How to Organize Your Tackle Box: What You Should Have Inside
A well-stocked and organized tackle box is a necessity for any angler, regardless of skill level. When you're out fishing, nothing is more important than the gear that keeps your catch coming. Not sure what to put in yours? Here are 6 things every tackle box needs, and some tips on how to organize it so you can spend your time on the water fishing, and not untangling hooks and lures.
Tackle Box Essentials
1. A Good Knife
You'll need a sharp knife for a variety of tasks, from cutting line to cleaning fish. It's easy to carry and can be safely stored when not in use.
2. Extra Line and Leaders
It's always a good idea to have extra line and leaders on hand in case you lose or break your existing line. Not sure what leaders are? A fishing leader is a type of line that is used for connecting the main fishing line to the lure or bait. Leader is used because it is strong and can withstand the force of a fish pulling on the line and it presents lure naturally by having low visibility. Be sure to pack both monofilament and braided line, as well as leaders of different lengths and weights.
3. Pliers and Hooks
Pliers are essential for removing hooks that become entangled in fishing line or stuck in fish. A variety of hooks are also important, as different sizes and styles are better suited for different types of fish.
4. Lures and Bait
No tackle box is complete without an assortment of lures and bait. Yes, even experienced fisherman need bait; after all, the fish aren't going to bite if there's nothing on your hook! Experiment with different lures until you find ones that work well for the type of fish you're trying to catch. Live bait will also come in handy, especially if you're targeting larger fish.
5. A First Aid Kit
This should go without saying but is commonly forgotten. Don't forget to pack a small first aid kit in case of cuts or other minor injuries. Bandages, antiseptic wipes, and antibiotic ointment should be enough to get you through most fishing trips unscathed.
6. Fishing License
Last, but not least, don't forget your fishing license before heading out to your favorite spot. Make sure to check the local requirements for your area so that you can enjoy your fishing trip worry-free!
These are just a few of the essential items every tackle box needs. With a well-stocked tackle box, you'll be ready for anything the day throws your way.
How to Organize Your Tackle Box
Whether you're assembling your first tackle box with the basics above, or have full bins of gear collected over the years, let’s get you organized!
The first step is to empty your tackle box and lay everything out on a table or the floor. If you’re reading this and you don’t have a tackle box, go buy one here and come back after. This will give you a good overview of everything you have and will make it easier to decide what needs to stay and what can go. This is also a good time to check your gear for items that need to be repaired or replaced. Once you've gone through everything, it's time to start sorting.
You’ll want to sort your lures, hooks, weights, line, etc. by type, season, or location. For example, if you know you'll only be using certain lures in freshwater lakes, then you can keep those lures together in one box. Or, if you want to be able to grab a specific type of lure quickly, then you can sort them by baitfish imitation, topwater, jigs, etc. It's really up to you how you want to organize things. The important thing is that everything has a designated spot and that you can easily find what you're looking for. If you don’t have a box, we recommend the SKB 4-24 Small Fishing Tackle Organizer Box with Rust Inhibitor. It's made of clear plastic, has 24 customizable compartments, and includes a tough corrosion inhibitor by Zerust.
Once all of your tackle is organized in storage boxes, you can easily assemble the bait and tackle you'll need that day. The items you'll reach for the most can be kept in the top, most easily accessible compartment. If you're looking for a professional-grade box, the SKB 7200 Large Fishing Tackle Box has four storage boxes with dividers, a hanging jig area that can accommodate over 40 jigs, and four built-in rocket launcher/rod tubes. While the SKB 7300 Large Tak-Pac Backpack Fishing Tackle System lets anglers hit the water with everything they need right on their back.
A well-organized and equipped tackle box can make a big difference when it comes to your success on the water. So next time you're getting ready for a fishing trip, take a few minutes to organize your tackle box and make sure everything has its place. Your future self will thank you!
