Fish is wholesome food. Nothing beats the flavor of a fresh fish. And if the fish has been caught by yourself, the joy of eating it becomes more worthwhile.
Fishing is a way of stress management for some and a past-time for others. Whichever category you belong to, you cannot make do without a fishing tackle box. It is one of the most important accessories any angler can own. It keeps all of your lures and bait safe and organized within arm’s length.
If you are a fishing pro, you will know its importance. But if you are just starting out, we suggest that you get a suitable tackle box for yourself. It will have a powerful impact on your fishing performance.
In this article, we have reviewed some of the best tackle boxes available on the market to assist you in your search for a suitable one. Read on to learn more.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Fishing Tackle Boxes
- OUR TOP PICK: Elkton Outdoors Rolling Fishing Tackle Bag
- RUNNER-UP: Plano 3-Tray Tackle Box with Dual Top Access
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Plano Large 2 Sided Tackle Box
Comparison Chart of the Best Fishing Tackle Boxes
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Are All Tackle Boxes The Same?
The simple answer to this question is no. All products are most certainly not the same. Build-wise, they are classified into two categories, hard tackle boxes, and soft tackle boxes.
Plano 3-Tray Tackle Box with Dual Top Access
Hard tackle boxes are constructed from high-quality plastic with resin in them. This makes them stronger and more durable. They have a solid structure with fold-out trays installed in them to bring your gear into a clear view as soon as you open it. They are equipped with lids that keep the gear secure inside their compartments. So even if you drop them by accident, the gear will not damage or scatter.
Soft tackle boxes are made of soft fabrics. They are more bags than boxes. They are more flexible, so they offer more wiggle space to cram some extra stuff inside. They can easily house a number of trays or small boxes together. They also have extra zipped or mesh exterior pockets for storage purposes. They usually have padded shoulder straps or handles, which makes them more comfortable to carry around.
How to Choose a Tackle Box
The fishing industry is booming. Every day, you come across something new and better. The same is the case with these products. The range of products in this category is swelling uncontrollably. This leaves buyers more confused as they don’t know what to look for.
If you are among such people, worry not because in this section we have listed some of the distinguishing features that make for a great tackle box. You can evaluate your choice of product against these to find out whether it is worth buying or not.
Hard vs. Soft Tackle Box
Tackle boxes are classified into two categories, hard tackle boxes, and soft tackle boxes.
Hard tackle boxes are more solid and sturdy. They feature fold-out trays that have compartments to keep your gear safe and organized. Soft tackle boxes utilize fabric, so they are more flexible and lightweight. They offer a wiggle space to cram more stuff inside them. They are more comfortable to carry around because of padded handles that are installed on them.
Size
The size of a tackle box is its most important feature. When considering the size, you should also consider the number of your fishing essentials, as well as how big a box you are willing to carry around with you. These items come in varying sizes, so you must choose the most ideal and practical size according to your needs.
Waterproofing
The waterproofing of the tackle box is also quite essential. Since fishing is a water activity, there is a high chance that your equipment will get soaked. Hard tackle boxes are generally made from plastic, so they are essentially waterproof. For soft tackle boxes, we suggest that you choose a water-repelling one as a wet tackle box will burden you more.
Capacity
All tackle boxes are certainly not built the same. Some offer more storage capacity than others. While some can store one tray, others not only handle more trays but also house more gear inside them. It is also important to check the window for customization. The ability to adjust the slots and compartment options is an added brownie point of any tackle box.
Warranty
Just like any other product, it is important to check the warranty coverage you are getting on a tackle box. Warranty is the sign of the faith a manufacturer has in its product. Some items are backed up with a one-year warranty while others get a lifetime warranty over their performance. Choosing the latter is more to your advantage.
Review of the Best Fishing Tackle Boxes
When it comes to organizing your fishing gear, the one thing that comes to mind is a tackle box. One item alone can house the eternity of your fishing equipment. But that one tackle box is worth an entire shopping trip.
From a pile of products from a myriad of brands, how do you know which one will fulfill your demands? Overwhelmed? Don’t be. Below is a detailed account of some of the best tackle boxes that are available on the market. Read on to know about them and make an informed decision of buying one for yourself.
