Waterproofing soft-sided tackle bags

[Jeepman]

Following the advice of the responses to a recent post about hard - sided tackle boxes versus soft-sided tackle bags, I have switched over to soft-sided tackle bags being able to inter-change 3700 size boxes between the garage shelves and the boat bags depending on the fishing for the day.

Question: Do I need to waterproof (spray) the two Cabela bags I purchased:

>advanced angler pro series magnum bag holding 8 3700s, and
>quick stow tackle bags, extra large series holding 4 3700s.

Will the spray make them water repellent or water proof?

Note: I appreciate the storage configuration of the quick stow bag (lay on long side vertical) more than the storage configuration of the pro series magnum bag (lay on short side vertical). The vertical position of the 3700 boxes causes the lures to "jam" together resulting in more hook tangling. I do store 3/4 lures per divided compartment.

I know...1 lure per compartment and no tangling. There is a lot to be said for the horizontal tray lure storage in hard sided tackle boxes.

But I need to feel I have all my options with me on the water!

Jeepman.

[bigdaddyguns]

Originally Posted by Jeepman

Question: Do I need to waterproof (spray) the two Cabela bags I purchased:

>advanced angler pro series magnum bag holding 8 3700s, and
>quick stow tackle bags, extra large series holding 4 3700s.

Will the spray make them water repellent or water proof?

Sprays may increase the water resistance of the bag but it won't waterproof it. I got my bag a few months ago and have not thought about waterproofing it. Been so dry here in the Midwest I don't know if this is an issue or not.

Originally Posted by Jeepman

The vertical position of the 3700 boxes causes the lures to "jam" together resulting in more hook tangling. I do store 3/4 lures per divided compartment.

I agree on the efficiency of multiple lures per compartment. In my case it is crankbaits, and what I found to help is binding the treble hooks together with a rubber bands per crankbait. It virtually eliminates tangling. It does require maintenance of putting on or taking of the rubber bands but it does save you from tangles.

[Pooch]

I've got an older BP soft side and I sprayed it before a trip. Didn't really help as water wicked in around the zipper and the the water proofing wouldn't let it dry out without taking it to the cabin and emptying it over night under a fan.

Went back to an old hard case after that. Still like the idea though.

Pooch

[Manxfishing]

The spray can't hurt, But it won't be like the Storm proof bags

I have a Cabelas (5) 3700 soft bag that i use for bass fishing i only wish they made a Storm bag in that size
I've looked for rain covers, but haven't found a good size so far

These days if it's raining and the rod locker is empty it goes in there
Or I carry trash bags in the boat, So I'll bag it. It might not look the coolest
But it keeps the bulk of the water out, and i don't have to air out all of the boxes in the garage the next day

[fishincrazy]

I just got the magnum bag too and was thinking to spray it, and coat around the zippers with some snow shield or mink oil.I don't know if this will work or not.It will probablly make the bag fall apart.I'm thinking about calling cabelas and asking their expert's! Where is REW he started all of this maybe he knows.

FC

[Jeepman]

I think I'll start carrying garbage bags in the boat...sounds effective.

Jeepman

[REW]

If you want, it is very easy to make a waterproof cover that will fit nicely over the bag.

Put weights in the corner of the cover so that it just drops down over the bag.

Simple and easy to make using waterproof nylon.

I just finished making a pair of covers for some new deck chairs that I did not want ruined by the sun and rain.

REW

If you have the dimensions for the cover needed, I can whip one out for you for a couple of $$.

hflier@comcast.net

That is another thing that I enjoy. Sewing. Very restful.

[Dabluz]

Making the soft tackle bag waterproof is a great way to make a bag that will fill with water. I do the large plastic bag thing for over 20 years and never have rusted hooks or lures. Yes, the bags have been soaked and I have had to remove the trays to dry out the bags.

Last year I bought a waterproof bag. It has a hard bottom and the sides of the hard bottom are about 2 inches deep. The bag is so waterproof that when it's all zipped up, it's even airtight. The problem with this bag is that when it's cold, the bag gets stiff and it's hard to zip up. I use this bag for the fragile stuff and stuff I don't want to get wet. I still use the other soft tackle bags and the large plastic bag trick.

[Dabluz]

Originally Posted by REW

If you want, it is very easy to make a waterproof cover that will fit nicely over the bag.

Put weights in the corner of the cover so that it just drops down over the bag.

Simple and easy to make using waterproof nylon.

I just finished making a pair of covers for some new deck chairs that I did not want ruined by the sun and rain.

REW

If you have the dimensions for the cover needed, I can whip one out for you for a couple of $$.

hflier@comcast.net

That is another thing that I enjoy. Sewing. Very restful.

Excellent idea and an excellent idea for a new product that would sell well in tackle stores.

The soft tackle bags will not be 100% waterproof because we are always rummaging around inside them but they certainly won't get completely soaked.

Hard tackle boxes are things from the past. They get wet inside when it rains and they are hard to dry out. Lures and hooks always get rusty. They are bulky and lots of empty space. They are not easy to transport either.

[fishincrazy]

Originally Posted by Dabluz

Excellent idea and an excellent idea for a new product that would sell well in tackle stores.

The soft tackle bags will not be 100% waterproof because we are always rummaging around inside them but they certainly won't get completely soaked.

Hard tackle boxes are things from the past. They get wet inside when it rains and they are hard to dry out. Lures and hooks always get rusty. They are bulky and lots of empty space. They are not easy to transport either.

Imagine fishing salt water you tackle takes a beating hooks constantly need replacing and equipment always need to be rinsed off in fresh water.My surf bags all have drain holes in them that was something I noticed allot of fresh water bags don't have.Maybe that would help.

FC