Jax,
Got any pics of your setup? Thanks.

Quote:


I'm not familiar with the Fish Stalker model, but I have this one, and couldn't be happier with it.
Plenty of ventilation/doesn't restrict your paddling/casting motion, and the big front pockets have ZIPPER closures. They're being enough for a small compressible rain suit or in my case, my "dunking" gear.

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Mapsguy1955 wrote on Feb 16^th, 2015 at 4:15pm:


I have used one the past few years. I have a Cabela's model that is very similar to the Wild River models posted here; although it appears that Cabela's no longer sells the model I have.

My random thoughts on the pack / system are as follows:

> I can carry it with the canoe on one trip, so that works well.

> Four 3600 boxes are more tackle than I need, yet as a tackle addict I always bring that much (but I don't pack it in super tight).

> My rain gear doesn't pack small enough to share the top compartment with my depth finder.

> I find that I then need a second day pack, Frost River Nessmuk, to carry my camera (DSLR) in a Pelican, rain gear, small first aid kit, and other small odds 'n ends.

So I guess my summary is: yes, the system works fine for that, but I have other stuff that I want to have with me on day trips, and that stuff doesn't fit.

Another option that I may try next: I have a Granite Gear under-seat pack that fits two 3700 boxes with some odds 'n ends on the side. I may give that one a try, and either leave it under the canoe seat, or slide it under the top flap of a pack to portage.

Ranger 

Per MT's comment above, I generally try to pack just two cranks per slot in my Plano boxes as well. I don't use bonnets but I pack them back-to-back with hooks on opposite sides. Same reason - trying to prevent scratching them up. Hey, these lures are freaking expensive! The side benefit is that I can change lures very quickly as I'm never messing with tangles.

I don't think it makes a whole lot of difference if your lures get scratched or not.  As soon as you use your lure whether casting or trolling they are going to get scratches on them.  Most lures should be fished close to the bottom which means you will hit bottom and therefore rocks.  So protecting your lures and preserving their pristine condition is good for about 5 minutes.  Plus, I have caught plenty of fish on lures that have scratches and paint knocked off.  If you are trolling for lake trout in deep water, you could actually keep your lures pristine for a long time.

As Al Lindner said what is natural about a fill in the blank (Daredevil, silver spoon, jig, Rapala, etc.).  Plus, fishing lures are primarily designed to catch fishermen, if they also catch fish so much the better.  I think structure, water depth, water temperature, time of day, wind, how deep your lure runs and speed of retrieve are much more important than a pristine finish.  It is similar to your canoe, remember when it was new and didn't have any scratches or dents and how proud you were to own it.  Now it has dents and scratches and it works as good as new.