Wasn’t sure if I should put this here or on the gear forum. I’d like to buy a small tackle box and have it as my designated BWCA box. Every time I head into the BWCA, it seems like it takes an hour or more converting my tackle box to a smaller, lighter BWCA-friendly version of itself. Then when I get back home I have to switch everything back to normal.

I want something light and compact that has all the essentials I need for fishing in the BWCA. Preferably something where I could put my pliers, stringer, plastics and basically everything I use while fishing.

I’d say I jig probably 75% of the time I’m out there but I always bring bobbers, spoons and a few Rapalas. I want to keep it light and simple but have what I need to target all species. I’m mainly looking for recommendations on a tackle box, but if you have some recommendations on must-have tackle to put in it, let me know!

If you look down the list here a bit I started one maybe a week ago or so called last years tackle box. I have pictures of what I take and others did the same

If I actually bought something new it would be like this. However I would find a 15 dollar version.

x2jmorris: "If I actually bought something new it would be like this. However I would find a 15 dollar version."

That’s about the size I use for my regular tackle box. Thinking I want something I could put in my bag and not have to carry separately. Maybe a double sided box with a couple bigger compartments to fit a pliers and and slightly bigger items like bobbers, lures maybe an extra spool of line.

I can easily fit all the tackle I need in a large plano tray, and then take a small baggie of soft plastics.


This year going with an even smaller Cabela's water-tight tray

Based on what you're saying, this looks like a great option. Waterproof, Bombproof (a bit big) and you would be able to get completely dialed in and organized for your style of fishing. Plenty of room for tackle, Lures, plastics, tools, spools, stringer etc. All those blue dividers can be removed/configured. Flambeau is marketing a Zerust technology that supposed to inhibit rust. I use rust inhibitor chips and replace them every 6 months, I haven't had a speck of rust since then.

Tackle Box

That does look like a nice option, Gick

Tackle box for fishing walleyes and northerns for a week. Jigs, twister tails, crankbaits, a few spoons, steel leaders... seldom, if ever, do I wish for more. (Note: I believe I have added a few extra crankbaits over the last few years.)

Bumstead: "I can easily fit all the tackle I need in a large plano tray, and then take a small baggie of soft plastics.

This year going with an even smaller Cabela's water-tight tray

"

Bumstead, those Yozuri Crystal Minnows are great baits! I'm assuming it's new as the rubber bands are still on the trebles...if so, I think you'll like that thing. Crazy sharp hooks on em. Love the color too!

I've picked up some waterproof Plano Stowaway boxes. Size 3740-1. In use, I'll usually just clip the one closure. Overnight, when they often find a way to be exposed to the rain, I'll close all three. Only problem is they are just slightly shallower than the original line.

GickFirk22: "

Bumstead: "I can easily fit all the tackle I need in a large plano tray, and then take a small baggie of soft plastics.

This year going with an even smaller Cabela's water-tight tray

"

Bumstead, those Yozuri Crystal Minnows are great baits! I'm assuming it's new as the rubber bands are still on the trebles...if so, I think you'll like that thing. Crazy sharp hooks on em. Love the color too!"

Was new last year, and those rubber bands cost me big $$$, as they are extras from my sons braces lol. If you look closely, I use them on the double trebled lures that aren't jointed. Saw a post on here a few years ago about someone using them to aid in treble hook nest reduction. Seems to work fairly well.

First cast last year with that big Yozuri landed a nice smallie. I'll plan on throwing it some this year.

Gick, that looks like a nice box but looking at the dimensions it’s still a little bigger than what I’m looking for.

Jackfish, what brand tackle box do you have? If I could find one like that that’s double sided or just a size up from that one I think it would be perfect! I could probably make the one you have work, I might just have to sacrifice a couple things.

Jackfish, what is the tool (metal spring-like thing) on the bottom right of the picture? Is that an old-fashioned fish gripper?

