Yesterday I discussed storage systems for tackle. Inside each storage box are lures and other terminal tackle I feel are necessary. I'll normally have two boxes of jigs; one is equipped with 1/16-, 1/8- and 1/4-ounce jigs which serve as my workhorse lures. They see plenty of action.
In a second box are an assortment of 3/8-, 1/2-, and 3/4-ounce jigs for deep-water fishing. Both boxes are likely to contain several different jighead designs-- round, stand-up, and bullet-style.
One box holds nothing but spinner blades, clevices, and hooks for tying nightcrawler harnesses. I store various sizes and colors of spinner blades in clear 35mm film canisters. Three canisters fit in a compartment, allowing me up to 18 different blade sizes, colors or shapes.
If you're wondering where to find clear 35mm film canisters, look no further than Fuji or Agfa film brands. Both print and slide film comes in these containers. Ask for these canisters at film developing and drop-off sites. Usually they are free for the asking. But to get any of these handy tackle organizers, you'll have to get there ahead of me. I've discovered literally dozens of uses for see-through film containers, and have been known to hoard every one in sight.
Another box holds a selection of jigging spoons. An assortment of 1/4-, 3/8-, 1/2-, 3/4-, and one-ounce spoons in various colors and finishes are kept organized and at my fingertips. For years I used these baits primarily for winter jigging. Recently, I've found myself using spoons almost as often as leadhead jigs.
Slip bobbers, bobber stops, split-shot, and hooks are kept in another box. In short, everything I need to rig up a slip bobber outfit is housed in one box, and being organized prevents wasted time spent looking for a split-shot or hook when one is needed.
Slip sinker rigging gear fills another box. An assortment of 1/8-, 1/4-, 3/8-, and 1/2-ounce walking sinkers, sinker clevices, barrel swivels, three-way swivels, hooks, and a few pre-tied leaders are ready for immediate use. This same box also houses a small selection of bell sinkers for use with three-way rigs.
Bottom bouncers are a pain to store. I've yet to see an organizational system that answers the unique problems of storing them. The best bottom-bouncer angler I know keeps his in a five-gallon pail. Of course, walleye pro Bob Propst also keeps his jigs, rigs, extra line, life vests, and other gear in similar containers. It's safe to assume that Bob's boat is often a disaster area , but it's also safe to bet that this man has caught more walleyes using bottom bouncers than anyone on planet Earth.
For the rest of us, finding a place to put bottom bouncers remains a problem. I've started using the new single arm bottom bouncers like the Lite Bite system offered by Quick Change Systems. These unique bottom weights attach to the line via a plastic clevice that allows the weights to be quickly and easily changed as needed. Besides being easy to fish with, Lite Bite bottom bouncers are much easier to store than traditional two- arm bouncers.
Crankbaits have been saved for last because they require special treatment. Cranks come in so many different models and sizes that a serious angler quickly finds himself burdened with more than he can carry.
Large and bulky lures are hard to store in a small space. Try using a larger 12-inch wide by 16-inch long Plano box for storing cranks. By organizing the same or similar models in one box it's easier to locate baits quickly.
For example, if I need a shallow-diving stickbait, I've got a box that contains a good assortment of the ThunderStick Jr., Smithwick Rattlin' Rogue, Rapala No. 13 floater, and similar lures to choose from. If I need a deep diving lure, my Hot 'N Tot, Bomber 6A, and Shad Rap collection is close at hand.
It's not practical to take every crankbait along on every trip. Select those you expect to need or use, and leave the others behind.
It's a wise move to purchase a modest selection of shallow-, medium-, and deep-diving crankbaits. It's not necessary to go crazy with colors; I usually purchase a few popular colors to try, and let the fish tell me which ones they like best. If necessary, stock up on productive colors so you won't be caught short in the future.
For walleye fishing it's tough to isolate the most productive colors. It seems every angler has his favorites.
My favorite crankbait colors are chrome patterns including black/silver, blue/silver and green/silver. Other choice colors are the various shades of G-Finish painted lures available through the PRADCO family of baits.
Most of the G-Finish patterns closely represent natural forage fish. The way these finishes reflect light continues to impress me the more I use them.
It doesn't hurt to have a few baits with plenty of chartreuse or other fluorescent colors for dingy water. I avoid wild, tootie-fruity patterns, but other anglers often swear by them.
Use colors you have confidence in and experiment occasionally with others. Every year lure manufacturers offer new color patterns. Occasionally these new or oddball colors turn out to be slam-bang producers.
That's exactly the case with the Storm Metallic Rainbow pattern that was introduced a few years ago. For some reason this particular color drives walleyes crazy. My fellow walleye cronies have had amazing success with this color wherever we've tried it.
If you're just getting into walleye fishing, accumulating all these different types, sizes, and colors of these lures could cost a small fortune. Many lures are available at discount prices when purchased in quantity.
Jigs are a prime example. A couple jigs in a blister pack cost a touch more than two bucks at most tackle shops. A dozen jigs sets the angler back six bucks and change, and 12 jigs is none too few when it comes to fishing snag-filled areas.
In comparison, bulk jigs sold 24 to a bag cost a little more than half as much for twice as many lures.
The best place to find bulk jigs and other walleye lures are mail-order outlets like Cabela's, Gander Mountain, Bass Pro Shops, Netcraft, and others. Some jig manufactures also sell their products in bulk. Ask for bulk packed lures at your favorite tackle store.
Crankbaits and other more expensive lures often go on sale during the off-season. Retailers are desperate to clear out inventory before the new product lines arrive. Midwinter is a great time to find bargains on these lures and to stock up for the prime fishing months.
Major consumer sports shows are also good places to find tackle bargains. Having dozens of tackle dealers under one roof creates competition which leads to price wars and the winner is the angler.
Remember that carpenters, mechanics, masons, and other trade workers acquire their tools a little each week. The same is true of fishermen who must purchase the tools (or toys depending on how you look at it) of their trade. Buy a little tackle today, a little tomorrow and before long you'll look and fish like a pro.
Copyright (c) 1997 Mark Romanack. All rights reserved.
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