Stowaways for cranks or Verticle Hang?

[EricCO]

I'm in need of a new tackle box and was wondering how all you store your crankbaits?

Do you put them in stowaways for placement in a soft side or other box or do you have one of those fancy verticle hanging crankbait boxes?

I can probably fit all my tackle in 10 size 3600 stowaways and still have room to grow.

What is your preference?

"Hunting 'eyes in the Three-O-Three"

[Jerry Tipping]

I use B&B Bait boxes, the baits hang so they dry and the hooks don't rust, don't tangle, and are easy to view when selecting baits.

[steve(MI)]

Plano 3701's - 1 3/8" deep vs 2" deep on 3700's. You'll be able to fit several more 3701's in the same bag plus the slimmer design helps limit tangling of hooks. I also like the Plano boxes better because they are cheaper and can easily be swapped in & out if you're a multi-species fisherman.

[Sunshine]

I store my cranks in Plano 3700's according to running depth. Then I tore apart an older version of the Precision Trolling book and attached the corresponding pages to the inside cover of each box. I also put computer labels with the crank manufacturer names on the outside edge of each box. I purchased a Rubbermaid box from Fleet and Farm (for $12.00) that holds eleven 3700's perfectly. This is now my crankbait tackle box and I absolutely love it. The cranks are organized and easy to find; the box is waterproof; and the entire tackle box system has a fairly small footprint considering the large amount of cranks that it holds. Now, I don't have to worry about leaving the hot crankbait at home. A lot of my friends have gone to the same setup once they have seen this system.

I hope that I did a good job describing it. If you have any questions, just ask.

Two more quick comments. Check out your toolbox department before purchasing your 3700 Plano boxes. You'll buy the exact same box for less money in that department. I know this works at my local Fleet and Farm.

Secondly, I personally do not like the vertical storage tackle boxes. I have an expensive one from a very reputable company and I have a hard time seeing the cranks when I'm looking for a specific color. This is especially true while trolling at night. Just my 2 cents.

[REW]

I 2nd the comment on the 3701's.
The shallower depth makes more sense for the typical crank bait storage.

As the other post suggests - these boxes work great - when you need a variety - you don't have to carry a lot of boxes, for a given day, yet you can carry a nice selection.

Just use the ones that you need for the type fish, that you are going after.

The b&B boxes are great - for a vertical box, and work equally or perhaps even better.

However, I mainly use the 3701 - because for a lot of a nights or days worth of fishing - I can take only one or two of the 3701's and have all the variety of crank baits that I need for that day. No need to carry more "stuff" in the boat, than you need.

Take care
REW

[brushpile]

Don't try to crowd to many baits in one box though. Learned a hard lesson last summer. When they heat up the bills will melt and bend. Don't believe me come look at the 30 worthless shad raps I have in my Garage.

[Youngeye]

Brushpile,
I had the same thing happen to a bunch of my rapala cranks. Thought that rapala had a lifetime warranty, I would consider this a manufacturer defect wouldn't you? One thing that I noticed is thta the only lips that melted were the lips on the "new cranks"

[paulisan1]

That's what's going to happen to Storm lures now that they own them!

[Hutch]

B & B has there web link here on walleye central. That's what I use and recomend. Take a look-see. Also go back in the archives and do a search and see what you come up with. A lot of good info to read. Good luck. Hutch

[REELMAN]

I carry lots & lots of cranks. Mostly mine are in the Plano 3700 and 3701 boxes. they work well for me. I like the fact that I can see every color available to me from top. They are also pretty inexpensive.

[Good deal]

I use the Plano 3700's, B&B Baitboxes (verticle hang), and the Bass Pro 370's. Bass Pro has a good deal on the 370's right now. $1.74 each (normally 3.50). (The 370's are the same size as the 3700's). Not sure if all the BPS stores have them on sale, but the one in Detroit did.

[Fishoil]

I was at the Gurnee, IL store this weekend and they had them on sale too.

[perchjerker]

I have been using 3600's for years, the 3700's make more sense, but they didnt have them when I bought mine. Sometimes I double the cranks up in the compartments, I bought some of those hook bonnets and they really work well as far as keeping them from getting tangled up or scratching eachother. You do have to be careful you dont poke yourself when you remove them from the hook, though!

[RTD]

Can you give a better description of the Rubbermaid box you carry them in?

[Sunshine]

RTD,

I'll look tonight when I get home to see if there's a model number. IT has a black top and White bottom. Hinges all along the back and two locking hinges in front.

[cno]

I have also used the 3700 boxes but found that the snaps to hold the lids closed break off very easily, especially when it colder outside, anyone else have this problem, I switched to a box made by Eagle claw that is sold at K-mart and no more problems with latches.

[punch1]

I never had a snap break off my 3700's but I have on my Cabela's boxes.