8 Best Tackle Boxes 2021

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Nothing ruins lures, flies, and other fishing tackle faster than not having a dedicated system to keep them protected and organized. Enter the tackle box, an essential piece of gear for any fisherman—from fly to spinning to saltwater.

The basic concept for any tackle box is the same, but they now come in lots of flavors, from dainty fly boxes to large backpack-style bags with built-in coolers for fish. There are even airplane luggage-style wheeled tackle boxes for when you have more lures than you can reasonably carry.

Type of Tackle Boxes

Unless you’re at an antiques dealer, you’re probably not looking at metal or wicker tackle solutions and are considering one of two main types: a hard plastic case or a soft fabric bag.

The hard plastic tackle box is the most common and often the most affordable. This type of tackle box offers several benefits, including high durability. And given its plastic construction, it’s essentially waterproof, though the closing and sealing mechanism matters a lot for submersion. If you want a truly waterproof tackle box, look for a tight, secure close and a rubber gasket around the edges.

There are also plenty of lunchbox-style fabric tackle boxes (some with plastic box inserts), but obviously fabric runs the risk of not only getting wet, but also getting waterlogged, especially if the fabric isn’t well-coated with waterproofing. Soft bags usually are structured to accommodate smaller clear plastic cases used to keep lures and other tackle organized. Fabric and treble hooks just don’t mix well.

In general, fabric bag solutions are better when you have lots of gear and things besides tackle to keep organized such as extra layers. Many come with backpack straps, so they’re a good option when you need to be mobile with your tackle. Plastic tackle boxes are usually more affordable and are great for boats and kayaks when they’re able to stay in one place.

Size

If your tackle collection is small and minimal, as with fly fishing, you may not need a large tackle box. Likewise, if you’re deep sea fishing with lots of tackle and large lures, you’ll need something bigger, and depending on how heavy it gets, you may even prefer a tackle box on wheels. If you’re starting from zero building your tackle collection, go a little larger than you think you’ll need. You’ll be surprised how fast you collect gear, and you’d rather deal with a partially filled tackle box than an overfilled one.

Internal Storage

Many fishermen opt for smaller individual storage cases such as the ubiquitous Plano-brand clear plastic cases. The 3600 series is a popular size, and while the Plano brand is widely available, there are plenty of comparable options. Many of our recommendations below, especially the fabric bag type, are built with these cases in mind. If you already own these types of cases, just confirm in the product description for any tackle box that it will accommodate your size cases.

How We Selected

My selections here were based on conversations with fishing outfitters and my years of experience fishing across the U.S. I grew up fishing mostly bass in New York’s Finger Lakes region, shorecasted and spearfished for saltwater species while living in Hawaii, and now I fish almost exclusively for trout in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains.

We focused our selections on the most common options in North America that anglers will find stocked online, in fishing-specific retailers, and in the more popular big-box stores. Our category picks offer guidance if you’ve already narrowed down your search.

Best All-Around

Plano Angled Tackle System

• Weight: 6.3 lb.
• Dimensions: 10.75 x 18 x 9.5 in.
• Special features:
See-through lids

Plano is the industry leader in tackle boxes, and this medium-sized box is closer to a tackle fortress, with separate compartments for each common type of tackle and accommodating three of the common Plano 3650 plastic cases, which are included. 

There isn’t much wasted space with this box as every corner has a see-through compartment with secure latches that house frequently accessed items such as terminal tackle and favorite lures. Because of the weight and toolbox-style build, this tackle box is best on a boat or pier where you’re not constantly on the move.

  • Doubles as an at-home system

Best Budget

Plano 1001 Tackle Box

• Weight: 2 lb.
• Dimensions: 3¼ x 6¾ x 5 in. 
• Special features: None

This Plano Model 1001 tackle box is nearly named perfectly as it is “Tackle Box 101” and every beginning angler’s first tackle box. There’s nothing fancy here, just a divided plastic tray for lures and a bulk storage zone below that.

The sub-$20 price can’t be beat, and you still get the dominant name brand in tackle boxes in Plano. If budget comes first or you’re just getting started, there’s nothing wrong with this time-tested solution to organizing your fishing gear.

  • Small for anglers with lots of tackle

Best Splurge

Calissa Offshore Tackle Recon Rolling Fishing Backpack

Calissa Offshore Tackle
amazon.com

$179.99

• Weight: 10 lb.
• Dimensions: 16 x 19 x 10 in.
• Special features: Corrosion-resistant zippers

When your tackle collection gets so large that you dread carrying it, it might be time to turn to an airport-style rolling-luggage solution. This fishing-specific pack from Calissa Offshore Tackle makes carting everything easy for those days when you don’t want to have to decide which lures to leave at home. 

