How much tackle to do take in? I have tried to reduce my box twice, yet it seems to be to much. I have 4 of those plastic trays full of...my problem is redundancy. I feel I need 3 or 4 of my "favorite" stuff. I don't want to find something that works then loose it all...

1. Daredevils
2. Mepps
3. Jigs/walleye harness
4. Raps (lots of colors and sizes)
5. Line

I'm a tackle junkie too. My tackle bag for motorboat fishing is approaching hernia inducing weight. Starting with my entire tackle collection and trying to pare it down seems impossible. So what I do for BW fishing is to pick a reasonable sized box, i.e. what I am willing to portage, what fits in the under seat bag. Then I start selecting tackle to fill the box. When it's full, stop. I cheat a little by also bringing one tackle wallet for plastics, spinner rigs, and spinner baits. The extra spool of line is packed elsewhere. Basically, by picking the box first, I've put myself on a tackle diet.

knothead has the right idea, if you don't mind carrying the kitchen sink across a portage then take it with you. Just don't expect one of your canoe mates to carry it for you. If your tackle box becomes a burden, you will figure out ways to lighten the load.

canoerone