Fishing is an excellent antidote to the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It’s just you, the water, and the all-absorbing challenge of hooking a tasty trout or two before the sun goes down. Whether it is to get away for a few hours for some waterside R&R, an offshore adrenaline trip with your buddies, or down to the river to catch that night’s supper, you still need to organize all your fishing gear. This is why our guide to the best fishing tackle boxes is such a timely catch.
Best overall: Plano 7771 Guide Series Tackle Box
- Three removable racks with separate access
- Large bulk storage area
- Top access with DuraView lens
- Nameplate order form included for personalization
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Model: 7771-01
- Weight: 13 lbs
Pros
- Substantial storage space for all your fishing tackle essentials
- Clear lid to view contents
- It comes with removable spinnerbait racks
Cons
- A bulky size
- When full it can be heavy
Our first choice fishing tackle box is the Plano 7771. This product is a great, all-around box that sucks up all of your gear in its cavernous storage space and spits it out in an organized fashion.
The box includes four utility boxes and a bulk storage area underneath a clear view cover for your fishing lures, bobbers, etc. The secure lid also has three removable spinnerbait racks for quick and easy access. The durable, water-resistant exterior of this plastic tackle box protects your gear and takes dents, dings, and scratches, so your gear doesn’t have to. If you are looking for one tackle box to fit everything, then the 7771 could well be the tackle carrier for you. It also comes with an over-molded handle for comfort, but be warned, when fully packed this tackle box can be weighty and may not be the best choice if you have a long trek to your fishing site. But other than that, it’s a great design and a good tackle box. Read the in-depth review here.
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Best value: Spiderwire Wolf Tackle Box
- 38.8L capacity designed into a flight carry-on sized bag
- Made from durable polyester with a molded, waterproof base
- Spacious interior space which comes with four tackle boxes included
- Two large front pockets complete with fishing organizers
- Removable side fishing line dispensers
- Model: SPA006
- Weight: 6.35lbs
Pros
- Ideal size for the traveling, and flying, angler
- Surprisingly spacious capacity and plenty of pockets
- Built to last
Cons
- Body of the bag is not totally waterproof
For the modern traveling angler, you can’t go wrong with this tough, practical fishing tackle backpack from Spiderwire, which packs a whole lot of gear despite its mid-bag size. The SpiderWire Wolf Tackle Bag takes a duffel bag approach and is cleverly designed to support all your day-to-day fishing as well as fishing trips further from home.
A soft tackle box, its size means that it can be used as a carry-on bag when flying but still offers 38L internal capacity for all your tackle. The 1680 denier polyester construction makes it durable and resistant to abrasions. Additionally, you’ll find a waterproof, skid-resistant molded base to keep its shape. The roomy interior can take up to four large tackle boxes, which are included. There are two large and easy-to-access front pocket storage compartments with internal fishing organizers for your tools and small bits. Read the in-depth review here.
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Best basic tackle box: Plano 3-Tray Tackle Box
- Two top-access storage areas
- Three cantilever trays
- Brass bailed latch
- Durable plastic housing
- Collapsible handle
- Weight: 3.52lbs
Pros
- Simple lightweight design
- Lots of storage space
- Durable housing
Cons
- While sturdy, the box is made of plastic
As you might have guessed by now, Plano is one of the biggest names in the world of fishing tackle boxes. We’ve selected the simple Plano 3-Tray Tackle Box as one of our favorites. This humble tackle box is both super simple and completely ingenious. You open the box to reveal a four-tier organizational system with three cantilever trays and a large bulk storage tray. That’s a huge amount of storage in such a small box.
This fishing box is the answer for the angler with minimal gear who doesn’t need all the bells and whistles of your average large tackle box. It’s perfect for quick, light, and easy travel, or for beginners who just want to get started.
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Best for kids and beginners: Flambeau Outdoors 6382 Classic 2-Tray Tackle Box
- Eight tray compartments
- Six removable dividers
- Flip-top lid
- Increased base storage
- Drawtite latch
- Model: 6382TB
- Weight: 1lb
Pros
- Plenty of storage space
- Easy to organize your tackle
- Competitively priced
Cons
- Not the most durable box
With eight tray compartments and six removable dividers, the Flambeau Outdoors 6382 Classic 2-Tray Tackle Box can micromanage a whole fishing trip by itself. Even though it is a bit on the small side, the fact that it has a well-thought-out layout helps make up for it. It also has increased base storage, so though it looks small, this tackle box can carry a whole lot more than anticipated. The addition of a flip-top lid accessory compartment is a nice touch. Everything is kept in place thanks to a secure drawtite latch and handy tip-guard tray supports.
