If you couldn’t tell by now, I am bank fishing junky. While some enjoy fishing from a boat, others revel in the challenge and simplicity that comes with bank fishing. It’s a pursuit that requires more than just your fishing rod and bait. Proper storage techniques and organization are paramount to ensure you have all the necessary equipment close at hand and ready for action. Here’s a detailed guide with five essential fishing storage tips for bank bass fisherman looking to enhance their fishing experience.
1. Invest in a Good Quality Fishing Backpack
The first storage trick for bank fishing is investing in a high-quality fishing backpack. Having a sturdy and water resistant fishing backpack is a game-changer for every bank angler. These backpacks are typically designed with multiple compartments to organize and store all your bass fishing essentials efficiently. In addition, they’re easy to carry around, ensuring you can freely move along the banks, seeking that perfect fishing spot. The days of lugging around a bowling ball of a tackle box are gone. I understand the irony, consider my website is Tackle Box Tactics. Suck it
Choose a backpack that has a robust build, is easy to clean, and can withstand harsh weather conditions. Remember, this backpack is going to house your valuable fishing equipment. Also, ensure the backpack is spacious enough to fit all your equipment without being too bulky to carry around. This is your mobile tackle shop, so make sure it’s up to the task.
While there are a crazy amount of options on the market, I would take to YouTube and watch several comparison videos. For a good starting point, I would check out Mr. Bass’s videos regarding the matter. He bought a ton of bags and went really in-depth on the pros and cons of each. Personally, I don’t think you can find a better bang for the buck bag than the Bass Pro Extreme Qualifier 360. It is $30, and has crazy space and is beyond durable. In fact, this is still my personal bank fishing bag and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.
2. Keep Your Soft Plastics in Smaller Tackle Bags
Bass love soft plastics, and any seasoned bank fisherman will tell you that a varied selection of these baits is a must-have. To optimize space and ensure these delicate lures are adequately protected, using small tackle bags is a recommended storage trick. These bags keep your soft plastics organized and prevent them from getting damaged or lost.
These small tackle bags can easily fit inside your fishing backpack, allowing for convenient transportation. Plus, keeping your soft plastics in a separate bag prevents them from tangling with other gear or spilling all over your bag. I personally use the Bass Pro Extreme Qualifier 350 as a nice place to store all of my soft plastics, lures still in their packaging, and any garbage I accumulate through the day. This should go without saying, but pick up your trash and don’t litter. Leave the pond nicer than you found it.
In reality though, you can use a variety of smaller bags to keep you organized and ready to rig up at a moment’s notice. Watch some videos, shop some deals, and try out a couple to see what fits best in your tackle backpack and nail down a preference.
3. Utilize Plano Edge Boxes for Better Organization
Plano Edge boxes are a godsend for bank anglers. These boxes are specially designed to keep your fishing gear safe, organized, and easily accessible. Whether you’re storing hooks, weights, lures, or other small accessories, Plano Edge boxes will make your life easier. I know they are expensive, and often while you are hitting the shores you are on a tight budget. If there is one thing I recommend splurging on, it is these tackle boxes. They will keep you organized and save you money in the long run.
With their transparent lids, identifying your tackle becomes a breeze. They also come in different sizes, allowing you to choose what best fits your backpack and your gear. In addition, they offer water and rust protection, adding an extra layer of security for your tackle. If you needed any extra convincing on why you should pick up some Plano Edge boxes, I wrote an in-depth article on their benefits a while back. Check it out!
4. Keep Fishing Accessories in Their Own Storage Areas
Another storage tip to ensure you have a successful day of bass fishing from the shore is to have a dedicated storage solution for your fishing accessories. Items such as pliers, line cutters, fish grips, and a scale are all essential tools that you’ll need at a moment’s notice. Most backpacks will have a variety of areas where you can quickly access these items without going through fifteen compartments. Utilize them correctly so you can keep fishing. Less time messing with your gear equals more opportunities to get some bites, take advantage of it.
I personally like wearing a fishing lanyard that has my line clippers and a jig cleaner on it, and keep my scissors, pliers, and wacky rig tool in an easy access zipper. Pick a system that works best for you and your gear, and stick to it. Seriously, you would be surprised how much time you are wasting when you just chuck your pliers in the bottom of your bag. Organization is key!
It didn’t make for a decent photo, but the image below shows a few tools I keep in my outside zipper for easy access.
5. Don’t Slack on Putting Items Back
The last, but arguably the most crucial storage trick for bank bass fisherman is discipline. This may seem repetitive, but that’s the point. I am really trying to drive the point home. After using a piece of tackle or gear, always put it back in its designated place immediately. While it may seem tempting to leave it out “for just a minute,” it’s easy to forget or misplace items. It is easy to drop gear in thick grass when you are not organized. If you make a mental note to always put your gear back immediately, you can take inventory at the end of your day and ensure you have all your stuff.
Being disciplined about putting items back also maintains the organization of your backpack, allowing you to find the right tool or lure at the right time, enhancing your fishing experience. Then again, it’s fine with me if you aren’t organized. I am on my sixth pair of free pliers because people have left them on the bank. I always try to return them, but often the angler is long gone, and when the Fishing Lords give you free pliers, you add them to your collection. No ragrets.
The Bottom Line
The joy of bank bass fishing isn’t only about the catch – it’s about the experience as a whole. Having an optimized storage system can significantly improve your fishing experience, making it seamless, organized, and most importantly, enjoyable. Remember, the key lies in investing in a good fishing backpack, using small tackle bags for your soft plastics, organizing with Plano Edge boxes, designating a place for your accessories, and not slacking on putting items back. With these tips and tricks, you’re on your way to a better bank bass fishing experience!
So next time you head to the bank for some bass fishing, remember these storage tips. They’ll not only make your fishing experience more enjoyable but also increase your chances of making that big catch.
Tight Lines,
Dawson