Chuckles: "Jackfish, what is the tool (metal spring-like thing) on the bottom right of the picture? "

That's a jaw spreader for northern pike. When the hook is deep and you don't want your fingers in where all those sharp teeth are, you use that little device to keep the jaws open while you do your hook removal. Once the hook is out, the jaw spreader comes out and the fish swims away.

Jackfish: "

Chuckles: "Jackfish, what is the tool (metal spring-like thing) on the bottom right of the picture? "

That's a jaw spreader for northern pike. When the hook is deep and you don't want your fingers in where all those sharp teeth are, you use that little device to keep the jaws open while you do your hook removal. Once the hook is out, the jaw spreader comes out and the fish swims away."

Just remember to take it out! I had a friend who forgot and released the pike...facepalm...

Here's what I use - lightweight - fits everything i need

I use a Plano 4600 Guide Series

The two tiers are great to get a lot of tackle into and you can customize all the separators for what you want to store. Then I usually have another really small one for weights, swivels, jig heads, etc. and pack it into a day bag like this (I found one on Amazon for like $20 I think)

Then I can store my pliers, fillet knife and other extras into this as well. I can get actual pictures when I get home if anyone wants to see.

cossefoort22: "I use a Plano 4600 Guide Series


The two tiers are great to get a lot of tackle into and you can customize all the separators for what you want to store. Then I usually have another really small one for weights, swivels, jig heads, etc. and pack it into a day bag like this (I found one on Amazon for like $20 I think)


Then I can store my pliers, fillet knife and other extras into this as well. I can get actual pictures when I get home if anyone wants to see."

That’s funny you recommended this Plano box. I was just looking at this exact box at Fleet Farm yesterday! I’m thinking this is the one I’m going to get. I started getting everything together at Fleet and putting in the box to see if it would all fit ok, pliers, Bobber’s, spoons and stuff like that. I’m sure they were watching me on the security cameras thinking “this dudes gunna steel a whole box of tackle!”
The only real worry I have with it is leaving the top unlatched and forgetting about it then opening the bottom and dumping everything out all over the bottom of my canoe!

I have my tackle box packed for trip tomorrow but will probable go through it one more time. I always bring way more tackle than I will use on any trip. Oh well, I guess as long as I’m the one carrying the tackle bag, no one will mind.

IcePaddler: "That’s funny you recommended this Plano box. I was just looking at this exact box at Fleet Farm yesterday! I’m thinking this is the one I’m going to get. I started getting everything together at Fleet and putting in the box to see if it would all fit ok, pliers, Bobber’s, spoons and stuff like that. I’m sure they were watching me on the security cameras thinking “this dudes gunna steel a whole box of tackle!”
The only real worry I have with it is leaving the top unlatched and forgetting about it then opening the bottom and dumping everything out all over the bottom of my canoe!"

I have had that fear before as well, and did dump it once, but on land not in the canoe at least. Now I just make sure to latch it every time, haven't had another occurrence lol. It is a slick little box that holds a lot, I have not been disappointed and dont think you will be either.

Frenchy: "I have my tackle box packed for trip tomorrow but will probable go through it one more time. I always bring way more tackle than I will use on any trip.

My opinion: I’ll probably only use 2-4 lures/jigs, but I don’t know what will work until I’m there. What if they’re only biting on purple, and I have only fire tiger? Can’t go to the Cabelas to grab some at lunch time.

Of course, for me fishing is the entire point of the trip. So you’d better believe I’ll have too much tackle.

My opinion: I’ll probably only use 2-4 lures/jigs, but I don’t know what will work until I’m there. What if they’re only biting on purple, and I have only fire tiger? Can’t go to the Cabelas to grab some at lunch time.


Of course, for me fishing is the entire point of the trip. So you’d better believe I’ll have too much tackle. "

+1 Couldn't have said it better.

I use a couple garage sale plano component boxes and keep 'em in a garage sale book-size pack along with (garage sale) drift sock, anchor bag, (craigslist) depthfinder, knife, etc. #frugalfisher

This is what I use. Waterproof. Although I have since removed about half the tackle. It gets stored with all my other canoe tripping gear.