Fishing takes more than just a rod and reel, and most anglers agree that having a well-organized tackle box makes fishing less stressful, safer, easier, and more productive. A solid tackle box serves as a one-stop shop for all things fishing, and it may help you keep your fishing excursion, as well as your vehicle and garage or storage area, clutter-free.
In short, the greatest tackle box gives you exactly what you need, when you need it, with easy access.
Everything from a little flat box with a snap-down lid to a large storage container divided into drawers, sections, and compartments is referred to as a tackle box. There are even tackle boxes that are soft-sided cases and backpacks rather than boxes at all.
The best tackle box for you will be determined by the type of fishing you plan to undertake and the number of accessories and tackle you want to bring along. Most serious anglers carry many tackle boxes of various sizes, ensuring that they are prepared for every fishing trip.
However, if your tackle box is an excellent match for the type of fishing you want to perform, you may get away with just one. (Read Fishing for Beginners)
Why You Need a Good Fishing Tackle Box
You may not think it necessary to have such an elaborate tackle box, yet you’d be surprised how the value of all your gear can get. Thus, it is essential to have the right tackle box to keep it all in order and protect it.
For fishing enthusiasts, most tackle bags, your tackle box is your storage room when out on the water, and you need easy access to all your hooks, like any other lures you might be using. Besides this, if you try to carry stuff bit by bit, it will get a bit bulky, thus keeping all you need in one place can help considerably.
All fishing enthusiasts will have a standard tackle box when they begin, yet these never last long as you accumulate gear.
Standard tackle boxes are hard to carry when you have a couple of fishing poles and possibly a kayak as well.
You can carry all your tackle in the best large tackle box and use shoulder straps to remain hands-free. Besides this, there should be many pockets to keep your most-used items, such as fishing pliers and other things for your fishing trip. (Find the Best Saltwater Spinning Reel Under 100)
Top Fishing Tackle Box Reviews
1. Wild River by CLC WT3702 Tackle Tek Frontier Lighted Bar Handle Tackle Bag with Five PT3700 Trays
The Wild River Tackle Tek Frontier is built for the serious angler or hobby fisherman, with a creative design and plenty of storage possibilities.
The tough backpack is ideal for inclement weather. It is made of a sturdy and long-lasting substance. The backpack contains base padding to decrease wear and tear and a protective cover to keep it dry.
The waterproof pocket in the tackle bag keeps valuables dry, which is unique for many fishing tackle boxes. The Wild River Tackle Tek provides a plethora of organizational options, and the main compartment can hold up to 5 large #3700 trays, which come included in this offering.
You’ll also find it in the big upper compartment; you can store trays, reels, rolls of fishing lines, and much more. You can even remove the partition to use the entire bag.
The bottom compartment is used to store trays, and here the front pocket cover on this fishing tackle backpack pulls down to provide an additional workspace or access to your tackle trays.
External side compartments or mesh pockets hold critical tools, while internal pockets hold a phone or wallet. A plier holder that can be removed ensures that your cutting tool is always ready to use.
Clippers or small tools can be attached to the self-retracting steel cable lanyard. Your sunglasses are kept secure in a permanently mounted molded sunglass holder. While hiking along the fishing trail, web loops can secure tools.
The bag boasts large adjustable cushioned shoulder straps and a sternum strap for a secure fit. The tackle backpack has a padded carrying handle that makes it easier to travel.
The bar handle design has a rotating grip and a built-in LED light system, so if fishing at night, the bag’s integrated LED light system will come in handy.
Pros
- High quality and great value for money
- Innovative LED-lit handle
- Solid and sturdy construction stands with trays removed
- Removable self-retracting steel cable lanyard
Cons
- Expensive
- Zippers and straps are not the most durable
With a guide price of just over $160, you pay a lot, yet you get all you need for many years. You get the best tackle box layout and ease of access when out fishing. Unlike many other fishing tackle boxes, you don’t have to open the top for access.
