Depending on your personality, tackle organization might be therapeutic or it could be similar to watching paint dry. Just like organizing your garage, it can be a daunting task that seems impossible to accomplish. However, organization is absolutely crucial to saving money, being a more effective angler, and saving endless headaches. Today, we’ll focus on 3 easy tackle storage hacks that you can implement and reap the results immediately. Best part? These are all extremely budget friendly tips that will make you wonder why you didn’t do something similar years ago.
Tackle Storage HACK #1: Storage Containers
Let’s start with one of the most vital pieces of your fishing arsenal – your soft plastics. Known for their adaptability and efficacy, soft plastics can, ironically, be a nuisance when it comes to storage. The trick to keeping your soft plastics organized lies in using suitable storage containers.
A high-quality storage container ensures that your soft plastics are in excellent shape, ready for your next fishing trip. Start by categorizing your soft plastics based on size, shape, color, or type. Consider using a labeled, multi-compartment plastic box that offers separate sections for each category. These boxes can keep your tackle secure, dry, and tangle-free. While sorting by color or type isn’t necessary if you don’t have hoards of plastic baits, even throwing your excess bags all in a small container you can stack on your shelf will pay dividends.
You can pick these containers at virtually any store, and they can stack nicely. For a suggestion, Home Depot has a 12-pack of 6qt clear Sterlite containers that I prefer. Store plastics, excess accessories, ice fishing batteries, whatever. Make the investment! For optimal longevity, make sure your soft plastics are stored away from heat and sunlight. UV rays can deteriorate the material, causing your baits to lose their effectiveness. If you think a 12-pack is overkill, you can buy individual containers on a case-by-case basis.
Don’t forget, storage containers aren’t only practical; they can be stylish too. Opt for clear containers to showcase your collection and add a touch of personality to your fishing tackle storage space. While I personally don’t care what folks think of my tackle, I know aesthetics are a huge thing for a lot of anglers. You can get as fancy or simple as you like, just find a storage system that works best for you and use it. Take care of your gear and it will take care of you.
Tackle Storage HACK #2: Line Spool Container
Next on our tackle storage hacks list is the utilization of line spool containers. Line management is a critical aspect of successful fishing, and having a handy and accessible line spool container can make a world of difference.
Line spool containers offer a streamlined solution to manage your fishing line. Their compact size makes it easy to store in your home without taking up much space. Furthermore, they allow you to access and measure the line length swiftly, saving you time and frustration. Line spool containers also ensure your line stays free of dirt, tangles, and other potential damages. This level of organization and care can significantly improve your line’s lifespan and, ultimately, your fishing performance. I am a really big fan of the Plano Line Spool Box (Model 1084). It can fit 6 spools of line, is easy to throw in a truck or boat when you are on the go, and has holes where you can thread the line through to help respooling. For under $20, it seems like a no-brainer to keep your line in good shape and easily accessible.
Remember, your line is your connection to the fish. Efficiently storing and managing it should be a priority. Just like your soft plastics, I prefer to keep my line out of direct sunlight and stored in cooler climate. This will ensure it lasts longer and avoids the possibility of weakening the line. Last thing you want to blame is losing a personal best fish because you left your line out on the boat deck for a year.
Tackle Storage HACK #3: Peg Board Walls
One of the most underused tackle storage hacks in the angler’s world is the pegboard wall. A pegboard wall not only maximizes your storage space but also provides a visual inventory, ensuring you always know what’s in your arsenal.
Start by allocating a specific area in your home for your fishing gear. A garage, shed, or even a corner of your basement could be ideal. Install a pegboard wall and customize it with hooks and shelves suitable for different fishing equipment sizes and types. Hang your fishing rods horizontally to avoid any unnecessary stress on the rods’ spine. Display your lure collection, fishing tools, and other smaller items neatly using hooks. You can also use clear plastic bins attached to the pegboard for smaller items like hooks and swivels.
I realize everyone doesn’t have a garage or wall they can use to store tackle. But, if you have the opportunity, use it. This is by far the best tackle storage hack an angler can use. With a well-organized pegboard, finding your favorite lure or identifying when you’re running low on specific items becomes easier. Plus, it adds a fun and functional feature to your home, showcasing your love for fishing. I take back what I said earlier, I love the looks of my pegboard fishing wall. Heed my warning, getting a peg board wall will make you want to fill it up with lures… which can start putting a dent in the wallet.
Final Thoughts
Effective tackle storage goes beyond merely organizing your fishing gear. It’s about improving accessibility, extending the life of your equipment, and enhancing your overall fishing experience. If you are looking for how to improve your organization while bank fishing, this article should provide a couple of useful tips.
Remember, successful organization doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With these tackle storage hacks, you can convert a chaotic pile of gear into a tidy, efficient, and impressive fishing station. Whether you choose to use storage containers for your soft plastics, a line spool container for quick line access, or a pegboard wall to keep a visual inventory, each hack can be tailored to suit your specific needs and space.
The primary goal is to create a system that makes your fishing gear easy to find, easy to access, and easy to maintain. With a bit of effort and creativity, you can deploy these tackle storage hacks that not only look good but also work seamlessly. After all, an organized angler is a successful angler. For other tips and tricks, check out TackleJunky81 on YouTube and Wired2Fish. They are both fantastic resources that provide quality content.
Tackle storage doesn’t have to be a chore. Embrace these storage hacks and see how they can revolutionize your fishing experience. Happy organizing.
Tight lines,
Dawson