It’s particularly a good choice for offshore fishing trips where you have tons of gear, multiple rods, and mostly need to get from vehicle to boat across the marina. It holds five 3600-series containers and has four rod holders. The ripstop polyester is water-resistant and comes with a built-in rain cover. It also has a backpack option for when rolling isn’t realistic.

  • Oversize for short day trips and bushwhacking

Best Waterproof Tackle Box

Flambeau Outdoors Waterproof Tackle Satchel

Flambeau
amazon.com

$71.69

• Weight: Not listed
• Dimensions: 14.89 x 11.63 x 5.25 in.
• Special features: Waterproof, floats

When fishing from a kayak, paddleboard, or even a boat, having a waterproof tackle box is essential. Many anglers use the ubiquitous Plano clear plastic boxes combined with a bag or pack, but this large, sealed case works as a single space for all your lures and small tackle.

The rubber gaskets not only make the case waterproof, they also trap air inside so the case floats if dropped, which is a great feature for kayak fishing. Thankfully there are compartments of varying sizes and a larger base storage area adequate for tools, line, and other bulky items.

  • Waterproof, and it floats

Best for Salt Water

Shimano Blackmoon Fishing Gear Backpack

Shimano
amazon.com

$169.99

• Weight: 5.4 lb.
• Dimensions:
17 x 18.75 x 8.5 in.
• Special features:
Rain cover, USB power supply

Shimano is a respected name in offshore fishing equipment, and its Blackmoon backpack-style tackle bag is built for saltwater day trips. There’s dedicated storage for everything, including reels, line, tackle, and lures. Plus it comes with—and holds—four 3600-series cases, a bonus if you’re starting from scratch.

The Blackmoon has double-stitched seams, corrosion-resistant zippers, and a pull-out waterproof rain/splash cover.

  • Dedicated fishing-specific storage pockets

Best Backpack

Wild River Nomad Lighted Tackle Backpack

Wild River
amazon.com

$178.74

• Weight: 5.4 lb.
• Dimensions: 17 x 18.75 x 8.5 in.
• Special features: Rain cover, USB power supply

If you’re on foot (or even on a boat), a backpack tackle solution is a lot easier than carrying a traditional toolbox-style tackle box when navigating the perimeter of a lake or river. A backpack keeps your hands free and helps organize everything you’re bringing fishing, not just your tackle. Think extra layers, drinks, snacks, etc.

The Wild River Nomad XP feels pricey for a backpack, but unlike some “fishing” packs that are just rebranded cheap school bags, this backpack has lots of fishing-specific features including exterior holsters for common tools such as pliers, an integrated USB battery charging station, an LED light for early mornings and late evenings, and a compartment designed for four of the common plastic tackle trays.

  • All-in-one grab’n’go solution for a fishing day

Best At-Home Storage

Rush Creek Creations Fishing Rod Tackle Cart

Rush Creek Creations
amazon.com

• Weight: 16.5 lb.
• Dimensions:
23.6 x 15.75 x 34.7 in.
• Special features:
12 rod holders

If you use a fishing backpack, keeping everything inside it is an easy at-home solution, but if not, fishing gear needs a permanent spot at your home or else it’ll quickly spiral out of control. This rolling cart/stand from Rush Creek keeps rods upright and safe and gives you a place to store your different tackles cases and tackle boxes.

If you prefer an enclosed solution, there are fancier wood cabinet models available with cupboard-style doors. But for less than $100, this simple solution keeps you from leaving your gear in your vehicle or in the boat where weather and clumsiness take their toll.

  • Keeps fishing gear in one place at home
  • Can’t take it on the road

Best for Fly Fishing

Magreel Fly Fishing Boxes

Magreel
amazon.com

$21.99

• Weight: Varies
• Dimensions: Varies
• Special features: Waterproof

Fly fishing tackle is different. Flies are often miniscule and tackle is much simpler than most spinning setups. Fly anglers generally use vests, pockets, and slings in lieu of tackle boxes. Still, fly anglers need organization for the flies, and a fly box is a simple, time-tested solution.

Tin boxes offer hits of nostalgia, but hard plastic with water-excluding rubber gaskets such as these boxes from Magreel are ideal for clambering around in rivers and ponds, or even just at-home storage tidiness. You can mix and match sizes to keep flies separated and organized by season, technique, or size.

  • Larger sizes bulky for pocket carry

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