We love this option for kids because it weighs just one pound, is bright enough to be found easily, and allows space for plenty of gear to get a young angler started. This box provides ample storage space for a novice or intermediate angler of any age.
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Best hard tackle box: Plano Angled Tackle Box System
- Angled tackle system
- Three 3560 stowaway boxes
- Four Duraview exterior compartments
- Large main compartment
- Ergonomic handle
Pros
- Rugged and durable construction
- Compact and portable
- Plenty of storage space for small items
Cons
- Some reports of bad customer service
Keep your gear neatly organized and catch like the pros with the rugged Plano Angled Tackle System. This highly efficient tackle box includes three 3560 stowaway utility boxes and plenty of room to hold soft baits and all sorts of tackle needed for expert fishing. The main compartment has the utility box at a 15° angle and is fitted with a set of DuraView lens covers and doors.
Though it is fitted with lots of moving drawers and compartments, the integrity of its overall structure is stellar. It can hold up against unsettled waters at your favorite fishing hole or bad weather. The plastic exterior of this popular tackle box can stand up to the great outdoors, offering durability and long-term use.
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Best for saltwater: Okeechobee Fats Fisherman Deluxe Tackle Box
- Heavy-duty polyester canvas blend with double stitched seams
- Large, top-loading compartment and three easy-access pockets
- Velcro-wrapped carry handle and padded shoulder strap
- Sure-grip bottom spike pads to keep it securely on the ground
- It comes with four large utility tackle boxes
- Weight: 3.6lbs
Pros
- Tons of storage and flexible organization options
- The tough build makes it a great all-round/all-weather bag
- Comfort handle and shoulder straps make it easy to carry
Cons
- Lacks a little in structure and rigidity
The Okeechobee Fats makes hauling hardcore fishing gear a walk in the park. The Fisherman Deluxe has been built tough and is a great go-to for the more adventurous fisherman who needs to get their gear safely to a far-off boat or fishing spot.
This cool-looking fishing tackle backpack is also equally at home at the pier or quayside. This is one of our favorite soft tackle boxes due to the ease of use, handy padded shoulder strap, and plenty of separate compartments for all your gear and fishing essentials. The interior fits four large tackle boxes through the top-loading compartment, with three additional pockets for extra gear. Spike pads stabilize the base on uneven ground, so this fishing backpack can go wherever you do. Lastly, the exterior is made of high-quality materials: heavy-duty polyester and canvas blend provide exceptional durability.
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Most versatile: CLC Wild River Tackle Tek Frontier Tackle Box
- Soft material bag with a bar handle design
- Capacity to hold five 3700-style trays
- Adjustable top compartment and four mesh pockets
- Removable retracting lanyard for small tools
- Integrated LED light system
- Model: WT3702
- Weight: 11lbs
Pros
- Nicely durable with bags of storage space
- Lots of nice extras you didn’t know you needed
- Perfect for night fishing
Cons
- On the expensive side
- It could be a little cumbersome for smaller boats
If you like all the bells and whistles, you will love the CLC Wild River Tackle Tek Frontier Tackle Box. This is certainly no ordinary tackle box, it has a host of whizzy features, add-ons, and nice touches to make packing for your next fishing trip feel like a real event. The included utility boxes and an incredible amount of pockets make packing easy.
On first look, it is an attractive-looking soft tackle box, made from a tough, flexible material with a solid bar handle that can carry your core fishing tackle. But it’s when you open the roll-back flap to reveal what’s inside that you realize there is nothing ordinary about the Tackle Tek. The bottom compartment comes with five plastic tackle boxes for storing baits and lures. On the side panels, you’ll find a pocket on each side and space for fishing pliers. Open the top, and you’ll find a see-through zippered pocket with dividers and three large storage compartments. To bring it all home, the handle has a built-in LED light for night fishing, making it easy to see your gear and grab exactly what you need.
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Best kit: Wakeman Fishing Tackle Box and 55 Pc Tackle Kit
- Made from molded plastic with easy to carry, collapsible handle
- Single tray removable box with underneath open storage
- Translucent plastic lid with built-in compartments
- It comes complete with a 55-piece fishing tackle pack
- Great value for a starter tackle box
- Model: 80-FSH5016
- Weight: 2.2lbs
Pros
- A great value basic tackle box, complete starter kit
- Well-made box with sufficient storage for the price
Cons
- Latches need to be snapped on properly to stay in place
- Starter tackle kit is not the highest quality
If you want to get real value for your money, then cast your fishing net on the well-made Wakeman, an all-in-one traditional tackle box with plenty of gear to get you started. This is the perfect starter tackle box that will also be appreciated by the more experienced angler looking for a solid way to store and carry their tackle. This fishing box includes a fishing line, sinkers, hooks, fishing bobbers, lures, and swivels.
