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Best Tackle Boxes
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Durability
Fishing is one of those hobbies that can either be very relaxing and meditative or exciting and somewhat dangerous. It really all depends on the situation. That’s why having a durable tackle box is so very important. You never quite know what is going to happen. So having a tackle box that can take a few drops, kicks, and even splashes into the water without being too damaged as a result is a good thing.
While we wouldn’t suggest throwing your best tackle box from this list into the lake, all of them can certainly take some normal fishing-related abuse.
Also read about best bootfoot waders
Portability
When you’re considering buying one of the best tackle boxes available, one of the first things to consider is how easy it is to carry to your favorite fishing spot. After all, you’ll want to have all the gear you want nearby to catch that big one that got away last time. Some tackle boxes, like the Okuma Fishing Nomad Tackle Rolling System, offer a wheeled alternative, which can make for much easier transportation of your tackle in some cases. Others offer a more simple approach offering just a secure handle to hold.
In the case of the tackle boxes on this list, most were found to be designed to make carrying the fishing tackle easier overall.
Size
One of the most frustrating things about fishing on a lake or river is not having the room to bring what you want in your tackle box. Let’s face it, most of the time the one that got away didn’t escape just because the angler decided to be generous. Often, it was also a matter of not having the right gear in the right situation. With ample storage, you really don’t have to worry about that anymore.
And have a good amount of available storage doesn’t just mean overall volume. It also means that the individual compartments are large enough to hold the various bobbers, fishing lures and other tackle that makes the fishing trip more enjoyable. Thankfully in the case of these choices, the compartments were generally well sized. While we would have liked to see some larger compartments in some cases, overall you won’t be disappointed with what you find here.
Ease of Use
In a way, fishing is about having the right tool at the right time. Different fish prefer different bait or lures, so the ability to change things out quickly while fishing is an important consideration to take into account when looking for a new tackle box. The best tackle boxes often have easy to open compartments that are made of transparent material that is strong enough to withstand a few drops or kicks.
For the most part, a fisherman won’t have to worry about gaining access to his tools or fishing tackle with these boxes. Not only are most of them easy to open, but they provide sturdy compartments that are easy to look into. That way, you’ll know at a glance that you’re reaching for exactly what you need.
Top 10 Picks
1. PLANO TACKLE SYSTEM BOX
Following close on the heels of our top pick in regards to accessibility and portability, the Plano Tackle system box is a great way to keep your larger fishing gear collections need and organized for when it’s time to go after the big one. This choice has a great price value and comes with many different compartments to store all of your accessories and gear. This is one tackle box that might be worth its price for all it has to offer. The Planno Tackle Box is a nice combination of function, compact design, and roominess that meets just about all your tackle box needs. While we would have liked to see more durable materials used for the price it will serve you well in most fishing situations.
Read moreDurability
This Plano tackle box is made of durable materials and has a limited lifetime warranty. For fishing situations, it should hold together nicely.
Portability
With a pull of the extendable handle that tackle box is fit to be taken to just about any location that you wish. While we would have preferred to see wheels this tackle bag can certainly go the distance. Add to that the relatively compact size and low weight it can easily fit in your favorite fishing boat as well.
Size
This particular tackle system includes 3 compartment trays that can be used as bait racks as well as plenty of external pockets and smaller pouches for storage. There is also a side pull out tray and a top storage compartment. There really is plenty of room for most of your fishing gear in this tackle box.
Ease of Use
This particular tackle box really shines when it comes to finding your favorite fishing tackle while out on the water. Included with this tackle box are four easy to see through compartment trays that can easily organize your smaller equipment, and accessing them is as simple as opening up the side panel. Plus the top area provides more than enough room for extra reels and your larger fishing gear and have an extra compartment tray for you to put in extra gear or accessories.
2. WILD RIVER
Rounding out our top ten list is the Wild River Tackle Bag. This soft-sided tackle box features a lighted handle and an impressive amount of interior storage, making it perfect for night fishing. The price of this tackle box is a little on the expensive side, but overall given its ample storage and durability, making the investment is not out of the realm of possibility for the avid fisherman. While its organization and overall weight issues put this tackle box in the last place, it is by no means something that shouldn’t be considered. The ample storage space and relative durability make it a viable option for someone who likes to fish with quite a bit of equipment.
Read moreDurability
In general, this tackle box is very durable for a soft sided one. It can easily survive both on the boat or on the pier provided that precautions, such as waterproofing it are taken.
