All fishing enthusiasts know that keeping your gear safe, ready, and organized for the next fishing trip is the best way to operate, and to do so, you’ll need the best tackle boxes or tackle bags to help.
By using the best tackle boxes or fishing bags, there will be no tangles to sort out or those moments when you can’t find your favorite lure.
Best Tackle Box For Saltwater Fishing
You’ll arrive at your fishing spot with all your lures and gear laid out, easily accessible, and ready for action.
The Best Tackle Boxes From The Review
Here are the full reviews of all the best fishing tackle boxes in the list…
Top Pick
Wild River Tackle Tek Nomad
A backpack that’ll cover all your tackle storage needs quite comprehensively with its awesome tackle system.
Wild River Tackle Tek Nomad
The top tackle box or bag in my eyes is the Wild River Tackle Tek Nomad.
This bag is portable, has useful features like a light, work surface, and a sunglasses case, plus it has great storage spaces for tools, lures, leaders, reels, and just about everything else you might want to take fishing.
If there is one tackle box that does it all, it’s this one.
Best Tackle Box For Saltwater Fishing
Elkton Outdoors Rolling Fishing Tackle Box
A tackle box with wheels that can be used as a rolling backpack depending on what you need to make transport easier.
Elkton Outdoors Rolling Fishing Tackle Box
The best tackle box for saltwater fishing is the Elkton Outdoors Rolling Fishing Tackle Box. This backpack is made for saltwater like thanks to its High D material and it has wheels so you can roll it to your boat or surf fishing spot.
It’s waterproof, has 10 storage compartments for easy organization, loads of storage space, and comes equipped with 5 tackle box trays for all your lures.
Best Fly Fishing Tackle Box
Creative Angler Fly Tackle Box
Durable tackles boxes specifically made for storing and protecting fly fishing lures.
Creative Angler Fly Tackle Box
The best tackle boxes for fly fishing are the Creative Angler Fly Boxes.
These fly tackle boxes are durable, light, hold 100 plus flies, and protect them.
Each fly tackle box comes with an outer foam insert to ensure your used flies don’t damage your new flies that are safely inside the box.
Best Tackle Box For Bass Fishing
Cabela’s Advanced Anglers Super Magnum Tackle Bag
A soft tackle bag with multiple storage options that makes storing and organizing your fishing tackle easy.
Cabela’s Advanced Anglers Super Magnum Tackle Bag
The best tackle box for bass fishing is the Cabela’s Advanced Anglers Super Magnum Tackle Bag.
It comes with and stores 12 Plano tackle boxes for all the lures you need for bass and has a total of 13 storage compartments so you can ensure your tackle is safe, organized, and accessible when you need it.
Best Tackle Box For Kayak Fishing
Spiderwire Wolf Tackle Bag
A portable bag made from high-quality rugged and durable polyester that ensures the bag will last for years of fishing adventures.
Spiderwire Wolf Tackle Bag
The best tackle box for kayak fishing is the Spiderwire Wolf Tackle Bag.
It’s not too big, has a good amount of storage, is easy to lash down, and it’s waterproof to protect any gear inside it.
The bag also has easy to access pockets, plus multiple areas to keep the contents organized too.
Best Small Fishing Tackle Box
Flambeau Outdoors 4007 Tuff Tainer Tackle Box
Utility boxes for lures that fit in most bags. Made from HDPE for durability and come with anti-rust properties to help stop any corrosion from getting to your lures.
Flambeau Outdoors 4007 Tuff Tainer Tackle Box
The best tackle box that’s small is the Flambeau Outdoors 4007 Tuff Tainer.
These tackle boxes are perfect for lure, hook, and swivel storage.
They feature 4 sections that can split into 24 compartments to match your tackle and are full of anti-corrosive properties to ensure your tackle doesn’t rust.
Our Top Fishing Tackle Boxes
Best Tackle Box For Bass Fishing
Cabela’s Advanced Anglers Super Magnum Tackle Bag
A soft tackle bag with multiple storage options that makes storing and organizing your fishing tackle easy.
Cabela’s Advanced Anglers Super Magnum Tackle Bag
Cabela’s Advanced Anglers Super Magnum Tackle Bag is a soft tackle bag with multiple storage options that makes storing and organizing your fishing tackle easy.
