How to Choose the Right Tackle Binder, Wallet or Binder Bag

Rule 1: Know What Size Tackle is Going in the Binder Before You Buy

The most common purchasing mistake fishermen make is buying a tackle binder version that isn't large enough to hold the different sizes of worms, spinnerbaits, jigs, etc. that they have. Keep in mind that the storage size of a tiny 1/4oz spinnerbait is very different from the storage space needed to hold a huge magnum 2oz spinnerbait with massive willow leaf blades hanging off of its arm. The tiny one will easily fit in a normal sandwich bag...the large one requires a bag three times bigger. If you just purchase a generic "spinnerbait binder", chances are the bags will be of the smaller sandwich size and won't be able to handle the big baits you'll want to bring with you for variety on the water. Aside from the actual bag size, some binders have bag hooks (the little rings or latches that the bags clip into) that only work with one size bag. So even if you purchase larger replacement binder bags to hold your big baits, you may not be able to use them with your smaller-sized binder. As a general rule, bring along the largest and smallest lures you want to store in the bag. For instance, if you're storing jigs, bring along your smallest little panfish jig and also bring the biggest jig you can find. As you're evaluating the binders, place each one in a bag to make sure they easily fit. If you have to force them into the bag or can't close the bag's seal, then the binder isn't a good fit. Scratch it off the list and keep looking.

Rule 2: Figure Out How Many Baits Can Fit Without Preventing Closure

When you're looking at tackle bag in the stores, they always look like they can support many more bags or clips and hold hundreds of baits at a time, while still being able to easily zipper closed. This isn't the reality. Once you start putting fishing tackle in those bags or clips, they'll start occupying 10 times the space than they did when they were empty, meaning that you can't actually fill it up with tons of bags and still close the binder. That's why the binders always look like the manufacturer forgot to fill them up with enough bags when you buy them. In reality, they usually have just the right number to store the tackle without preventing the binder from closing. Keep that in mind when you're shopping. If you can't store all your tackle in the binder using only the bags / clips that come with it, you might want to look for a larger capacity binder.

Rule 3: Make Sure it Fits in Your Tackle Bag or Tackle Box

As tackle manufacturers try to differentiate their offerings in this product space, they've started deviating from the standard binder sizes. Unfortunately, the tackle bag manufacturers haven't been able to catch up yet, so we're seeing many more binders that can't easily fit into the extra pockets on the sides of common tackle bags. This means that your binders will likely have to take up space in the big center portion of your bag. Take the time to measure the interior of your tackle bag to make sure the binder will fit inside, and also make sure the tackle bag won't collapse when a standard plastic box is replaced with a smaller, oddly-shaped binder.

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