Chloe Zhang
Soft plastic baits are essential for fishing, but they can be tricky to store and organize. Many anglers struggle with keeping their baits tidy and easily accessible, which can waste time and cause frustration. This is a common issue, and there are several methods and tips to help you get your baits in order. In this guide, we will explore various techniques for organizing your soft plastic baits efficiently, so you can spend less time searching and more time fishing.
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What You'll Learn
Organising by colour
When it comes to organising soft plastic baits by colour, there are several methods you can use to ensure your collection is tidy, efficient, and accessible. Here are some detailed steps and tips to help you get started:
Firstly, it's important to gather all your soft plastic baits in one place. Take them out of their storage and lay them out, so you can see everything you have. This will help you assess your collection and decide on the best organisation method for your needs.
One approach is to separate your baits by colour families. For example, you can create categories for light and dark colours, as suggested by M.L. Anderson. This simple approach makes it easier to find the right bait and pack for your fishing trips. You can further organise these categories by creating subcategories for specific colours, such as purples, greens, and browns. This refined system ensures you can quickly grab the right shade for the lake or river you're visiting.
Another method is to use clear plastic bags or containers to sort your baits by colour. For instance, you can use one-gallon Ziploc bags or clear Plano boxes. This approach allows you to see the colours easily and makes it simple to grab what you need. It's also a great way to save space and keep your baits tidy. If you're using bags, squeeze out any excess air to maximise your storage space.
Additionally, consider using original packaging or bags to organise your baits by colour. This helps maintain the scent of the baits and prevents colours from bleeding. You can place these original packages inside larger clear bags or containers, making it convenient to grab a specific colour while keeping the baits fresh and effective.
Finally, some anglers like to create custom categories based on their favourite fishing spots. For example, if you know a particular lake responds well to certain colours, you can pack those specific shades together. This tailored approach ensures you have the right colours for your favourite fishing locations, making your trips more efficient and successful.
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Using boxes and bags
Boxes and bags are a great way to store your soft plastic baits. Boxes with fixed compartments are ideal for smaller baits like Senkos and small swimbaits, while bigger boxes with adjustable compartments can be used for almost any kind of bait. Boxes are a great way to keep your baits organised, and they can be easily stored in your boat. Plano boxes are a popular choice for anglers, with the 3600 series being waterproof and airtight, keeping your baits fresh. The 3700 series is also a good option, offering deep storage.
If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider using bags. Plastic bags that your baits come in can be used, or you can purchase zip-seal bags from any grocery store. Using bags can help you save space and organise your baits by type and colour. One method is to combine packs of the same type and colour of bait into one bag, eliminating excess packaging. You can also use larger bags to create subcategories, making it easier to find the right bait when you're out on the water.
Some baits, like Gulp, need to be stored in bags to prevent them from drying out. However, it's important to note that bags might not be the best option for all baits, as they can be bulky and make it difficult to find what you're looking for. Additionally, some anglers prefer to keep their baits in the original packaging to retain the smell and prevent colours from running.
When using bags, it's a good idea to label them with a permanent marker to avoid confusion. You can also use bags in conjunction with boxes by keeping the bags of baits in the boxes, providing extra protection and organisation. This combination can be especially useful for kayakers, as it allows for efficient, safe, and reliable tackle storage.
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Saving space
Soft plastic baits can be organised in a way that saves space and makes them easily accessible. Firstly, it is important to go through your collection and separate the baits by type. You can make piles of worms, craws, lizards, Senkos, etc. Once you have done this, you can further organise by colour, creating light and dark piles. This will help you identify the colours you have in abundance and those you need to stock up on.
After this, you can start to consolidate your baits. Combine baits of the same colour and style into one bag, filling them up to save space. This will also help you identify duplicate baits and colours that you do not need to buy anymore. You can then dispose of the empty plastic bags. It is also a good idea to wipe down your soft plastic packaging to prevent the baits from swelling or rotting.
You can then store your baits in boxes. Smaller boxes with fixed compartments are ideal for smaller baits like Senkos and small swimbaits. Bigger boxes with adjustable compartments can be used for almost any kind of bait. You can also store your baits in zip-seal bags, which are available at any grocery store. This is a good option if you are visiting a particular lake or region where you need a specific type of bait. You can keep the plastics in their original packaging and store them in the zip-seal bags.
Finally, you can keep your most-used baits in the main compartment of your boat or tackle bag for easy access. You can also use a lure organiser with clips to keep your favourite baits handy.
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Storing in packets
Storing soft plastic baits in their original packaging is a good option, especially if you want to avoid the mess that comes with removing them from their packets. It is also a good idea if you want to avoid any damage to the baits, as they can get dirty, damaged, or meld together when placed in a tackle tray.
If you are using this method, it is a good idea to first sort your baits by type and colour, and then place them into their packets. You can then place the packets into a larger bag, such as a zip-seal bag, to keep them together. This will make it easier to find the right bait when you need it, and you can also keep the bag in your boat so that you have easy access to your baits.
If you are using zip-seal bags, it is recommended to use one-gallon bags, as these are tough and will protect your baits well. You can also use Ziplock freezer bags, which are another popular option. If you are using zip-seal bags, you can keep the plastics in their original packaging and then place the packets into the zip-seal bags. This will help to keep your baits organised and accessible, and it will also save space.
If you are fishing in a particular location or using a specific technique that requires a certain type of bait, you may want to consider using smaller bags to separate the different types of baits. This will make it easier to grab the specific bait you need for the day or location, without having to clutter your boat with multiple bags.
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Using a tackle tray
However, if you are happy to take the bait out of its packet, using a tackle tray can be a very specific and meticulous way of storing your soft plastics. You can dedicate a tray to each type of bait, for example, one tray for crawfish, another for Senkos, and another for worms. This method is ideal if you want to be very organised and know exactly where everything is.
To make the most of your tackle trays, use adjustable dividers to match lure sizes and maximise storage space. Keep all of your soft plastic baits separated and, if possible, in their original packaging. Use a soft bait binder to maintain their original shape and avoid mixing different brands, types, or colours, as they may melt or bleed together. You can also use small trays or compartments within the tackle tray for hooks, weights, floats, and other types of small terminal tackle.
If you are using multiple tackle trays, it is a good idea to label each tray clearly, so you can easily find the bait you are looking for.
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Frequently asked questions
Gather all your soft plastic baits and put them in a large bag. Then, lay them out in a work area and separate them by type.
You can further organize your baits by color. You can use two categories: light and dark. Or, you can create subcategories based on the colors of the lakes or rivers you frequently fish in.
You can use plastic boxes, bags, or a soft tackle bag. Some options include Plano boxes, Ziploc bags, or BaitJunkie zippered cases.
Wipe down your soft plastic packages to prevent swelling or rotting. Also, consider storing your most-used baits separately for added convenience.
