Soft sided tackle bags verses Hard tackle boxes.

Vegasspider · 10-06-09, 12:18 PM

I am lucky enough to have a boat so most of my gear is stored and with me at all times. But from time to time I travel to fish as a non boater and need to carry a bag. I struggle with not taking up too much space on the pros boat (Or friends if I go out with a friend on their boat) and can never seem to take enough gear. http://capmel.com/CaseHardBox.htm I like his article and pluses of the hard sided boxes. I tend to agree sometimes with the canvas bags the hunt is on and not to mention the noise of pulling boxes in and out.I used to live in Florida and I still view Cap Mels site www.capmel.com a few times a week. He has a local radio fishing show.
What do you think? Hard boxes or soft sides?

jmartin · 10-06-09, 12:50 PM

I have had many hard boxes, recently I have started buying bags I now have replaced all my boxes with Falcon Bags with Falcon boxes. They are just easier to handle.

Jerry

rodnreel · 10-06-09, 01:37 PM

I use the BPS XPS Stalker Bag and I absolutely love the thing. The main compartment is big enough for me to fit all of my tackle in along with 2 fillet knives and a bag full of soft plastics. It also has a pull out waterproof cover that has come in handy a few times. I will agree that the soft sided bags are more suitable for on the go fisherman. When I purchased the Stalker bag I was doing a lot of shore fishing, so it worked well for me and I just haven't changed it since then.

nofearengineer · 10-06-09, 02:22 PM

I have a Gander Mountain Flambeau "Base Camp" tackle bag which holds 6 full size boxes, two smaller boxes, a spinnerbait box, and numerous pouches and pockets. In addition, it has rollers and a tow handle for those fishing trips that go through airports.

It is far and away better than any hard tackle box I have ever owned.

WaffleJaw · 10-06-09, 02:54 PM

Im currently using the Plano tackle bags..I cant remember the dang size...Its big,but not enough compartments...I about to bust out of it,lol

Rodnreel-Ive been looking at that stalker bag...I love the idea of wearing it like a backpack since I mainly fish shore which will make it easier cutting through brush and nudist camps...Plus it looks like it will hold everything I have.

NoFear- wheels and a tow handle,huh?..Thats so fancy I cant even focus in on a joke,Lol

rodnreel · 10-06-09, 03:13 PM

Waffle, I think the Stalker fits 5 370 size boxes if I'm not mistaken. I only have 3 boxes in mine, 1 for terminal, 1 for cranks, and 1 for jigs plus a big bag of assorted soft plastics. All that fits easily with room to spare (maybe even enough room to bring one of those nudists back with you

).

bassboogieman · 10-06-09, 03:33 PM

Soft sided for me. I have a few (like maybe 7 or 8) that I use occasionally. I also have a boat with loads of storage, but when I'm on a buddy's boat I put a few boxes of lures and plastics in one. They also double as storage bags when I go off for a few days of fishing. Spare tackle, props, boat/motor parts, tools, rain gear, jackets, etc. gets packed in them and stay in the back of the truck. Different color bags makes it easy to get what I want when needed. I always take too much gear, but better to have too much than need something and not have it.

nofearengineer · 10-06-09, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WaffleJaw

NoFear- wheels and a tow handle,huh?..Thats so fancy I cant even focus in on a joke,Lol

Yeah...I'm pretty sure, however, that it would have to be checked baggage. I can't see them letting me carry on a bunch of fish hooks and fillet knives.

islandbass · 10-06-09, 04:24 PM

Soft sided for me. It suits my needs as a shore angler. I can quickly switch out different planos to suit what my gut says to take. Same bag, different innards. This is maximum flexibility for lure selection and easier to lug through the brush.

If I had a boat, I think I would still subscribe to this philosophy.

rrw4258 · 10-06-09, 07:48 PM

I use a Plano Magnum bag, here are some pics of my tackle that I take as a non boater... 7 3700's, 6 gallon sized ziplocs full of plastics. A full 38 pounds of tackle.

Ryan

CMorg · 10-06-09, 07:57 PM

Man Ryan , that things a hoss... how much was that thing ??

rrw4258 · 10-06-09, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CMorg

Man Ryan , that things a hoss... how much was that thing ??

Surprisingly, it was only $29 on clearance at Dick's... it has held up great for over 2 years. Still looks like new. Not a rip or tear in it. You can't beat the durability.

Ryan

Love of the Sport · 10-06-09, 10:38 PM

I use this. It was a bit pricey but its really well made , comes with containers and suits my needs perfectly.

