A Tackle Shop Guide to Fishing Gear Storage
Choosing the right fishing gear storage can feel overwhelming. With a huge range of hard boxes, soft bags, and waterproof trays, where do you even start? The secret is to stop thinking about the products and start thinking about your fishing style. This guide will walk you through the core principles of building an efficient tackle management system.
A Note From Our Local Experts
"In the shop, we see it all—from anglers with a perfectly organised, modular system to those who bring in a chaotic bag full of tangled lures and rusty hooks. The anglers who catch the most fish are almost always the most organised. It's not a coincidence.
Being organised means you can adapt quickly on the water. When you see baitfish getting pushed into a drain, you can grab your soft plastic utility box in seconds, instead of spending ten minutes untangling a mess. It's about efficiency, and that's what a good storage system gives you."
- Ben Czulowski, Owner, Fishing Tackle Shop
The Core Principle: Portability vs. Protection
The first and most important decision you need to make is to identify your primary fishing style. This will guide your entire storage strategy.
- If you are a mobile, land-based angler, prioritise PORTABILITY. You need a system that is comfortable to carry and allows you to take only what you need for the day. Your best starting point is our Tackle Bags & Backpacks category.
- If you are primarily a boat or vehicle-based angler, prioritise PROTECTION. You need a system that can handle being knocked around and will protect your gear from crushing weight and impacts. A traditional Hard Tackle Box is the ideal solution here.
Pro-Tips for Expert Gear Management
- Embrace the Modular System: This is the secret the pros use. Instead of one giant box, use multiple, smaller utility trays, each dedicated to a specific lure type or target species (e.g., one for bream hardbodies, one for flathead soft plastics). You can then load these into a larger tackle bag, taking only the trays you need for that day's session.
- Winning the War Against Rust: Rust is the enemy of all tackle. After a saltwater trip, always take your lures out, give them a quick rinse in fresh water, and let them dry completely before putting them back in a sealed, waterproof box. Adding a VCI (Vapour Corrosion Inhibitor) chip can also help.
- The Golden Rule for Soft Plastics: The safest method is to always keep your soft plastics in their original packaging. Some types of plastic will react chemically with certain tackle trays and even other plastics, causing them to melt into a gooey mess.
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm just starting out. What's the most common mistake to avoid with tackle storage?
The most common mistake is not drying your gear properly. Putting wet lures back into a sealed tackle box after a saltwater session is a recipe for disaster. The trapped moisture will cause your expensive hooks and split rings to rust very quickly. Taking a few minutes to rinse and dry your most-used lures will save you a huge amount of money in the long run.
How often should I clean out and reorganise my main tackle box?
For a regular angler, a full clean-out at the start of each new season is a great habit to get into. This involves taking everything out, wiping down the trays, checking for and replacing any rusty hooks or split rings, and making sure your line is still in good condition. It’s the perfect way to get your gear prepared and ready for the season ahead.
Are there any "must-have" items I should keep in my tackle storage system?
Yes, absolutely. Beyond your lures and hooks, every well-prepared tackle system should have a few essential tools. A good pair of long-nose pliers for unhooking fish, a quality pair of braid scissors or clippers for re-tying rigs, and a small selection of different leader strengths are the non-negotiable basics.
