[NiceFish]

There are usually a few prime tackle box access spots on the boats and I'm typically not lucky enough to get one of those. If you had a prime spot, which type of box/pack would you prefer. If not a prime spot, would you go with the same box/pack or would you go with another style (ie. Horizontal box access from the front vs maybe vertical box access from the top. Any specific boxes/pack you can recommend.

Thanks

 

[darthfoster]

I would say it depends on whether your talking about a tackle box for multi day or a one day trip or less.
On the 1/2, 3/4 or one day trips, I love my Albakore backpack. I can easily change out the boxes of tackle depending on what I might like to fish for the day. If it's a multi-day trip, I like my SKB with the rocket launchers. Even if you have to place it on the deck, it stays put and with the rocket launchers, it gives you quick access to your rods when needed. I still have two older wooden boxes that I purchased from Fishermans Hardware in Long Beach back in the early 80's. I just use them to store extra tackle in at the house.

Anthony

 

[fishybuzz]

Lots of people are surprised at how small my "tackle box"is, It's really just a tackle bag that holds 4-3600 plano plastic trays with outside pockets that hold my ***** and extra topshots.It measures about 12"X14" X 8" I have found myself taking less and less. I take the same bag for a 3 day or a ten day I just change trays........I have a albacore bag that I never use anymore, I find they tips over very easily....if you do a inventory of what you actually use on a trip it may surprise you how little you actually use....

 

[wahoodad]

I know the size you speak of Fishy. I took it on a 5 dayer with Matt and I working out of it, and it was perfect.
On overnights, I take a very small Plano tray, about 6 inches long, and about 3 &1/2 iches wide, and it has all I need. I tuck it behind someone else's gargatuan tackle box on the rack, and I'm good.

 

[NiceFish]

Thanks for the responses and sharing your experience. This would likely be for a 5-dayer. The primary issue I'm thinking of is quick and easiest access. If you cannot count on an edge spot, I guess vertical access would be best since side/horizontal access would require moving your box, or other boxes each time. Have not used rocket launchers but have seen others use. Seems like a good idea as my rods are usually up the side aways. However, this would not work if have to use a shelf. The tackle I'm thinking of is pretty simple I think. It's based on using Iron, flylining, sliding weight, or dropper loop. Most would be on deck but some could be in the room as a "just in case". Feel free to chime in if I'm missing something or have recommendations. -An assortment of 94150 Mustad hooks from 4 to 5/0 -Various egg sinkers and dropper loop weights. -30, 40, and 50 Fluoro leader spools -A few ziplocks for pre-tied topshots with hooks -Thinking 15-20 jigs of various make/color/and size including backups of the primary ones. -A couple squid jigs -A couple bait-maiking rigs and rigs for rockfish, but have not had to use these before on prior trips. -A few plastic baits and leadheads but have used minimally in the past -Maybe a couple of trolling feathers -Pocket for sunblock, seasick med, towell and miscellaneous Thanks

This post edited by NiceFish 05/31/2008

 

[TUNA4ME]

Fishy and David offer solid advice on using a smaller box.

Just keep the essentials on the deck. You can use a generic storage container (Home Depot etc.) and keep the majority of stuff on the upper deck or smaller containers and keep in your room. It's nice to have a on deck box that is not crammed with gear. Keeping just the essentials on deck saves a lot of tackle from getting beat up or wet.

 

[wahoodad]

You really have to watch some of those tall and skinny soft boxes. On a long range trip, I like the SKB, doesn't even have to be their biggest. I fished a small top loading WFO for a long time, the one Fishy and I referred to.

 

[sactotuna]

Ok, I'm going to post prematurely here but . . .
2 summers ago I built a new wood box that solved all the 'issues' on the rack (at least that one on the Star) that holds six rigs and a fair amount of tackle without any reels hanging out into the space around the box.
I'll post a couple photos this weekend. I think y'all might like it. Some real 'out of the box' thinking .

 

[sactotuna]

6 rods, held in tubes with ss gimbals at the bottom. Holds a couple 7 x 11 (approx) boxes vertically on one side with room for a smaller one plus pliers/camera/sunscreen/ etc etc on the other side. Front door hinged on the bottom.
When the rack is crowded all the reels can face in toward the center, no problems. Throw a very small bag with topshots etc in it on the rack by the galley door.

 

[fishordie]

I for one will not weigh in on this issue. I have already met David (Wahoodad) but for David (fishybuzz) in November I will be the one with 4 shirpas, 2 mules and a sheep carrying my tackle. Yeah I know, the Shirpas and the Mules are okay but don't ask about the sheep. Its the one that rooms with me. I brought the Shirpas back from my Everest Climb which was much easier than carrying my tackle to the boat at sea level. One small little box......I just don't have the self confidence for that.

Jamie

 

[Brad_G]

Thanks for the responses and sharing your experience.

This would likely be for a 5-dayer. The primary issue I'm thinking of is quick and easiest access. If you cannot count on an edge spot, I guess vertical access would be best since side/horizontal access would require moving your box, or other boxes each time. Have not used rocket launchers but have seen others use. Seems like a good idea as my rods are usually up the side aways. However, this would not work if have to use a shelf.