What you get here is more a fishing tackle system from the best tackle box. Once you are on your boat or the shore, you can set your bag in the ideal position and reach all the utility boxes and some of the best tackle boxes included with the bag. It has to be the best tackle box for bass fishing there is. (Find the Best Casting Rods)
2. Plano 7771-01 Guide Series Tackle System, Premium Tackle Storage
The Plano 7771-01 Guide Series Tackle System is one of Amazon’s most popular and highly rated tackle boxes. After trying it, it’s easy to see why this Plano angled tackle system and tackle box are so popular among anglers.
The hard-shell plastic tackle box has plenty of storage for your fishing tackle, spinnerbait, and tools. Three removable spinnerbait racks are at the top, allowing you to pull them out, inspect them, and then replace them as you can with your other fishing essentials.
The Plano 7771 Guide Series Tackle Box has dimensions of 21.25″ x 12″ x 12″ and is made of sturdy plastic. You’ll find 4 utility boxes, 3 top-access retractable spinnerbait racks, and additional bulk storage included for fishing gear in this tackle system.
For further ease of use, it has a see-through Duraview lid and an easy-grip, molded handle. The tackle box is proudly made in the United States and follows high-quality manufacturing requirements.
Like all Plano items, the Plano 7771 Guide Series Tackle Box comes with a limited lifetime guarantee against manufacturing flaws, where Plano will supply you with a complete replacement.
The box is water-resistant, and the side opens for easy access to your gear trays.
Pros
- Removable bait racks
- Pull out tackle trays – 4
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Top access
Cons
- Top and bottom catches are too close together
- No shoulder straps for long hikes
With a guide price of just under $70, you get a lot of your money to safely store all your fishing gear and fishing accessories. It sits among the best fishing tackle boxes for a good reason, and the tray tackle box can take a few bangs before it shows signs of wear and tear.
The most significant drawbacks are it has no outer storage for essential fishing gear and no shoulder strap to help carry the heavy tackle box once full.
3. Flambeau Outdoors 6382TB 2-Tray – Classic Tray Tackle Box
The Flambeau Outdoors Classic 2-Tray type may be the tackle box for you if you’re seeking a compact, budget-friendly tackle box with adjustable dividers.
Although this plastic tackle box isn’t huge, organizing the storage space will ensure you have enough room for your lures, tools, and bait.
The tackle box has eight built-in tray compartments and six detachable dividers to keep your stuff organized and safe.
The Flambeau Outdoors Classic 2-Tray Tackle Box is a great tackle box that offers an economical layout in the dimensions of 14 x 8.2 x 7.6 inches.
The design features a flip-top lid compartment for quick access to your tackle, as well as a Drawtite clasp to keep your belongings safe. The tip-guard tray supports on this tackle box ensure that your tackle storage stays firmly in place inside the fishing box, even when you’re on the run.
The Flambeau Outdoors Classic 2-Tray Tackle Box is compact and lightweight, and the durable plastic fishing box weighs barely one pound when empty.
This best small tackle box is extremely inexpensive without sacrificing quality. This tackle system is an absolute bargain at its quoted price.
Pros
- 8 built-in tray compartments & 6 dividers
- Easy Access flip-top lid
- Lightweight
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Not the most heavy-duty design
- Top-heavy when full
With a guide price of less than $12, you can’t get much cheaper for a 2 tray cantilever tackle box. It comes from one of the biggest tackle box brands, and if you are in a certain situation, this could be the best saltwater fishing tackle box you don’t need to worry about in your favorite fishing spot.
4. Spiderwire Wolf Tackle Bag
The Spiderwire Wolf Tackle Bag has a soft case design and plenty of storage space like most soft tackle bags.
This is a big tackle box bag and extremely spacious, with a capacity of 38.8 liters, including four large utility boxes or tackle trays.