Vegasspider · 10-06-09, 11:17 PM

Man that looks like the perfect well thought out rig. Nice job. I see lots of time, money, passion and pride in your gear. Again, nice real nice.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rrw4258

I use a Plano Magnum bag, here are some pics of my tackle that I take as a non boater... 7 3700's, 6 gallon sized ziplocs full of plastics. A full 38 pounds of tackle.

Ryan

Bender · 10-08-09, 11:44 PM

I agree, that is the best job of organizing I have seen. I'll have to look for that tackle bag, looks big enough but still made to carry around. Definitely like the soft bag though so you can take whatever "plano" boxes you need.

I have most everything I own in my boat, every compartment is full and I have to use a crappy soft sided bag (that is falling apart) to hold extra plastics sitting between the seats. For this reason I have a real hard time fishing out of other people's boats since I can't just grab a few things and go.

WaffleJaw · 10-09-09, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rrw4258

Surprisingly, it was only $29 on clearance at Dick's... it has held up great for over 2 years. Still looks like new. Not a rip or tear in it. You can't beat the durability.

Ryan

Ryan,I cant see the pics and Im curious if we bought the same bag (probably not) but I too bought a huge plano bag from Dick's for around $30....I couldnt find any ''soft'' magnum bags online...You know any links?
Thanks.....W

rrw4258 · 10-09-09, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WaffleJaw

Ryan,I cant see the pics and Im curious if we bought the same bag (probably not) but I too bought a huge plano bag from Dick's for around $30....I couldnt find any ''soft'' magnum bags online...You know any links?
Thanks.....W

I don't think they make it anymore, I haven't seen any for over a year. Mine is blue, and gray, and is designed to hold 6 3700's, but you can fit one more on top. It came with 6 3700's with red latches on them. It is similar to this cabela's bag but it is blue/gray...

Ryan

WaffleJaw · 10-09-09, 11:29 AM

Ryan- Ok that makes sense why I couldnt find them,lol.
Yea thier not the same.
I found the exact bag ,color and all that I carry...Its just a large soft sider...Great bag.Only compliant is that it could use an extra compartment or two for those extra accessories.

They always look smaller in the picture,ha!

AUFred · 10-09-09, 12:09 PM

The big bags with lots of boxes are great but a bit much to carry sometimes. I have two double sided boxes I carry most trips which hold most everything except my soft plastics. I put them in softside bags.

michaellynn · 10-09-09, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WaffleJaw

Ryan- Ok that makes sense why I couldnt find them,lol.
Yea thier not the same.
I found the exact bag ,color and all that I carry...Its just a large soft sider...Great bag.Only compliant is that it could use an extra compartment or two for those extra accessories.

They always look smaller in the picture,ha!

Do you have a link to this?

10-06-09, 12:18 PM	#1
Vegasspider BassFishin.Com Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 570	Soft sided tackle bags verses Hard tackle boxes. I am lucky enough to have a boat so most of my gear is stored and with me at all times. But from time to time I travel to fish as a non boater and need to carry a bag. I struggle with not taking up too much space on the pros boat (Or friends if I go out with a friend on their boat) and can never seem to take enough gear. http://capmel.com/CaseHardBox.htm I like his article and pluses of the hard sided boxes. I tend to agree sometimes with the canvas bags the hunt is on and not to mention the noise of pulling boxes in and out.I used to live in Florida and I still view Cap Mels site www.capmel.com a few times a week. He has a local radio fishing show. What do you think? Hard boxes or soft sides?

10-06-09, 12:50 PM	#2
jmartin BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Bridgewater Va Posts: 304	I have had many hard boxes, recently I have started buying bags I now have replaced all my boxes with Falcon Bags with Falcon boxes. They are just easier to handle. Jerry __________________ "Body Piercing by Springfield"

10-06-09, 01:37 PM	#3
rodnreel BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Jamestown, OH Posts: 310	I use the BPS XPS Stalker Bag and I absolutely love the thing. The main compartment is big enough for me to fit all of my tackle in along with 2 fillet knives and a bag full of soft plastics. It also has a pull out waterproof cover that has come in handy a few times. I will agree that the soft sided bags are more suitable for on the go fisherman. When I purchased the Stalker bag I was doing a lot of shore fishing, so it worked well for me and I just haven't changed it since then. __________________ "If you become a jack of all bass fishing trades but a master of none, you're setting yourself up for mediocrity." - Denny Brauer

10-06-09, 02:22 PM	#4
nofearengineer BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Southwest IN Posts: 5,630	I have a Gander Mountain Flambeau "Base Camp" tackle bag which holds 6 full size boxes, two smaller boxes, a spinnerbait box, and numerous pouches and pockets. In addition, it has rollers and a tow handle for those fishing trips that go through airports. It is far and away better than any hard tackle box I have ever owned. __________________ Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing it is not fish they are after.

