Tech & Gear Accessories The 8 Best Tackle Boxes of 2023 Plano Guide Series 3700 XL earns our top pick By Jessica Macdonald Jessica Macdonald Facebook LinkedIn King's College London Jessica Macdonald lives in South Africa's Eastern Cape province and has been TripSavvy's Africa Expert since 2016. She also covers travel products and has written about everything from camping knives to climbing chalk. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 03/31/23 Share Pin Email We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. TripSavvy / Chloe Jeong Whether a deep-sea angler or a freshwater fly fisher, a tackle box is essential for keeping your hooks, sinkers, lures, and line organized. There are plenty of tackle systems, ranging from traditional boxes made of hard plastic to fabric backpacks and sling bags perfect for keeping things light. The best choice for you depends on a variety of factors, including your preferred fishing style, the amount of tackle you own, and the conditions in which you usually fish. We've researched the best options for every type of angler. The Rundown Best Overall: Plano Guide Series 3700 XL Tackle Bag at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: Plano One-Tray Tackle Box at Amazon Jump to Review Best Splurge: Elkton Outdoors Rolling Tackle Box at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Boats: Plano Z-Series 3700 Tackle Bag at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Fly Fishing: Allen Fall River Fishing Chest Pack at Amazon Jump to Review Best Waterproof: Flambeau Outdoors Waterproof Satchel 3000 at Amazon Jump to Review Best Backpack: Piscifun Fishing Tackle Backpack at Amazon Jump to Review Table of contents Expand Our Picks Final Verdict What to Look For FAQ Why Trust TripSavvy Best Overall Plano Guide Series 3700 XL Tackle Bag Amazon View On Amazon What We Like Patent-pending magnetic Dropzone lid Multiple carrying styles for ultimate comfort Great storage for land- and boat-based fishing What We Don't Like Not fully waterproof For the fisherman or fisherwoman who has everything—and needs a place to store it—there's no better option than the highly-rated Plano Guide Series 3700 XL. Made from PVC-backed, 1,680-denier fabric for ultimate durability, it is the largest tackle box offered by the respected Plano brand. The spacious interior can hold two StowAway containers, while three more can be stashed in separate side compartments, providing ample room for stashing hooks, lures, line, and anything else secure. Two expandable rod holders come in especially handy for land-based fishing. For those fishing from a boat, the rigid, TPR-molded base prevents slippage in rough seas, while the magnetic Dropzone allows you to place lures and pliers on the lid in the heat of the action. Other convenient features range from a waterproof cell phone pocket to oversized, easy-glide zippers. Finally, the box can be worn backpack-style or slung over the shoulder. Two potential issues: It is huge and weighs about 13 pounds. And it's one of the more expensive options available. But if you've got a lot of tackle, this is the box for you. Price at time of publication: $150 Weight: 12.93 pounds | Dimensions: 19.5 x 12 x 14.75 inches Best Budget Plano One-Tray Tackle Box Amazon View On Amazon What We Like Tried-and-tested classic design Waterproof, hard plastic construction Top storage provides easy access to essentials What We Don't Like Main compartment lacks organization Limited storage space for serious anglers At roughly a tenth of the price of some of the more expensive options on this list, the Plano One-Tray Tackle Box offers an affordable solution for those on a limited budget or just testing the waters of fishing (pun intended). It’s also a favored starter tackle box for young anglers with their first fishing poles. Its classic clamshell design includes a sturdy carry handle that can be pushed flat against the lid and a brass-bailed latch. Once opened, the box reveals a single cantilever tray with adjustable compartments for personalized gear storage. Beneath the tray is a general storage area spacious enough for larger items such as reels or live-bait containers. This section is unstructured, however, which could be a downside for some. The tackle box also features two small top-access storage areas, perfect for keeping hooks, swivels, and small lures within easy reach. Choose from a variety of colors or consider upgrading to a two- or three-tray version for a reasonable extra cost. Price at time of publication: $25 Weight: 1.9 pounds | Dimensions: 14 x 8.25 x 7.13 inches Best Splurge Elkton Outdoors Rolling Tackle Box Amazon View On Amazon What We Like Can hold four rigged rods Can be converted into a backpack Roller design saves a lot of physical strain What We Don't Like Better for land-based fishing than boat fishing Roller function is not appropriate for all terrains At the other end of the price spectrum, the Elkton Outdoors Rolling Tackle Box is a one-stop solution for getting all your equipment to your fishing spot with minimum effort. The roller