OK I have not fully converted from walking the bank. I am still using my fishing vest in the drift boat and it is not very convenient. Tackle boxes take up a lot of room. Has anyone found out another way to store all of your gear? I was thinking of just using the big Plano trays. I would buy one for each of the following so that I would only have one tray out at a time and it would contain every thing I need for that situation.

One tray for each of the following

Plugs
Jigs and Floats
Drift Gear
Spinners/Spoons

Each tray would contain all the terminal tackle required for each setup eliminating the need to have multiple trays out at once. Or is a tackle box just easier?

I am using the "tray" idea you have and find it works very well. In fact I have converted from all of my multiple "traditional" tackle boxes to one of the new tackle bags that holds trays. The bag I have is a Flambeau, but many companies make them. It holds 4 trays in the bottom and more on top. Also has side pockets for extras.

The really nice thing about it , besides only needing to take out 1 tray at a time is the versatility. I can trade trays depending on the season, water-level and species targeted. There is always some basic gear that I always carry, but some other gear trays I swap all of the time.For example in the fall I may keep my normal drift fishing tray in the bag, but I would swap my steelhead plug and spinner trays for trays more geared to kings/silvers.

It is the best tackle organization system I have been able to come up with. It really takes up no more room than a medium sized tackle box, holds mnore gear. It really beats reorganizing my tackle boxes every season/type of fish. And it definately beats a soggy, cumbersome vest in a drift boat.

The only suggestion I might have if space is really a factor is to totally minimize and just carry 1 tray or a couple. I feel the need to be prepared with a full array of different types of tackle, so the little bit of space taken up by my bag is a small price to pay.

Something to think about though is how much gear you and any partners bring into the boat all together. It can be overwhelming in a drift boat if three guys each brings a full load of all their favorite gear. Coordinate so you don't have multiple of everything. My partners and I each bring a small amount of our own drift/float tackle, but the guy with the boat brings all the plugs, plug rods, etc.

My .02$.

GS

Right on GSeigel, that's the same thing I do too. I have the Plano Guide bag, holds 5 trays easily. I own about 10 trays that all contain different gear for different types of fishing. I store all my gear in my home office and get a tray or two setup prior to each trip to keep the load as light as possible.

I have a buddy who owns a big ol box you could sit on.... who's name I wont mention, that I get a good laugh out of each time he hauls his saltwater metlzer mooching weight collection up steelheading!

So what's wrong with just dumping it into the bottom of the boat?

The plano boxes is a good way to go. It's exapndable, and lets you leave all the Kwickfish at home when you're going bobber fishing for steelies. However, thinking you'll have just one for the plugs is little optimistic, in my experience...

Thanks for the replies, looks like I will try the trays.

I agree, just the k15's would take up one tray alone.

Wal-mart sells the 4 plano style large boxes in a handy plastic tote for around $9.00. I have 4 of them and depending on where I am going or doing I just throw 4 of the right gear plano's into 1 of the totes and throw it in my boat.