Its primary compartment is totally configurable, allowing you to tailor it to your individual needs. This soft tackle boxes overall measurements are 15.75 x 10.8 x 8.2 inches, and it weighs 2.62 pounds which is less than some of the best tackle boxes on the market.
The Spiderwire Wolf Tackle Bag features various storage alternatives besides a spacious primary area.
Two front pockets and two holsters are perfect for keeping small tools like pliers or a knife. There’s also a large mesh pocket on the backside of the bag. This tackle bag has two removable fishing line dispensers on both ends, which are ideal for holding your spare fishing line.
This tackle bag is made of high-quality 1680 polyester and is exceptionally robust. The design includes a waterproof molded base, heavy-duty zippers, sturdy buckles, and a PVC backing. The strong webbing on the polypropylene shoulder strap makes this fishing tackle bag even more comfortable to carry.
This tackle bag comes with a manufacturer’s lifetime warranty as proof of its high quality. Even while we don’t expect you to have any quality difficulties, it’s always nice to know that you can have a replacement as you’d expect with the best tackle boxes.
Pros
- High-quality 1680 polyester fabric
- Heavy-duty zippers
- Waterproof molded base
- Can hold 4 large tackle boxes (included)
Cons
- Not the most durable
- No side opening to retrieve tackle trays
With a guide price of less than $50, you have a fishing tackle bag that won’t break the bank. It can hold plenty of fishing accessories, yet it falls with accessibility. The fishing tackle bag needs access from the top rather than a side loader.
What could easily be the best tackle box is let down by a simple design choice of how you access your fishing gear.
5. Plano Storage Trunk – 108 Quart w/ Wheels (1919)
The best tackle box may be a place to hold your gear, yet there is a band of anglers who need much more than a place to keep their fishing gear by their side.
The Plano storage trunk easily fills this need and is enough to store multiple tackle storage solutions inside.
Stacking grooves are molded into the product for added strength, and the tackle storage solution can hold 108 quarts. When full, it can be heavy, yet there are wheels and a pull handle you can use to get to your favorite fishing hole.
The Hyper Ghost 425 is silent, and accurate thanks to the CNC machined aluminum flight track and pre-installed string dampeners. It has an axle-to-axle width of 17.6 inches, and the entire weight is a mere 7.7 pounds.
The exterior dimensions are 37.187 inches by 18.00 inches by 14.375 inches, and the interior is 29.75 inches x 13.5 inches x 12.875 inches. Such dimensions offer some serious tackle storage. (Find the Best Surf Rods For The Money)
Plano has a long history of keeping your outdoor gear and best tackle bags safe, secure, and organized. There are even tie-downs to keep the case from moving, so if there is a chance it could end up in the water on a boat or area, you can make sure the large tackle trays stay where they should.
Pros
- Large enough to carry three removable bait racks
- Waterproof and can add a seal
- Large enough to fit small fishing rods
- Durable saltwater tackle box
Cons
- The best bass tackle box is weighty when full
- Wheels may not go over rough ground
With a guide price of less than $50, the Plano Storage Trunk can offer professional anglers a lot. It could be the best saltwater tackle box for boat use, yet it isn’t suitable to take to the river to keep your fly box.
Best Fishing Tackle Box Buying Guide
When selecting a tackle box, consider the suitable size to ensure that it is the right fit for you. You don’t want a tackle box that’s too big for your fishing lures and other gear because it’ll be difficult to carry. You also don’t want one that’s too small, since you won’t be able to fit all of your belongings inside.
Look for a tackle box that is larger than your needs so that you can expand your fishing tackle box as you gain more fishing gear.
Tackle Box, Tackle Bag, or Backpack?
Tackle boxes come in three types: a hard tackle box, a soft tackle bag, and a tackle backpack.
Hard Tackle Box
A hard tackle box resembles a toolbox in design. Hard tackle boxes, which were once made of metal but are now predominantly made of solid waterproof plastic, are excellent choices for a day fishing trip.