10-06-09, 02:54 PM	#5
WaffleJaw BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Dallas,TX (DFW) Posts: 2,212	Im currently using the Plano tackle bags..I cant remember the dang size...Its big,but not enough compartments...I about to bust out of it,lol Rodnreel-Ive been looking at that stalker bag...I love the idea of wearing it like a backpack since I mainly fish shore which will make it easier cutting through brush and nudist camps...Plus it looks like it will hold everything I have. NoFear- wheels and a tow handle,huh?..Thats so fancy I cant even focus in on a joke,Lol __________________ [nelsoncustomrods.com]

10-06-09, 03:13 PM	#6
rodnreel BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Jamestown, OH Posts: 310	Waffle, I think the Stalker fits 5 370 size boxes if I'm not mistaken. I only have 3 boxes in mine, 1 for terminal, 1 for cranks, and 1 for jigs plus a big bag of assorted soft plastics. All that fits easily with room to spare (maybe even enough room to bring one of those nudists back with you ). __________________ "If you become a jack of all bass fishing trades but a master of none, you're setting yourself up for mediocrity." - Denny Brauer

10-06-09, 03:33 PM	#7
bassboogieman BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Parkesburg, Pa. Posts: 3,762	Soft sided for me. I have a few (like maybe 7 or 8) that I use occasionally. I also have a boat with loads of storage, but when I'm on a buddy's boat I put a few boxes of lures and plastics in one. They also double as storage bags when I go off for a few days of fishing. Spare tackle, props, boat/motor parts, tools, rain gear, jackets, etc. gets packed in them and stay in the back of the truck. Different color bags makes it easy to get what I want when needed. I always take too much gear, but better to have too much than need something and not have it.

10-06-09, 04:24 PM	#9
islandbass BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: WA State Posts: 1,783	Soft sided for me. It suits my needs as a shore angler. I can quickly switch out different planos to suit what my gut says to take. Same bag, different innards. This is maximum flexibility for lure selection and easier to lug through the brush. If I had a boat, I think I would still subscribe to this philosophy. __________________ ARX "If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there'd be a shortage of fishing poles." Doug Larson (Shimano 2005 Reel Catalog)

10-06-09, 07:48 PM	#10
rrw4258 BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Bellevue, Ohio Posts: 2,338	I use a Plano Magnum bag, here are some pics of my tackle that I take as a non boater... 7 3700's, 6 gallon sized ziplocs full of plastics. A full 38 pounds of tackle. Ryan __________________ Never Give Up!

10-06-09, 07:57 PM	#11
CMorg BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Southern , IN Posts: 1,832	Man Ryan , that things a hoss... how much was that thing ??

10-06-09, 10:38 PM	#13
Love of the Sport BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Baton Rouge Louisiana Posts: 236	I use this. It was a bit pricey but its really well made , comes with containers and suits my needs perfectly.

10-08-09, 11:44 PM	#15
Bender BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Brighton, MI Posts: 2,414	I agree, that is the best job of organizing I have seen. I'll have to look for that tackle bag, looks big enough but still made to carry around. Definitely like the soft bag though so you can take whatever "plano" boxes you need. I have most everything I own in my boat, every compartment is full and I have to use a crappy soft sided bag (that is falling apart) to hold extra plastics sitting between the seats. For this reason I have a real hard time fishing out of other people's boats since I can't just grab a few things and go.

10-09-09, 11:29 AM	#18
WaffleJaw BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Dallas,TX (DFW) Posts: 2,212	Ryan- Ok that makes sense why I couldnt find them,lol. Yea thier not the same. I found the exact bag ,color and all that I carry...Its just a large soft sider...Great bag.Only compliant is that it could use an extra compartment or two for those extra accessories. They always look smaller in the picture,ha! __________________ [nelsoncustomrods.com]

10-09-09, 12:09 PM	#19
AUFred BassFishin.Com Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Prattville, Alabama Posts: 801	The big bags with lots of boxes are great but a bit much to carry sometimes. I have two double sided boxes I carry most trips which hold most everything except my soft plastics. I put them in softside bags.

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