My Tackle Boxes
I have some tackle boxes – actually the small compartment boxes that fit into my built-in tackle locker – that really need either replacing or a good cleaning. All of them have been hot with a spray of saltwater at least onc3e, and some of the hooks are showing some rust. That is not good. In fact, it is terrible!! For me of all people to allow my tackle to rust is like a child letting his bag of candy spoil!But, I do end up with some messy boxes after a year or so, and I need to correct that problem.
Inside the box I keep a spool of fluorocarbon leader. It’s lying on its side in the top compartment of the box, and the end of it is sticking through a small hole I drilled in the side of the box. In the offshore box, it’s 60 pound test. In the inshore box, it’s 20 pound test. The idea is that I can pull and cut a new leader without needing the open the whole box.
The same thing happens fishing inshore. I’ll have couple of smaller boxes out that have hooks, jig heads, plastics, or maybe some topwater or crankbait lures. The leader stays in the box and is readily accessible.
Here’s the drill. I remove everything from one of the smaller boxes. Let’s say it’s hooks and swivels. I take them all out and into the house to the kitchen sink. Yes, my wife hates this – so just don’t ask.
I wash everything is soapy, hot water. The soap is what breaks the salt layer, should there be any dried spray that got into the box. Trust me there is always salt spray that gets into these boxes.
Once I wash everything, I lay it all out on a towel to dry. I go through all my small boxes – I think I’m looking at six right now – and wash everything in them. Then I wash the boxes themselves. It never ceases to amaze me how dirty the inside of a box can get.
When I have everything washed and laid out to dry, I begin to sort, separate, and make piles of like items. All 1/0 hooks in one pile. All 2/0 hooks in another pile. You get the picture.
Please make sure all the tackle is dry before you begin placing it in the box. As important as the tackle being dry is the box. If you put dry tackle in a wet or damp box, you can expect rust to set in very quickly.
I have in past years taken this time to use an electric hook sharpener and hit all the hooks. You would be surprised at how really dull some hooks can be right out of the bag. Sharp hooks catch more fish – that’s never been disputed.
Specific Boxes for Specific Fishing
If I’m fishing offshore, I have removed a couple of smaller boxes from the big mother box. They have hooks, swivels, and weights in them. When I break off, or when I need to change leaders because they are frayed, I simply reach down, pull out, and cut.
Cleaning Tackle
So, today I will spend time cleaning up my act. Nothing is more frustrating than needing tackle and finding rusty hooks. Or – in the case of leaders – finding I run out in the middle of a trip!
Take Inventory
I know this sounds really basic and overly simple, but if you do what I am doing, you will know, as an example, you need 2/0 hooks. Maybe you had them mixed with 1/0 and 3/0 in the same compartment in the past year. This lets you see your inventory for each size. Make a note of what you need as far as restocking, and begin putting things back together.
Bottom Line
Once I have the boxes all back together, it’s off to the tackle shop or online with the computer to purchase or order the items I am low on. I usually end up with four of five things I need to purchase that I, had I not gone through this cleaning, would never have known about until I was on the water. And, that my friend is not the right place to have a realization that I am out of 2/0 kahle hooks!!