Like a toolbox, hard tackle boxes may have a cantilever design that allows you to see all of your fishing needs in one fast glimpse.
Some tackle boxes are ideal for young anglers who are just getting started with fishing. Hard tackle boxes may not have enough room for large tools like a fishing rod, which can be hard to store in tight spaces.
Tackle Backpack
A tackle backpack is great if you plan to go on a multi-day fishing trip or hike to a distant fishing paradise. Like a tactical backpack, a tackle backpack is made of tough, water-resistant, or waterproof material that is ideal for difficult situations.
Like many top tackle bags, a tackle backpack will contain ergonomic design features like cushioned straps and back support if you’re hiking along the trail.
Soft Tackle Bag
Consider a soft tackle bag as an alternative to a hard tackle box if you’re transporting a lot of fishing gear from your vehicle to your fishing spot. It is made of a tough, exceptionally water-resistant material that is suitable for most outdoor situations. Soft tackle bags are easy to carry and fit in a small storage space of a truck or boat because they are flexible and compact.
There are two issues with using a soft tackle bag. Unless it includes a waterproof skid-resistant molded base, such as the SpiderWire Wolf Tackle Bag, the material may shred on jagged rocks and may not be completely waterproof. (Learn California Fishing License Cost)
Size
One of the most significant features to consider is the size of your tackle box. Make sure you have a tackle box big enough to find all of your fishing lures, bait, toolsets, and accessories. Your tackle box shouldn’t be so large that it’s difficult to carry or transfer to your preferred fishing spot.
Storage
Another important element to consider is the tackle box’s storage space. A large tackle box with ample storage space or compartments to keep all of your lures and accessories organized is possible to find. Inside some tackle boxes, there are shelves, while others include sections that may be added or removed as needed.
Durability
Another important element to consider is the tackle box’s durability. Whether you’re looking for a hard shell or a softshell tackle box, you’ll want to find one that won’t shatter, crack, rip, or stretch out after a few years of use. Look for a tackle box from a respected manufacturer made entirely of weather-resistant, waterproof material and built to last.
Water Resistance
Water-resistant fabrics help protect the contents of your tackle box. Although it is tough to find a tackle box that is completely waterproof or watertight, you should look for a soft-sided bag made of water-resistant materials. When it comes to molded plastic boxes, make sure that any metal or hardware, such as hinges or latches, is rust-proof.
Materials
Another crucial type to consider is the material used to make your tackle box. The majority of hard shell tackle boxes are rust-resistant, waterproof plastic or metal that can withstand nearly any material. The flexible fabric material is used to make soft shell tackle boxes. This type of tackle box should be waterproof, and the key advantage is that it is simple to collapse and store away when not in use.
Characteristics
When looking for a high-quality tackle box, other elements to consider include special features and accessories. Some tackle boxes are available as rollable options, which is useful if you have a large tackle box or a lot of heavy stuff within. Other tackle boxes are backpack-style, allowing you to carry them on your back while fishing while trekking or camping. Removable compartments and highly reinforced handles are among the other unique features.
Warranty
When shopping for a high-quality tackle box, the length and type of warranty are important factors to consider. With tackle boxes, most reputable outdoor or fishing equipment manufacturers will include some warranty. Make sure to purchase a tackle box with a warranty covering any production flaws or immediate problems with the product after the first few usage.
Final Verdict
In testing, there were some unique designs that presented a challenge when in use. However, the Wild River by CLC WT3702 Tackle Tek Frontier Lighted Bar Handle Tackle Bag with Five PT3700 Trays stood out as there were hardly any faults come using the tackle box.
It did more than enough to keep fishing gear dry and safe, and even with no trays inside, the tackle bag remains standing. The key feature has to be the illuminated handle as this is a welcome addition when fishing or transporting gear at night.
The Tackle Tek deserves it place as the best tackle box come bag for the money.
