Non-boater Tackle Bag questions

[n8casCT]

I researched this site and others before posting. However, I did not find specific info. that I was looking for. First, I wanted to ask boaters how much space they allot for non-boaters. For me, I have a backpack with raingear and food that goes in the non-boater under-the-deck compartment. As for the tackle bag, this is what I wanted some info on: The tackle bag goes underneath the non-boaters legs when running and goes on the non-boater seat when not running - is that the norm? With that said, anything that fits on the seat is okay? I ask because the bags I have narrowed my choices down to are pretty big. I'd like to hear from non-boaters who use these or similar bags. But more importantly, I'd like to hear from the boaters who have seen tons of non-boaters and their bags. I'd like to get away with the biggest bag without offending the boater. I have a ton of gear and I'm switchin' from 3600's to 3700's. I know some might say you don't need that much, but that's not me - I have confidence if I'm prepared and well-equipped.

[roadwarrior]

My system starts with a tackle room for everything.

Then a 3600 BPS tackle bag for trips.

Next, for the boat:

http://www.gloomis.us/ProductInfo.aspx?id=5766986

This binder, combined with your pre-rigged rods,

will carry everything you need for a day on the

water!

8-)

[n8casCT]

wait a sec..   are you saying all I need is a fish binder when I go out for a tourney? 

[fishfordollars]

if you are invited or drawn as my partner my boat will always have a rod locker with room and compartments to put your tackle and rain gear. The cooler always has room for your drinks and eats. That's just the way it is.

I hate a cluttered boat.

[salmicropterus]

I personally wouldn't have any trouble with either of those bags pictured in your post, particularly if you stow and use them as you described Under your legs or on the non-boater seat.. Where its problemmatical is if someone starts leaving plastic boxes out or have multiple bags out even if small. Inevitably it gets spread out and then in the way. A large single bag is pretty good if everything is kept in it.

[n8casCT]

so the key is to keep it all together and on the seat or under / in front of legs when running the boat.  I'm glad to see some are okay with those bags... I'm wondering how everyone else feels or if they can share a bad experience with a non-boater - so I can avoid being 'that guy' in the future.

[UPS VT]

I have the bag pictured in the bottom of your post.  It is too big.  You can't fit it in a storage box.  I bought a smaller one this year, and it fits in all but the smallest of storage boxes. 

[roadwarrior]

wait a sec.. are you saying all I need is a fish binder when I go out for a tourney?

I can assure you, the worm binder will carry

more lures/ baits than you will actually fish

all year! More importantly, it will allow you

to focus on what you really need. You will

NEVER use all the lures you choose on ANY

outing.

8-)

[burleytog]

wait a sec.. are you saying all I need is a fish binder when I go out for a tourney?

I can assure you, the worm binder will carry

more lures/ baits than you will actually fish

all year! More importantly, it will allow you

to focus on what you really need. You will

NEVER use all the lures you choose on ANY

outing.

8-)

You do know that live bait isnt usually allowed in tournaments, don't you?   

[roadwarrior]

Yes, this is a bass forum and in context, you are

right, of course. However, some "other species"

tournaments do allow live bait.

The question at hand has nothing to do with this

tangent. I use the G. Loomis worm binder for focus

and convenience. The line-up is easily tweaked

for any particular outing. I am able to carry a small

assortment of ever lure class. It might work for

you, too!

8-)

[n8casCT]

well, I got a first-hand look at the BPS tackle bag today and it is monstrous!  I think I'm not going to upgrade my tackle organization this year.  I'm sticking with my current flambeau tackle bag that carries 3600's.  Non-boaters, what bags do you use?

[kikstand454]

i recently switched to an ockechobee flats bag that holds 5 or so 3700's and 2 3600's. it is pretty big and super heavy. however... i have been out quite a few times with it now and its the absolute most i can get away with. it fits between my legs (barely) and holds everything i need. this is rec fishing with my partner though. i have not attempted to use it in a tourney in someone other than his boat. i would probably scale it down to a 3600 size bag if i had a complete plan of the days fishing. much like i try to take only 4 rods.

"figuring it out when we get there" or "a little of everything" is a very frustrating plan to give a nonboater. lol.