Unlike the other models in our best tackle boxes guide, this product is a single tray box, but its capacity is quite impressive, and there’s also a clip lid with built-in compartments for quick and easy access to small items. For more bulk storage, you can remove the single tray box, plus there’s access to some open space below for other necessities.
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Best rolling: Elkton Outdoors Rolling Tackle Box
- Wheels for rolling, convert to shoulder straps when you need to carry
- Padded and adjustable top storage compartment
- Sufficient space for up to 12 tackle trays
- Four external PVC rod holders
- Made from durable, waterproof fabric
- Weight: 13lbs
Pros
- Durable, waterproof, light, compact, and convenient
- Effective wheel and handle system for easy rolling
- Surprisingly roomy and adjustable interior
Cons
- It can’t be rolled on tough ground or steep inclines
- On the pricy side
Take the strain out of lugging your fishing gear around with a rolling tackle bag like the Elkton Outdoors Rolling Tackle Box. This versatile four-wheel tackle box can be rolled or carried, making it an excellent choice for most fishing trips or days on the water. For when the track gets rougher, pop down the handle and pop out its padded shoulder straps, and you have a comfortable backpack.
The front panel opens to showcase five hard tackle boxes and a mesh zippered pocket on the panel. Next, two huge pockets adorn the side, perfect for storing large tools, water, or personal gear. There’s also a top panel with three storage compartments separated by dividers and a mesh pocket on the very top panel.
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Why trust us
While I am not an expert angler, I turned to my father, a man who has fished his whole life, and the wealth of available information available on the internet. This guide is the result of hours of reading product reviews, researching and watching videos on fishing gear, and some quality time with my father fishing.
Who this is for
This guide is for the beginner to the intermediate angler. A more experienced angler likely already has his favorite bags alongside the best fishing tackle. If you are looking to upgrade from a basic box to the right tackle box for you, this guide is a great place to start.
How we picked
First up, I asked my dad what he recommended and consulted my uncles too. Next, I reviewed best sellers and curated a selection that I felt served beginner to intermediate anglers with options in many styles and at various price points.
Features to look for in tackle boxes
You’ll want to consider the following key features before buying your new fishing tackle box:
Size
Look for a good tackle box that will not only fit your gear now but will also be suitable for your fishing in the future, particularly if you are new to the line casting game. The best way is to pick a decent-sized box that has room to grow as your tackle does. The best tackle box grows with you. Just one word of caution –- a box that’s too big will prove cumbersome and heavy to carry. If you really do need to go for a large capacity, then opting for a fishing tackle backpack is a good way to go.
Gear storage
Look for a tackle bag or box that can easily store all your gear, from your smaller reels and floats to your rods and nets, even your lunch and flask of hot coffee. Good quality fishing tackle boxes and packs should offer additional storage units, sections, and pockets so you can pack all you need away but remain easy to reach when needed. Again, remember there will be a weight and size trade-off, so check the box is still easy to carry.
Lure compartments
Go for a box that has compartments specifically designed for your delicate lures, hooks, and sinkers.
Materials
There’s a range of materials used for making tackle boxes, and some are better than others. Your choice of material depends on what you are looking for, but as a general rule of thumb, go for a lightweight tackle box that is durable and easy to carry. Molded plastic makes lightweight boxes, while packs made from nylon are easier and more flexible to carry. Go for quality plastic or nylon, and you will get a durable fishing tackle box or pack that has been designed to last. Try to avoid metal boxes if you can, as they don’t fare as well when it comes to the rough and tough sea of waterside life.
Waterproof quality
Hey, you can’t go fishing and keep completely dry, right? But with the right box or pack, your gear can be. Making sure your gear is water protected will help it last longer. For a fishing tackle bag, check that the nylon is waterproof, the zippers are durable and watertight, and the seams are double-sealed. With a solid tackle box, make sure the seals and hinges are waterproof, and the whole box locks watertight.
Durability
No one wants a product that falls apart immediately, so look for sturdy, durable boxes and bags. For hard tackle boxes, this usually means sturdy, molded plastic and watertight seals. With tackle bags, you should look for nylon or polyester exteriors that are built to withstand the elements.
Worm-proof tray technology
Worm-proof tray technology helps avoid melting when certain plastics interact with each other. There are still types of lures that should be kept separate, but most fishing boxes are now made with soft plastics that don’t react with lures.