This soft-sided fishing bag comes with a total of 13 compartments, with 5 external zippered pockets and 7 external stash pockets for quick and easy access, plus one large main compartment.
Compartment
The main compartment can hold up to 12 utility boxes for all your lures.
The utility boxes come with the bag, and you’ll have plenty of room to store anything from crankbaits to plastics and spinnerbaits.
You access the main compartment from the top, and the lid opens fully making it easy to get to everything you need quickly.
Pockets
The external pockets of these tackle bags are the perfect size for things like line spools, tools, and small tackle boxes.
There are also some large mesh pockets for wet gear storage that allows it to dry and stop any moisture from getting inside the bag.
Materials
This soft-sided tackle bag is made from high-quality 600D polyester that is both durable and water-resistant to protect your gear.
The fabric of these soft tackle boxes is also UV resistant to ensure it doesn’t fade and wear out in the sunshine.
The base of the fishing bag is made with a waterproof, reinforced bottom to both increase the bag’s durability and ensure your gear stays dry when inside.
Comfort
These soft tackle bags come with a padded shoulder strap that’s adjustable to fit and makes carrying the bag comfortable.
These soft tackle boxes also have two hand-holder straps so you can carry it by your side with ease too.
Overall these large tackle bags are durable, water-resistant, and have a roomy interior with loads of storage options but they are quite expensive due to the high quality.
Specs
- Dimensions: 27 x 12 x 14 inches
- Compartments: 13
- Material: 600 D Polyester
- Type: Soft Tackle Bag
Pros
- Well made with long-lasting durable materials
- Large main bulk storage compartment with 12 fishing tackle boxes
- An abundance of tackle storage compartments for all your gear
- Waterproof, reinforced bottom
- Padded shoulder strap for carrying comfort
- Top access makes it easy to get to your gear
- External mesh pocket storage for wet items
- Water and UV resistant
Cons
- Price
Best Tackle Box For Saltwater Fishing
Elkton Outdoors Rolling Fishing Tackle Box
A tackle box with wheels that can be used as a rolling backpack depending on what you need to make transport easier.
Elkton Outdoors Rolling Fishing Tackle Box
The Elkton Outdoors Rolling Fishing Tackle Box, while named a tackle box, is a rolling backpack for all your fishing tackle.
You can opt to extend the handle and wheel it to your fishing spot or use it in backpack mode when it is easier to carry rather than struggle to wheel it across soft sand.
Build
These tackle bags are made from rugged polyester that will survive the abrasions and outdoor wear of fishing environments like jagged rocks or salty sand. The bag is fully waterproof too, ensuring no salt water gets inside.
Storage
This rolling tackle box comes with a lot of tackle storage spaces and feature 10 different compartments.
The bottom compartment comes with and holds 5 utility boxes that are perfect for storing all your lures in.
The front of the bag opens up directly to them for easy access too.
Compartments
The top compartment is padded with adjustable dividers so you can tailor-make the storage space to your needs.
It’s the perfect space for storing reels, spools, and anything else that is a bit fragile.
Rod Holders
On the sides of this rolling tackle box, you have 4 rod holders with PVC backing.
All spinning rods and surf rods slot into these with ease and it makes carrying them to your fishing area a breeze.
You can also use them as a rod stand while you’re waiting for a bite.
Zipper Pockets
On the outside, you have access to small zipper pockets for anything you need to access quickly and a dedicated pliers holder so you don’t have to open the bag when you need to cut some fishing line or remove a hook from a fish.
Overall this is a great rolling tackle box that’s durable, portable, and has a space for any bit of fishing equipment, even your rods.
You might struggle to wheel it across sand though, but luckily you can use the backpack straps in these situations.
Specs
- Dimensions: 15.7 x 18.5 x 9.6 inches
- Compartments: 10
- Material: High D Polyester
- Type: Rolling Tackle Bag / Tackle Backpack
Pros
- Easy to transport thanks to the wheels and extendable handle
- Made from durable fabric
- The tacklebag is fully waterproof to protect your gear
- Comes with excellent storage options for good tackle organization
- Includes a rod holder storage area for 4 rods
- Comes with 5 tackle boxes in the bulk storage area
- Has a lot of tackle storage space for all your fishing gear
- Comfortable shoulder strap for portability
Cons
- A little expensive
- Wheels don’t work on sand
Best Small Fishing Tackle Box
Flambeau Outdoors 4007 Tuff Tainer Tackle Box
Utility boxes for lures that fit in most bags. Made from HDPE for durability and come with anti-rust properties to help stop any corrosion from getting to your lures.