design saves your back and shoulders from most of the strain, providing the low center of gravity needed to securely transport up to four rod and reel combos (in the PVC rod holders attached to the box’s corners). The box features two heavy-duty wheels and a fully collapsible telescoping handle. On rough terrain, the tackle box can be converted into a backpack. When you get to your site, two sturdy feet help keep the box level while ensuring the bottom stays dry. The main storage area fits five 3600-size plastic tackle boxes with 18 compartments each. They can be easily accessed via the front zipper opening. Other storage spaces include three zippered pockets and a large upper area that can be divided into two or three separate sections. Price at time of publication: $200 Weight: 11.8 pounds | Dimensions: 15.7 x 18.5 x 9.6 inches Best for Boats Plano Z-Series 3700 Tackle Bag Amazon View On Amazon What We Like Non-slip waterproof base Waterproof PVC construction Zipless design prevents corrosion What We Don't Like Interior lacks separate compartments Can only be carried over the shoulder Made of waterproof PVC fabric, the Plano Z-Series 3700 Tackle Bag is designed to withstand the elements. Of particular interest to seagoing fishermen and fisherwomen is the lack of external zips—no fear of saltwater corrosion here. Instead, the top of the spacious central storage compartment is held in place by heavy-duty plastic buckles. The box comes with two 3700 StowAways and features molded attachment hardware and quick-drain mesh side pockets for storing easy-access items you don’t mind getting wet. The waterproof, molded, non-slip base is a must for those fishing from a boat, keeping your tackle box in one place as you power through the swells. It also means you don’t have to worry about saltwater and fish blood soaking through from the deck. Transporting the box is easy, too, thanks to the reinforced shoulder strap. We like the 3700 model for its abundant storage (great for a full day out on the water). However, Plano also offers a smaller model for those with limited deck space. Price at time of publication: $85 Weight: 5 pounds | Dimensions: 16 x 10 x 10 inches Best for Fly Fishing Allen Fall River Fishing Chest Pack Amazon View On Amazon What We Like Compact, streamlined design Integrated work station for tying flies D-ring for fastening fly net to the neck strap What We Don't Like Not fully waterproof Tippet tender has limited space For many fly fishers, part of the sport’s appeal is the opportunity to pare gear back to the bare essentials, using light rods, light line, and light tackle to feel the fight of the fish. The Allen Fall River Fishing Chest Pack aligns perfectly with this philosophy, offering a streamlined way of organizing your tackle without adding much in bulk or weight. Held firmly in place by the adjustable padded neck and waist straps, it remains stationary while casting, making it easy to maintain balance. The bag is made from high-quality, water-resistant fabric with heavy-duty zippers. Inside, the main compartment features a high-visibility lining and several separate storage pockets and is roomy enough for a large fly box. To save you from wading back to shore between casts, the front pocket zips down to reveal a workstation with tippet tender and a fly patch. An exterior mesh pocket and D-rings for attaching pliers, line clippers, and fly net maximize the bag’s storage and organizational potential. Price at time of publication: $53 Weight: 8 ounces | Weight: 8 x 3.25 x 9.75 inches Best Waterproof Flambeau Outdoors Waterproof Satchel 3000 Amazon View On Amazon What We Like 100 percent waterproof design Recessed lid doubles as a work surface Removable dividers for customized storage What We Don't Like Expensive for those on a budget No external storage attachments No option for hands-free carrying The Flambeau Outdoors Waterproof Satchel 3000 is the ideal solution for kayak, canoe, and surf anglers with no guaranteed dry storage space. The briefcase-style tackle box is sturdy and completely waterproof, with a 360-degree airtight rubber gasket and strong latches to maintain a perfect seal. You can use the tie-down flanges to secure it to your craft, but if it goes overboard, it floats. Transporting the box is easy thanks to the molded carry handle, while the low-profile design fits well in small spaces. Removable, swivel glide trays give you layers of space for maximum storage. And the storage compartments can be easily customized to suit your tackle thanks to removable dividers infused with Flambeau’s patented Zerust technology. The latter helps to protect your lures, hooks, and tools from corrosion. Bonus: The tough polycarbonate lid is recessed as a convenient work surface. Price at time of publication: $45 Weight: 4 pounds | Dimensions: 14.89 x 11.63 x 5.25 inches Best Backpack Piscifun Fishing Tackle Backpack Amazon View On Amazon What We Like Built to last from 1,200-denier nylon Includes four hard plastic tackle boxes Eleven customizable compartments for maximum storage What We Don't Like May not