[RobbyZ5001]

All I fish is non boater tourney's. I like to put my bag in the back compartment. The less loose items the better.

[zero]

get kvd tacklebag because it can hold 10 3700s or u can use the plano box provided which is 7 and i use them for tourney i usually hold them myself not put in anywhere else because its big

[UPS VT]

I like this bag http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_10203083_999043014_100000000_999043012_100-22-2

[J Francho]

I use a Flambeau AZ8 or AZ6, depending on the water and the boater.

[b.Lee]

I use these from Bass Pro

I have yet to have a boater complain, they actually compliment how organized I am.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_10200524____SearchResults

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_10200527____SearchResults

I use the BackPack one more because i bank fish a lot more on small ponds.

This will everything you need. It holds 8 3600 boxes, but I always narrow it down to 4 and I can but my lunch and rain gear on the other side of it. It holds water and all the accessories you need. It even has a rainfly.

[TimJ]

x2 on the BPS qualifier 370. fits more than I need. I keep my rain suit and lunch in the below-deck storage. never had a question or even a raised eyebrow when I show up with this...and probably 5-6 rods (plus flip stick if reqd).

TJ

[NiNeR]

I use the Plano 1349 Magnum tackle system and a 8" by 10" worm binder for tourneys. I have everything i need for a day and it fits in the small storage boxe behind the live well. The anglers I have fished with always wanted my box in a compartment so they don't have to worry about it when they want to move. I have never been told i have to much gear by a boater but i have been thanked many times for not bring a small foot locker and 10 rods.

[whoopbazz]

I have a Cabelas bag no model on it. It hold 4 3600's on the outside compartments. On the inside I have 3 3600's and a whole buch of tacle wrap/bags. Still have room for a gatorade and some snacks.

I have been a rider since 1987 and have never had an owner complain. My bag goes under my feet or under the passenger console. My rain gear goes in a compartment (if taken). My lunch goes in the boats cooler if avalible if not I drink warm gatorade that has been stored in a dry storage hatch.

With all due respect to Roadwarrior...don't buy into the worm binder thing. You never know what the fish are hitting on. If I had a nickel for everytime I was on the water and said to myself, "Thank God I didn't throw this outa my bag." I could retire. This holds especially true with soft plastic colors.

As a rider you don't have the luxury to prefish or practice a lake. So you need to rely on past tourneys or days on the lake to gear up. And what worked the last 2 years may not work today.

[Jepu]

I use the Cabelas XPG Deluxe angler pack. I like it because when i am getting ready in the morning or walking to the boat launch you can wear it on your shoulders. It will hold 7 3600's plus many smaller compartments, and still has the large backpack rear compartment that you can keep worm binders and spinnerbait binders in. I used to fish with the Plano in the first picture, the one that held 3700's. It was an ablolute monster and just a burden to lug around. I spent  time learning to condense my tackle. I think it makes you more efficient as well. The XPG carries all the gear you could ever need.

[RandySBreth]

I don't have as much experience doing the "co-angler" thing as some of the others here, but what I've seen at the events I fished could be summed up like this:

#1 Ask.

Really talk to your partner at the pre-tourney meeting.

They may be running a smaller boat with space at a premium, or they might be the "two rods on deck and don't really use the second one" type with tons of room for your stuff.

#2 Really, really think about what you will use out there, and keep it simple like RW said. You don't have to pare it down that far, but chances are you'll take to much stuff "just in case". Most boaters will be willing to lend you a couple of spare soft plastics (again, ask), so don't take every color and size of everything you own.

#3 A bag that carries everything is your friend.

The tackle bag/boat bag/cooler/rods all add up to a mess. ONE bag (like some of the backpack styles guys have mentioned) is much better. Not only does it keep all your stuff together, it doesn't make it look to your boater like you're moving in.

I use a older tackle bag that's made to hold 6 3600 size Plano's, but I only use 4 and put my rain gear and small snack bag in it, then attach my soft plastics binder to the outside grab handle. Spare line spools (small 100-yard or tippet spools- superline/leader user here) and tools go in the side pockets. I always ask to put my drinks in their cooler, and have always been able to.

It's actually kind of fun to plan exactly what I'm taking and get my plan of attack ready.