There are two types of anglers. The one who has their gear organized in a tackle box and well, the one who doesn’t. If your hook ever catches without any chances of recovering it, your next course of action is cutting the line and attaching everything from the hook to the sinker and bobber.
Don’t be caught rummaging through your gear when you can have one the best tackle boxes for fast and easy access to everything you need for a successful fishing excursion.
Why get a Tackle Box?
Fishing tackle is all about hooks, lures, bobbers, floats, reels, any other equipment that you may use when fishing. When you are far out on the water, having all the essential items plus extra gear is essential. It feels bad to know you have forgotten something essential miles away at the dock or in your truck.
But with a tackle box, you can keep everything organized and at arm’s length. You can create a list of the equipment you need and check them off a list as they all go in the tackle box. Next time you are out, only your technique and not your gear will matter.
How to Choose a Tackle Box:
1. Size:
When out on a boat, a heavy tackle box may not be an issue. But if you are fishing in a stream, a large tackle box will be a significant drag. Large models offer the space to store everything you need which us great if your excursion takes a few days.
Small sizes, on the other hand, are for short trips where you don’t need to carry too many items or if you are short on space in your kayak.
2. Hard vs. Soft Tackle Box:
This is an endless debate on which of the two has the upper hand. When it comes to durability, hard tackle boxes take the day. They have been used for decades since they can withstand being subjected to extreme mishandling. They have a waterproof design and worm proof trays to protect lures. They also offer additional storage on top which allows the carrying of small delicate items.
Soft tackle boxes are lightweight, flexible, and they come with extra pockets. You can choose an ideal design from backpacks to duffels making them easy to handle. But they are not very durable.
3. Box vs. Backpack vs. Bag Tackle Boxes:
Box tackle boxes are hard and usually made of plastic and metal. They are bulky with fixed storage compartments. Backpack tackle boxes are just as the name suggests. You can carry them over the back, but they have fold-out compartments that can be switched at will. Bag tackle boxes look like duffel bags. They have lots of extra pockets so that you not only get to store fishing equipment but also keep additional pairs of socks or a flotation device.
Best Fishing Tackle Boxes
1. Plano 7771 Guide Series Tackle System - Best Overall
We start off with a tackle box from a legendary brand; Plano. This model is designed to last a lifetime. You will get full value for the money you spend on it, since it has everything you need in a pro organizer.
Design Features and Performance:
With this model, you can store both large and small tackle. It comes with two 2-3500 and four 2-3701 ProLatch, stow away utility boxes. The top section carries three removable bait racks that have separate access. You will like that this section has a DuraView cover that allows seeing the bait so will know how much is left during your angling expedition.
It has bulk storage for other items like spin cast reels or cooking tools. The over-molded handle offers simple and straightforward carriage since it will not be light if you fill it up with gear.
It is a substantial model that offers true monetary value.
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2. Ready 2 Fish - Best Cheap Tackle Box
Ready 2 Fish is the only tackle box you will need to plan and complete a fishing excursion worry free.
Design and Performance Features
This tackle box includes 132 pieces of tackle neatly arranged in their compartments. It comes with bobbers, jig heads, slit shots, bait holder hooks, curl tail worms, and many others. If you don’t know if you will need a specific tool, you can’t go wrong with a choice that already has the essentials for you.
All you have to bring is your A-game and experience and have the time of your life reeling in big fish. It boasts a construction by Plano, which is a brand known for making durable tackle boxes.
From the lightweight design to the ease of handling, we are convinced this is one of the best cheap tackle boxes.
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3. Spiderwire 38.8L Wolf Tackle Bag - Best Tackle Bag
Spiderwire Wolf is a durable soft tackle bag that has so many pockets. If you are never sure what not to bring for fishing and you end up wishing you had that extra room, you will want to consider this model.
Design Features and Performance:
This bag has a construction from 1680 denier polyester. It is tough and water resistant to match it with the water environment. It is complemented by a PVC backing on the fabric while the bottom is molded. It can take on the marine environment and still offer a lifetime of use.
With a 38.8L capacity, this bag consists of adjustable dividers in the interior where you can input all types of fishing tackle. On the exterior, you have a rubberized mesh, back pocket, two front pockets, removable line dispensers, and two tool holsters for pliers.
The padded shoulder strap, strong buckles, zippers, and latches, all make it an essential tackle bag for the avid angler.
