Winter time is a popular season for anglers to sort through their tackle, clean out the storage bins, and reorganize for the upcoming “season.” Tackle storage will probably remain a perpetual nemesis to kayak anglers especially.
Between family events, mods projects you may be starting for your kayak, and the dreaded work schedule you’re bound to have a few hours here or there that you can fill with simple organization projects.
October and November are filled with sales from companies trying to catch the early Christmas shopper’s eye. December is notorious for the end of year blowout sales. Then there’s the beauty of the January and February sales dedicated to collecting your gift cards and cash nestled into your holiday gifts.
Why not take advantage of those great savings and put together a tackle storage solution you can be proud of all year long?
Husky Style Tool Boxes
There’s a variety of tool boxes on sale during the holidays. Some are filled with tools while others are empty. I have so many random tools laying around the house that I really don’t need more tools “free with purchase” of a tool box I actually need. So I opted for an empty box that I could customize to my specifications.
Many of your modern sit on top kayaks have hard framed seats lifted to perfect heights for an under seat storage box. Sit inside kayaks often have a decent sized cockpit that will allow a toolbox to be secured in front of you, between your feet, for quick and easy access.
These are just a few examples of the options out there on the market. Take your time. Be picky. Find what works just right for you. Then watch for the sales. Inevitably, nearly everything goes on sale at one time or another. Tool boxes are no exception.
A few precautions to keep in mind:
- You want to stick to plastic as much as possible. The metal used on tool boxes isn’t meant to be in water (especially salt water for you ocean anglers).
- Try to get boxes that are water tight or that will accept your watertight tackle boxes.
- If your chosen box doesn’t have a way to secure it to your kayak, make sure you come up with a way to make your own attachment joints.
Harbor Freight & Stackable Box
Harbor Freight is known for their year round affordability. Nearly everything in their stores can serve multiple purposes in your outdoors adventures. Their boxes are especially useful from this aspect.
They come in a variety of sizes and are exceptionally cheap when compared to the other brand store options out there.
Storage Bags
Ziplock baggies are a popular choice amongst anglers. They’re cheap, available in a variety of sizes, and easy to replace. There are, however, a few other options that may benefit your needs.
Waterproof bags now come in multiple sizes. I have some for my rain gear, others for my camera gear, and even a few that work particularly well for keeping my finesse gear together.
Money bags were popular for a bit as well. They are usually see through which allows you to check for what you want without having to dig through a solid bag. They’re made of a thick PVC material that makes them especially sturdy. And they are made by a variety of companies (Googan, Mr. Crappie, Bass Mafia, etc.) which makes access to their availability good. The downside can be that the closure doesn’t always hold up as well as the bag itself does.
Plano makes a speed bag in their KVD lineup that comes in a few different sizes. These prove to be incredibly useful for quick, light tackle trips or when sorting soft plastics for easy access. They have a convenient handle for securing to the side of your pack or strapping into your kayak.
Binders
Binders are cheap, light weight, and easy to store is narrow, out of the way cubbies. You can get pocket sized or full sized binders depending on your plans. Nowadays some are even waterproof. Insets can be made or purchased. Several of the fishing gear companies even make their own gear binders now. Look around at the vast number of options on today’s market and you’ll be surprised.
Larger envelopes can be used to hold plastics, floats, or other large items
Card collection inserts can be used for hooks, weights, lead line, swivels, and any of your other small parts.
Ammo Boxes
Just like with the storage boxes above, I recommend sticking to plastic and ensuring you have as tight a seal on the lid as possible.
Small ammo boxes fit in crates and backpacks really well. You can organize your gear between catfish supplies, crappie and panfish supplies, and bass or whatever other target species you’re after.
- They're easy to label and can be set up with dividers or stacking plates to organize even more efficiently.
- You can even go beyond your tackle gear with these boxes. They make great battery boxes, tool and replacement parts storage for your motor, control boxes for your steering or thrust, or storage for your keys and wallet while on the water.
- You can add pad eyes for securing to your vessel or Velcro or Bungie it through the handle.
- We've talked in the past about how versatility is key to products you add to your boat and ammo boxes are definitely a resource for this.
These are just some of the options out there today. You’re exploring this sight because your interested in modifications, creativity, and expanding your outdoors adventures in new and unique ways. Take these ideas, modify them, and create the ultimate storage system for your fishing adventures.
