Selecting the Right Tackle Storage Box System for Your Fishing Gear
The ideal fishing equipment box depends on how you fish, where you fish, and how much gear you carry. It’s a choice between portability, capacity, and protection. This guide will help you choose the perfect tackle storage solution for your needs.
A Note From Our Local Experts
""As dedicated anglers, we understand the importance of good gear management because we live it. We've tested quite a few of these systems in the harsh Australian environment, from salt-soaked boat decks to dusty rural tracks. The tackle boxes and bags we stock are the ones we trust to protect our own valuable gear investment from the knocks, bumps, and saltwater that are all part of a good day's fishing.
Personally, I have tried a range of Jarvis Walker, Shimano, and Plano tackle systems for my various applications over the years, from chasing Bass in the Minnamurra River, Redfin in Goulburn and when I fish offshore or lake Illawarra. I've used many brands, but a few of my team members swear by Daiwa. I must admit, Daiwa Tackle storage boxes look mint."
- Ben Czulowski and The Team at Fishing Tackle Shop (Ocean Storm)
Types of Fishing Tackle Storage
- Hard Tackle Boxes: The traditional choice, offering excellent protection against impacts and crushing. Modern designs feature cantilever trays and adjustable dividers, making them a great all-in-one solution for boat or vehicle-based fishing where maximum protection is key.
- Tackle Bags & Backpacks: The ultimate in portability and organisation. These systems combine a durable soft bag with multiple plastic utility trays inside. This allows you to customise your loadout for each trip, taking only the trays you need. Ideal for land-based anglers who need to stay mobile.
- Waterproof Utility Boxes: An essential for any serious angler. These are individual, gasket-sealed plastic trays designed to keep water and salt spray out, protecting expensive lures, hooks, and jigs from rust and corrosion.
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Expert Tips for Gear Organisation & Protection
- Local Knowledge Tip: The Modular Approach. The most efficient system is often a combination. Use a larger tackle bag as your "base camp" in the car or boat, and fill it with several smaller, waterproof utility boxes. Each utility box can be dedicated to a specific lure type (e.g., one for bream hardbodies, one for flathead plastics).
- Manage Soft Plastics: Many soft plastics can react with certain types of plastic trays, causing them to "melt." It's best to keep them in their original packaging or use a specialised soft plastic binder or worm-proof tray.
- Prevent Rust: After a saltwater trip, give your lures a quick rinse with fresh water and let them dry completely before storing them in a sealed box. Adding a VCI (Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor) chip or a small silica gel pack to each utility box can also help absorb moisture.
Why Buy from Fishing Tackle Shop (Ocean Storm)?
With a business history dating back to 2001 and our online store operating since 2005, our expertise is built on helping anglers stay organised. We meticulously select our range of tackle boxes and bags from trusted brands like Plano, Shimano, and Jarvis Walker, focusing on durable materials, reliable latches, and practical designs that we know will stand up to years of use in Australian conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's better, a hard tackle box or a soft tackle bag?
A soft tackle bag with internal utility trays is generally more versatile for most anglers. It allows you to customise your loadout for each trip and is easier to carry. A hard box offers superior crush protection, making it a better choice for boat storage or for anglers carrying delicate gear.
How do I stop my hooks and lures from rusting in my tackle box?
Always rinse and thoroughly dry lures after use in saltwater before storing them. For added protection, place a VCI (Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor) chip or a small silica gel pack inside each waterproof utility box to absorb moisture and prevent rust from forming.
What size tackle system do I need for estuary fishing?
For a typical estuary session, a small tackle bag or "shoulder bag" that can hold two or three medium-sized (3600 size) utility trays is ideal. This provides enough space for a good selection of lures, leader, and terminal tackle without being bulky or heavy to carry.
Are fully waterproof tackle boxes worth the extra cost?
Yes, for storing expensive lures, jigs, and terminal tackle, waterproof utility boxes with a gasket seal are absolutely worth it. They provide the best possible protection against saltwater intrusion, which is the number one cause of rust and gear degradation for Australian anglers.
How should I store my soft plastic lures?
The safest method is to keep soft plastics in their original, manufacturer-supplied packaging. If you want to use a utility box, ensure it is specifically labelled as "worm-proof," as some standard plastics can melt the dividers in regular utility boxes.