Flambeau Outdoors 4007 Tuff Tainer Tackle Box
The Flambeau Outdoors 4007 Tuff Tainer Tackle Boxes are utility boxes for lures that fit in most bags.
Build
These utility tackle boxes are made from HDPE for durability and come with anti-rust properties to help stop any corrosion from getting to your lures.
The tackle boxes come with a Zerust formula baked in that inhibits electrochemical reactions that cause rust.
Plus, each divider in this standard tackle box is infused with a VCI formula that releases a corrosion inhibiting vapor into the tackle box to ensure no rust gets to your lures.
Dividers
Each of the utility boxes comes with 12 dividers allowing you to tweak the tackle system to your needs.
You can create large compartments for long lures or have small compartments for small things like hooks so you can keep everything separate and organized.
Features
The tackle boxes come with a clear lid, allowing you to see your tackle and pick the lure you want before opening the box.
This also makes getting to your lures easier as you know where the one you want is before you even open the box.
The tackle boxes come with a tough locking mechanism that stays closed, but the hinges can be a little weak, so be gentle when opening and closing them.
Compartments
These tackle boxes are advertised as being able to have 24 separate compartments when used with 12 adjustable dividers, but you actually need 20 adjustable dividers for this to work.
With the 12 adjustable dividers, you’ll get 16 separate compartments, make sure you remember this before buying this functional tackle box.
Specs
- Dimensions: 1.75 x 7.25 x 11 inches
- Compartments: Up to 24
- Material: Polyethylene
- Type: Tray Tackle box
Pros
- Durable build that doesn’t crack
- Clear lid so you can see your fishing tackle
- Provides up to 5-years of protection to keep tackle rust-free
- Comes with 12 dividers to create up to 24 tackle storage compartments
- Customize your storage options to match your fishing gear
- Exclusive VCI formula infused into the dividers releases a corrosion inhibiting vapor
- Tough locking mechanism
Cons
- Hinges can be a weak
- No enough dividers shipped with the tackle box for 24 compartments
KastKing Medium-Hoss Saltwater Fishing Tackle Bag
Made from heavy-duty water-resistant 420 D ripstop nylon that ensures the bag is long-lasting and protects your fishing equipment from the elements.
KastKing Medium-Hoss Saltwater Fishing Tackle Bag
The KastKing Medium-Hoss Saltwater Fishing Tackle Bag is made from heavy-duty water-resistant 420 D ripstop nylon that ensures the bag is long-lasting and protects your fishing equipment from the elements.
Build
The outer layer of the back is hydrophobic to repel water and these fishing bags feature a PVC inner lining to ensure no water gets through.
You’ll find that the bottom of the bag is fully waterproof and super grippy, ensuring it doesn’t slide off the rocks or absorb water while it’s in the ground.
Storage
The bag comes with 13 tackle storage compartments that make keeping your fishing gear organized very easy.
The main compartment is accessible from the top and holds 7 3600 size utility boxes for all your lures, plus there is a PVC zipper pocket in the lid that is perfect for maps or other documents like your fishing license.
External Pockets
There are 7 further external pockets for smaller things like tippet spools and plastic lures, plus a dedicated plier holder that makes snipping fishing line and removing hooks quick and easy.
These bags also feature mesh pockets for wet things, ensuring it not only dries but also protecting the contents of your bag from any moisture.
Comfort
The included shoulder strap is padded for comfort and comes with a Neo-grip to stop it from sliding off your shoulder when you’re walking around.
While this bag is durable and with a lot of tackle storage spaces it’s not padded, so if you drop it, your fishing equipment might take a knock.
The plier holders aren’t that reliable either, and they could fall out when fishing, so make sure you secure them or keep them inside.
