Review / Comparison: Shimano Baraja Worm Binder and Mustad Single Rigger Wallet

[Mossman]

I have been looking for a soft bait solution for my kayak fishing, I don't fish a lot, so I pack pretty light (couple of hours at a time, maybe two to three times a month). I wanted something that could keep all of my soft baits organized in their original packaging and not be too bulky for the kayak. I really struggled to find good information on this method, other than some of the Buzzbee stuff, but its so expensive. 

 

Shimano Baraja Worm Binder

I stumbled upon this in the clearance section of tacklewarehouse, I had never seen it and I tried to find photos or reviews, but it was super limited. The reviews on the site were mostly positive, so I thought I would give it a shot. I ordered the large binder, based on the reviews and was pretty excited to get it! When it arrive, it looked really nice, the Shimano name on the front, the material, the zippers, it was a quality item. When I started to load it up for a quick test run, I realized almost immediately, that it wasn't going to work for me. The fabric outer cover has a plastic inside that runs the length of the binder (picture a book cover: front cover, spine, back cover). The binder would not stay open, I always had to have two hands on it at all times or it would close. This was true, even with the bags full. I could not see myself wrestling with this on a kayak without a few choice words! The bags were nice, rather large, I could get two of the Rapala Bronco Bug packages in each bag and easily 4 worm / swim bait bags. In the end I was able to get 4 of the Bronco bugs and 7 traditional soft bait packages in it and it was pretty full. the inside cover pouches were pretty difficult to use, they were very deep and the opening wasn't huge so if something got to the bottom, its going to be a challenge to get out, and it only had these on one side. I returned it the next day. 

 

Mustad Single Rigger Wallet

I originally had my eye on the double rigger wallet prior to Christmas, but it ended up out of stock by the time I realized my son didn't take my gift hint seriously! So I decided to go with the Single Rigger instead. I am very happy that I did! I think this is exactly what I was looking for, it holds more than the Shimano, its easier to open and work with and its smaller. I loaded it up, now the bags are smaller than the Shimano, but there are more of them. I "can" get two of the Bronco bugs in each, but you really have to finesse them in there. Since there are more bags in the Mustad, putting a single package in each is what I plan to do. I was able to get the same items in the bag plus, have 3 remaining bags. The inside also has very useable storage that can be used for terminal tackle or jigs. My only complaint, or concern is the force needed to move the zipper, they are pretty stiff right now, almost to the point you think you might bend the zipper pull. It does seem to be freeing up a bit with more use, but I think its a product of the fact that its a waterproof zipper. 

 

Hopefully this helps someone else that was in my same shoes, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the Mustad, its a very well executed bag. 

 

photos of the Mustad

[RRocket]

That looks great! 

 

The size reminds me of the Kylebooker ones a bit. 

 

https://a.co/d/6QW4tEc

 

 

 

 

FWIW, take a bar of soap and rub it along the zipper...that will make it work smoother until it's worn in.

[SpinLight]

Good report. I use Iosso E-Z Snap Zipper and Snap Lubricant on all zippers on all my tackle bags. Bought a small tube years ago. Works great. Zippers move easily and smoothly. It's waterproof too. Walmart and some marine supply places carry it online.

[Log Catcher]

Edit: I need to apologize and reword this post. Mr. @Mossman are the bags in the Mustad bag big enough to hold two packs of soft plastics in their original bags? I like to keep my soft plastics in their original bags. I am looking at ordering these. I ordered a couple of bags from someplace else and they will not work for me. The bags are way too small. Appreciate any info I can get.

Edited January 11, 2024 by Log Catcher

[Mossman]

I had 3 packs of Z Man finesse baits in the pouch and then I added two packs of Zoom swim baits and I was still able to close the pouch. That’s probably close to the max. 

[Log Catcher]

I had 3 packs of Z Man finesse baits in the pouch and then I added two packs of Zoom swim baits and I was still able to close the pouch. That’s probably close to the max.

 

I want to be able to put two packs of soft plastics in each individual bag. So if it has ten bags I want it to be able to hold twenty bags of soft plastics. 

[Mossman]

You should be able to do that with no problem. The only ones that were tight are the baits that are in the plastics trays (like the Bronco Bugs). They fit fine, but only one per pouch. 
 

 

[Log Catcher]

Thank you for the information. I didn't know what Bronco Bugs were or how they a packaged.

[Log Catcher]

@Mossman if you are still looking for the double sided Mustad bag I ordered two of them from Tackle Direct. They are more expensive than Tackle Warehouse. It took them about ten days to track them down and get them shipped to me. It might be worth it to check and see if they can get any more of them.

 

This is only the second time I have ordered from them but they have always been very good to deal with. Go to http://tackledirect.com.