Portability
While it may be considered a bit heavy to carry when it’s fully loaded, the handle is remarkably easy to grip, and the overall size is small enough to fit inside the boat or in the back seat of a truck or car with ease. In addition, the included shoulder strap makes it easy to distribute the weight evenly.
Size
With a total of five (5) 3700 plastic organizer trays and a fully customizable interior storage area, the available storage in this tackle box is quite impressive.
Ease of Use
While there certainly is an ample amount of storage space in this tackle box, the organization of it does leave a bit to be desired, with many of the plastic trays stacked upon each other, and the side pouches featuring sometimes difficult to open zippered closures.
3. PLANO ANGLED TACKLE SYSTEM
Need a tackle box that allows you to gain access to the gear you want at a moments notice? Whether you're scrambling for the right lure or trying to put a new floater on the line, being able to quickly get to what you need is essential when fishing at times. Thankfully, the Plano Angled Tackle System helps you do just that. The cost of this tackle box is extremely budget friendly, costing about the same as a dinner and movie date for a couple. Considering all the storage available, and its overall durability, it truly is a great choice for the fisherman in your life.The Plano Angled Tackle System is truly more than just a regular tackle box. Featuring easy to access utility boxes, roomy side panels and a flip open lid for even more storage, having what you want and being able to get to it won’t be much of a problem.
Read moreDurability
According to some of the research compiled, this relatively compact tackle box is extremely durable. It’s fashioned out of hardened molded plastic material that can withstand quite a few falls, scrapes and tumbles. About the only complaint seen is sometimes the latches break easier than anticipated. However, it has been shown to be not waterproof, so we wouldn’t suggest taking it for a swim.
Portability
At just over five pounds, and measuring just 18 inches by 9 inches by 10 inches, this particular tackle box is easy enough to move around whether you're fishing on the boat, the shoreline or off of the local pier.
Size
In addition to the removable trays that are presented at an angle for easier access, this fishing tackle box also provides two side well areas that are large enough to keep maps, extra line and even a pair of pliers and a knife with ease. Also, the top portion features an easy to open lid compartment that is perfect for storing your favorite fishing lures and sinkers. The total storage space consists of three 2-3650 stowaway boxes, two side well areas measuring six inches by two inches by three inches deep, as well as a top lid portion which is divided into three separate compartments. The two on the side measure 16 by 1.5 by 2.5 inches, and the center one measures 12 inches by 1.5 by 2.5 inches.
Ease of Use
Getting to what you need is one of the specialties of this particular tackle box simply because of its design. The three interior trays are present at a slight angle so that they can be easily pulled out no matter whether they are at the top, middle or bottom for easy access to your fishing tackle. Add to that the easy to open hinged lid and deep well sections on the sides, you’ll be able to get to exactly what you need very quickly indeed.
4. THE FISHING CADDY BLUE ICE TACKLE BOX LID
Designed with the pragmatic fisherman in mind, this tackle box takes the idea of everything has to be square and turns it on its head by using a 5-gallon bucket as it’s base, with fantastic results. The price of this unique tackle box is pretty remarkable, about the same amount as a nice dinner out for three people. Considering all that you get, it’s a great price indeed. If you’re looking for a way to both carry your catch and your gear from watering hole to the camp site with out any real trouble, The Fishing Caddy Blue Ice XL 2.0 is a fantastic choice.
Read moreDurability
Overall the durability of this particular tackle box is pretty good. However, the handle and the built in rod holds have been known to break with frequent use.
Portability
If you can carry a 5-gallon pail by the handle, you can easily take everything you need for a great fishing trip with you. Not only that, but you can easily transport the fish you caught in the river or lake water in the bottom portion of the bucket. It truly is a one stop system for your fishing needs.
Size
With fourteen different compartments of varying sizes, plus a full five gallon bucket, there is little chance that you’ll be hurting for a place to put all your gear. Add in the built in rod holders and cup holders, and you have a one stop fishing station that nearly everyone can enjoy.
Ease of Use
Accessing the portions of this tackle box that you need is as simple as opening a hinge or removing a lid. Everything is literally within very easy reach.
5. WAKEMAN FISHING ORGANIZER TACKLE BOX
Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best when it comes to fishing. The Wakeman Fishing Organizer Tackle Box offers a small, but no less useful take on a tackle storage system that is sure to delight both experienced and novice anglers alike. This is one of the most economical choices when it comes to keeping your fishing tackle all in one place, costing about the same as a lunch date during normal business hours. Whether your a first time fisherman or someone that could put Captain Ahab to shame, the Wakeman Fishing Organizer Tackle Box is a great way to keep your gear neatly sorted out and accessible
Read moreDurability
While we certainly wouldn’t throw it out in front of a speeding truck to test its ruggedness, the hardened and molded plastic construction does lend a fair amount of durability to the construction. It should be more than adequate for the average fisherman’s needs.
