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Getting Organized is usually the easist part for me, but staying organinzed is another thing. Before the tourney you are usually all jacked up and it is easy to get everything in place, but after the tournament it is hard to put everything back where it goes. Especially if you change lures as many times as I do!! Here is a couple of tips to getting organized:

As most of us know, it doesn't take very long to collect a huge array of tackle, and then we have to find a place to put it all. There are several tackle systems available today that can help you to organize your tackle much more efficiently.

I prefer to use one of the bag systems, which includes several smaller boxes. By doing this, I can remove only the box which contains the lures I need, and I can easily see everything at once.

My bag is made by Bass Pro Shops, and includes 6 Plano Model 3700 boxes, as well as two 3600 boxes, and two smaller boxes for smaller items like Hooks, weights, beads, swivels, etc. I keep these boxes in one of the outside compartments so they are always easily accessible, and within each.

Each of the 3600 and 3700 boxes have adjustable compartments, which allows me to customize them to fit my needs.

I have my tackle set up as follows:

3700's

1. Medium Crankbaits - I have several compartments for these baits, and have them divided up according to color. Most of these baits will run from about 8-12'

2. Large Crankbaits - I have the same setup for this box, but the compartments are slightly larger, and won't hold quite as many lures. Most of my larger crankbaits run from 12-20'.

3. Lipless Crankbaits, and Jerkbaits - I have grouped these together for saving space. I have two compartments set up in a large size for the larger Jerkbaits, and the others set up for assorted Rat-L-Traps, Cordell Spots, and Rattlin Rapalas, etc.

4. Worms - This box contains a large assortment of plastic worms, in several styles and colors.

5. Lizards - Same setup as the worm box. Most of the lizards I use are 6" size, but I do have a few colors in a smaller 4" and 5" size as well.

6. Jigs - I have this box filled with both jigs as well as assorted Trailers for them.

3600's

1. Miscellaneous - This box contains assorted items such as Spoons, Dyes, etc.

2. Topwater - This one has all of the topwater lures that I use in it. I have them separated according to types, such as Spooks, Pop-Rs, Minnow plugs, etc.

Always remember to keep your soft plastics away from the other baits
Because the oils, and petroleum base will really melt them and damage the finish on them.

In addition, I have a soft-sided bag (made by Tackle Logic) for my Spinnerbaits, and for my Buzzbaits. This allows them to be placed into bags which can be closed. It amazes me at how many baits this small sized bag can hold efficiently.

Many other companies also make these types of bags, and you can get them in larger sizes if desired. I know that some companies such as Cabela's, Bass Pro Shops, and Tackle Logic among others, make a complete assortment of these bags, which can hold every lure you own.

Several of my friends like the bags for soft plastic baits, and they seem to work very well.

Here are a few other things to think about which might make organization easier as well:

Keep soft plastic baits inside the bag they were packaged in rather than putting them into a compartment. This allows you to combine several sizes or similar colors without them bleeding or becoming mixed up. You simply take out the bag you want, open it, select your bait, then seal it, and fold it, and it will lay back on top of the others. I can usually get 3-4 bags of soft plastic baits into each compartment in one box. I set them up so the only divider is in the center and I have several compartments on each side. One box can hold 30 - 40 bags of baits this way.

Keeping them in the bags will also allow you to apply scents to them in the bag so it is absorbed if you like.

Another thing that I have found helpful, are the Hook Keepers which are sold by Nancy Bielik at Lester J's Tackle. I have used these things on my crankbaits and Rat-L-Trap type baits and it helps keep the hooks from tangling in the compartment allowing me to place two or three in each one.

On the outside of my bag (as well as most others) you'll find a few more features such as open mesh pouches or pockets which will hold things like small boxes for worm hooks, weights, etc.

Along the back of the bag is a huge mesh pocket with several elastic bands as well which hold things like Scents, Pliers, Scissors, Dye Pens, Spare spools of line, a flashlight, and many other things.

The bag also includes a detachable shoulder strap for helping when loading or unloading a boat. You can carry the bag and leave hands free for other items such as Rods, etc.

On the inside of the front of my bag are 4 large zippered compartments which I use to hold bags of soft plastics (spares) and a First Aid Kit, and also a trash bag.

I always keep a large (30 gallon or larger) trash bag folded inside for rainy weather. I can put my tackle bag inside it, and leave the top of the trash bag facing backwards or even folded under, and it really helps to keep my tackle dry.

Remember that by knowing where everything is, and being more organized, you can quickly make selections and spend more time fishing.
Trick'em and Stick'em…

Don
Bassfishingusa.com