Specs
- Dimensions:15 x 11 x 10.25 inches
- Compartments: 13
- Material: 420 D Ripstop Nylon
- Type: Soft Tackle Bag
Pros
- The large bulk storage compartment holds 7 x 3600 size utility boxes
- Lots of storage options to keep your fishing gear organized
- Durable build from quality materials
- Waterproof and grippy bottom to protect your fishing gear from moisture
- Hydrophobic outer layer and PVC backing also protect your fishing gear
- Top access for better accessibility
- Padded Neo-grip shoulder strap is comfortable
- Mesh storage pockets for wet items
- Tool storage space for easy access
Cons
- Plier holders are not reliable
- Comes without a tray tackle box
- No padding on the sides
Okeechobee Fats Fisherman Deluxe Tackle Bag
A big bag with a roomy interior that’ll hold everything anglers might need for a fishing trip.
Okeechobee Fats Fisherman Deluxe Tackle Bag
The Okeechobee Fats Fisherman Deluxe Tackle Bag is a big bag with a roomy interior that’ll hold everything anglers might need for a fishing trip.
Build
This large tackle box bag is made from high-quality water-resistant polyester that is both durable and long-lasting.
It features 10 compartments, 2 interior and 8 external that makes keeping all your fishing gear organized easy, as there is a place for everything.
Compartments
The main area can hold up to 8 large utility boxes that are included and are perfect for storing all your lures.
There’s also an internal zipper pocket in the lid for any documents, plus mesh pockets on the top of the lid and back of the bag for wet storage.
The outside features a protective sunglasses case, plus 3 pockets one of which has tool holders and slots for any accessories so you can access the things you need often, like pliers or snippers, quickly.
This large tackle box bag also comes with an adjustable padded shoulder strap and neoprene side carry straps for portability.
It is a little big to carry on your shoulder when fully loaded though.
Overall this is an excellent tackle bag with space for all your equipment, the only problem is that it can be too big to carry comfortably so make sure you don’t overload it.
Specs
- Dimensions:10.2 x 16.4 x 13.9 inches
- Compartments: 10
- Material: High D Polyester
- Type: Soft Tackle Bag
Pros
- Made from heavy-duty water-resistant polyester for durability and gear protection
- Excellent tackle storage options
- Large bulk storage space holds 8 x tray tackle box
- Dedicated storage pockets for fishing accessories with tool holders
- Hard-bodied sunglasses compartment
- Top access for easy access to your gear
- Adjustable and padded shoulder strap
Cons
- Can be a little large to carry for some
Best Tackle Box For Kayak Fishing
Spiderwire Wolf Tackle Bag
A portable bag made from high-quality rugged and durable polyester that ensures the bag will last for years of fishing adventures.
Spiderwire Wolf Tackle Bag
The Spiderwire Wolf Tackle Bag is made from high-quality rugged and durable polyester that ensures the bag will last for years of fishing adventures.
Materials
The fabric of these soft tackle boxes is also water-resistant to ensure your fishing tackle stays protected when inside it.
The Spiderwire Wolf comes with 5 compartments, a little less than the other tackle bags, but it’s a great size for portability and will fit all the tackle you need for a day’s fishing inside with ease.
Storage
The main tackle storage compartment of these soft tackle boxes can hold up to 4 medium-sized fishing tackle boxes, making it an ideal space to store all your lures.
You access the main area from the top, and the lid opens fully to make getting to your tackle quick and easy.
External Pockets
On the outside of the Spiderwire Wolf Tackle Bag, you have 4 external pockets of varying sizes that are perfect for small tackles like spools, leader, hooks, pliers, and more.
The Spiderwire Wolf Tackle Bag also comes with an adjustable strap for carrying it on your shoulder, and comfortable handles for carrying by your side.
Size
It’s not the biggest bag, as I mentioned at the beginning, so you might not have enough tackle storage for everything, but you’ll certainly be able to get enough tackle in the bag for a day trip.
Specs
- Dimensions: 15.75 x 10.8 x 8.2 inches
- Compartments: 5
- Material: High D polyester
- Type: Soft Tackle Bag
Pros
- Durable and well made
- A good amount of storage options
- Large main tackle storage compartment for 4 utility boxes
- Padded shoulder strap for carrying comfort
- Easy access external pockets
- Water-resistant to protect your gear
- Great size for carrying around
Cons
- A little small for all your tackle
Plano 7771-01 – Plano Guide Series Tackle System
Features the Plano angled tackle system that creates an excellently organized tackle storage space.
Plano 7771-01 – Plano Guide Series Tackle System
The Plano Guide Series Tackle Box, Plano 7771 is a no-frills tackle box that features the Plano angled tackle system.
