How to Organize Fishing Tackle

by Pablo Koch-Schick May 8, 2025

Nothing kills the fishing vibe faster than rummaging through a messy tackle bag while the bite is hot. Hooks tangled in soft plastics, crankbaits snagged on everything, and that one fishing tackle box you swear you packed but somehow disappeared. It’s enough to make any angler want to throw their duffle bag overboard!

Whether you’re into bass fishing, saltwater fishing, or just gearing up for a weekend on the boat, an efficient tackle system is the key to spending more time fishing and less time fumbling through your gear. The good news? With the right setup, you can organize everything from leader material and jigs to hard baits and weights without losing your sanity.

By the end of this guide, your tackle setup will be clean, efficient, and frustration-free. And if you’d rather just skip the hassle and catch fish without worrying about your stuff, our Reel Coquina Fishing Charters have you covered.

How Do You Choose the Right Tackle Bag?

Your tackle bag is like your fishing command center - if it’s a mess, so is your day on the water. Picking the right one depends on how and where you fish.

Shore or bank fishing? A backpack-style tackle bag keeps your hands free for rods, a cooler, and that all-important snack stash.
Boat fishing? A larger duffle bag or a heavy-duty tackle box gives you more storage space while keeping everything secure on deck.
Weekend trips or quick outings? A small bag with just the essentials saves you from hauling around unnecessary fishing gear.

No matter what you choose, make sure it checks these boxes:

Multiple compartments – Keeps your fishing tackle sorted so you’re not digging through a pile of tangled hooks and baits.
Clear, latched trays – See what’s inside without opening every single box. Bonus points if it’s waterproof.
Durability and water resistance – Because everything in fishing gets wet at some point.
The right size – Big enough for all your must-haves, but not so bulky that it feels like you’re carrying a suitcase.

How Should You Organize Your Fishing Tackle?

A well-organized tackle system can make the difference between landing a fish and fumbling with tangled fishing tackle while your catch swims away. The key is sorting your gear in a way that makes sense for how you fish.

Sort tackle by type and size – Keep hooks, weights, floats, and other terminal tackle in separate small compartments to avoid a jumbled mess.
Use adjustable dividers – A tackle box with adjustable sections lets you customize storage for different lures, soft plastics, and hard baits without wasting storage space.
Separate soft plastics – Keeping soft plastic baits in their original packaging prevents them from melting together in hot weather. A soft bait binder helps keep them neat.
Keep high-use items accessible – Your go-to crankbaits, jigs, and leader material should be easy to grab without digging through everything.

How Can You Store Your Fishing Tackle for Long-Term Use?

Keeping your fishing tackle organized while you’re on the water is one thing, but what about when you’re not fishing? Proper long-term tackle storage keeps your gear in top shape and ready for action.

Use a dedicated storage system – If you have extra tackle boxes, soft plastics, or leader material, store them in a garage, boat compartment, or a weatherproof tackle cabinet.
Keep moisture out – Humidity can wreck your hooks, weights, and hard baits with rust. Store them in waterproof Stowaway cases and toss in a few silica packs to absorb moisture.
Rotate and replace – Check your tackle bag every season and swap out rusty hooks, dull crankbaits, and old soft plastics that have started to break down.
Separate backup gear – Keep a large tackle box or duffle bag for extra gear that doesn’t need to be in your everyday setup but might come in handy for different fishing trips.
Label and categorize – If you have more than one tackle bag or box, label them based on the type of fishing you do - like bass fishing, saltwater fishing, or winter fishing to make packing easier.

Why Is Organizing Your Fishing Tackle Important?

A messy tackle bag doesn’t just waste time, it can cost you fish. When everything has its place, you’ll spend less time searching for hooks, lures, and leader material and more time fishing. Plus, proper storage keeps your fishing gear in top shape, preventing rust, damage, and lost tackle.

By taking the time to organize your tackle boxes, soft plastics, and fishing line, you’ll:

Have quick access to the right gear when the bite is on
Protect your hard baits, jigs, and terminal tackle from damage
Avoid wasting money replacing lost or rusted fishing tackle
Stay focused on fishing instead of untangling a mess of baits and line

A little organization goes a long way in making your fishing trips smoother, more productive, and a lot more fun.

Want to Spend More Time Fishing and Less Time Organizing?

Getting your fishing tackle in order makes every trip easier, but if you'd rather skip the hassle and just focus on catching fish, why not let the pros handle the details?

At Reel Coquina Fishing Charters, we take care of everything - top-quality fishing gear, tackle, and bait are all included. Whether you're targeting trophy fish offshore or enjoying a day on the water with friends, our experienced crew ensures you're set up for success.

Book your trip today and experience hassle-free fishing at its best. Less time organizing, more time reeling them in.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to organize a tackle bag?

The best way to organize your tackle bag is by sorting fishing tackle into categories. Use small compartments for hooks, weights, and terminal tackle, and keep soft plastic baits in a storage binder to prevent them from melting together. For quick access, place frequently used lures, leader material, and fishing line in easy-to-reach pockets.

How should I store soft plastics?

Store soft plastics in their original packaging inside a soft bait binder or clear zippered pouches. This prevents them from drying out, warping, or sticking together. Avoid mixing different types in one box, as some can react and melt.

How do I keep fishing hooks and weights organized?

Use a small waterproof tackle box with dividers to separate hooks, jigs, weights, and other small gear by size and type. Keeping everything in its own compartment prevents tangling and rust.

What’s the best way to store extra fishing line and leader material?

Store extra fishing line and leader material in a side pocket of your tackle bag or use a spool holder to keep it tangle-free. A leader wallet can also help keep pre-rigged leaders organized and ready to use.

How often should I reorganize my fishing tackle?

Check your tackle bag and boxes before every trip. Swap out old or rusted hooks, lures, and fishing line, and make sure everything is in its place. A quick cleanup after each outing saves time and keeps your gear in top shape.