By now I was fishing, writing and hosting TV shows for a living, so I was investing in a lot of gear and had to keep it organized. My shop transformed into a tackle storage unit from which I pull gear as needed, depending on what species I’m fishing, when and where.
The next line of tackle bags I picked up was also made by Cabela’s. It had been over a decade since I’d owned their previous line and I was excited to give the new, 2013, multi-bag system a try. I couldn’t help myself, so picked up four different sizes, and all the Plano utility boxes to go with ‘em. The small, large, magnum and super magnum tackle bags now hold all my salmon, steelhead and trout gear.
I’ve been very impressed with the quality of the zipper pockets, latches, the number of easy-to-access external pockets, tool holsters, carrying straps and shoulder straps (padded just enough to be comfortable, without sliding off the shoulder). I really like the mesh zipper pockets for storing leader boxes, extra line and other items I need quick access to. The velcro pockets are great for keeping and easily grabbing pliers and scissors. I love the waterproof base of the bag as well as the smaller compartments in each box which allow me to store 2/3 more gear.
For me, the type of fishing I’m doing and the gear I’m using, the Cabela’s Advanced Angler Tackle Bags have worked great. They help keep my gear organized and easy to get to, which equates to valued time saved on the water.
One thing I love about the fishing industry is how one company pushes their competitors to excel. It will be interesting to see who comes out with next cutting-edge tackle storage system.
For me, tackle storage is a way to stay organized, maximize my time on the water, thus, catch more fish. I still have buddies who pile all their gear into the boat, neglecting to use tackle boxes. Though they catch fish, a lot of time is wasted searching for gear, sharpening rusted hooks, not being able to find gear they think is there and dealing with time-wasting issues they wouldn’t have to face if they were more organized.
Okay, I admit it, I am obsessed—just a little—with keeping my tackle organized, clean and ready to fish at a moment’s notice. I do believe staying organized helps me catch more fish, but admit it’s nice to see all the gear so beautifully packed into one place, too. After all, growing up fishing salmon and steelhead in the 1960s and ‘70s, all my tackle could have fit into one of the Plano boxes I have today. It’s great to see such growth in fishing, and the advancement of tackle that truly does boost catch rates.
Note: For signed copies of Scott Haugen’s popular book, Bank Fishing For Steelhead & Salmon, send a check for $17.00 (includes S&H) to Haugen Enterprises, P.O. Box 275, Walterville, OR 97489. This and other how-to books, including cookbooks, can be ordered online at www.scotthaugen.com.