As long as people have been fishing, there have been tackle boxes. Let’s face it, fishing tackle is stuff, and we like our stuff. Take a look at the bass fishing lures you have in your tackle box now. You know you’re going to add more. Tackle boxes and bags have evolved from the simple metal and plastic containers of yesteryear. Not only are these new tackle boxes better looking and easier to carry, they’re more organized and functional, too.

Whether you need something simple, something to store a metric ton of tackle, or something like a tackle backpack for those times when you’re going to be doing a little extra walking (or just want your hands free to carry more rods and stuff), you’ll find the perfect one is available now. The hardest part is figuring out which one makes the most sense for you.

Best Tackle Boxes

For more of my fishing gear recommendations, have a look through these popular Outside Pursuits guide links: Spinning Reels, Baitcasting Reels, Fishing Kayaks.

Quick Answer: The Best Tackle Boxes

Hard Tackle Boxes

1. Plano 7771 Guide Series Tackle System
2. Plano Magnum Double Side Tackle Box
3. Elkton Outdoors Rolling Tackle Box
4. Plano Angled Tackle System

Soft Tackle Bags

1. Flambeau 400ZK-1 IKE 400 Tackle
2. Piscifun Sports Shoulder Bag Fishing Tackle
3. BLISSWILL Multifunctional Fishing Tackle Bag

Tackle Backpacks

1. Wild River by CLC Custom Leathercraft
2. Anglatech Fly Fishing Backpack
3. Wild River 3508 Multi-Tackle Small Backpack

What features really matter when it comes to tackle boxes, bags & backpacks? Our guide and comparison table of the top rated tackle boxes will help you choose.

Tackle Box Reviews

#1 Editor’s Pick Plano 7771 Guide Series Tackle System

Plano is the biggest name in tackle boxes, period. Their equipment is so well-loved in fact that it always seems Plano is the first manufacturer of choice for fishing tackle boxes. This hard sided tackle box might not be resizable but it’s incredibly versatile in many other ways. There are four clear utility boxes inside the main compartment. Each box has its own resizable individual cups for tackle and gear.

To the right of the main compartment is a set of small utility boxes perfect for jig components. These live in their own compartment with a clear window so you can tell what’s inside. On top there’s a clear plastic lid with several of its own storage compartments inside for critical or larger gear. The lid opens to reveal a larger interior space for gear like line, reels, large tackle, etc.

Overall this may be the best tackle box on the market right now. It certainly is one of the best selling models out there.

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#2 Best Targeted Species Box Plano Magnum Tackle Box Double Side

There’s something much more straightforward about this simple hard sided waterproof tackle box from Plano. I actually have this tackle box in my boat along with a few others, and I find it’s pretty handy, especially for swapping lures when I’m looking for walleye.

Its biggest downfall is that the internal dividers are not adjustable. That means you’ll be left with whatever sets of organization dividers Plano included with the box. Honestly that’s not all bad though because the majority of fishing tackle fits just fine into the normal size dividers in these tackle boxes. Like I said before, it mostly gets used for walleye fishing, and the size of the lures and other tackle I use for that fits in well with this box.

Extra points to Plano for making the closure clasps from metal which is a little more durable than cast plastic. The handle is made from thick, sturdy cast plastic which users find quite reliable. I did manage to break one of these boxes, but I think that was more me having a teenager in the boat with me, more so than the box itself.

Best For: Stacking with multiple tackle boxes to create a great storage system on the boat.

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#3 Best for Pier Fishing Elkton Outdoors Rolling Tackle Box

If you’re heading out and you need to walk a decent distance to get to your fishing spot or boat, a rolling tackle box might be for you. This one comes from a brand that isn’t one of the more well-known brands, but it is a great tackle box and is perfect for pier fishing. If you manage to pack this huge rolling tackle box full, it can handle up to 25 pounds of gear total. That’s a ton of gear when you consider how lightweight most fishing gear is. You can pack in spare reels, extra lures and some serious sinkers if you’re headed to a spot with deep water or faster current.

I’m really glad they included is a shoulder strap. There are situations where rolling the bag just doesn’t make sense. When that happens, retract the handle and throw on the shoulder strap to haul the bag along with you over any terrain. This tackle box isn’t perfect for everyone, but for those who pack in a lot of gear and really get into pier fishing (which is a lot of fun, BTW), its a great tackle box.

Best For: The angler with huge loads of tackle and gear with rod storage and organization.

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#4 Best Weekend Angler Box Plano Angled Tackle System

Looking for a smaller hard sided tackle system from a manufacturer you can trust?

