That's genius what you did to the tray to accomodate the spinners.  I could never do that though and give up space for the crankbaits that I take.  You exhibit much discipline by limiting what you bring. I'm too much of a fake minnow guy and need a few from each presentation ie: surface, medium, and deep runners.

I am a recovering tackle addict.  I've been tripping since the 1980's and cutting back my fishing tackle has proven to be the toughest challenge for me.  Every year I narrow it down a little more.  I used to take a big double sided plastic box but these days it's a small plano and small foot long duffel for misc. gear.  If it don't fit I can't take it.

*This policy could change if the focus for my trip is fishing.

If fishing is your focus on a canoe trip then a variety of tackle is certainly helpful. I found that out this past summer as I had one outfit and 1 style of lure......that being large deep running cranks (after all it was August). But fishing was not my focus but rather good old fashioned survival. No regrets.........

The problem I see in fishing jig spinners or spinnerbaits in deep water, especially if your intention is to lift and drop and sort of "jig" them is the distinct possibility of missing most bites. They will likely hit it on the drop and with the blades the drop will be slow.........I see them nailing it and spitting it out without being detected, especially in deep water. The exception would be the spinners that are mounted underneath the jig, these act a bit more like an ordinary jig IMO but with the added advantage of a bit of flash......plus the blade style is usually a willow leaf which allows for a bit more streamlined drop. Braid would be helpful in deepwater jigging applications and help you feel that tick......be quick on the draw and your line would get tight.

Puckster wrote on Feb 4^th, 2014 at 9:34pm:


Prouboy, my tackle pack was once offered thru the BWJ store. I guess it wasn't a big seller because they no longer carry it.

It's a little different than the item from Cabelas, but pretty close. When it's unsnapped it lays flat and you turn the "pages" to find what you need. Some pages have single compartments, others have 2 smaller ones. All close with a zipper.

It has an adjustable shoulder strap that you can unsnap and wrap around thwart so you can't lose it if you dump.

It's not as hard as you think to carry stick baits/jigs as you would think, although I do things a little different than many.

All my stick baits only have the rear treble hook. I use Cabelas hook bonnets to keep them from tangling/ snagging vinyl pocket face but like those NeverSnag hooks even better.
Jig heads I put in small plastic bags or 35 film can.
I take way more than I need so with any planning you can easily set one up for the type of fish you might encounter.
My pockets are sewn on, I believe the ones on the Cabelas bag are removable which would make it easy to add/subtract for different trips.

It's very quite laying on the floor of canoe as I paddle. I set it on a small foam pad I use for sitting in camp. Out of bilge water, easily accessed and because the pockets zip close, you don't have to worry about accidentally dumping them like you can with a hard plastic box if your not careful.

I do think that set-up is worth a look see.
I see more and more tackle accessory companies making soft-bags, so maybe BWJ was just ahead of their time.

If I get a chance I'll take a few pics of my tackle pack and post on my Photobucket site.

ST -- getting to look at a photo of your tackle "bag" would be great.

prouboy