Warranty
A warranty is always a good sign that a company stands behind its product, and it offers you additional peace of mind with your purchase. Warranties aren’t always a must-have, but they are certainly a bonus.
Types of tackle boxes
Hard
Hard tackle boxes are often smaller than a fishing tackle bag or fishing backpack. These hard boxes are great for day trips to the water and make organization easy, often allowing you to see everything you’re storing. The only caveat is that these boxes can become cumbersome to carry.
Soft
Soft tackle boxes and tackle bags are great for traveling and providing alternative ways to transport your fishing lures and equipment. If you can quickly remember where everything is stored, these bags are an excellent choice. However, you can not easily see all of your equipment and they are less waterproof than boxes. Most soft tackle bags provide easier means of transportation than the traditional tackle box.
Rollable
Rollable tackle boxes are excellent for travel or heading to fishing areas where there are easy paths you can roll your bag down. These fishing accessories offer plenty of space for all your fishing lures, hooks, bobbers, sinkers, tools, and more. The thing to watch out for is to ensure your rollable bag has easy carry options when you can no longer roll it.
Tackle box FAQ
Q: Do I want a tackle box or tackle backpack?
A: To go soft or hard when it comes to how you carry your tackle depends on how you fish and where you fish from. If you fish mostly from a kayak or small boat, a softer fishing tackle backpack is a good option. If you fish from a riverbank, beach, or pier, then a hard tackle box works well. To help you decide, here’s our lowdown on box or backpack:
Tackle box – A solid box typically made from plastic to keep all your fishing gear organized and a topside handle for carrying. Often you can find a waterproof tackle box or at the very least a water-resistant one.
- Pros: Very durable and typically waterproof. It comes with plenty of space and compartments to stash away your fishing gear. Easy to access lid, often clear so you can see what’s inside. Capacity to carry your larger items and robust compartments for your lures and live bait.
- Cons: It can be heavy and bulky and will take up more space. This option is not ideal for travel, and tackle bags are.
Tackle backpack – A large, rucksack style of tackle bag, typically made from tough nylon that gives hands-free carrying for your fishing gear. Inside these packs, you will likely find large utility boxes and handy storage compartments.
- Pros: Can offer the largest capacity, great for carrying any size tackle. Flexible storage and robust enough to go fishing ‘off trail’. Weighs less than hard boxes; hands-free, just throw it on your back, and off you go! Removable compartments rather than rigid storage trays.
- Cons: Not all are waterproof; soft outer means less protection for your gear.
Q: How should I organize my tackle box?
A: By preparing your tackle box or backpack before each fishing trip, you will save yourself plenty of time and frustration when out on the water. This way, you will know you always have enough lures, baits, line, reels, etc. Here are a few tips to get your tackle box ship-shape and ready:
Keep it clean – Get rid of anything you don’t need and throw away any waste or leftovers from your last trip. Also, check any of your time-limited gear to make sure it is good to use. Then wipe the box interior down to make sure it is dry and as dirt-free as possible.
Get labeling – Most boxes will have compartments or trays so you can keep your bait separate and ready for each type of fish. Labeling these will make sure you can restock your box quickly and you will always have the right lure and bait to hand when that monster halibut comes calling.
Create your own packing system – Pack your box or backpack in an order that works with your fishing prep and style, so it logically fits with your boat or quayside routine. Keep to this system and you will know the inside of the box as the back of your hand, making it easier and quicker for you to kit up, bait up, and go. If you know it’s hard for you to remember your system, opt for clear boxes so you can see your system more quickly.
Replenish and store – Ok, it may be a bit of a hassle, especially if it’s been an awesome fishing trip and all you now want to do is kick back and relax with a nice post-fishing brew. Trust us, time spent checking and restocking your tackle box before you stash it away for next time is well-spent.
Q: What do you need in a basic tackle box?
A: To start, you’ll need to develop a small stash of tackle. Fishing line and hooks are a great place to start, followed by bait and lures. You’ll also want some bobbers, sinkers and swivels, and some tools on hand to make your day easier. Handy tools include fishing pliers and a sharp knife.
Q: Why is it called a tackle box?
A: Fishing gear is called tackle. Therefore the name tackle box, as a method of storing all your equipment, was born.
Q: How do you store a hook in a tackle box?
A: There are several ways to store hooks in your fishing tackle. You can place these hooks in a compartment in your utility box, attached to safety pins for separating sizes, kept in their packaging or you can glue a small magnet to stick the hooks to inside your tackle box.
Sources:
- Essential Fishing Supplies for Every Trip – Reserve America
