How do you store your crankbaits?

Well as my crankbait selection slowly grows larger it has far surpassed the capacity of my current 5 box tackle bag, so the search is on.

Some of the larger softcase tackle bags look pretty nice, but all of them seem to be pretty bulky and have a bunch of accessory pockets that I don’t need. I’ve thought about just buying a bunch of the clear plastic tackle boxes and keeping them in the boat without a bag, but that seems like it would be a pain when jumping into my dad’s boat or in with a buddy. I came across the B&B Bait Box online which looks nice not having all the bulky pockets and whatnot but seem somewhat inefficient in the amount of cranks you can store. Anyone have experience with these?

I know this is probably more of a personal preference, but I’m curious as to what other folks are using.

Thanks,
Pete

All my buddies that are big crankers have the B&B boxes for the reasons you stated. Make sure your gear is insured however, as that’s about a $1 – 2k target before long. I have friends that also keep them in the plastic boxes throughout the boat. That’s what I do as well, but I think it boils down to how often you’re in the same boat.

Joel

I am way past and have not had a “Tackle Box” for quite some time. I use the Plano Plastic Boxes to store my cranks, etc in. Before I leave the Garage I throw the ones I will need in the boat storage compartment. I have 2 of the Large Bass Pro Shop waterproof Bags that I store all my Plano boxes in/ beside my boat. My system works slick for me. Others I know just use a closet or shelf in the garage to store the ones they are not using. I have a different type of crank in each Plano box. I will take some pics this weekend to help better demonstrate.

I use the Plano clear boxes as well. I have a large closet in the garage that I store all my fishing stuff in when I am not using it. I have around 12-14 of those Plano boxes along side a couple of tackle bags that I store the one’s I want in when I go out. Seldom do I ever bring more than 5-6 boxes at a time, so this system works well for me.

Pete ,
I will 2nd the B&B Bait box…

http://www.bbbaitbox.com/

Pete, in a smaller boat, the B&Bs are space hogs. They can be big enough to not fit in a compartment, which means they consume precious floor space.

I have a couple of B&Bs….they date back to my Crestliner days. I’ve since transitioned back into clear Plano-type boxes. They fit easily into compartments, onto shelves, etc. I sort baits into individual boxes according to type. One (giant one) for SR5s, one for SR7s, one for shallow shads, one for jointed shads, one (giant one) for floaters, etc etc etc.

If you’re looking for a good deal on a big B&B, let me know.

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Pete, in a smaller boat, the B&Bs are space hogs. They can be big enough to not fit in a compartment, which means they consume precious floor space.

I have a couple of B&Bs….they date back to my Crestliner days. I’ve since transitioned back into clear Plano-type boxes. They fit easily into compartments, onto shelves, etc. I sort baits into individual boxes according to type. One (giant one) for SR5s, one for SR7s, one for shallow shads, one for jointed shads, one (giant one) for floaters, etc etc etc.

If you’re looking for a good deal on a big B&B, let me know.

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B & B’s for this guy. I would need dozens of planos to store half of my cranks. I’ve no found a better solution and since they fit in the front storage of my 1950 I guess I don’t have an issue with the size.

J, what models do you have for sale? I’m interested.

I use the clear plano boxes and stack them in milk crates. Grab the crates I need for the trip and throw them under the console. Of coarse there are a half dozen planos that never leave my boat….those are tucked in the same compartment as my boards and snap weights.

Back in the 1980’s and 90’s Cabala’s used to sell a tackle box called the Maxi-mate 180 and 240 . They held 240 crank baits and 240 crank-baits. For some reason they stopped making the boxes. I find them on eBay and have found a couple around the great lakes area. Something you might want to check out. tacklehaven.com sells them still.

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B & B’s for this guy. I would need dozens of planos to store half of my cranks. I’ve no found a better solution and since they fit in the front storage of my 1950 I guess I don’t have an issue with the size.

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Well that doesn’t surprise me. The front deck storage compartments of the Skeeter WX series seem like they can hold just about anything. Next time that we get together, I’ll have to see if both of my kids (almost 5 and nearly 3) would fit in a single compartment…..my bet is that they can with room to spare.

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Next time that we get together, I’ll have to see if both of my kids (almost 5 and nearly 3) would fit in a single compartment…..my bet is that they can with room to spare.

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I’m game. Your wife might frown on such antics… but me, not so much.

Plano boxes here. If I fish with someone else the few I need get thrown in a soft side bag. For short day trips in other boats a person really does not need much. I expect to mooch tackle off who ever Im fishing with anyways as they know best how we are fishing that day. Same thing goes with people that fish out of my boat. Help your self to my stuff. Im sure not going to make you sit there and watch me catch fish just because you didnt bring something with.

Did I mention the plano boxes?

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Same thing goes with people that fish out of my boat. Help your self to my stuff.

