This is the fishing bag I’ve been using for years, and while the contents have evolved over time, the setup itself has stayed simple and practical. Everything in here has a purpose, and over time I’ve stripped it down to exactly what I actually use on a typical session.
It’s built around ultralight fishing, short sessions, and being able to adapt quickly without carrying unnecessary gear.
Main Tackle Box
My main box is a double sided HTO light game box. One side is slit foam, the other is compartment storage. It’s simple, durable, and fits everything I need without feeling overpacked.
Jig Heads and Hooks
On the slit foam side, I keep a range of jig heads in different weights and hook sizes. This lets me adjust quickly depending on depth, flow, or how fish are behaving.
Below that I carry a selection of larger eye hooks in sizes 4, 8, and 10. These are mainly used with Cheb weights or as general purpose hooks for rigs like dropshots.
I also keep a few size 14 hooks for micro species sessions when I want to downsize everything.
Also a small selection of metal lures for when I want to switch up to something a bit more reactive.
Bits Box Section
The opposite side of the box holds all the rig bits and terminal tackle.
This includes:
Dropshot weights, mostly 3g
Cheb (Cheburashka) weights in 2g, 3g, and 5g
Split shot and small beads for added attraction
Lure clips for quick changes
Micro swivels, mainly used at the top of dropshot rigs so they can be reused easily
I also carry a small selection of soft plastics in here, which I rotate depending on conditions or what I feel like experimenting with.
Pocket Lure Box
This is the box I actually fish with most of the time.
It’s an old “EcoGear Pocket In”, but the original lures are long gone. I’ve replaced everything with my own proven setups.
Inside you’ll usually find:
White Bugsy-style lures
Green brown G-tail soft plastics
Slightly luminous paddle tails
Size 8 jig heads
In reality, this is enough to catch bass on most of my sessions. Everything else in my main box is just there for variation when needed.
Essentials I Carry
Reel and Line
I use a Shimano 1000 size fixed spool reel. Small, simple, and perfect for ultralight fishing. It balances well with my rods and keeps everything light and responsive.
For line, I use fluorocarbon leader material like FluoroShield in 4lb strength. I’ve used braid for a long time, but I still go back and forth between systems depending on how simple I want things to be, especially for night sessions.
Multi Tool
I carry a basic multi tool that I’ve used for years. Nothing fancy, but it does everything I actually need.
Headlamp
My headlamp is a simple Petzl battery model. Nothing technical or overbuilt. It’s reliable, which is all I really need for night fishing.
Other Bits
I also carry a few small extras that make life easier, such as small sample pots for storing artificial bait once packets are opened.
The sample pots are one of those simple bits that just work. Each one holds a full packet of artificial bait, they don’t leak, and they keep everything organised without bulky packaging.
Final Thoughts
Over the years this setup has become less about carrying options and more about carrying confidence. Everything in the bag has earned its place through actual use, not theory.
I’ve found that the simpler I keep it, the more I actually focus on fishing rather than gear. Most sessions come down to a handful of rigs and a small selection of lures anyway, so there’s no need to overcomplicate things.
This is all I realistically need for 90 percent of my fishing.