Build
The Plano angled tackle system creates an excellently organized tackle storage within the Plano 7771 tackle boxes so you can fit a lot of tackle in there and ensure it’s neat and tidy at the same time.
The Plano Tackle Boxes, Plano 7771 features 5 different compartments along with multiple compartments within each one.
Compartment
The lid compartment of this no-frills tackle box has 4 separate lure areas, beneath which is a tackle tray with 5 more lure areas, under which you’ll find a large interior where you can stack up to 4 utility boxes.
The above compartments are all a part of the Plano angled tackle system that also gives you three removable spinner bait racks, that can be used as both spinner bait racks or for any other lures you have in mind.
Materials
The guide series tackle box is made from durable HDPE and is built to survive the rigors of fishing on rocky grounds as well as sand, and rough boat decks.
These hard tackle boxes are also water-tight to stop any splashes or moisture from getting inside the tackle box and causing your gear to corrode.
Portability
The guide series hard tackle box comes with a carry handle on the top for portability and is light when empty, but then full it might be a little uncomfortable to carry around.
The latches on this hard tackle box are also a little unreliable and can pop open, but the tackle box does come with a limited lifetime warranty, so if there are any defects, you can get it fixed easily.
Specs
- Dimensions: 22 x 13 x 13
- Compartments: 5
- Material: HDPE
- Type: Hard Tackle Box
Pros
- Quality tackle box for durability and waterproof gear protection
- Good storage options for organizing your gear
- Built-in spinner bait racks
- Light and portable
- Top access with DuraView lens for easy access to and seeing your gear
- Three removable bait racks with separate access with the Plano Angled Tackle System
- Includes four removable StowAway utility boxes for your lures
- Large carrying capacity
Cons
- Latches are not durable
Top Pick
Wild River Tackle Tek Nomad
A backpack that’ll cover all your tackle storage needs quite comprehensively with its awesome tackle system.
Wild River Tackle Tek Nomad
The Wild River Tackle Tek Nomad is a fishing tackle backpack that’ll cover all your tackle storage needs quite comprehensively with its awesome tackle system.
Features
The tackle system on this bag comes with an LED light system for fishing at hours.
You can use the LED light to light up the inside of the bag when finding things in the dark or flip it open to give you light outside the bag when you’re rigging baits.
This fishing tackle backpack also comes with dedicated tool slots on the outside for nippers and pliers, a fold-out work area for rigging, and 7 tackle storage spaces.
Storage
The top tackle compartment is padded and ideal for storing fragile things like reels, while the large bottom interior compartment fits 4 medium tray tackle boxes for holding all your lures.
Then you have 4 zippered pockets on the side with mesh pockets for any smaller accessories like mono spools or hooks.
Pockets
You’ll also find a protective pocket for your sunglasses on the top of this fishing tackle backpack.
This fishing tackle backpack also comes with a rain cover that fits over it snugly to protect your tackle from getting wet during any downpours you might experience when fishing, something all anglers need.
Durability
The Wild River Tackle Tek Nomad tackle bag is made to last too thanks to its tough build, quality stitching, and durable materials.
Aside from the included rain cover to protect your tackles, this bag is made from a high denier ripstop nylon that has some water-resistance and is highly abrasion resistant to handle scrapes on rough ground and against rocks.
Size
This large tackle bag is a bit of an angler’s dream thanks to its excellent tackle system making organization easy combined with its large carry capacity, portability, and each handy feature like the lighting system.
The only downsides to this bag are that it’s quite expensive and that it’s heavy even when empty, so be prepared to carry some extra weight in addition to your tackle.
Specs
- Dimensions: 23.00 x 17.00 x 18.50 Inches
- Compartments: 9
- Material: High D Ripstop Nylon
- Type: Tackle Backpack
Pros
- Excellent tackle storage options for organization
- LED light system for fishing at all hours
- Dedicated tool holders
- Protective sunglasses compartment
- The main compartment fits 4 medium 3600-style utility boxes
- Roomy interior for all your gear
- Fold-out work surface
- Rain cover for added protection
- A comfortable shoulder strap makes it easier to carry
- High quality, heavy-duty, and long-lasting
- Side pockets for easy access to fishing accessories
Cons
- Pretty expensive
- Quite heavy when empty
Reaction Tackle Deluxe Tackle Binder
A bag that instead of having tackle boxes inside it, has tackle sleeves for you to store your tackle in.
