If it’s been a while since you cleaned out your tackle box, how do you know that you’re ready for summer fishing? The experts at Mel’s Outdoors put together the list you need for the ultimate fishing tackle box so you’re prepared for whatever swims your way.
Tackle Box Organization Tips
At least once a year, it’s worth going through your tackle box. Spring is a great time to clean and reorganize your rods and equipment, so everything is where it should be, and you only bring what you need. Organizing your tackle box allows you to see what you’re working with. If it’s been a while since you cleaned out yours, here are a few of my tackle box organization tips:
- First, empty your fishing tackle box and wash it with warm, soapy water.
- Take inventory of what you have. Toss out anything broken or rusted or you don’t need anymore.
- Organize your equipment by species, using dividers to separate them out.
- Use trays with compartments for your hooks, floats, all of your smaller tackle. You can organize these by color, by type, or get detailed and do both. Label your containers so you know what you have at a glance. Remember, keep hard baits separated from soft ones.
- Put larger items (e.g., pliers, knives, flashlight) in secure pockets.
- Now, that you know what you have, what are you missing? Think about your goals for the season. Are you going after a new species or fishing in a new part of the country? Do you have the right equipment for what you want to do on the water?
- Make a restocking list and start buying what you need.
Keeping an organized tackle box means you can spend more time fishing and less time hunting down what you need. Pro-tip: Keep a rag or some paper towels in your tackle box so you can wipe everything down before storing them. This will keep it from rusting!
Add these items for the best tackle box
You might want everything on your list (and who am I to judge?!) But to help you out, I’ve separated these items into three categories so you can prioritize.
The Essentials
Jigs
Do you have enough jigs in your fishing tackle box to get you through a fishing season? Catch the eye of passing fish with these colorful and fun tinsel fibers jigs.
Fish Fry
There’s no need to mess with live bait anymore with these technicolor fish fries. To make matters even better, they’re soaked in the powerful attractant to draw in even more fish.
First Aid Kit
Is it the most exciting thing to have in your tackle box? Maybe not, but when you’re suddenly faced with an accident, you’ll be glad you have it restocked and ready.
Flashlight
Wilmar Performance Tool LED Light
A working, weather-resistant light comes in a necessity when fishing. Before putting your new light into your tackle box, put in fresh batteries so that it works when you need it.
Knife
Rapala Heavy-Duty Lithium Knife
This knife can run continuously for 80 minutes, with twice the speed and three times the torque of standard filet knives. And with a storage case, you won’t have to worry about it getting rusty.
The “Nice-to Haves”
Clippers
Stainless steel clippers with a built-in grip makes changing a hook or cutting an excess fishing line even easier. If you don’t have a clipper in your tackle box (or, more likely, your current one has rusted out), this is the product I recommend.
Has it been a while since you’ve been out on the water? Read our refresh on tying a Palomar Knot or an Improved Clinch Knot.
Troll Bucket
Not ready to give up live bait? This rust-proof and dent-proof troll bucket makes live bait manageable no matter what. The self-closing door floats face up, so you have the bait right there when you need it.
The “Why-Nots”
Spinning Rod
St. Croix Legend Elite Spinning Rod
This spinning rod isn’t just pretty; it’s incredibly effective. If you haven’t upgraded your spinning rod in a few seasons, this is one to consider adding to your collection.
Baitcast Combo
Abu Garcia Max STX
This one-piece rod is designed for smoothness and sensitivity. Lightweight and compact, it’s the perfect summer rod for all your trips.
Spinning Combo
Pflueger President Spinning Combo
A combination of Pflueger President reels with Fenwick Eagle rods, this mid-range priced combo has modern and traditional components that make it worth adding to your gear.
Restock Your Tackle Box at Mel’s Outdoors
After a long stretch of winter weather, make the most of this year’s season. If you don’t find what you need or have a product question, contact our Mel’s Outdoors team. We’re always happy to chat with you, make more recommendations, and get you what you want.
