In the dead of winter a lot of people sit around and wish they could go fishing and some diehards like me actually go. But one of the best things you can do on the bad days is organize for when you do want to go fishing.

You can lube up your reels, sharpen your hooks or if you want to make your life easier, set up a fishing tackle system that holds all your gear and is easy to use.

I use a Plano stowaway system. It has clear boxes with moveable compartments and I set up each box for different types of lures or gear.

The best thing about this system is the ease of use and the versatility that is needed for all types of fishing from pond fishing to offshore tackle.

I use multiple boxes with each box set up to a specific type of fishing; one box is set up for swim baits, another for crappie fishing and so on.

Then I use a couple of bags to store them in and switch boxes to the type of fishing that I am doing that day.

For instance, if I am fishing for rockfish on the sound bridge and I know I want to use fishing stretch lures, swim baits and crank baits. I grab my box for each and put them in a bag and I am off to the water.

My boat even has compartments for these boxes so I can put a couple in the boat storage while my extra gear is stowed below in the bag.

Boxes can be set up for crappie fishing, crank baits, worms, surf tackle and such. If you want to go fish a pond for a minute, just grab a box labeled “pond” which could hold all your favorites like spinner baits and poppers. That way won’t have to drag all your tackle with you to the pond.

The system is available at all your favorite places that carry tackle and the bags go for about $40. Or you can use any soft bag like a book bag. My favorite is soft-sided luggage that I got for a gift. It holds five boxes and has separate compartments for other things like pliers or leaders.

This system is easy to use and you can customize it to fit your needs. When I make a new box I organize it the way I like, then label it with big letters on the end so it is easy to grab and go.

When I am not using a box I simply stack them on top of one another with the labels out. If you want to see an example I am putting a video of different types of tackle boxes on my face book page, Fishing with Mike.

What’s biting, where ...

The fishing report is looking up a little, but gusts of up to 40 m.p.h. kept everyone off the big water this past weekend. When the boys down at Hatteras finally did get out they managed a couple of blue fin tuna just like you see on Wicked Tuna.

The regulations are very exact on blue fin so make sure you check first before you bring back a fish to the docks. The rumor is that it was a long run from Hatteras, but when I get a more exact location I will try to get more specific.

They also managed some nice yellowfin while they were out so if you feel brave enough to go, then call the guys at Teach’s Lair or Oregon Inlet and book a trip.

The rockfish in the sound are still hitting pretty good with keepers coming to the boat off the sound bridge and the power lines in Edenton.

They are hitting stretch 15s and deep diving Yo-Zuris in yellow or blue, but I have had my best days on big crank baits and light line.

It seems to give them something they have not seen this year and is paying off on a regular basis for me. There are also some fish being caught in the I.C.W. in Coinjock on stretch lures and swim baits. You want to make sure the water is moving because it turns off fast at slack tide.

The crappie have turned on, too, with the best action in the creeks on wood and blow downs.

You want to float minnows on bobbers or small swim baits. Try to tip the hooks with Berkley Gulp nibbles. You can use them on micro tubes and small grubs also and they really increase your bites.

While you are out in the creeks don’t be surprised to catch a striper or two. They have been moving up the creeks chasing the baitfish and the white perch.

If you get a chance to get out send me a fishing report to fishingwithmike921@yahoo.com.