Reaction Tackle Deluxe Tackle Binder
The Reaction Tackle Deluxe Tackle Binder isn’t a tackle box as such, it’s a bag that instead of having tackle boxes inside it, has tackle sleeves for you to store your tackle in.
Organization
This makes it easier for an angler to keep things organized as you can have a dedicated sleeve for every item which not only protects it from any moisture and corrosion that lures pick up after use but stops any tangles between hooks.
Storage
The tackle binder comes with 12 sleeves to store your tackle in.
The sleeves range in size from extra-large to small with different access options from zippers to dual access.
You can easily fit large lures, even 1 ft long marlin lures in the extra-large sleeves, and you can buy more to ensure you have enough sleeves for all your tackle.
Easy Access
Each sleeve has a transparent face so you can see what’s inside it, and the binder-style tackle system means you can flip through the contents quickly to find what you need.
The tackle binder is made from durable polyester that has some natural water-resistance but it’s not waterproof.
Protection
It’ll handle a light shower or splash with ease but a downpour or being submerged will result in water getting in.
The contents will be somewhat protected by the sleeves if water gets in, but it’s still a good idea to avoid it.
The only issue with this tackle binder is that the smaller sleeves are a little too small for some lures, but they will still work well for rolls of leader, weights, swivels, and loose hooks.
Specs
- Dimensions: 13.5 x 9 x 4 inches
- Compartments: 2 plus tackle sleeves
- Material: Polyester
- Type: Soft Tackle Bag
Pros
- Heavy-duty, water-resistant build for durability and tackle protection
- Large main compartment for your gear
- Comes with 12 sleeves for your lures
- Easy access storage options
- Plenty of room for your lures
- Easy to keep things organized
- Protects your gear from the elements
Cons
- Some sleeves are a little small
Best Fly Fishing Tackle Box
Creative Angler Fly Tackle Box
Durable tackles boxes specifically made for storing and protecting fly fishing lures.
Creative Angler Fly Tackle Box
Every fly angler needs some good fly tackle boxes for storing their flies in, and the Creative Angler Fly Tackle Box is excellent.
Build
These fly fishing tackle boxes are made from high-density polyethylene plastic (HDPE) making them both durable and robust.
The plastic tackle boxes will handle scrapes and impact well without cracking and offer good protection for the flies inside.
Features
Each fly tackle box comes with two foam inserts on the inside and one on the outside. The foam inserts have notches for your flies to slot into, and when inside are fully protected from the elements.
There is also enough headroom in these plastic tackle boxes to ensure larger flies like streamers and terrestrials don’t get squished and lose their shape when the fly tackle box is closed.
Fly Storage
The reason the fly tackle box comes with foam on the outside is so that you have a place to put used flies.
The last thing you want is to put a salty fly back into the box with your fresh ones, as that is a recipe for rust.
Instead, you can slot it onto the outside of the box until you rinse it and put it with your other used flies.
Lock
The fly tackle box comes with a secure locking mechanism that ensures the box stays shut, so it won’t pop open and drop any of your flies out of it.
The mechanism even stops any water from seeping when you’re wading, so you won’t have to worry about it when walking up a river on a deep flat.
Extra Security
You can even add a padlock to this durable tackle box if you want, and I know an angler or two who likes to keep their fly collection hidden and would love this feature.
Each fly tackle box offers a lot of fly storage and will fit upward of 100 flies depending on their size, but you might want to own more than one to cover your entire fly collection.
Specs
- Dimensions: 14 x 11x 4
- Compartments: 1
- Material: HDPE
- Type: Fly Tackle Box
Pros
- Heavy-duty durable build
- Holds 100 or more flies
- Designed for large and small flies
- Outer fly holder for quick access
- Light for portability
- Stops water getting in
- Secure, lockable latches
Cons
- You might need more than one
What is a tackle box?
A traditional tackle box is similar to a toolbox, but it’s designed for your fishing tools rather than hammers and drill bits.
Function
Fishing tackle boxes are designed with fishing equipment in mind with compartments that range in size to suit different lures, hooks, swivels, and other gear like: reels, spools, pliers, and more so you can keep all your fishing tools safe and organized.
They’re also made to access quickly and protect your equipment from the environments you end up using them in.