Portability
Measuring approximately 10 by 20 by 9.5 inches and weighing just a few pounds, this tackle box is easily carried by just about anyone who enjoys fishing.
Size
Once open, this deceptively small tackle box reveals an astounding amount of storage. This box is truly designed to organize your fishing gear with two pull out interior trays and three removable built in storage boxes as well as a deep well interior area that can easily hold your larger tools.
Ease of Use
Similar to other more traditional tackle boxes, the Wakeman Fishing Organizer Tackle Box opens its main lid to reveal a number of fold out trays and a deeper bottom well area that is perfectly suited to store everything from a wrench for repairing your boat to the smallest lure imaginable.
6. PLANNO MAGNUM GUIDE SERIES
Compact, versatile and easy to use, this particular tackle box from Plano has been the go to choice for quite a few anglers for the past few years. For what you get, the middle of the road price, about the same as a nice dinner out for a couple, is more than reasonable. If you’re looking for a tackle box that is about the size of a brief case and yet can carry just about every piece of fishing gear you own, the Plano 1444 Magnum Guide Series Tackle Box is one you need to take a look at.
Read moreDurability
Created from durable molded plastic, this particular tackle box can easily withstand quite a bit of abuse. While we wouldn’t suggest giving it a test for ruggedness, it will certainly survive most fishing trips, tall tales and all.
Portability
This particular tackle box is one of the most portable out there. Measuring only 18.5 inches by 11.5 inches by 8.5 inches and weighing just under 7 pounds, it is easily carried by using the robust handle at the top of the tackle box. Not only that, but it can easily fit into your favorite fishing boat or another larger tackle system without too much of a hassle.
Size
The available storage is where this particular tackle box is amazing. Not only does it have two lid trays that are perfect for storing the quick things you need such as bait, lures and bobbers, but it also features multiple slots for size 3450 boxes, and spinner bait racks that can be removed, but also a number of deep good areas that are perfect for storing larger pieces of equipment such as fishing knives, sharpening stones and extra reels.
Ease of Use
The tackle box easily opens up to reveal plenty of storage space in the form of included trays and deep wells perfect for larger reels and fly fishing lures. In addition, it features a top tray area that can easily store many of the essential things you need to keep fishing including extra line, hooks and lures.
7. OKUMA FISHING NOMAD TACKLE ROLLER SYSTEM
The Nomad Tackle Roller System from Okuma Fishing offers a great and compact way to make sure that your fishing tackle is right where you need it to be with its easy to use wheeled cart. This is one of the more expensive roller style fishing tackles available on the market, costing about the same as a day at the amusement park for a family of four. The Nomad Tackle Roller System by Okuma Fishing is a compact wheeled tackle system that allows you to transport your gear with relative ease. While we would have liked to see a little more durability and a wider wheel base for stability, overall for the price it is a pretty good deal.
Read moreDurability
Made with rip stop fabric material, this tackle box can easily withstand the usual rips and tears that might come with an adventurous fishing trip of the errant sharp hook.
Portability
While we would have like larger wheel base to promote more stability, this tackle box is very easy to maneuver over relatively smooth surfaces such as docks, boats, concrete and dirt shorelines. Also, it is fairly lightweight so pulling it along by the handle is pretty easy.
Size
The sides of this tackle box system open to reveal one double sized plastic utility tray as well as three single sized 3700 utility trays that feature customizable dividers so you can easily make adjustments as needed. The top portion opens up to reveal three relatively deep well compartments with Velcro fastened walls so you can easily adjust their sizes as well. Finally, the sides have two smaller pouches as well as places to put two fishing rods for easier transportation.
Ease of Use
Accessing the tools or gear you need isn’t that much of a problem for this soft-sided tackle box. Simply pull open the side or top zippers to reveal either soft sided divider areas or easy to pull out plastic utility trays.
8. BERCKLEY SPORTSMAN PRO CART
If you enjoy fishing from the shore line or on a larger boat, the Berkley Sportsman Pro Cart is a great choice. It can not only carry just about everything you need, but it can also save your body from unneeded aggravation. This particular tackle box is moderately expensive, but considering the overall size, durability, and versatility of it, the price isn’t unreasonable. If you’re looking for a great tackle box that can easily move with you and protect your gear, the Berkley Sportsman Pro Cart is a great choice. Not only can it easily store and transport nearly everything you need, but it can also help keep your back healthy with its wheeled structure and integrated seating.
