View Full Version : Crankbait storage
Jig Master
03-12-2002, 08:10 PM
What do you use to store your crankbaits. Do you use a separate tackle box? Right now I'm using Plano stowaways, but I was curious if there's a better way.
Thanks.
TK_551
03-12-2002, 08:26 PM
Try B & B Baitboxes. They are an excellent way to store cranks. They have various boxes with different sizes to accomodate types of cranks. I am not sure of the website address but you can email Bill and Barb at 'bstandke@vbe.com' for more info.
Tom
#551
The B&B boxes are some of the best in the business.
However, I have gone to the shallow Plano boxes.
I have also tried to simplify my number of crank baits that I will take out in the boat at any given time.
In general - you should have a pretty good idea as to the general depth and bait that the fish are hitting on for a particular lake and a particular time of the year. This means that you should be able to select a rather sub section of total crank bait availability to target the particular fish for the day.
In other words - if you are working a stained lake in the spring of the year - you will select a different crank bait, than if you were working a gin clear lake in the heat of the summer.
Different waters require different baits - and obviously - there is no need to carry the unneeded ones in the boat to get beat up from the waves and vibration.
My summery is that in general you shouold be able to do very well - for a single person - with a couple of the 3700 shallow plano boxes for a sigle lake for a single day.
Of course - if you are new to the lake, new to the area - then, you will need a larger selection: to educate yourself on the specifics of the particular lake.
Even in these cases you should be able to limit your self to 4 plano boxes to cover the majority of the bases.
Bottom line - think about how you are going to fish a lake -- -Before you get on the water. Then prepare yourself accordingly - and then execute your plan that you have made before hitting the lake.
Boatnut
03-12-2002, 08:45 PM
take a look at the "special mate" tackle boxes available at www.americantackle.com works for me!
Hutch
03-12-2002, 09:39 PM
Another vote for B & B Bait boxes. Give Bill & Barb a holler on the puter. They usually reply back the same day. Hutch
punch1
03-12-2002, 09:44 PM
I have looked at both of these along with the B&B and they all look pretty good
http://www.biglakeoutfitters.com/cyberstore/misc_items/misc01.htm#maximate
or
http://www.biglakeoutfitters.com/cyberstore/misc_items/misc01.htm#maximate
Pat
I have some B&B boxes and I have some questions. Do you find that the hooks from the lures catch the top of the box and when you open the box the lid has some cranks stuck to it? Do you find that sometimes the hooks from the lures get between or under the plastic dividers, and you almost have to empty the box to get them out?
I keep hearing that everyone loves these boxes, so I am wondering if I am doing something wrong.
Mike
I store mine in a plano box, with hook bonnets on all the hooks. This way the cranks never get tangled together, the hooks stay sharper, and the baits don't get as banged up. The only place I've been able to find them is Cabela's, about $5.50 for a box of 60.
Jim Ordway
03-13-2002, 07:39 AM
REW, you are way to organized. If I don't have it in my boat, I am going to need it. I am considering marketing a line of boat tubs that you can tow or mount like outriggers to carry all the gear a guy needs:).
See ya,
steve(IL)
03-13-2002, 07:45 AM
The shallow 3700's REW is refering to are Plano 3701's which are
1 3/8" deep versus 2" for the 3700. I find two advantages - 1) I can fit more 3701's in the same bag w/ less wasted air space 2) the shallower compartments prevent overloading which cuts down on hooks being tangled together. Shimano has a new top loading bag where the 3701's drop in the tall way. This results in the smallest footprint and easiest access. I label the end of the boxes so I can tell at a glance which one I want.
tillerguy
03-13-2002, 07:58 AM
Mike, I also have the same problems. I have 2 boxes from B&B and one of them was of faulty design, however they said they would replace if I shipped it back at my expense. Now considering that I am in Canada that expense is considerable. So what I am saying is I felt they should have accepted the responsibility. The problem was that the dividers were to short so if you tipped the box the crankbaits would fall off. It was a simple matter of fixing with a spacer in the bottom ,however I did not care for the customer service on this matter. So would not buy there again.
Todd_NE
03-13-2002, 08:16 AM
It depends on your storage situation. In my FX we can put 24 or so 3701/3700 boxes under the consoles behind bungees (tks for the tip wkndbum). So, I guess we load it up. Can't use it if you don't have it, fuel mpg be danged...
In tourneys, we usually just do what REW recommends and I've said on this site before. Visualize what you plan to do ahead of time and pack a 3700 or two accordingly. This might include 20-30 jigs, 15-30 cranks, some snaps, a few lindy weights and barrel swivels - whatever you need. THEN the key is to make sure everything in that box is absolutely ready. All hooks sharpened, all jig hooks bent, all eyes opened, a few stingers added if need be, etc. It's amazing how much time this saves from rifling thru packs of stuff. I always say I'm going to sharpen every hook I own, etc, but that's hard to do folks. If you take the time to have your rods rigged for your various styles before you need them, congrats too.
One last tip, I know some of you will groan because this is so common sense, but I cringe whenever someone reels in their crank/jig and then has their line OUT of the water while they debate what to put on next, try to find it, sharpen the hooks, then check for a nick in the line and have to retie. KNOW what you are going to put on and HAVE it out before you ever reel in!!! I've seen people miss a lot of fishing time. As Mike McClelland says - if a fish isn't looking at your lure - you AREN'T fishing.
Todd
TBO/MN
03-13-2002, 08:23 AM
No one has mentioned the Lakewood crankbait boxes yet so I will. I have one of these and feel it is as good as the B&B box, at a cheaper price. Check it out and see what you think. Thorne Bros. in Fridley has them and if they don't have the one you want, they will order it for you....I think it is a great box
http://www.lakewoodproducts.com/tackle.htm
Good Fishin'
TBO/MN
mobydick
03-13-2002, 09:30 PM
tackle-rack.com The tackle-rack by finovationz is a great storage box, but an even better tournament box. Lures are viewable from any angles and quick to get at.
You mention about the problem of having every hook sharp.
I make a point to sharpen every hook - or check to see if it needs sharpening - before I ever put it into storage.
Typically, if I am buying hooks by the hundreds - I don't these - because I only buy hooks that are sharp.
However, many jigs that I buy aren't as sharp as they could be. Also, many of the jigs have paint in the eyes.
I never put any of these in any of my storage boxes, without sharpening the hooks - if needed - and popping the paint from the jig eyes. It is a lot easier to do this on a winter evening - watching the tube -- or whatever -- rather than trying to do it on a rocking boat - when a hot bite is going.
I do the same things for all of my crank baits. I check every hook on every lure - and either sharpen or replace if needed - before ever putting in a storage box for future use. It is pretty easy to keep up with these chores - if you do it at acquisition time - rather than putting it off -- to a time that never seems to come.
Take care
REW