Features
Some fishing tackle boxes are waterproof, others have anti-rust technology built-in, to ensure you can take your tackle box anywhere without risking the contents, – even on a cliff edge with salt spray and crashing waves.
Why buy a fishing tackle box?
Fishing requires you to own quite a lot of different pieces of equipment, even if you try and keep things simple.
Let’s say you’re a spin fisherman for bass, and that’s all you do.
You’re still going to own 20 or more lures to try to catch them with, along with braid, mono, swivels, spare reels, and spare spools – to name a few.
Preserve Your Equipment
All this equipment is expensive, and where are you going to put it all?
How are you going to store it at home?
How are you going to take it all to the water?
You need some kind of fishing storage solution right? Enter the tackle box.
NOTE
A good tackle box keeps your equipment safe, organized, and ready for the next adventure.
What makes the best fishing tackle box?
The ideal tackle box for fishing will be the one that suits your fishing tackle and the places you fish with it.
A tackle box can come in a range of sizes from large stay at home storage wells to a simple lure box, and a portable waterproof tackle box for fishing use in between.
Sufficient Storage
You’ll know you have found the ideal tackle box when: you can fit everything you want neatly into the box, you trust the box to protect your tackle, and you can take your box to any fishing area you want without worrying about it breaking, letting water in, or damaging the contents.
Things to consider when buying a tackle box
What are you going to use the box for?
The first step of finding the right box is deciding what life the box is going to live.
Is the box coming on fishing adventures with you or is it staying safe at home holding all your spare equipment in the closet?
Boxes that go on fishing trips will need to be tougher and have some water-resistance compared to those that stay at home.
TIP
They’ll also need to be more portable and easy to move around.
Size & Storage
The next trick is working out how much tackle you need to store in the box.
I’d advise laying out all the tackle you need to put into storage on a bed or table so you have an idea of just how much equipment needs to go inside it.
There is nothing worse than buying a new tackle box and not being able to fit everything you intended inside it.
Ideal Size
But, there is also a balance between size and portability.
You don’t want to go too big or you might not be able to get your new box to the fishing grounds.
By laying out all your tackle, you should be able to make a solid judgment call on the size of the box you need.
Take a look at our Top Pick, the Tackle Tek Nomad in the video below…
Usage
If it’s a stay at home box, then you can go as big as you like and keep topping it up, but if it’s a box to take fishing with you, make sure it’s big enough to hold everything, but small enough to be easy to carry around.
Materials & Durability
What your box is made of and well it’s put together equates to its durability, and if you’re taking it fishing, it needs to be durable.
Fishing is one of the meanest sports for equipment.
Elements
There’s saltwater, rust, rocks, fish slime, teeth, and worse to contend with.
If your tackle box or bags aren’t up to the task, they won’t last 6 months of consistent use.
TIP
If you’re going for soft tackle bags that you can carry around with ease, make sure they are made from high denier nylon or polyester.
These fabrics have natural water-resistance and will survive bumps and scrapes without any worry.
Hard tackle boxes should be made of HDPE (high-density polyethylene) or an equivalent plastic.
Hard tackle boxes made with HDPE doesn’t crack easily, it stays solid, and when the closing mechanisms are done well, creates a seal for your tackle from the outside world.
Sections & Organization
Keeping your tackle organized makes fishing a lot easier.
The day keeps flowing when you know where everything is and you can access it quickly and easily.
Stopping to empty your box to find a swivel that’s sitting at the bottom in a mess of lures, is not a way to operate.
NOTE
A messy tackle box not only damages your equipment, but the time will come when there is an explosion of your dream fish in front of you, and because your things aren’t organized you’ll be digging through your tackle box instead of getting a good cast in and hooking one.
Organizing Your Gear
Keep your gear organized is up to you, but having the right tackle box can help you a lot.
Some boxes or bags come riddled with different sections and pockets, giving each piece of equipment its own place to live.
You can even lay it out based on accessibility, keeping the equipment you’ll need to get to often and quickly in the top layers, or outskirts, and the things you need less often, deeper inside.
Arrange Your Items
Again, picking the right box for this kind of set-up requires some thought on your part.
Layout your tackle, and think about what you need when you’re fishing and imagine filling your chosen tackle solution with it all.