Best Overall:
Elkton Outdoors Rolling Fishing Tackle Bag
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Anglers who have recently invested in this item report that it is an amazing product. Buyers really like the storage space it offers. People like it for the ease it offers with wheels and an extendable handle that has enabled them to roll it anywhere. Coming with 4-rod holders, it is a dream-come-true for professional anglers who are greatly satisfied with it.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This soft tackle box has a lot to offer. It is designed to facilitate its users with an extendable handle and wheels. It has a lot of space to store all your gear in an organized manner. You can also store up to 4 rods in it. It has a padded shoulder strap to carry on surfaces where wheels won’t work. It is crafted with a durable and waterproof fabric that is also very lightweight, so it is not a burden on your shoulders.
Who Will Use This Most
Well, this tackle box is designed with professionals in mind. That does not mean beginners cannot use it. It offers enough facilities to be favored by both. Anglers who don’t like carrying their gear in hand will also like it for its rolling properties. People who prefer soft tackle boxes over hard ones will also like using this one.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a high-quality soft tackle box, then look no further. This one is a combined package of great appearance and functionality. It boasts a durable build that is equipped with wheels for easy transportation.
If you don’t feel like rolling it or cannot roll it, you can use the shoulder strap to carry it. It is crafted from waterproof material to keep it safe from water damage. All in all, it’s a convenient product at a great price.
Runner-up:
Plano 3-Tray Tackle Box with Dual Top Access
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
All the people who have recently bought this item agree that it is one sturdy model. They are immensely satisfied by how well it has held up even after very rough usage. Users like it for its fold-out tray design that gives them easier access to their gear.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This is one of the most outstanding products. It features a solid and sturdy design. The collapsible handle is a plus point that does not get in the way when you want to stow it away. It has two small compartments on top of the box that can accommodate thin counters.
It is a wonderful product that is large enough to hold all of your lures and bait in one place and small enough to easily store when not in use.
Who Will Use This Most
We find this to be the perfect tackle box for every angler. It is especially beneficial for fishers who like to collect a variety of fishing gear. It keeps all the things safe and organized, so it is great for people who have a compulsive obsession with keeping everything in a proper manner. Anglers who want a medium-sized tackle box to take on fishing trips will also find great uses for it.
Bottom Line
Considering all the great aspects of this hard tackle box, we can assure you that you won’t regret buying this one. It has a solid and sturdy build that can withstand the toughest of working conditions. It has a fold-out tray design that provides easier access to your stuff. Topped with a collapsible handle and two thin storage compartments, it is a truly amazing product that you must consider buying for yourself.
Best for the Money:
Plano Large 2 Sided Tackle Box
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
People who recently invested in this item are generally satisfied with their purchase. They say that the two-sided design offers a lot of storage space. The see-through lids are nice as they offer an easy view of what is kept inside. Another well-liked feature is the removable dividers that users can adjust according to their own preferences.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This is a multi-purpose box that can accommodate all of your gear easily and efficiently. You can set it up according to your personal style. It is crafted from sturdy plastic that is essentially waterproof, so all your gear remains safe. The divider is removable but doesn’t come off by themselves, so there is no risk of everything getting mixed up.
Who Will Use This Most
Since it is diverse and versatile, it is perfect for people who like to add a personal touch to their things. People who prefer hard tackle boxes over soft ones will like using this product. Anglers who want a compact box to keep everything near them will also like using it. Fishers who don’t want to burden themselves with bulky tackle boxes are also likely to use this the most.
Bottom Line
For people who want a sturdy and solid tackle box to accompany them on their fishing trips, this is a useful buy. It offers a great opportunity to set up your tackle box according to your own preference. You can adjust the lengths and widths of its compartments to accommodate your gear as you like. It keeps it organized even if the entire box is turned over to use the other side.
All in all, it is one of the best products that come at a reasonable price.
Best Ice Fishing Tackle Box:
CatchMeister Fishing Tackle Box
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Those who have recently bought this tackle box and fishing kit have found it to be an amazing product. They say that the biggest benefit of buying this product is that it is a complete all in one set. They have found it equally effective in both freshwater and seawater fishing. Although some buyers have found it small, it makes up for its size by being a complete package.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This is an ultimate fishing gear set. Along with the tackle box, you get a wholesome variety of lures and bait to help you in your fishing. It also includes a variety of fishing accessories like weight sinkers, line stoppers, leaders, and swivels. It has a compact design that is easy to carry around. It is not only waterproof but also features a number of modular compartments that can be rearranged.
