Our Picks For The Best Tackle Boxes

There's nothing more frustrating than digging through a giant mess of tangled hooks and dried-out soft plastics while the fish move on. This guide explores different styles of tackle boxes built to solve real storage problems. The right system helps you store soft plastics without damage, keeps your fishing gear secure, and makes it much easier to fish.

At A Glance 

• PLANO Guide Series (beginner)

• Bass Pro Shops Watertight Utility Boxes (beginner)

• PLANO EDGE Flex 3700 (intermediate)

• Flambeau Waterproof Satchel 3000 (intermediate)

• Gamakatsu G-Box 3200/3600 (intermediate)

• BUZBE Colony 28 Modular Deep Box (advanced)

• Daiwa Tactical Long Stickbait Box (advanced)

• PLANO EDGE Terminal Box (advanced)

  
  

Types Of Tackle Boxes

Tackle boxes have come a long way from the old-school clunky versions that barely held enough gear. Here are the most common tackle boxes you'll find today:

• Conventional Hard Boxes: A hard box features fold-out trays with fixed compartments to separate your lures, weights, and hooks. It's a sturdy choice that holds up to rough handling and keeps everything secure.

• Modular Tackle Systems: A modular system uses removable tackle trays so you can switch gears based on species or conditions. Instead of dumping everything into one container, you can organize by category and travel lighter without sacrificing versatility.

• Soft-Sided Tackle Bags: These bags are built for anglers who need flexibility. A soft bag offers more room for bulkier items like soft plastics, scent bottles, and extra tools. With side pockets and a padded shoulder strap, it's easier to manage when walking to the dock or moving around a boat.

• Tackle Backpacks: Great for mobile anglers, a backpack keeps your hands free while still offering vertical space for dividers, trays, and other essentials. It's especially useful when hiking to remote spots or navigating tighter shorelines.

• Kayak-Specific Boxes: Taller and more compact in design, kayak boxes slide neatly into the limited cargo space behind your seat. Most are waterproof and easy to open with one hand, which is crucial when reaching around in tight quarters.

• Lure-Specific Boxes: These boxes hold hard baits, jigs, or swimbaits in foam or slotted dividers. The layout prevents hook tangling and protects fragile finishes, making it easier to keep your most sensitive gear in top shape.

How To Choose A Tackle Box 

Choosing a tackle box starts with knowing your fishing style. Some anglers bring everything they own, while others carry just the essentials. Before you decide, take a hard look at how much gear you actually use. A larger box might seem like a smart move, but if you only ever reach for the same handful of lures, you'll end up hauling dead weight.

First off, you'll need to consider how portable the tackle box is. If you're fishing from the bank, a soft bag with a padded shoulder strap is easier to move around. On a boat, a solid box that fits into your storage hatch might be the better option. Either way, it's about how easy it is to get to your fishing spot without fumbling or feeling weighed down.

The internal layout changes everything. A box with adjustable dividers or removable tackle trays lets you customize how you store soft plastics, hooks, and tools. When things are in the right place, you don't waste time or lose out on a bite.

In addition, material plays a role in both durability and comfort. Hard plastic is popular for a good reason: It's solid, inexpensive, and holds up to rough use. But not all plastics are created equally. If the hinges feel weak or the lid bends, it'll probably crack under pressure. Some anglers opt for metal, which adds strength but also adds weight. Others stick with fabric-based tackle bags, especially for hiking or kayak trips, because they offer flexibility without the bulk.

Best Beginner Tackle Boxes 

If you're just getting started, these beginner-friendly tackle boxes offer the perfect size to hold your essentials:

PLANO Guide Series-4

Specs:

• Size: 16.5” x 12” x 16”

• Utility Boxes: Four 2-3750 ProLatch™ trays

• Colour: Graphite/Sandstone

Pros:

• Tons of storage space

• Secure ProLatch closures

• Trusted brand at a great price

• Easy to grab individual trays for quick outings

Cons:

• Bulky for small boats or kayaks

• Fully plastic construction

• Not waterproof

The PLANO Guide Series 4-By Rack System is a classic all-in-one setup for beginners who want to keep their stuff sorted without spending a fortune. It's big, yes, but that's the idea. Leave the main box in your garage or trunk, and just grab the trays you need for the day. The utility boxes slide in and out smoothly, and the front panel gives you a clear picture of what's inside.