With more features than the Plano Magnum, but a smaller size than the Plano 7771 this tackle box fits a happy medium that’s perfect for recreational anglers. I like that I can see into most all of the storage areas without opening them up. In total there are 5 storage locations on this tackle box that feature transparent doors to hold your gear. On the top and sides is room for larger or bulky gear like spools of line or larger lures. Under the lid is a bulk storage compartment for any gear that won’t fit in the organizers. One of the main features of this mid-size tackle system is the angled utility box storage. These boxes slide in at a slight downward angle which makes sure they don’t jostle out. Of course, there’s a clear lid that snaps down over the front of the compartment so it’s just a little extra insurance in case you forget to close the lid.

Best For: The weekend fishing warrior needing a solid tackle box system

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Best Tackle Bags & Soft Sided Tackle Boxes

#1 Best Capacity Flambeau 400ZK-1 IKE 400 Tackle Bag

Soft sided tackle boxes and bags really picked up in popularity to the point that they make up about half of the tackle box market. I have a couple that I use along with hard-sided boxes because, well, I have a ton of fishing tackle. My wife says I have too much, but then I point out her shoes, and she drops the subject. This tackle box from Flambeau can store up to 4 large utility boxes in the main compartment.

I’m a huge fan of the velcro neoprene handle and the padded shoulder strap that’s fully adjustable. There is a sunglasses case with protective hard shell that’s easy to access right on the outside. Plus there are two large accessory pockets on each side which have multiple sub-pockets for organization. In front is a smaller pocket with elastic pockets for pliers or hemostats. Overall this soft sided tackle box is perfect for anglers who need room for an absolute pile of gear in one place – like me. There are tons of options for storage and organization, which means you’ll be very unlikely to outgrow this tackle box any time soon.

Best For: Anglers with large tackle storage needs.

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#2 Piscifun Fishing Tackle Sling Bag

This soft sided fishing tackle bag is a bit of a departure from the norm, but that’s why we love it. Perfect for kayak fishermen or those with minimal tackle needs. If you want to be light, mobile, and ready to move this is the tackle bag for you! In some situations you just can’t bring along an entire box. If you’re fishing from a kayak, for instance, or some fly fishermen. In these cases, having your tackle consolidated and attached to the front of your chest means it’s always with you and easy to get to as you move around or paddle.

There are three main pockets and tons of organization options. It’s the perfect size for a couple of fly boxes or small utility boxes for tackle organization. I do like that they included a couple metal D rings for attaching carabiners. This makes it easy to get to things like your hemostats.

Best For:  The angler looking for the best shoulder fishing bag with minimal tackle and lightweight, mobile needs.

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#3 BLISSWILL Multifunctional Fishing Tackle Bag

This small soft sided tackle bag is a step up from the minimalist design of the Piscifun but it’s still a very modest size tackle bag. There’s room for your fishing gear, a water bottle, and a few accessories. Great for compact tackle storage! I like that there are a ton of ways you can attach your gear to the outside of this bag.

Things like pliers, fillet knife, and other bulky items can be easily stored for quick access on the daisy chain style velcro front. On the black model, the pull tabs for each zipper are highlighted with a nice contrasting orange. The main compartment has room for several small utility boxes, but you won’t be able to hold bulk gear. Choose your equipment carefully before you head out and store what you need in the three modest pockets of this compact soft sided fishing tackle bag. Ultimately this tackle bag makes a good choice for a lightweight and purpose built fishing kit.

Best For: Smaller, compact tackle where bulk storage doesn’t matter.

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Best Tackle Backpacks

#1 Kitchen Sink Award Wild River by CLC Custom Leathercraft

If you’re looking to hit the water with everything you’ve got this is the tackle backpack for you. While it’s a bit more pricey option, there are many distinct advantages of tackle backpacks and this one in particular. For the tech gurus among us there’s probably no better fishing companion. In the backpack is a huge 5,000 mAh battery that powers 3 LEDs for night fishing. You can recharge your phone or GPS using the built in USB charging port that pulls power from the built in battery of the backpack. (If you really needs some power, add the optional solar charging panel)

I like that the main compartment holds 4 medium storage boxes. Along with the room for up to 4 additional small storage boxes there’s enough room for tackle for any trip. Whether you want to take the backpack with you, or just use it for holding tackle at camp it may be the best tackle backpack for covering your bases.

Best For: The tech gurus among us who need some extra battery backup on the water!

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#2 Anglatech Fly Fishing Backpack

If you’re not in the mood to carry a huge battery on your back and everything but the kitchen sink, then maybe you need a smaller vest style tackle backpack. This vest specifically is designed with fly fishing in mind, but anyone could make use of its ergonomic design. While there is a 1.5 L water bladder included, there’s still plenty of room left in the backpack for other gear. Stash your waterproof layers or warm coat and still have room for a small lunch! I like that the backpack panels also include compression straps to keep everything tight.

