Keeping a tackle box organized can often be harder than it seems. Split rings, swivels and snaps never seem to stay put. You’ll find them spread across all of your tackle box compartments on a regular basis. On top of that, it’s very easy to get treble hooks and lures jumbled up. The key is a simple but effective organization system. Organizing fishing tackle saves time and frustration.

Choose the Right Tackle Box

Old school tackle boxes were big, empty spaces. They operated kind of like lunch boxes. The best tackle boxes you can use have dividers. Especially movable ones. That way you can create your own segments in the box. This will help you customize for the size and quantity of your lures. A box that helps you organize fishing tackle is always a good choice.

A box that has no dividers inside will get messy in time. Even if you use bags or separate containers. You don’t necessarily need a giant box for your tackle, but you need one with adequate space. Tackle trays that fold out are also good.

How to Organize Small Parts

When it comes to your swivels and split rings the standard compartments don’t always work. Consider using an alternative method to keep these tiny pieces organized. Small Ziploc bags for beads and other crafting items are a good option. You can find these at craft stores, Walmart, even dollar stores. A pack of 100 will often only cost you a buck or two.

Another option is to improvise. Some anglers recommend Tic Tac containers. The plastic containers that mints come in are effective at holding the small pieces. They are easy to access and they will stay where you need them.

Organize by Fish Species

This is one of the best ways to manage your fishing tackle. If you know you’re going out for catfish, keep your catfish lures together. If you’re heading out for trout, keep your trout lures together. Since not every lower is good for every fish, this will ensure that you only have the lures you need when you need them. There’s no sense bringing giant lures for pike if you’re heading out for perch.

Organize by Color

When you have a lot of soft baits consider grouping them by colors. Things like worms for instance. Soft plastic baits are often brightly colored so this is a good way to keep them organized.

Organized by Type

It’s always good to organize your lures by type. Crankbaits, jigs, flies, etc. If they’re all in the same place you always know where to find them. Keep hard baits separate from soft plastics.

If you have a large collection, consider keeping each type of lure in its own labelled box. Then, before you go fishing, you can pull up the fishing gear you need. This eliminates the annoying need to sort lures later. It’s like keeping screws or nails organized in your garage. When you keep like with like it’s always easier to find what you need.

How to Organize Spinners

Spinnerbait lures are some of the largest in any tackle box. You can buy specialty spinner wraps just to hold them safe. The spinner wraps are made from a puncture resistant material. You fold them over and sandwich the spinnerbait inside. It holds them secure. If you have a lot of spinnerbaits you know just how easily they can get tangled. We either get wrapped around each other or everything else in your tackle box.

Tricks and Tips

Organizing a tackle box isn’t as simple as just putting everything in its own compartment. Lures come in many awkward shapes and sizes. Treble hooks in particular are very finicky. To prevent them from sticking to everything, wrap your lures with rubber bands. This keeps the hooks secure. Tackle bags are good for soft plastic baits. Utility boxes are essential for small items.

Label all your tackle containers and compartments. This way you know what’s in them instantly without having to pop them open. Tackle box organization is possible without labels, but not as efficient. Knowing all your fishing gear at a glance is a time saver

Learn to trim the fat. Over a long enough period of time, every angler we’ll end up with much more tackle than they need. Pick just a handful of your favorite lures every time you were going out. If you have two dozen crankbaits you don’t really need them all on every fishing trip. Keep your tackle rays tight to maximize

Clean house. Don’t be afraid to get rid of tackle you don’t use. Give it to a friend if need be. Or sell it on Craigslist. Even give it away to a first time angler. If you have any tackle you haven’t used in a season or two, what are the odds you’re going to use it later on? If you don’t need it, don’t keep it.

How to Organize Your Tackle Box: The Bottom Line

Fishing tackle organization doesn’t have to be hard. Keeping your tackle box simple and efficient will make fishing easier for you. The less clutter, the easier it is to find everything. One of the hardest things to do is overcome the temptation to bring everything but the kitchen sink.

When you do have it organized, remember the extra things that can help make your trip better. Keep a rag or some paper towels in your tackle box, for instance. That way you never have to put everything away wet and risk rusting.

Remember, the easier it is to find your tackle, the more time you get to spend fishing. Tackle box organization is worth the time and effort.