Who Will Use This Most
According to us, this tackle box and fishing gear kit is designed to be used by anyone, an angler who has just started or a pro who has been at it for a long time. It is great for people who have difficulty selecting individual bait, lures, and other fishing accessories. It is a complete package that is suitable for gifting purposes too.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a complete fishing set, then look no further as this is a suitable one for you. It features a durable and waterproof design with modular compartments to organize and store your equipment. It has a smaller footprint, so you can easily carry it around with you and stow it away when not needed. We wrap up by saying that this is one of the most amazing tackle boxes we have come across.
Best Fly Fishing Tackle Box:
Barrett’s Outdoors Small Tackle Box
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Users who recently invested in this product report that it is a high-quality product. They like that it has storage compartments on both sides that are secured by translucent lids. These lids have also been helpful for users to identify what is stored in a certain compartment. They have also been able to use the movable inserts to create a customized look for their convenience.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We like that this wonderful storage box is a complete package of beauty and utility. It comes in a bright orange color that is easy to spot. With numerous compartments, it can easily hold up a large number of small items. The movable inserts also ensure that you have enough room for bigger and delicate things. It is sent to the market after tough testing procedures, so there is no doubt about its quality.
Who Will Use This Most
This beautiful and fully functional box offers a lot of space for numerous small objects. People who have a knack of losing small stuff will find this to be a useful product to keep their things safe.
It is great for anglers of every level as it not only keeps their gear safe but also protects it from water damage. This box is also great for kids to store their precious trinkets, as well as ladies who accumulate a number of sewing accessories.
Bottom Line
A bright-colored item to address all your gear storage needs, this is surely worth your attention. Coming to you after a tough testing protocol, it is guaranteed to perform well. With two side storage compartments separated only by translucent lids, this is an attractive way of keeping your gear safe and organized by your side.
Best Kayak Fishing Tackle Box:
RUNCL Fishing Tackle Box
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Fishermen who have recently invested in this product have found it to be a great product. They especially like the concave top design that saves them the trouble of even lure organization. They say that it is very sturdy, completely waterproof, and surprisingly UV-resistant. They don’t have to worry about any damage to their gear by exposure to the sun for longer periods of time.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The standout feature of this item is its amazing UV protection ability. Some fishing lures are quite delicate and cannot withstand direct sunlight for long. This is an effective product that keeps them safe inside it while deflating damaging UV rays from the sun. The sturdy design, along with waterproofing properties, make it a solid contender on our list.
Who Will Use This Most
Anglers who own delicate lures that are prone to oxidation or fading when exposed to the sun will find this to be an amazingly useful item to keep them safe. It is also highly useful for people who have amassed a big collection of lures and don’t have a way of keeping them organized. Those who are looking for customizable items to store their gear will also find this to be a useful product.
Bottom Line
We all agree that choosing the perfect item for yourself is a difficult task. Make it easier and choose this one. It is an all-in-one package that is sturdy, durable, reliable, waterproof, and sun-proof. It will not only organize your fishing gear but also keep it safe from external elements.
Best Small Fishing Tackle Box:
Flambeau Outdoors 6382TB
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers who recently purchased and used this product have been using it for a number of purposes. Some used it as a first aid kit, while others used it for their art supplies. All report that they are quite satisfied with their purchase. They do report some shortcomings, but those are small enough to forgo.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This product stands out to us for its versatility. You can use it for a number of purposes. Other than tackle storage, it can be used as a medical kit, a jewelry box, a crafting and arts supplies kit, as well as a tool kit. It can surely serve all of these uses. The sturdy build ensures that all the things you put inside are safe and organized.
Who Will Use This Most
Those who want a small and compact item to keep their limited amount of fishing equipment are likely to prefer this one. Professional fishers who have a huge collection of lures and bait, but want to take out a small part of it for their fishing trip will also make great use of this. Users who like organizing their things into boxes for safekeeping will also like using this product.
Bottom Line
Buying this product is a safe investment. You not only get a quality product, but you also get a great storage space to keep all your tackle safe and organized. Compact and small, it will surely serve you bigger purposes.
Best Bass Fishing Tackle Box:
Bins & Things Fishing Tackle Box
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers of this clear top tackle box report that this is an excellent product. They have been using it for a variety of purposes. From storing tools, crafting materials, and sewing items, its performance has been regarded as incredible in every category.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It stands out because it is one sturdy and spacious item. Although you can use it for a variety of purposes, the best purpose to us is its usage as a tackle box. It features 3 fold-out trays that have numerous compartments to safely store your gear. Two of these trays have removable dividers so you can customize them according to your needs.
The compact design also makes it easy to stow anywhere on your boat or at home when not needed.
