Hey guys,

I just picked up a Plano Edge 3700 (thin) utility box for storing all of my terminal tackle. I've already run into a huge problem though: the hooks jump compartments big time when the box is up on it's side - and I mean in both directions - over the movable dividers, and between the lid and the actual rows themselves. Quite disappointing for a $45 box... I had less "jumpage" with my standard Plano boxes.

 

I'm talking 3/0 EWGs are popping up and over the edges - not just the dropshot hooks... chunky pieces that shouldn't be an issue. I wade rivers & creeks often and this needs to life in a backpack on it's side. I'm not sure if I got a defective product, or if it's warped, or if there is intentionally a slight gap so the anti-rust things can pull moisture out since the outside edge is sealed with a gasket. 

 

Either way, have you guys experienced an issue like this with these boxes? Have you found anything that you can line the top lid with that prevents the problem? Would love to hear your feedback, and hopefully solutions. 

 

Thanks!

After a few minutes of thought… If faced with the issue my first solution would be:  with a straight edge, I’d draw pencil lines on the lid over top of all the dividers.  I’d then open the lid and on the underside run a bead of hot glue on every pencil line.  After drying, the glue will form a gasket.  You can then wipe away the pencil lines.

I should have mentioned using a glue gun and glue sticks.

Few options I have found.  First a box designed specifically for terminal tackle would help.  I’m cheap and found that if I use a smaller box size it seems to keep terminal tackle better in their designed spaces.  I carry less but like it so much I have gorilla taped one side because it cracked with all the weight.  It still holds everything I need, hooks in #1, 3.0,4.0,5.0, ball head jigs, dropshot weights, worm weights, shakeyheads and probably more that I am forgetting.  That little box is very heavy but has the latches 2 in front and 1 on each side.  I have heard of some gluing the dividers down if they are slipping underneath due to lid flex but if they are jumping the top, I’m at a loss.  The problem is the bigger boxes are thinner plastic.  Flex allows small weights and hooks to slide under and over.  My small box has thicker plastic and doesn’t flex.  

I super glue rare earth magnets in my terminal tackle box. I could drop it in the driveway and not lose a hook. It also eliminates the rattling that drives me crazy when its in the truck.

Ryugi Hook wallet and never look back

The Plano 4600 works good, lid is tight and even size 4 drop shot hooks stay in each compartment. Not a slim box, it’s double wide, top & bottom compartments. Hooks on top weight in the bottom or whatever you use.

Tom

I put my hooks in an old pill bottle from the pharmacy.  The type with the child proof tops.  Then I put the pill bottle in my 3600 box.  Hooks are secure and don't move around.  I do the same with snaps and split shots.

You might get lucky and they will multiply.  A 3.5/0 hook might be just what you need some day.

30 minutes ago, Bankbeater said:

I put my hooks in an old pill bottle from the pharmacy.  The type with the child proof tops.  Then I put the pill bottle in my 3600 box.  Hooks are secure and don't move around.  I do the same with snaps and split shots.

Why child proof lids that can be adult proof!

Tom

You don't need child proof.  That is just what we have the most of.

22 hours ago, webertime said:

Ryugi Hook wallet and never look back

Yep! 

 

I have one for only hooks and one for weights/terminal.

This is very helpful - I'm going to use a combinations of the suggestions. Thanks guys! 

The Ryugi Hook Wallet looks like it might be the solution for me. https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Ryugi_Single_Hook_Stocker_II/descpage-RSHSII.html

8 hours ago, AJ Hauser said:

This is very helpful - I'm going to use a combinations of the suggestions. Thanks guys! 

 

 

 

6 hours ago, Bazoo said:

The Ryugi Hook Wallet looks like it might be the solution for me. https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Ryugi_Single_Hook_Stocker_II/descpage-RSHSII.html

A great piece of kit! 

I didn't have that issue with it, I put all small hooks in the containers that they selling for them.

@RRocket what's up my dude?

Thanks guys!

20 hours ago, AJ Hauser said:

@RRocket what's up my dude?

 

Was going to ask you the same!! 

 

It's been awhile! 

I've been in the middle of a big refactoring project on terminal tackle and here's where I ended up after trying or considering just about everything. One of my hard requirements was for it to be waterproof. 

 

I have a lot of "not a hook and not a weight" stuff too, so the hook pouches didn't seem viable. Examples - line-through heads, jig heads, flashy swimmers, neko hacks etc.

My main challenge with the 3700 thin or the terminal version of that same box is it just doesn't carry much. The BM boxes have a ton of dividers, and lots of things take very little space. I have a full kit of 1/16 to 3/4 oz t-rig weights in about a four inch stretch. I think the boxes are five rows by 9 compartments. 

 

Runners up that I didn't buy but was seriously considering: 

Great Lakes Finesse wallet. I think it is really well designed for storing a lot of variety. It was next up on the journey. 

 

Spro (or other manufacturer of the same box) - makes a waterproof terminal box with a bunch of dividers. Would probably need two of them, and not standard format. 

 

Final solution, at least for now haha

 

3600 - bass mafia ice box (clear) - bought them on sale for about $20. Liked it enough I bought two, and bought one for a friend. 

 

3700 - bass mafia (clear) - on sale at TW for about $25 right now. 

@txchaser nice - thank you! How does the ice box do when you tip it up and sideways? Things stay put? 

 

@RRocket haha yes sir, great to touch base - I need to get back into writing on the 'ol blog but I've been doing work for other people which is pretty cool. We just put an offer on a house in Arkansas too, so if all goes well the migration will finally take place. I am extremely excited to get out and get to exploring that area - big time. How are you? Good season? Get out a bunch? Little boat perform well? 

Talk soon! 

For $30 you can get the "basic" Buzbe.

 

I don't see a need for the customized ones which cost a lot more.

 

The Basic 28T box has ridges on the lid so nothing moves around.

 

I bought some a week ago or so and really like them. I'm going to buy some more and get rid of everything else. I bought directly from them. You can get a 10% off code and free shipping. IDK, to me it was worth the money. It's a one and done kind of purchase, last my lifetime.

On 10/18/2025 at 11:36 AM, PourMyOwn said:

I super glue rare earth magnets in my terminal tackle box. I could drop it in the driveway and not lose a hook. It also eliminates the rattling that drives me crazy when its in the truck.

 

Dude you should design something and sell it.

 

Is it super heavy???

 

 

 

@HawkeyeSmallie, it isn’t heavy at all. I definitely recommend scuffing the plastic with some rough grit sandpaper so the glue can have something to bite into. 

 

Thanks for the kind words, BTW. 

10 hours ago, AJ Hauser said:

@txchaser nice - thank you! How does the ice box do when you tip it up and sideways? Things stay put? 

Never had anything drift out of a compartment. It rides on its side. 
In fairness I don't carry a bunch of tiny split rings so I haven't tested that, but there's a lot of other nonsense that could drift and hasn't.

@txchaser cool - thank you. I don't have split rings either, but I do have some skinny little dropshot hooks and even a few tiny wacky hooks that tend to sneak over into each others rooms constantly. I have to keep separating them. Might spray them with the hose. 

This either came from the hobby aisle of Walmart or the Dollar Tree, but it's marketed for crafting. I'm sure it was less than $5. There's a bottom row so it's 24 little boxes total.