The tackle I'm thinking of is pretty simple I think. It's based on using Iron, flylining, sliding weight, or dropper loop. Most would be on deck but some could be in the room as a "just in case". Feel free to chime in if I'm missing something or have recommendations.

-An assortment of 94150 Mustad hooks from 4 to 5/0
-Various egg sinkers and dropper loop weights.
-30, 40, and 50 Fluoro leader spools
-A few ziplocks for pre-tied topshots with hooks
-Thinking 15-20 jigs of various make/color/and size including backups of the primary ones.
-A couple squid jigs
-A couple bait-maiking rigs and rigs for rockfish, but have not had to use these before on prior trips.
-A few plastic baits and leadheads but have used minimally in the past
-Maybe a couple of trolling feathers
-Pocket for sunblock, seasick med, towell and miscellaneous

Thanks

For that kind of load, you need a moderate size tackle box. I like horizontal accessable tackle boxes because you usually can get to them, you don't bang your knuckles on the shelf above them, and you usually don't have to take the plastic box all the way out of the bag, and then return it. For your needs, I'd look at the smaller bag from Albackore (called the ??Altunative??, I think WFO probably makes a version of it too--in any event, smaller bag will lessen concerns about tipping).

The skb with rocket launchers is pretty nice if you KNOW that you'll get a prime spot on the table near the bait tank, but they are inconvienient for shelves and the rocket launchers are useless for anything other than taking up room.

 

[Got2Phish]

I'm hoping your need is for a 1/2 to 2-day trips. I only bring a regular backpack with 3700 size plano box filled (two for the 1 & 2-day), a gimbal pad (1-2 day), needle nose, *****, fishing license, leader material, sunscreen and snacks. How many plastics, trolling lures and lead do you really need on these trips? Plus the backpack frees your hands when getting off the boat. JMO

 

[Iron Thrower]

I like working out of Fishy's. But since David also uses the same kind, I might sneak over too his. LOL.. I have the Albacore bag, an its o.k. Kind of big, but has it uses. Usually keep a package of hooks an whatever in my rod belt holder that Fishy got for me. Its the reel case that kills me.

Hollywood

 

[fishybuzz]

6 rods, held in tubes with ss gimbals at the bottom. Holds a couple 7 x 11 (approx) boxes vertically on one side with room for a smaller one plus pliers/camera/sunscreen/ etc etc on the other side. Front door hinged on the bottom.
When the rack is crowded all the reels can face in toward the center, no problems. Throw a very small bag with topshots etc in it on the rack by the galley door.

Don't take this personally sactotuna but people who have rods in holders on their tackle boxes as in your picture make me crazy ...if rods are stored there it prevents folks from throwing iron or casting from mid ship why can't you just put your rods in the racks like everyone else???....JMO

 

[Mojostone]

I use a little micro tackle bag. Which is connected to a light weight rod belt along with holder for my *****. I stash 2 or 3 sizes of hooks, may be a swimbait or a megabait jig perhaps a few egg sinkers.

I have a back pack style tackle bag. Which holds 8 3600 Plano boxes full of Gulp, Fish Traps, Megabaits, Krocs, Candybar, Tady, UFO, Salas for when I want something different.

I am not into long range yet, may be day or two. So I leave the bulk of my tackle at home.

 

[titan05]

There is a reason boat don't want "rocket" launchers. I was on a 10 day in November and the capt asked people to put their rods away after he almost got hooked by a 9/0 Owner swinging free. If you need to rig up a rod.....cool...want to keep one handy...okay but secure the thing so it doesn't infringe on others. Store your extra rods up top. My favorite is the guys that put their rods in the trash can but that thread has already been beat to death.
Tackle boxes / bags.......On long trips....WFO offshore but I have found on shorter trips that I can get by on a small bag with 2 or 3 trays.

 

[Wils]

Don't take this personally sactotuna but people who have rods in holders on their tackle boxes as in your picture make me crazy ...

C'mon, Fuzzy.
These rods:

make for a great place to gather and chit-chat while tieing knots. Just place the hook in an appropriate height guide and "no problems". Draw that knot down good and tight, too. :tu:

and in rough conditions, they are great for breaking your fall. The rods will help to support you....just dont grab onto any hooks, jigs, and/or irons that are attached as your blood may make the owner irritable.

 

[mogandave]

...why can't you just put your rods in the racks like everyone else???....JMO

I'm with you on that. If you need your rod ready to fish at a moment's notice, lean on the rail and hold it.

 

[wahoodad]

Another anti rocket launcher vote here. I have tubes on my SKB, but don't use them while on the boat, except maybe while I'm rigging. And even then, usually not.
Danger Will Robinson, danger!

 

[Iron Thrower]

Gee guys, now your making him feel bad. They work hard getting the best spot to put those in the first. Notice the big wahoo jig on that one stick. I still bare the scars from improperly secured hooks an jigs on my arms. what gets me is when done for a few min. they place the stick back in the rack an the hook is like on the second guide or the lure instead of back of reel. Also the weight swinging hitting the side of the boat or window. Nope, those boxes are fine but not with the sticks in them. Like Fishy said, hard to cast mid-ship.

Hollywood