Organize Your Fishing Kit With These Expert-Recommended Tackle Boxes

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Anglers collect tackle fast since it’s easy to believe the next lure you buy will be the one that the fish can’t resist. While having enough tackle to be sure you have the right setup at the right time is great, it won’t do much good if you can’t keep it organized enough to find. Enter the tackle box or case.

The basic concept for any tackle box is the same, but these now come in lots of flavors, from dainty fly boxes to the ubiquitous plastic cases 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.

Your style of fishing and the amount of tackle you own will dictate the type and the amount of cases you will use, so read on to learn more about what type is right for you and to sort through our recommendations across a range of tackle organization solutions.

Best Tackle Boxes

• Best All-Around Tackle Box: Plano Angled Tackle System

• Best Waterproof Tackle Box: Flambeau Outdoors Waterproof Tackle Satchel

• Best Backpack: Calissa Rolling Tackle Backpack

• Best Splurge Backpack: Wild River Nomad Lighted Tackle Backpack

• Best Budget Tackle Box: Plano 1001 Tackle Box

Types of Tackle Boxes

Unless you’re shopping at an antiques dealer, you’re probably not looking at metal or wicker tackle solutions, which means you'll be 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. 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.

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A subset of the hard plastic tackle box is the tackle case, which is where most anglers end up when their collections start to outgrow a single box. These cases are cheap and an easy way to keep different types of lures and tackle organized and separated because they're usually clear (so you can see what’s inside before opening). They feature customizable dividers inside so it's simple to accommodate a wide range of sizes and types of tackle. Conveniently, most tackle bags are built around housing these cases, which come in a few standard sizes.

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 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 clothing layers. Many come with backpack straps, so they’re a decent 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 the 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 These Tackle Boxes

My choices here were based on conversations with fishing outfitters and my years of experience fishing across the U.S. I focused my 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. My category picks offer guidance if you’ve already narrowed down your search.

Angled Tackle System

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 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.

Outdoors Waterproof Tackle Satchel

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 an important feature for kayak fishing. There are smaller compartments visible through the clear lid, which swing out to the sides to reveal a larger base storage area adequate for tools, line, and other bulky items.

The compartment dividers feature a unique innovation borrowed from the electronics world: Zerust vapor emitters that help coat metal items and prevent corrosion.

Recon Rolling Fishing Backpack

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 medium-size 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. There is also an extra-large version ($180) if need be.

Nomad Lighted Tackle Backpack

If you’re on foot (or even on a boat), a backpack tackle solution is 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 may feel 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.

1001 Tackle Box

This Plano Model 1001 tackle box is named nearly perfect as it is the “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 for line and tools.

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.

Edge Utility Box

There are plenty of cheap plastic tackle cases from Plano and other manufacturers, but for a little bit extra you can upgrade your storage to Plano’s Edge series of cases that feature a more rigid but still lightweight hard plastic. These cases are also more thoughtfully designed with specific cases for specific tackle such as terminal tackle aka lures.

The cases are also truly waterproof, with a rubber gasket and secure snap closure that’s operable with one hand. Many of the Edge cases also come with a Water Wick divider to help absorb moisture, which keeps metal tackle such as hooks from rusting when tackle gets put away wet. The dividers are also filled with tiny perforations that help move air and moisture through the case to further help keep tackle dry.

Terminal Tackle Utility Case

When you’re ready to graduate from the basic tackle box, a tackle case is the choice of most experienced anglers. These hard plastic cases are de rigueur for larger tackle collections as they allow you to keep lures and other tackle organized by type, and most come with highly customizable dividers.

This upgraded but still very affordable case from H20X is a step up from the basic clear plastic boxes, with some dedicated areas for specific types of lures. It’s mostly plastic, but the metal hinges are treated with rust inhibitor for durability.

Buy as a many as you need for the amount of tackle you want to keep organized. Be certain they’re the right size if you have a tackle bag to keep them all together as this type of case comes in a range of semi-standard sizes. (This case is the 3700 series size.)

Z-Series Waterproof Backpack

Saltwater fishing, whether from a boat or surfcasting, doesn’t have very different requirements than freshwater tackle, so you can comfortably use the same type of plastic cases for tackle. The biggest difference is that saltwater corrodes, so I try to avoid anything with metal zippers, even if they’re coated.

Plano’s Z Series Waterproof Backpack uses a roll top closure with plastic clips for secure, rust-free operation and easy opening. It also traps air so it’ll float if your bag ends up overboard.

The bag comes stocked with two 3700 Guide Series waterproof cases that are great for holding miscellaneous items and the larger lures and tackle common to ocean fishing. It has a backpack carry option, side rod holders, and a 20-liter capacity so you can easily walk the beach or the docks with all your tackle on your back.

PRO Waterproof Sling 14L

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

Most fly anglers will have plenty of fly boxes that can be stashed in pockets, vests, or waders, but I like a simple hip pack such as the Orvis Pro Waterproof Sling to keep line, leader, tippet, flies, water bottle, and tools within easy reach.

There are lots of cheaper general-use hip packs for less, but this is a purpose-built fly bag with an exterior Tippet Whippet, quick-stash patch for frequently used flies, and a TPU construction that’s not only waterproof but also puncture-resistant so hooks don’t destroy your bag and render it not-so-waterproof anymore.

If the price point scares you off, the smaller fabric Trailwaters Hip Pack ($79) from Tenkara Rod Co. blends durability and fishing-specific design for $200 less.

Fishing Tackle Cart

If you use a fishing backpack, keeping everything there can be a workable at-home solution, but often your tackle collection expands beyond a single bag or box. This rolling cart/stand keeps rods upright and safe and also gives you a place to store all of your different tackle cases and tackle boxes.

There are slots for 12 rods which should be enough for all but the most hardcore anglers, and the two storage shelves are spacious enough to hold your plastic cases of tackle, tackle bags, and other gear, so it's easy to load up and grab just the tackle you need for the day.

Yes, this means unracking and packing when you head out and then reracking when you come home, but it’s a price worth paying to keep your gear safe and organized instead of tossed in the closet or garage.

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What should I plan to carry in my tackle box?

Carry the tackle you have! For more casual or beginner anglers, usually all of your tackle can be stored in a few storage boxes or a single tackle box. For common spinning reel set-ups you want some basics: fishing line, swivels, a bobber or two, an assortment of weights, tools such as pliers, and whatever lures and bait you have at your disposal.

Experienced anglers may have more tackle than is practical to carry on any particular fishing trip, and you can pare things back by only bringing the tackle you think you’ll need for the species you’re targeting, the environment you’re fishing, and the conditions and season. Still, I often find that if a day’s plan isn’t going as anticipated, I’ll want to switch gears and target something entirely different, and I find myself wishing I had the tackle I left at home.

How do you recommend organizing a tackle box or case?

A good rule is to keep like with like. Group the same types of lures together so when you’re going for a particular species or technique, you have everything in play at a glance.

Likewise, keeping types of lures together makes sense. Topwater lures can all share a case, as can soft baits, hard baits, weights, and really anything else.

If you have a bag with multiple cases, each case can specialize in a particular type of lure and be labeled as such with marker (use tape if you want it to be temporary) for easy selection when the bite is on.

What is the best tackle box you have had and why?

While I love the simple plastic divided cases for simplicity in organization, my favorite all-around has to be the Plano Angled Tackle System box that’s our Best All-Around pick.

This box accommodates three of the 3650 plastic cases, so it’s easy to switch for simple outings on a boat or from shore or a dock. And for casual anglers, it’s a great solution for all of your tackle with lots of divided storage to keep things separate. It avoids the trays that become a black hole for tackle.

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