Need a tackle box?  Still toting your fishing lures to the lake in an old toolbox?  Tired of your tackle box being a jumbled mess of tangled lines, melted worms and rusted hooks?  When it comes to fishing gear, fishermen will happily spend top dollar to get the best...yet, they turn right around and cram everything in an old, beat-up ammo box.  By selecting the right tackle box, anglers will be ready for a perfect day out on the lake.  eBay makes it easy with the great selection of tackle boxes available.    Follow these pointers and you'll be getting your fishing trip off to a great start!

Selecting a Tackle Box

• Buy what YOU need...it's not a one-size-fits-all deal

               Keeping up with the Jones will work with some things, but not fishing gear.  Are you just going out for bass?  Catfish?  Trout?  You wouldn't rent a U-haul to carry your clothes on an overnight visit, so don't buy a huge, multi-drawer seat tackle box for a couple of hours of crappie fishing.  A small tackle box is much more efficient....big just ain't always better.  On the other hand, if you will be fishing many different varieties, then don't think a tiny box is going to miraculously be able to hold 500 different lures effectively.  You will be better served by a large tackle box.  It's a good rule of thumb to buy a slightly larger tackle box then what will hold your currently owned lures and gear.  Odds are that your collection will increase, so this allows for that bit of 'growing room'.'  Know what you need, and shop accordingly.

• New vs. Used

                This is a personal choice, but trust that the fish don't bite harder, quicker, or more consistently just because your tackle box is sparkling fresh off the assembly line.  Used tackle boxes are usually always are a less expensive alternative to new tackle boxes.  Just remember, it's always better to double check that a used box is in good working order.  Are any fold-out trays broken?  Do any zippers stick?  Are any clasps or hinges broken?  Is it rusted out and just a snowflake away from total collapse?  With careful shopping, you just might save yourself a few bucks in the end.

• Hard cases vs. Soft cases

               Although hard cases have been long-time favorites for storing fishing gear, soft cases (often called tackle bags) have quickly been gaining in popularity.  

           Hard cases have a strength and stability that have a double bonus by both protecting your gear and lasting a long time despite being tossed around in a boat or jostling around unmercifully in the back of a pick-up.  Most tackle-boxes feature compartment trays that fold-out when then lid is opened.  These trays allow anglers to store their lures into individual slots.  Be sure to confirm that the slots are "worm-proof" to avoid the nasty mess of melted globs of worms that is prevalent in older non-worm-proof boxes.  Boxes with top-load compartments are a great convenience for their easy access to tools and spare gear.  However, hard cases get heavy...quick.  If you will be moving around a great deal and having to carry your tackle, then this is certainly a consideration.  

            Soft cases are a great alternative to the bulkier and heavier hard case variety of tackle boxes.  They are usually used in combination with small plastic boxes in which anglers store their equipment and then use the soft case to carry everything together.  This allows you to pick and choose what boxes you will take in your soft case to the lake...cutting down on the weight even further.  You should check the dimensions of the soft case, especially if carrying multiple plastic boxes.  This helps in determining what size case you will need. Soft cases also usually feature multiple storage pouches in the bag for holding your tools and gear as well as a handy shoulder strap for carrying.  The material used in soft cases is waterproof and is great for avoiding water damage to your gear.   

• Use binders for your spinners, jigs, and plastics

                 Tackle binders are much like the zippered Trapper Keepers that kids use for school.  The binder rings on the inside hold multiple ziploc pouches for storing and seperating your gear.  No more fumbling with multiple little pouches of cranks or worms in your box.  These tackle binders are a great organizational bonus for fisherman and fit nicely in most hard or soft case tackle boxes. 

• Fly Fishing Tackle Boxes

          A fly box is a great asset for fly-fishermen to assist in keeping flies secure and undamaged.  With catches to hold the fly in place and padding to soften their transportation, a quality fly box pays off greatly!

 Attachable tackle boxes are a nice option for anglers that frequently fish from the same boat.  These boxes can be attached and mounted to your boat, keeping your tackle secure and organized...and most importantly, ready and waiting for your next trip out on the boat.  No need to worry about forgetting your lures, as they will already be on the boat.

Hints for Buying Tackle Boxes on eBay

• Do Your Research - Learn as much as you can about your desired fishing tackle box.  Not all sellers are knowledgable importance of a quality tackle box.  If their description and/or photo leaves a question in your mind, then remember to ask the seller before the auction ends.  This lets you clear up things before the sale and keeps both you and the seller on the road to a successful transaction. 
• Understand eBay Jargon - Check out the list of eBay acronyms so that you can more quickly distinguish NM (near mint) from MNB (mint no box).  Informed buyers make smart buyers!
• Use different keywords - The Advanced Search option provided by eBay lets buyers search titles or the title and description or completed items. Keep in mind that not everyone will precisely list the brand name, model, or size.   Rather than getting discouraged...vary your search, you might discover a piece listed simply under lures storage or fishing box.   Another helpful hint is to misspell your search terms...like tackel box.  Changing your search increases the chances of finding your item. Save your search on your personalized My eBay page and receive an email notification when a new listing is posted.
• Remember eBay Stores - eBay offers buyers another area for tackles boxes through eBay Stores featuring fishing gear. With great inventory selections and frequent updates, you just might find the perfect tackle box.  If you are still in search of a particular tackle box, be sure to post a notice to sellers in eBay's Want It Now section.
• Bid Safely and Smartly - Review the seller's feedback rating are their customers consistently happy with their purchase?  Do they have experience selling tackles boxes?  Are items sold "as is" or with a "satisfaction guarantee"?  Is there a shipping/handling fee? If you win the bid, keep in mind that PayPal provides buyers with a safe and secure means to purchase items without revealing their credit card numbers to sellers....this is a welcome (and free!) alternative.
• Have Fun With It - In conclusion....have fun with it! eBay is a great way to peek through an amazing selection of tackle boxes and fishing equipment.  Have fun comparing different features available in the many different tackle boxes available, and remember....your dream tackle box awaits!                                        

Thanks for stopping by!  Hope this helped in selecting the right tackle box for your fishing needs!

Have fun!