carry everything I would need in a few small boxes. I don't seperate hooks by size and all that. That would take up way to many compartments and it's not a big deal grabbing a few hooks and pulling the one you need out. I can spare the 5 seconds.

[Bluebasser86]

I have a falcon terminal tackle organizer.  Works great.

Same here, although I've gotten to where I leave hooks in the package they come in and store in the step up to the front deck in my boat. Hooks are something I need easy access to and leaving them in the original pack makes it easier to determine the size/make hook I'm getting. 

[Cgolf]

I like the little ziplock bags in this picture, and you can get them at Walgreens in the weekly pill holder section. Now that I look at the picture, some terminal tackle in the ziplock may work well in the or is leader wallets, I had just been using them for pre tied rigs. Have also used some travel pill containers for snaps, swivels etc and put them in my shore bag or if I am just doing a quick trip in the boat and want to carry minimal gear.

[ib_of_the_damned]

I like the little ziplock bags in this picture, and you can get them at Walgreens in the weekly pill holder section. Now that I look at the picture, some terminal tackle in the ziplock may work well in the or is leader wallets, I had just been using them for pre tied rigs. Have also used some travel pill containers for snaps, swivels etc and put them in my shore bag or if I am just doing a quick trip in the boat and want to carry minimal gear.

What kind of zipper bag is that for your hooks? I've been on a minimalist kick lately and that bag/case would be perfect for what I'm trying to do. I've been out a few times with just one rod and a small tackle box in my pocket and it is quite liberating. If I could throw some hooks, sinkers, etc in a bag like that I'd be thrilled...

[Cgolf]

What kind of zipper bag is that for your hooks? I've been on a minimalist kick lately and that bag/case would be perfect for what I'm trying to do. I've been out a few times with just one rod and a small tackle box in my pocket and it is quite liberating. If I could throw some hooks, sinkers, etc in a bag like that I'd be thrilled...

http://www.orvis.com/p/mesh-leader-wallet/2c31

Well made and reasonable. Luckily For me I have an Orvis shop near my work.

If you happen to use a lip gripper this discontinued model from Rising Fish works great and can be carried in your pocket, perfect for the minimalist. They do have another model that is semi cheap that would work too.

Done hijacking the thread.

[FishTank]

I have two small plano boxes.  One is for bass/soft plastic and the other is for pan fish and catfish.  I put the hooks on a piece of foam made for flies.   I also keep bags of silicone in each box to keep the moisture out. 

[dam0007]

Just got the Plano FTO terminal tackle box the other day. So far so good. My beef with a lot of these boxes is small items like small hooks end up all over the place when the box is moved around a lot. So far haven't had that problem. I like how the compartments are pre labled on the bottom.

[junyer357]

I kept it simple and have a 3700 box. I used a label maker to label each compartment. Makes it easier when getting out a new item for you or partner. To save space i have one compartment for each size hook. Its beeen no problem getting out a ewg or offset out of same comparment. I Pretty much bass fish exclusively 90% of the time so i just keep a seperate small box with bobbers and bream/crappie gear normally at home.

[Shockwave]

I have separate Plano boxes for weights and hooks.  Organized like this:

[EmersonFish]

I put most of that stuff in the little zip-lock style bags they sell in the craft department at stores that are slightly smaller than the packaging a lot of the stuff comes in. I cut down the cardboard insert with the product info so it fits into the ziplock bag, and I carry all of that stuff in the tackle bag with the plastic baits or what ever it goes with. I usually try not to put more than what I might reasonable need in the baggy, and keep to rest somewhere else (usually original packaging). If I use a few hooks, for instance, I'll reload when I'm reorganizing my bag between trips.