My younger son asked for a Christmas gift of a tackle box (with lures) for the BWCA. I'm curious if anyone has a particular tackle box they like for canoe camping? Also, what lures would you put in the box? Specific lures they recommend.

How old is your son? It makes a little difference when it comes to the actual lures he may use. However, I remember back to when I got my first tackle box... I couldn't wait to fill it up with all those cool colored lures that I would use to catch a monster!

I would start with simple crankbaits, such as Rapalas, especially Shad Raps, Floating minnows and the like. Make sure you include some 12" steel leaders.

If you're on a smallmouth lake, don't forget a couple topwater lures. Awesome, awesome excitement seeing smallies hit the surface and grab the lure. Those will get his blood pumping!

You'll definitely want some slip bobber rigs. For those, you'll need some slip bobbers (imagine that!), bobber stops and beads, split shot weights and some #6 walleye hooks. (I like the offset versions. I believe they do better at the hook set.) You'll fish these rigs with live bait - leeches or minnows, but leeches are best.

Might want to consider some 1/4 ounce jig heads to fish with minnows or 3" Twister Tails, but your son should be old enough to be able to get his own snags out and not get frustrated having to retie regularly if he gets bit off or broken off.

Don't forget to throw in a couple red & white or Five of Diamonds Daredevles.

That'll get him started!

Jackfish had most of my suggestions, good list. Maybe get some 3-4” Rapala’s and a Heddon Super Spook for top water bass action. As far as tackle boxes, just get a waterproof Plano box. Everything can fit inside a Plano box for a weeks fishing trip.

I like Jackfish's suggestions too. A couple times, a plain Mepps brass spinner has been the lure. Bass hit it with abandon, plus it casts far and only has a single treble for unhooking. Senkos are great too. I prefer spinnerbaits for pike because they have a single hook.

deparon: "My younger son asked for a Christmas gift of a tackle box (with lures) for the BWCA. I'm curious if anyone has a particular tackle box they like for canoe camping? Also, what lures would you put in the box? Specific lures they recommend.
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Tackle box - Small soft sided tackle bag with 2 or 3 boxes and a strap that he can carry and call his own, and add lures to. Gives him room/pockets for plastics, spare line and leaders...


Lures - I like what the others have said, I might add some Beetle Spins and other simple spinners that if nothing else is biting small bass and pike may hit. Kids like to cast and reel. And I would add some cast and retrieve type topwaters like Jitterbugs (I like black) and tiny torpedos, they help with hook sets. Spooks and poppers can be hard for youngsters to work.

deparon, it's great that he's thinking a head and about the BW. Have fun with this.

If you think your son is interested in lake trout, I’d suggest a Rapala Tail Dancer, 09 size /3.5 inch, in blue and a Deep Tail Dancer, same size, in purple, and a blue & silver Little Cleo. Those three always work for me.

Add some floating jig heads and non-lead splitshots/sinkers. Some basic hooks would be good too. He can setup with hook and leech and sinker 18 inches up the line from hook. Or use same sinker setup with floating jig in early season. Also throw in snap swivels to make switching lures/plugs easier.

Send me an email at queticomike@yahoo.com and request the "Grand Slam Lures" article, it should help.

I would just get one 3700 series Plano tackle tray. You can fit everything in one of those that he will need. It can be easily placed in a pack or in an under seat bag.

AmarilloJim: " "

I totally agree on this tackle box for tripping. Do a site search for old threads on top five lures or favorites. Lots of info there.