provide enough storage for some Included tackle boxes may not suit all gear setups Despite its relatively large size, the Piscifun Fishing Tackle Backpack is made to be transported comfortably on your back, with adjustable padded straps and a breathable mesh back liner. It's constructed from water-resistant nylon and features a durable KAM buckle and double SBS zippers, while rubber feet elevate it off wet surfaces. For added weather protection, the backpack has a protective rain cover and a waterproof pouch for your valuables. The main compartment is located at the backpack's base and is large enough to hold four 3600-size plastic tackle boxes (included). Multiple zippered pockets and compartments on the top, front, and sides offer other versatile storage options, with many opening in a V shape to make it easy to locate contents at a glance. Thoughtful extras range from a hard molded sunglasses case to a drawstring bottle pocket. Price at time of publication: $80 Weight: 6.62 pounds | Dimensions: 17.4 x 13.6 x 8 inches Final Verdict If you’re looking for a quality tackle box with one of the best storage capacities on the market, the Plano Guide Series 3700 XL stands out for its thoughtful and long-lasting design. It’s equally suited to land and boat-based fishing, although those that require a fully waterproof option should consider the Flambeau Outdoors Waterproof Satchel 3000 instead. What to Look for in Tackle Boxes Portability Finding a tackle box that fits every lure you’ve ever owned is great, but how will you get it to your fishing spot? There are many different options out there, from boxes that sling across the shoulder or fasten around the waist to briefcase-style boxes, backpack boxes, and even boxes that can be wheeled like a suitcase. When choosing the best option for you, consider how much the box will weigh once filled, how far you have to transport it, and the kind of terrain you’ll encounter. Need your hands free? Opt for a backpack or sling bag. Struggle with back problems? Perhaps a roller box is best. Materials Tackle boxes come in a variety of different materials, with the primary ones being fabric and plastic. Fabric boxes are great for keeping things lightweight—look for quality, high-denier material with water resistance paired with durable zippers, stitching, and attachments. Plastic boxes are the best choice for those requiring something waterproof—though if it needs to be submergible, you’ll also want an airtight seal. Avoid metal attachments if you plan on spending most of your time on the sea or at the coast since they are prone to rust unless specially treated and, thus, may reduce the lifespan of your box. Price At the end of the day, price is a significant factor for most buyers. Depending on size, materials, quality, and design, tackle boxes can cost anywhere from just over $10 to well over $100. A good rule of thumb is to spend as much as you can afford while resisting the temptation to overspend on unnecessary features and functions. Remember to limit your purchasing options to the boxes that best suit your style of fishing—and that spending a little extra on a quality product will likely save you money in the long run. Also, consider how much time you'll be fishing. If fishing is something you do a few times a year, a cheaper box will suffice. But if you do it fairly regularly, it's probably worth the extra spend to get something that will meet your needs and last for years. Frequently Asked Questions Why is a tackle box useful to have? A tackle box is an essential accessory for anyone spending much time fishing since it allows you to keep all of your equipment (from hooks and sinkers to lines, lures, and tools) in one convenient place. In addition to making it easier to transport everything to your fishing site, it keeps your gear tidy so that you can find what you need at a moment’s notice—without stepping on a treble hook or losing your lucky crankbait in the process. Do I need different tackle boxes for different types of fishing or fish? While some tackle boxes are designed as all-rounders, most are better suited to one fishing style or another. For example, offshore fishing requires a box that can resist saltwater corrosion, with a waterproof, non-slip base and enough storage space to accommodate pelagic baits and lures. Fly fishers are more likely to prefer a lightweight, compact box or bag that can be worn on the torso while wading mid-stream in a river or on the flats. Why Trust TripSavvy Jessica Macdonald is an experienced scuba diver and traveler who has spent many hours with a line in the water, from spinning for tiger fish in South Africa to targeting bonefish in the Bahamas. For this article, she researched more than 25 tackle boxes, comparing features, prices, and reviews from industry professionals and real-life customers. The final products were chosen according to these criteria, with the intention of including a broad range of options for every kind of fisherman or fisherwoman. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit Continue to 5 of 7 below.