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4. Plano Guide Bag - Best Designed Tackle Bag
Plano always has something great up their sleeves when it comes to tackle boxes. This particular model from the guide series is all about performance. It allows you to bring your full arsenal to your favorite fishing spot without feeling the bulk of it all.
Design Features and performance:
This model comes with a 3600-size box on the top. It can accommodate the tackle pieces that you want to access fast. Its rail system includes 34 ports for all your accessories. They also provide quick access to the tools you need. The inside consists of five tackle trays that will stay securely in the bag since it has a stable base including four corner feet that keep it away from the floor.
It has pockets on three sides and a mesh slip pocket. You will like that the pockets have D rings and you get external clips for external gear. The zippers are all smooth and ready to go when you are.
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5. Wild River Tackle Tek Nomad XP Lighted Backpack - Best High-End Tackle Backpack
The Wild River Nomad XP is a tackle bag designed for anglers who take day-long excursions. It has lots of storage space and USB power supply to extend the battery life of your USB rechargeable devices.
Design Features and Performance
To handle your tackle, this bag can hold six 3600-size trays and four 3500-series trays. Two 3600 series trays are already included, so you have the basic trays for short sessions. The internal and external pockets all have mesh to make it easy to find something. You will find the external pockets especially useful when you want to include stuff that you want to access quickly. It also has a removable plier holder.
We like that it has an LED system that allows you to see the internal components after dusk. Not to mention the adjustable, padded shoulder straps that are snug and comfortable for wearing all night.
The dual zippered pocket for the USB power supply can hold your phone securely. With four USB adapter tips, it will be easy to charge your iPhone as well as your Android phone. It is the fishing solution for long trips on isolated grounds.
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6. Piscifun Single Shoulder Outdoor Tackle Bag - Best Tackle Backpack for Kayakers
Piscifun is made with safety in mind. It is a small tackle bag that is ideal for kayakers. With the small space that kayakers face, it manages to utilize its compact space while ensuring you can bring essential gear.
Design Features and Performance:
This bag is water resistant. It has 1000D nylon fabric construction. This is a durable material that can handle weight and lots of equipment without damaging the fabric. The SBS zippers and KAM buckle are all abrasion-resistant to keep your arsenal safe.
Storing your lures, hooks, and other tackle is straightforward since it includes three internal compartments and three zippered, external compartments. One of the side pockets can hold a water bottle while the two on the side will keep stuff like keys and fishing pliers. You get two pockets on the bottom and two extra rod belts.
This bag offers multiple ways of carriage. From a handbag to a side sling, chest bag or crossbody bag, whichever you feel comfortable.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
Can tackle boxes hold fish?
Tackle boxes are not designed to hold fish. They accommodate fishing equipment. Instead, you could get a decent ice bucket to store your catch.
Do tackle boxes come with plastic trays?
Not all tackle bags will come with plastic trays. It depends on the manufacturer and the size of the boxes. Tackle boxes that come with plastic trays may include the 3600-size stowaway containers.
Do tackle boxes have a phone compartment?
Again not all tackle boxes have phone compartments. This is because they will need to be entirely waterproofed. If they have that option, they will be sure to include it in the description.
Can you use tackle boxes for saltwater fishing?
Tackle boxes designed for inshore fishing have solid bodies that are waterproof. Remember that salt water is corrosive and damaging to gear. As such, the tackle box should not soak equipment. Your tackle should be dry until it is used and then you can rinse it off with fresh water. The Plano 7771 Guide Series is an example of a tackle box for saltwater fishing.
How to wash a tackle bag?
Soft-sided tackle bags can be washed using soap, water, and scrubbed with vinegar and baking soda. Leave the tackle bag out in the sun to dry. It is not recommended to machine wash a tackle bag.
Tackle boxes need wiping with baking soda and vinegar to rid of any smell.
Final Thoughts:
Before you head out to your all-time fishing spot, be sure to store your arsenal in our best fishing tackle boxes. Our top recommendation is the Plano 7771 Guide Series. It is waterproof, durable, and ready to hold essential pieces.
For beginners looking for a cheap model; Ready 2 Fish is the way to go. It comes with 132 pieces meaning you are set to start a new hobby. And for kayakers, you are well off with the Piscifun Side Sling Tackle Bag. Being compact and waterproof, it is a kayaker’s must-have item on board.