| Whether you are at home or at your fishing | | | | sometime in the last decade. However, going |
| cabin, you should take some thought to organizing | | | | through it will end up paying dividends the next |
| your fishing gear so that it is clean, in good repair, | | | | time you just want to grab a tackle box and GO. |
| and ready to use the next time you head out. | | | | The first thing is to gather all of your tackle that |
| This can save a lot of time and money that could | | | | you can find into one place. Separate the plastic |
| be better spent on fishing. | | | | from the metal, surface from spoon from |
| At home, you should have a permanent place for | | | | spinner, etc. Organizing by color also works for |
| your fishing gear for long-term storage. Fishing | | | | some. Basically, you can organize your lures |
| rods should go into racks where they are kept | | | | however best suits you. As you separate each |
| off the floor and away from children and pets. | | | | lure, make sure that it is clean and not rusty |
| Tackle should be organized in a big tackle box. | | | | before you assign it to a pile. |
| Waders (clean and dry) should be hung or kept in | | | | You can use freezer bags to organize soft baits, |
| a storage tub. | | | | but for fishing lures, hard tackle boxes are best. |
| If you have never organized your fishing gear, | | | | There are many varieties on the market. If you |
| you may have to spend a significant amount of | | | | fish for many different species, you might find |
| time restoring some of it into proper shape for | | | | that a 'main' tackle box for all of your equipment |
| use. You may want to tackle (ha ha) it in sections | | | | and a 'grab and go' tackle box will suit your |
| - focus on your rods and reels separately from | | | | diverse fishing needs. |
| your tackle. | | | | Label all of your tackle, so you don't have to stop |
| Your rods and reels should be clean and | | | | and think about replacing equipment in your new |
| serviceable. You can clean cork handles with mild | | | | system. Tape or glue labels to the compartments |
| soap and a scrub brush. WD-40 and an old | | | | of your hard tackle boxes and get a permanent |
| toothbrush can help with reels. You should check | | | | marker for your freezer bags. |
| your line and, if at all worn or frayed, cut off | | | | Tackle is best stored in a cool/dry situation rather |
| enough that you won't worry about it snapping | | | | than the variable temperatures and humidity of a |
| the next time someone uses it. | | | | boat or shed. Store in a room or basement. |
| Make or purchase a rack to stand your fishing | | | | Organizing your gear may take a long time and |
| rods in. This will eliminate damage caused by | | | | some effort. However, when you pack your bags |
| leaning against the wall or being accidentally | | | | for your next trip to the cabin, you'll be glad that |
| stepped on and will also keep your rods away | | | | you did. With a little time put in, you'll be able to |
| from children and pets. | | | | grab your rod and tackle and just go for that |
| Fishing lures and bait are probably going to be | | | | next big catch! |
| your worst enemy if you've not organized them | | | | |