Where are you going to put your sunglasses or pliers? Is there enough space for your lures? Does it have a padded section for a spare reel?
TIP
Make sure the box suits your needs, as there will be one out there that ticks all the boxes.
Portability
Fishing often has us scaling mountains, bouncing on oceans, walking on reefs, and wading rivers and lakes. Your tackle needs to be able to get to where the fish are while keeping you comfortable and keeping your equipment safe.
Target Species
Think about where you fish.
If you’re always boat fishing, you just need a tackle box that you can carry from your car to the boat with ease.
If you fish in the surf, you’re going to need one that you can carry along the beach and leave on the sand or rocks.
TIP
Tackle boxes and bags come as backpacks, shoulder bags, some even come with a pull-out handle and wheels.
Make sure to pick the right portability solution for the environments you plan on fishing in.
Importance of Water-Resistance
The worst thing that can happen to a fishing tackle (unless you’re fishing with it) is for it to get wet, and even worse wet with saltwater.
Imagine you have a box filled with all your hooks, weights, swivels, and a bunch of new Rapala lures still in their packets.
Gear Damage
Now imagine a wave filling that box up with corrosive, salty water. What do you do? – You unpack everything, rinse it all in freshwater, along with your box, dry it all, and re-pack it.
But, what if you’re standing on a beach two hours from home?
You’re going to have to wait a few hours while all that salt starts rusting your equipment down.
Peace Of Mind
If you had a waterproof box when the wave came what would you have done?
You’d just giggle and keep on fishing knowing all your things are safe.
RECOMMENDATION
I can’t recommend enough going for a box that is either waterproof or water-resistant, it’ll help your expensive fishing equipment survive a lot longer.
Price & Quality
It’s a fact in the angling world, that the more you spend the better the equipment you’ll end up with.
The same goes for fishing tackle boxes but their size is also a factor too.
NOTE
You can find a quality small tackle box for a small price, but extend that quality into a large box, and the price isn’t so small anymore.
Worthy Investment
Luckily, tackle boxes are not expensive when you compare them to other gear like rods or reels but they should not be scrimped on either.
The box you choose is going to carry all your expensive equipment around for you, and it’s something to invest in.
A good tackle box will save you money by keeping your equipment alive and functioning, instead of damp and rusty.
TIP
You’re not going to break the bank on a tackle box, it’s impossible to do so, but I would advise spending a little more and going for quality over a lower price tag.
Summing Up
I hope you enjoyed the article and through it have found the best fishing tackle boxes for your needs.
It’s hard as a fisherman to leave the house without all your best tackle, as you never know what menu the fish will prefer that day, and you want to have it all just in case.
Best Tackle Box For Saltwater Fishing
Having the right tackle box is not just about its storage capabilities though, you have to account for portability and protecting your gear too when looking for the ideal tackle box around.
If you haven’t quite decided on which tackle box or bag is best for you, here are my top choices for the best fishing tackle boxes and for different reasons.
Top Pick
For an all-around tackle box solution go for the Tackle Tek Nomad. This bag has 4 tackle boxes inside it, a light, tool holders, a work surface, and loads of compartments for all your fishing equipment to stay safe and organized.
Best Tackle Box For Saltwater Fishing
For any saltwater fishermen, the Elkton Outdoors Rolling Fishing Tackle Box makes the most sense.
It’s the perfect tackle box for saltwater fishing. Built to handle the salt with loads of lure rays, you can keep them neat, tidy, and untangled, and it’s a breeze to flick through your lure collection when you need to. The bag is also the perfect size to keep below deck until you need it.
Portability
If you’re after portability, then the Elkton Outdoors Rolling Fishing Tackle Box still takes the prize. This saltwater tackle box comes with wheels so you can roll it to your fishing spot, and you can even carry it as a fishing backpack if you prefer.
It’s also riddled with storage areas for all your gear, is durable, and waterproof to ensure your tackle stays protected from moisture and corrosion.
Feel Free To Share
Thanks for reading my article, I hope you found it useful and have found the right box or bags for you.
If you enjoyed the article, please feel free to share it around with your fishing buddies.
Also, if you’re looking for some other gear or fishing supplies, have a look at some of our other articles, we cover everything you need to know about most things from fishing scales, fishing gloves, reels to rods, and even fish finders. Speaking of new equipment, a fishing knife is a must have for any fisherman.