Who Will Use This Most
This plastic constructed box is suitable for a lot of different purposes. People who are into crafting will find it an amazing storage box to keep their equipment organized. It also serves as an amazing toolbox. Anglers will definitely use it to organize and store the fishing gear they have amassed.
Bottom Line
Perfectionist attitude in some people urges them to keep everything around them organized. This tackle box is perfect to meet their demands. You can use it to organize a number of things around your house. But when it comes to tackle storage, you will surely find this an amazingly efficient product in this respect. Deciding to buy it will be a decision you will not regret later.
What Size of Tackle Box Do I Need?
The size of the tackle box you need is actually a matter of your personal preference. If you have a minimalistic approach, that is, you only take what you need, then a smaller item that can store everything you need will work fine for you. But if you are a person who is open to all options, then you will need a complimentary tackle box.
Elkton Outdoors Rolling Fishing Tackle Bag
You can also determine the size of your item with the amount of gear you want to store in it. If you own a large stash, go for a bigger box. If you have just enough, a compact one will do.
What Do I Need in My Tackle Box?
A tackle box is your fully loaded arsenal of lures and bait to catch fish. Its contents vary from angler to angler, as well as the type of fish they are planning to catch. Although what’s in your tackle box is more of a personal preference, there are a few basic things that are must-haves for any tackle box. These bare necessities include:
- Extra line for a situation when your fishing line tangles or breaks.
- Variety of hooks to catch any fish of any size and species.
- Bobbers or floaters to point out when you are getting the bites.
- Sinkers because they have a great tendency to get lost.
- Plastic worms to lure fish.
- A variety of lures to attract more fish.
- Needle nose pliers to take the hooks out of the fish.
- Mini first aid kit because you never know when an accident may happen.
- Sunscreen to protect you from the harsh effects of the sun.
- A set of nail clippers to cut the line if you can't get it out of a snag.
How to Organize Your Tackle Box?
A tackle box has the utmost significance to an angler. It plays the role of keeping all your equipment within arm’s reach. But if it is not organized, it loses its purpose. An unorganized tackle box complicates your task rather than simplifiying it. A tidy tackle box not only keeps your gear safe but also makes access to it easy and quick.
Flambeau Outdoors 6381TB 1-Tray
An organized tackle box ensures your fishing experience is smooth and hassle-free. Unsure how to organize your tackle box? Here’s how you can do it.
- If you are organizing a tackle box that is already in use, the first thing you must do is empty it completely. A new one will already be empty.
- Now sort your gear according to their purpose or usage.
- Next up, start labeling the different compartments and drawers according to what you will be storing on them. Labels not only help keep your tackle box tidy, but they also help you locate what you need instantly.
- Now start loading up the tackle box with your swivels, leaders, and hooks in their designated compartment.
Having an organized tackle box with you on a fishing trip makes the experience more worthwhile. You have a lot more fun and even catch more fish with it beside you. Skeptical? Try using an organized tackle box on your next trip. You will feel the difference yourself.
Conclusion
Having a tackle box to hold your equipment has an in burdening effect. You don’t realize what you are missing until you experience it. A tackle box keeps all your lures and bait sorted, so you don’t have to struggle to find the right one. But finding a suitable one for yourself can be a tough decision.
Head to the market without proper homework, and you will find yourself overwhelmed by the variety. This is why we have listed the best fishing tackle boxes. All of these products have a lot to offer. We have carefully chosen them out of the wide range, so you have all the necessary information before you buy one for yourself.
People Also Ask
A tackle box is one of the most important fishing accessories, but choosing one is a tad bit difficult. You are faced with a lot of confusing questions that make the choice tougher. In this section, we have rounded up the most frequently asked questions about fishing tackles. We have tried to answer them in a satisfactory manner so you can clear your head and make an informed choice.
Why is it Called Fishing Tackle?
The word ‘tackle’ here represents equipment or tools. It is an old usage term. Fishing tackle means all the necessary things you need to catch fish. The word tackle was originally used for the parts of rigging a ship. These include pulleys and ropes that are used for lifting and pulling.
The term fishing tackle originated from here and was used for lines and pulleys to handle the net. From there on, it evolved to generally refer to all fishing gear.
How Much Does a Tackle Box Cost?
There is a wide range of items available on the market. They are designed to meet the demands of every angler. Available in a variety of sizes and capacities, they can hold a variety of fishing gear. Tackle boxes are considered so important that renowned fishing gear brands have manufactured their own. They can cost anywhere from $3 for the most basic one, to $500 for the most costly one.
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