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Mike that’s the silliest thing I’ve ever heard you say. Think about who you’ve been fishing with

Pete so far I’m storing most of my crankbaits under rocks and logs on various wingdams on Pool 2, although I do have a few stashed away in the mouths of decent sized Northens as well as a few up in some trees.

Rootski

Talk about quick responses!

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Pete, in a smaller boat, the B&Bs are space hogs. They can be big enough to not fit in a compartment, which means they consume precious floor space.

I have a couple of B&Bs….they date back to my Crestliner days. I’ve since transitioned back into clear Plano-type boxes. They fit easily into compartments, onto shelves, etc. I sort baits into individual boxes according to type. One (giant one) for SR5s, one for SR7s, one for shallow shads, one for jointed shads, one (giant one) for floaters, etc etc etc.

If you’re looking for a good deal on a big B&B, let me know.

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How big is big?

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Same thing goes with people that fish out of my boat. Help your self to my stuff.

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Mike that’s the silliest thing I’ve ever heard you say. Think about who you’ve been fishing with

Pete so far I’m storing most of my crankbaits under rocks and logs on various wingdams on Pool 2, although I do have a few stashed away in the mouths of decent sized Northens as well as a few up in some trees.

Rootski

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Pete so far I’m storing most of my crankbaits under rocks and logs on various wingdams on Pool 2, although I do have a few stashed away in the mouths of decent sized Northens as well as a few up in some trees.

Rootski

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Meeeee too

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How big is big?

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Depends on the model. They make everything from boxes that hold small deep divers to double sided muskie lure boxes that are as big as a cooler.

One of their more popular models is the Model 964. This model is perfect for shad raps, jointed raps and wally divers, etc.

Overall Dimensions: 10 1/4” W x 16” L x 4” H

And that model holds 96 cranks if you go one crank per slot. I typically double up to double the capacity.

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How big is big?

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Depends on the model. They make everything from boxes that hold small deep divers to double sided muskie lure boxes that are as big as a cooler.

One of their more popular models is the Model 964. This model is perfect for shad raps, jointed raps and wally divers, etc.

Overall Dimensions: 10 1/4” W x 16” L x 4” H

And that model holds 96 cranks if you go one crank per slot. I typically double up to double the capacity.

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Hmm, that doesnt seem ‘too’ big, and if you can double up on Shadraps etc that would hold a fair ammount.

Are the openings large enough to store, say… a DT-10?

Do any retailers carry these that a guy could check one out before buying online?

Thanks again for the help

I also use the plano boxes to hold my raps. When in the boat I put them in a milk crate which holds 5 or 6 boxes. I also put hook bonets on them to keep them untangled.
DT

You’d likely need a deeper box to accommodate those big deep divers. Measure from the tip of the bill to the back of the lure and that will tell you how much height you’ll need in your box. I use a different B&B for my wing dam cranks than I do for my smaller deep divers.

Not that it would be hard for you to figure out but here how to break down the model codes. Model 966 has 96 slots and is 6 inches deep.

I believe that’s what I have….966.

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Pete ,
I will 2nd the B&B Bait box…

http://www.bbbaitbox.com/

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I believe that’s what I have….966.

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PM’ed ya,

James if you’re interested in that Box by all means.

If not and you’re lookin to sell Jason, shoot me a PM

Thanks again Guy’s

I actually don’t need another 966 so… go right ahead.

I use ~ 18 Plano Boxes in my Skeeter 2050. I bought 2 Trunk organizers from Harbor Frt. They hold 3600’s and 3700’s ( 6 each). BTW I can crawl into either compartment and close the lid and I’m 5′-10 and 220 lbs. ( Never can have enough storage on a boat) I can place 5 gallon buckets in the compartments with ~ 5″ above. I place swim noodles cut to size and wrap harness’ onto them inside the buckets. Also store Bottom bouncers in the buckets Clean tangle free storage !

Pete,Check out the crank boxes made by Falcon,waterproof and each crank has its own compartment.I find the planos lacking in durabilty during cold weather.

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Pete so far I’m storing most of my crankbaits under rocks and logs on various wingdams on Pool 2, although I do have a few stashed away in the mouths of decent sized Northens as well as a few up in some trees.

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I also keep mine all tangled up together its amazing how much space you can save that way.

I have a crankbait problem as well. I use two boxes, one is 5 inches deep the other is 8 inches deep. work great and are easy to take inside for security.

Trinity Tackle Box

Well that doesn’t surprise me. The front deck storage compartments of the Skeeter WX series seem like they can hold just about anything. Next time that we get together, I’ll have to see if both of my kids (almost 5 and nearly 3) would fit in a single compartment…..my bet is that they can with room to spare.

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Might as well wait until you can bring all three! If your gonna make her mad anyway!

I don’t know for sure but I’ve been told Mendotaeye stores his on stumps in lake Wisconsin.