When fishing from shore or on multiple boats, it's important to have a tackle system that matches your personality. There is no right or wrong tackle system. There is only one system; that is the system that works for you.

When I first started fishing forty years ago, I could fit everything into my blue metal tackle box. I had a selection of slip sinkers, hooks, flat fish, jitter bugs, bobbers and several spinners. Some of the gear was inherited and the rest was purchased with proceeds from a paper route I shared with my older brother, Ron.

At that time, organization wasn’t important. Everything fit into one box. As I grew older, I purchased a second rod and reel combination, and then some salt water gear. The tackle box could still handle my needs, but it was getting full.

This is when I found the advantage of using various boxes to keep different types of tackle organized. What I stored in these boxes was a reflection of my personality and fishing options. I often had the chance to fish with my uncle Leo. He was a salt water striper fisherman. I purchased a Plano Box and started shifting my salt water gear into it. I stocked it with heavy weights, slip rigs and large tackle.

I also had ample opportunity to fish with my friend Bobby and my uncle Don. They were fresh water fisherman, we would fish for black bass, brook trout, suckers and pickerel. The rest of my gear went into a second box. It was a fairly simple system. And with the advent of Plano's multi-draw systems, I found them to be a natural progression for me.

The Plano tackle draws fit into different tackle boxes. I use the same storage boxes in several different sizes. This enables me to maximize the space within the boxes I use. The system works for me because of the varied species I target, I enjoy it’s flexibility in terms of styles, sizes and uses.

I always have two small cases that are stocked with essentials like, swivels, weights, leaders, hooks, split rings, elastics and the like. They are the staples of my tackle gear. I have two just in case one gets misplaced. They are not identical but have enough of the same essentials that they can be substituted for each other. Every year I find myself changing the system according to my needs, circumstances and desires.

Last year, I ended up swamping a canoe at the beginning of the season due to a mishap with a hook. My line had snagged a tree limb unbeknownst to me and the canoe's momentum drove the hook into my index finger while I was picking up my lure. I quickly jumped right out of the canoe and into the freezing water. This year I have included two water tight draws into my tackle system. They are stocked with the essentials that I do not want getting wet.

What type of person are you? Are you compartmentalized? Are you all inclusive? You need to know what personality you have and the type of fishing you do before you can decide on a system that is right for you!

Be safe and have fun fishing!

While we wait for open water fishing season to fall upon us, there are a few things we can do to get ready. One thing is checking our gear and organizing.

While Bass fishing last year, I became frustrated looking for soft plastic baits. I looked things over and decided the Plano boxes were not working for me. I was constantly taking out boxes as I switched between sencos, worms and tubes.

I thought about my dilemma. I wanted to have the baits readily available while keeping the floor space clear. I needed a storage solution that was accessible and visually organized.

The front bow of my boat has netted storage areas on the inside of the gunnels. I use them to store bumpers and miscellaneous gear. But after thinking about it, I decided this would be the perfect spot to store my soft baits. And the storage medium that fit perfectly was a loose leave binder.

I had seen this type of storage system in the Bass Pro Catalog last year. Being impatient, and wanting to get the project done, I found some old product folders in my office and decided to make my own. The project ended up using four binders and four packages of Ziploc Easy Zipper heavy duty freezer bags.

I broke the soft baits down into four categories Senkos,Tubes, Worms, Creatures.
These are the baits I use most often. I do use others; but I find myself grabbing for these more often than not. I gave each category its own binder filled with my favorite colors.

The final product was very efficient and this is how I made it

Continue reading "Open Water Preperations"

I'm still on course with making alterations to my boat in preparation for April 1st.
This post deals with the installation of an onboard tackle system.

First, you must decide where the tackle system makes the most sense for you. I purchased this boat at the beginning of last season. While fishing last year, I noticed the there was minimal tackle storage for the aft section of the boat. When you’re fishing in the rain, a good storage system can make a huge difference.

I decided to insert my system into the side of the front consol where the arrow is pointed above. I made sure the cover of my center rod compartment would open once I installed the system. Once you have chosen the area, you have to find a tackle storage system that will fit into the area. The web has a multitude places to choose from. I used Google to help me find what I needed.

Get your measurements right. I measured the area then subtracted an inch from what I thought I could fit. The only box I could find was two inches shorter.

It was a good thing I went with a smaller system. The system that I originally wanted to install was three boxes high. It would have been a very tight fit. Once you have the right box and location, double check it before you make any cuts.

I made a small pilot hole. I then readjusted my desired position after looking where the drill ended up in the recess behind the consol wall.

I then drew an outlined of the desired hole with a pencil and drilled the four corners. This aided me in making a few minor adjustments. Use a small drill when making pilot holes. This way you can hide them by brushing the carpet if things don't work out the way you imagined.

Once confident I had the correct position, the next thing I did was retrace the outline of the hole with a dark marker and drilled the corners with a larger bit
that would allow for the use of a jig saw blade. You may have to drill wood, but I was drilling aluminum. Wear safety glasses and follow your lines exactly.

Once the hole is cut, try a test fit. There may be something that was larger than you thought on the box. Trim the hole if necessary.

Now place the container in the hole. Try all doors or other items that may come in contact with it and make the necessary adjustments.

Now that the box is in place, drill pilot holes for your screws. Use a drill that is the same size as the core of the screw. I like to line them up and make sure I pick a drill larger that is the same or larger than the core of the screw and smaller than it's threads.

Attach the box and you’re done!

Test Your Fish Sense

How long do you have to get yourself out of the water once you fall through the ice? A) 2 minutes, B) 3 minutes C) 5 Minutes D) 10 minutes E) 15 minutes

If you have the time, I really advise checking out these two links on ice safety.

Manitoba University Ice Safety Video

US Army Research Data

The answer is C or D) Five to ten minutes, depending on the individual. If you don't believe me, watch the video.

Test Your Fish Sense

The more time spent on the water usually equates to more fish on the end of the pole. Time on the water is crucial to catching fish. And when fishing season hits, I’m always in a rush to get my boat up from behind the house and into the water. Many times this rushed approach has left me dead at the dock or in the water. And even when you take the appropriate time to check all systems, things can go wrong.

This first weekend of March, will be my last ice fishing weekend of the season. After this weekend, I’m on the open water fishing rampage.

One of the things I’m doing to get ready for open water season is organizing my boat. To do that I’ve added a few storage areas to keep gear handy and neat.

The first project entails adding a spinner lure storage area to my rod compartment. For this project I used adhesive foam sheets, a small bungee cord and a drill.

I used an area in my rod compartment to hold the lures, but the area could be the inside of my tackle box or on the transom of my boat. First, you have to find a place that is convenient.

I found an area between two hinges in my rod cabinet that looked appealing.

This photo shows one of the hinges that I’m going to drill.

I selected a drill size to match the tip of the bungee cord that I will be inserting.

The adhesive backed foam is positioned to hold the hooks and the bungee cord is positioned to hold the spinner bodies.

This technique can be used for a variety of lure types. You may have to use several bungee cords or foam strips. Just be creative and use what works best for the spot your putting it in.

Posted by Marc Gilbert at 04:07 PM
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