In front there’s room for 2-4 fly boxes and all of your fishing gear. Sewn in webbing loops make perfect attachments for hemostats and pliers or a knife. An expandable mesh pocket can be a water bottle holder or room for snack bars. The vest is fully adjustable on both sides and shoulders. It should easily fit most people within the adjustment range, but be sure to check reviews if you’re an unusual size. It is one-size-fits-most for sure, with an emphasis on the “most.” Overall, this is a really cool fishing tackle backpack/vest for fly fishing.

Best For: Fly fishing with a light and fast gear setup.

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#3 Wild River 3508 Multi-Tackle Small Backpack

Wild River brings us the most dedicated storage backpack tackle box on our list. This bag is made to hold absolute piles of fishing tackle in organized utility trays with ease, even with its small size, and if the small size isn’t enough, Wild River does make the same backpack in Large.

One thing I do like about this backpack is the lime green internals. This color is very bright and may be abrasive to some, however. What I find cool is, it makes it easier to see. There are 5 small pockets for gear and accessories. Store smaller items in these pockets that you just can’t seem to fit elsewhere. For gear that needs to be accessible there are two expandable mesh pockets near the bottom of the bag. Removing the dividers in the upper storage area makes enough room to stash a few more small utility boxes if needed. Overall there’s just a ton of open storage space in this behemoth of a tackle backpack.

I would have liked to see a bit more refined shoulder strap system, and hip belts would be nice on a pack this size. But the backpack serves its purpose.

Best For: Bulk tackle storage in backpack form.

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How to Choose the Best Tackle Box

• How Do You Fish?
• Types of Tackle Systems
• Hard Tackle Boxes
• Soft Tackle Bags
• Tackle Backpacks
• FAQ For Tackle Systems
• Conclusion

I’m going to help guide you through the process of picking out a tackle box. First we’ll cover many of the important features and function of tackle boxes.

You’ll learn what to look for and what to avoid when picking out your next tackle box or tackle backpack.

How Do You Fish?

When choosing the type of tackle box to carry with you, first ask yourself how you prefer to fish. Heading out fishing on your own boat means you can store your tackle in the same place every time. There’s tons of space and room to organize. Hard sided tackle boxes or large tackle bags would be a fine choice.

Maybe you have to hike in to your fishing spot and you fish from the shore. In that case a gigantic and heavy hard sided tackle box would be difficult to carry. A tackle backpack makes more sense for carrying into remote areas when you’ve also got a handful of rods.

Maybe you’re going kayak fishing and need to keep your tackle organized but don’t have room for large tackle boxes. Of course you can’t carry a backpack in a kayak, so it’ll have to be a soft sided tackle bag.

It doesn’t take a genius to figure out the best tackle box or bag for each situation. Luckily no one is more qualified to decide than you are! You know yourself and your fishing better than anyone so think thoroughly about how you’ll use your tackle box before you buy.

Types of Tackle Systems

Hard Tackle Boxes

These plastic tackle boxes seem the most archaic option available today. That doesn’t mean they’re bad, by any stretch of the imagination.

Hard tackle boxes are usually quite inexpensive and offer a range of storage space and options. Most hard tackle boxes have cascading or folding trays that can be organized and arranged to accommodate the type of tackle you’re using.

Advantages of a Hard Tackle Box:

• Inexpensive
• Easy to organize
• Provides lots of protection

Look for models that use plastic boxes for organization. These clear plastic boxes slide in and out from trays inside the hard plastic tackle box. This way you can swap out the boxes and leave one you don’t need at home. If you find the right size tackle box these utility boxes can even be cross-compatible with any soft sided cases you might have as well.

For hard plastic tackle boxes you’ll want to pay careful attention to the closure systems and handles. Cheap tackle boxes tend to have handles that break or come loose easily. When that happens you’ll accidentally drop the box which then cracks and breaks (yeah, I’ve done it). Cheap latches and closures can also snap or break over time which then leaves the tackle box useless. Inspect these components or check reviews before buying.

Pro Tip – Don’t leave your plastic tackle boxes sitting in the sun. UV exposure will make the plastic fragile and prone to cracking over time. Store them in a compartment or at least under the dash.

Soft Tackle Bags

Soft tackle boxes or tackle bags have exploded in popularity over the last few years. There are several good reasons for the new popularity of soft tackle boxes.

Advantages of a Soft Tackle Bag:

• More customization options
• Won’t chip, crack, or break
• More organization room for gear

Soft tackle bags feature a durable fabric bag with a number of gear pockets and one or more main compartment. They usually have a handle and / or a shoulder strap for easy carrying. Unlike hard sided tackle boxes, soft bags don’t always have to be full. You can remove the interior clear plastic utility boxes if you don’t need all of them, thereby making a large tackle box much smaller.

