Back in June 2022 we posted a 1980 Plano catalog that featured several new boxes by the tacklebox giant. In that catalog they introduced the new Magnum 767 to go with their 1234 Magnum. Today in Plano 767 and 1234, we’re going to look at some of the first ads for these famous boxes.
By 1980 tackle storage was changing at a rapid pace. Large hip-roof boxes, like UMCO’s possum bellies, were on their way out and the drawer-style boxes were enjoying their time in the spotlight. Plano started making their Magnum series boxes in the early/mid-1970s, namely the 1123 and 1146, marking the start of the bait-specific box.
But in 1979, Plano introduced the Magnum 1234, a box that took versatility to another level.
The 1234 was compact compared to the drawer style and hip-roof boxes. It consisted of a spinnerbait rack, could accommodate up to four jars of pork, and would also hold essentially any other bait you had in your arsenal. Plano nailed it when they said they’d designed a versatile box.
Then in late 1979, Plano added another Magnum to their line, the Magnum 767. This box changed the way I stored my plastic worms, which had been stored in my 737S. The 767 was a worm fisherman’s dream.
The side compartments were perfect for 5-inch or smaller plastics, and with 32 small compartments that could hold the perfect number of baits for a weekend event. It also had adjustable storage in the main compartment that could be tailored for worms up to 10-inches in length or longer.
As a non-boater, my typical tackle setup for a club or team event back in the early 1980s was two 1234s, a 767, and my trusty Flambeau Adventurer 1735 crank and spinnerbait box. I used one of the 1234s as a jig, spoon, and spinnerbait box, also carrying four jars of pork, spinnerbait trailers and trailer hooks in it. The second box was for terminal tackle, extra crankbaits, Rapalas/jerkbaits, and of course, four more jars of pork. As stated above, the 767 was for worms and all the gear needed to fish them.
Of course, this was well before below-deck storage in bass boats. All this gear was placed out in the open either under the passenger console or just on the cockpit deck.
The bad thing about these boxes was that the lids had a penchant for breaking. Latches broke, both the exterior and interior, as well as the clear interior side covers. But Plano stood by their products. A quick call to their headquarters and we would have replacement lids or latches within a couple days. I can’t tell you how many lids and latches I replaced on my boxes over the years.
One of the nice things about these boxes is they took the hot Arizona and Nevada desert very well compared to Flambeau and Rebel boxes. I never had one melt or deform in the 120-degree sun where I witnessed several of the others “potato chip” after a weekend in the direct sunlight.
That’s about all for Plano 767 and 1234 Magnums. When we come across more old tackle box ads, we’ll be sure to post them. So, what was your experience with these boxes back in the day?