Bass Pro Shops Watertight Utility Boxes 

Specs:

• Sizes: 9” x 7” x 2” (small), 10 ⅞” x 7 ⅛” x 2” (medium), 13 ⅞” x 9” x 2” (large)

• Utility Boxes: 1 per unit

• Colours: Orange/Smoke (Small), Green/Smoke (Medium), Blue/Smoke (Large)

Pros:

• The gasket-sealed lid keeps water out

• Adjustable dividers for custom layout

• UV-tinted lid protects lure finishes

• Comes in three sizes

• Budget-friendly

Cons:

• No rust protection

• Basic design with minimal features

The Bass Pro Shops Watertight Utility Boxes are an excellent pick for anglers who want affordable waterproof protection without paying for bells and whistles. Each box includes adjustable compartments so you can fit whatever stuff you're packing for the day. The tinted lid is a handy touch that keeps your lures from fading in the sun. While it doesn't stop rust like some higher-end models, it does a solid job of sealing out water.

Tackle Boxes For Intermediate Anglers 

If you're an intermediate angler, you've likely outgrown the original bags and need more space and smarter ways to organize your gear.

PLANO EDGE Flex 3700

Specs:

• Size: 14” x 9” x 2.63”

• Dividers: 38-piece customizable FLEX divider system

• Colour: Smoke/Yellow with clear lid

Pros:

• Fully customizable layout

• Restrictor rust-preventative base

• Dri-Loc watertight seal

• Durable build with steel pin hinges

Cons:

• Slightly more expensive

• Requires time to configure

  
  

The PLANO EDGE Flex 3700 is a dream for intermediate anglers who want one box that can catch just about every need. The customizable divider system lets you store swimbaits, jerk baits, or even soft plastics all in the same box—no wasted space. It's built tough, keeps moisture out, and gives you a clear picture of what's inside without opening it. Plus, it's perfect as a grab-and-go system or a versatile seasonal setup, and this box offers a bit more control than your average utility box.

Flambeau Waterproof Satchel 3000

Specs:

• Size: 14.89” x 11.63” x 5.2”

• Trays: Two removable swing trays, two WP3012 Tuff Tainers

• Colour: Clear lid with black/blue accents

Pros:

• Fully waterproof with a 360° gasket

• Zerust-infused dividers prevent rust

• Swing trays and deep bases offer layered storage

• Built-in work surface and secure handle

Cons:

• Bulkier than traditional tackle boxes

• Higher price point

  
  

The Flambeau Waterproof Satchel 3000 combines old-school utility with modern tech. Its layered system offers multiple levels of compartments, making it great for anglers who like to keep everything in one box. The top trays are perfect for crankbaits and jigs, while the base houses tools, soft plastics, and full packs. Everything stays dry, even when you throw it in the truck bed or get caught in the rain. With rust-blocking Zerust and a rugged build, this box is a solid pick if you want durability and smart organization in one dependable system.

Gamaktsu G-Box 3200/3600

Specs:

• Size: 8.1” x 5.7” x 1.6” (3200 model)

• Colour: Blue

• Interior: Slit foam insert for hooks and jigheads

Pros:

• Secure slit foam holds over 100 hooks

• Prevents tangling and bent hook points

• Lightweight and compact

• The clasp allows one-handed opening

Cons:

• Not waterproof

• Limited space for bulkier items

The Gamakatsu G-Box 3200 is a compact, purpose-built solution for anglers who need to keep treble hooks, jigheads, and small lures locked in place without tangling. Unlike most tackle boxes, this one uses a slit foam insert to grip each hook securely, even when you jump between spots or pull it from a moving boat.

