5 Tricks for Onboard Boat Fishing Tackle Stowage

Onboard fishing tackle stowage is a great thing on a fishing boat. It allows you to keep all your goodies and gear close at hand, yet you never have to lug a tackle box around. But, there are some down-sides, too. Tackle may be exposed to moisture more than you’d like, and corrosion can turn your hooks dull. Jumping onto other people’s boats means you still need to have a bag prepped, which means buying double gear in many cases. And when all your gear is left aboard and a few weeks pass by between trips, it’s not always easy to remember exactly what you do or do not have aboard. These five tricks, however, will help make onboard tackle stowage work well.

1. Moisture and corrosion are big problems associated with keeping all your gear aboard, but there are several ways to combat it. You can put a cedar block or a silicon packet into each box, to help sap away the moisture and keep your gear dry. You can also improve ventilation, simply by leaving the door to a tackle station ajar (assuming that won’t allow rainfall to get inside). In extreme cases, it may be necessary to add a vent to an onboard tacklebox or tackle station.
2. To help avoid moisture in the first place, never put a used lure or tackle back into the box until it’s completely dry. If you’re fishing in saltwater, naturally, give all your gear a freshwater rinse before drying it.
3. Put lead weights into the lowest part of the tackle stowage system. If you elevate the lead, over time it will cause the plastic bottoms of tackle trays to deform. And on rough days, bouncing lead may even shatter the plastic.
4. Always leave one empty tackle tray on the boat. That way, if a buddy invites you aboard his boat you can jump onto your own, and quickly assemble a selection of appropriate tackle to bring. When you return, you can unpack the same box and slide it right back into its spot, empty again, so it’s ready for next time.
5. Insert a piece of cork or foam into the boxes you use for lead-heads and jigs, and stick the hooks into the cork or foam. This way, the heads won’t bounce against each other and chip the paint, as you run through rough seas. (Note – this works great for all kinds of tackle boxes, not just those that never leave the boat).

Use these tricks, and you’ll find that onboard fishing tackle stowage isn’t merely just convenient—it’s also more effective and keeps your tackle and gear in good shape, too.