Read moreDurability
Fashioned out of corrosion-resistant aluminum frame with large pivoting feet that will keep a total of 300 lbs from sinking into the mud, the overall durability of this particular tackle box is hard to match.
Portability
While this particular tackle box might be a bit larger than the traditional kind seen at the bank of a river, don’t be mistaken- it is extremely portable. The large, stable wheels and easy to extend handle provide a way to safely move all your supplies to your chosen destination. Plus, there is the added bonus of having the ability to carry up to four fishing rods in the sleeves along side the main box.
Size
The interior storage area of this tackle box measures 17.25 inches wide, 15.25 inches high, and 11.25 inches in depth, so it’s pretty easy to store just about any type of fishing tackle that you might imagine. While we would like to have seen a few smaller plastic organizers included, not doing so does open up the tackle box for more customization.
Ease of Use
With an easy flip of the top lid or a pull of the zipper on the side, any angler can quickly gain access to his chosen tray system and tackle. In addition, the tackle box features a built in cutting board and an integrated seat for those times when cleaning the fish is just as important as catching them.
9. SKB TACKLE BOX
If you want a tackle box that may just survive the next war, let alone a day of fishing without a scratch, the SKB Tackle Box is certainly something to consider. Perhaps where this particular tackle box lose some of it’s luster is in the retail price, which is one of the most expensive on this list. However, given the overall durability and well thought out storage space, it may be an investment worth making. If you want durability and easy of use to be the hallmarks of your next fishing tackle box, and you’re willing to spend a fair amount, the SKB Tackle Box may be just what your looking for.
Read moreDurability
Created from rotationally molded and hardened plastic as well as stainless steel hardware, it is hard to believe that anything could destroy this particular tackle box. There have been reports of it being dropped, kicked over, and falling off vehicles, and surviving to live another day without too much of an issue.
Portability
Weighing just over 18 pounds, and featuring a padded shoulder harness, moving this tackle box from place to place is certainly a workout for the avid fisherman.
Size
Another area where the SKB tackle box does very well is the amount of storage it supplies in a relatively small space. It consists of four interior tackle utility boxes, a large top area, an area inside the lid itself, a deep well to the side for larger lures, as well as a side pouch for good sized tools.
Ease of Use
Getting to your fishing gear in this tackle box is remarkably easy to do. Simply open the latched lid, and the side opens up to reveal a series of secure trays, places to keep, larger lures, extra reels, and room for first aid supplies as well. There is even a small pouch on the outside where you can store the items you use the most during a day of fishing, such as needle nose pliers or a knife.
10. FLAMBEAU OUTDOOR 6315 T5
If you enjoy fishing with everything that you might think you need to reel in the big one, you’re going to need a tackle box that can handle the extra weight and equipment. The Flambeau Outdoor 6315 T5 Tackle Box may be just what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for a tackle box that can help you bring your entire arsenal to catch that elusive fish, and your not concerned about being organized, this may be just what you’re looking for. It has 6 storage compartments and area for all of your extra accessories and fishing gear.
Read moreDurability
Overall, we can’t complain too much about the durability of the Flambeau Tackle T4 Multi-Loader Tackle Box. It’s sturdy enough to be used on boats, by the shoreline and transported to and from your favorite watering hole without too much trouble. It has a flip top where you can access your smaller fishing accessory items quickly such as bait or hooks. It also only weighs just 9 pounds so it is very portable.
Portability
Weighing just over nine pounds and measuring 12.5 x 17.5 x 11 inches, this tackle box is fairly easy to move by a single person, although we do feel that the handle could be a bit more ergonomically designed to help with the added weight of a full tackle.
Size
While we certainly think that this tackle box could be better organized, there’s no denying that there is a lot of available storage. These include an open compartment for larger materials, three plastic utility trays, and an upper portion perfect for your quick needs. There are even latches to make sure all of your compartment organizers stay securely. This tackle box measures in at 12.5 x 17.5 x 11 inches which makes it very easy to take with you on a boat or even on a fishing trip.
Ease of Use
With an easy to open the top lid, central latched area and a place to store a number of plastic utility boxes or larger equipment, this tackle box offers you a number of ways to store your fishing gear as well as quite a few ways to get to it. There is even a large latch for you to easily open and close to store your larger items in such as rods or even reels.
Sources
- , The 8 Best Tackle Boxes of 2019, Article