These clear plastic utility boxes are the cornerstone of all soft tackle boxes. They feature resizable interior compartments that can be made to fit just about any size or type of tackle. As we mentioned earlier, you can even swap them between different tackle boxes as long as they share the same standard sizing.

What I really like about soft tackle bags is the adaptability. You can clip hemostats to the shoulder strap, stuff pliers in the external pockets, or even stash an entire extra reel into a pocket without a problem. Need even more room? Take out a couple of the plastic utility boxes and stash more gear in the main compartment.

Tackle Backpacks

These are probably the newest addition to the world of tackle carrying gear. Soft tackle bags have been around for a while and naturally they seem to have evolved into the world of tackle backpacks. Tackle backpacks are an insanely handy type of organization to have for many situations. They have many of the advantages of soft tackle bags with even greater mobility.

Advantages of a Tackle Backpack:

• Hands free carrying for any size tackle
• Tons of gear storage
• May be the largest tackle option

Tackle backpacks offer solutions to getting fishing gear into remote locations. By tossing all your tackle on your back, your hands are free to carry other gear or navigate the trail. Even if you’re not hiking in to your fishing spot, carrying loads of gear from the truck or boat is so much easier when you can quickly toss the backpack on and have hands free for other stuff. If you choose a tackle backpack with the same size utility boxes as your soft tackle bag or tackle box you can have the best of all worlds. Use the tackle backpack to carry your mobile arsenal of tackle and then swap out boxes with your soft bag as the situations change and leave the large backpack in the truck.

The only issue with tackle backpacks that I have had is with the straps. Let’s say you carry your pack onto your boat for a day of fishing. Now you need to be mindful of the straps so you don’t get caught up/trip on them. Just a small thing, but something to keep in mind. 

FAQs For Tackle Boxes

Q: What type of tackle system should I buy?

A: This depends on how you will fish. If you fish from say a dock, a rolling backpack is a great way to go. If you fish from a kayak a hard tackle box might be best for you. If you are fly fishing most likely a backpack or sling pack will work best. Consider where you will fish and how you fish.

Q: How should I organize my tackle box?

A: There is no easy way to answer this. All of the tackle system we have looked at off various ways to organize your gear. The best way is to try some different methods, trial and error will tell you how to best organize your lures, line and other gear for easiest access.

Q: What should I keep in my tackle box?

A: This depends a lot on the type of fishing you do. If you fish mostly with lures obliviously keeping a good selection of lures for the type of fish your going after. Extra line is a necessity along with a pair of needle nose pliers or a hook remover. Also depending on the size of your tackle box, some snacks or water is a nice thing to be able to keep handy.

Q: Which is better, a hard or soft sided tackle box?

A: Each have their advantages and disadvantages. A hard tackle box will offer more protection for your gear and also protect it from water and the elements. A soft sided tackle box will offer more flexibility for your gear as it will expand unlike a hard tackle box. A soft side will not break or shatter if you drop it.

Final Thoughts

There are tons of ways to get your fishing gear to the water. Most anglers will eventually own or try more than one option. There’s no reason you can’t use a tackle backpack and a soft sided bag!

Most of the tackle systems on our list use utility boxes. These boxes are usually universally sized so that you can swap them between storage systems. If you get the correct size tackle bags, tackle boxes, and tackle backpacks you can just swap out the utility boxes and be ready to go in no time!

Before you settle on a decision of which tackle box is best for you, be sure to consider where and how often you fish. Remember that your needs may change and you’ll probably want to add more tackle storage options over time. Every angler ends up with more tackle than we know what to do with!

How We Researched

Every angler who remotely takes fishing serious, has had multiple tackle boxes, and I am no exception. I’ve been fishing since I was barely old enough to hold the rod on my own, and even then sometimes I needed help. I have gone through countless tackle boxes, bags, backpacks and more over the years, even trying to construct my own at one point as a way to store my tackle in the boat just a little easier. As a writer who has worked with Cabela’s, Bass Pro and a few other places, I have talked directly with the folks who design tackle boxes, too. I also checked the reviews users just like you post online. If you ever wonder who reads those things, at least you know I do. I find it very helpful.

And as someone who has spent hours reorganizing my tackle boxes to make it so I can find the right lure for the right moment, I also have a keen insight into what makes for the best tackle boxes, bags and backpacks. I’ll cut you in on a. little secret, too. I’ve been testing a couple of options that are so new, I can’t add them to the list yet because you can’t buy them. Keep checking back, as I’ll be updating this story soon.