Advanced Tackle Storage Systems

Advanced anglers need storage that adapts to evolving gear setups and holds up through constant use in different environments, and these boxes do exactly that:

BUZBE Colony 28 Modular Deep Box 

Specs:

• Size: 14" x 9" x 3.25"

• Interior: HEXLOK grid with modular bins

• Colour: Grey with yellow accents

• Material: Military-grade plastic with stainless steel hinges

Pros:

• Fully customizable compartments

• Rust-preventative plastic

• Built tough with a secure, easy-latch system

• Stackable and weather-sealed

Cons:

• Higher price point

• Heavier than standard boxes

The BUZBE Colony 28 Deep is built for anglers who want total control over their tackle storage. Its modular bins lock into a HEXLOK grid, letting you organize gear by size, colour, or quantity. The grey-and-yellow design is rugged and sleek, while the military-grade shell and steel hardware offer long-lasting durability. Airtight seals and rust-blocking material help protect expensive baits on the road or in the boat.

Daiwa Tactical Long Stickbait Box 

Specs:

• Size: 7.5” x 11” x 1.5”

• Colour: Green

• Capacity: Holds up to 16 long jerk baits

Pros:

• Individual slots prevent tangling

• Foam hook stabilizer keeps points sharp

• Slim profile fits easily in bags and boats

• Great for oversized jerk baits and water

Cons:

• Limited to specific bait types

• No waterproof seal

The Daiwa Tactical Long Stickbait Box is a purpose-built storage system for jerkbait enthusiasts. Unlike standard tackle boxes, this green case locks each bait into place with dedicated slots and foam hook anchors, preventing tangled treble hooks or dull points.

PLANO EDGE Terminal Box 

Specs:

• Size: 14” x 9” x 1”

• Colour: Transparent/Yellow

• Capacity: 16 lift-out containers + weight trays

Pros:

• Watertight seal and rust protection

• Smart lift-out trays for weights and hooks

• Slim 3700 profile fits most tackle bags

Cons:

• Higher price point

• Not ideal for oversized items

Of all the terminal tackle boxes PLANO makes, this one stands out. The EDGE Terminal Box is built for anglers who are tired of tangled hooks and loose weights. It comes loaded with removable containers that keep each item in place, so you don't have to dig or sort mid-trip. The watertight seal and rust-preventing base give added peace of mind, especially if your gear gets wet often. Everything locks in securely, and nothing spills, even if the box gets tossed around.

Best Soft Tackle Bags And Backpacks 

From full-sized storage haulers to slim, bank-friendly packs, these soft tackle bags fit just about every fishing style:

• Academy H2OX Ethos – A great full-size option that comes preloaded with five 3700 trays, ample pockets, and waterproof storage

• Evolution Drift Series 3600 Backpack – Rugged and roomy with smart pocket placement and a non-slip bottom for use on boats or banks

• BUZBE Swarm Bag – Built with heavy-duty waterproof material that protects gear in wet or rough conditions

• Tackle Warehouse Sling Pack – Compact, affordable, and wearable in the front for quick access while wading or walking.

Best Kayak/Compact Fishing Boxes

Compact tackle boxes for kayaks need to be light and easy to access with one hand while seated:

• YakAttack BlackPak – A rigid, UV-stable crate with tethered rod holders and a hinged lid, great for customizing and rigging your setup

• Wilderness Systems Kayak Krate – Durable blow-moulded body with a watertight main compartment and extra storage in the lid

• RAILBLAZA Gear Hub – Features gear track slots, a sturdy lid that doubles as a seat, and compact rod holders for tight spaces

• PLANO Kayak Soft Crate – A padded crate alternative that fits in a standard 13" x 13" space with removable side pockets and extra compartments.

Bonus Features To Consider

Certain features can elevate your setup. Waterproof zippers add peace of mind during wet conditions, while lockable latches offer extra security. Additionally, reinforced bases help stabilize your bag or box, keeping everything in place.

After you've loaded your tackle box, it's time to put it to use. Book your dream trip to Munroe Lake Lodge and put those lures to work.