Although, it seemed like a lot of guys suggested not storing much
tackle in the trunk, most of my trips are multi-day trips where I
need to haul more garbage. In addition, I am hoping that this box
will help me be more efficient between outings and transitioning
between spots. I finished the sucker last night and decided to post
some pics of the result.
I am aware that there is a commercial product called the "tackle tote"
that this was inspired by....but I decided to build my own with stuff I
found at Lowes and home depot. In the end, it probably would
have been less expensive to just buy a ready made tote, but part
of the motivation was to customize one to my own needs.
These are the features of the bin
1. Storage for about 20-30 plugs - linear hanger style
2. Storage for soft plastics and bucktails - tray style
3. Storage/access points for tools...bolt cutters, scissors, screwdrivers, tape...
4. Leader and line dispensers
5. Storage for surf belt and plug bag
6. Illuminated interior
7. Spill proof...as...if I knock it over everything stays put.
8. Latching lid
9. Self contained wash down.... fit it with a drain plug
The idea being that it is a sort of mini workstation module for my trunk that is a
one stop location where I can find everything and quickly prep or
modify my surf bag on an outing or between locations. One thing I
don't like about the tube style storage methods...is that it is
natural to have the tendency to over pack them. In doing so... its
impossible to quickly locate a plug and extract it....so the primary
method of storage will be a linear hanger style. It may limit the
amount of lures I bring, but I consider it a feature. If I can't cover
the bases with 20-30 plugs for a 4 day outing...then there is
probably something wrong. I use either a 2 or 3 tube plug bag
when I fish....and like to fish light. 30 plugs is typically what I bring
on a 4 day outing and up until this point they have been tucked
into different plug bags and boxes. I am hoping this bin will help to
centralize things....and cut down on my fumbling around in a dark
trunk. The box doubles as a place to let my bucktails , plugs, and other
gear drip dry without leaking int my trunk.
Most of the metal is aluminum, with exception of the metal trays that I got
at bed-bath-beyond. I suspect those will rust...but for $4 each...I can
always replace them or find a better option. I never used pop rivets
before...but used them on this project. What a wonderful binding method.
I started with a $35 contico bin I found at Lowes. whats nice about this
bin is that it is a 1/8" thick soft plastic. It made it easy to work with and
modify. I added some Latches so that I could keep it closed.
I bought three lights for the bin. All from lowes. They are the sylvania
Dot-it...type with leds...super bright and they turn on by depressing the
light head. The longer one on the lid has a swivel light and is velcro-ed on
so I cant detach it and use it as a hand light if I want. The round dot
lights are riveted to the box.
I added a drain plug so I can use it to let plugs and bucktails drip dry and
when I get home I can hose down the hole box and drain the water
without tipping it over.
Lowes gave me some scrap plexi-glass that I used to create a divider in
the bottom. I set this up to separate my surf belt and plug bag from the
plugs.....so they do not get hung up with each other. I used plexi...so i can
still see the longer plugs and so that the lights can still illuminate the
whole box.
I used some schulter edging that conveniently has holes cut into it that
seemed to be perfect for hanging plugs. I also had some old surf belts
that I cut up for tool and pork rind jar holders. Nearly everything is
attached via aluminum pop rivets. Those are so cool.
The cost:
$35 - Contico bin
$5 - Latches
$9 - schulter edging
$15 - 3/16 pop rivets assorted sizes and aluminum washers
$10 -metal trays
$15- assorted bolts and fasteners
$25- sylvania lights
$10 - aluminum angle iron
$3 -rubber stopper
free - plexi
items I had...
free -strapping
free - tools and borrowed rivet gun
Added all up its about $130. Add in 10 hours of labor including time to
look for parts that might work....it becomes an expensive project even at
minimum wage its over $200, but it was fun to do.
I still have left some space for a couple of missing items. Tape, Scissors, terminal
tackle, and fillet knife. At first I thought I could use a magnet to hold the
terminal tackle, but it seems that stainless steel doesn't stick to the
magnets I tried. I might try the box a few outings before I figure out how
and where I want to attach these additions.
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