Fishing Tackle Boxes Buyer’s Guide

When it comes to choosing the best tackle box for you, there are numerous options in terms of the material they are made from, size and price. In fact, it can be pretty daunting knowing where to start. Our fishing tackle boxes buyer’s guide is here to help.

The best advice seems to be to start with size, as every angler will have different needs. Basically, there is no one size that fits all needs and expectations.

Among the other things to consider when choosing fishing tackle boxes are durability, organisation options in terms of trays and pockets, as well as the ability to add extra space, portability, weight, waterproofness and what holds the whole box together.

Fishing tackle boxes tend to be made from plastic or metal. Plastic ones are obviously lighter and can be hard wearing if they are made from molded plastic. Metal tackle boxes are more durable, but they are heavier and could be prone to rusting, depending on the material used and the treatment.

You want to make sure that all your fishing tackle, tools and equipment are protected. Remember that fishing tackle boxes need to be able to put with a lot, they might get dropped, get wet and even banged around as they are moved.

Plano Guide Series

The Plano 7701 Guide Series tackle system has it all and it is has a premium price to match. It comes with a see through Duraview cover, an overmolded handle, and three removal bait racks with separate access.

For the price you are getting a strong fishing tackle box that is rated as very good or excellent by customers. You need to take into account that with a big box like this, it will be heavy when it is full, but it does mean that you can take everything you need in one handy box.

The manufacturer describes it as waterproof, it is designed to get wet, and it can also be wiped clean.

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Plano 374010 Stowaway

At the other end of the scale, Plano has starter fishing tackle boxes with just a few simple compartments. An example is the 374010 Waterproof Stowaway, which is made from clear plastic and has four fixed sections along its length and comes with enough dividers to make up 23 individual compartments.

Just because it comes in at a budget price does not mean it will not last, as some owners are reporting they have been using the same box for years. It has a Dri-Loc O ring seal and three plastic clips. It is described as waterproof, but can be prone to condensation according to some users with moisture being trapped inside.

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Plano Ready 2 Fish

In the mid-priced range of fishing tackle boxes is the Ready to Fish model, which comes with some tackle, which is where it gets its name from. It has two built in trays, and adjustable sub-compartments.

This seems to be aimed at beginners, and might even be a good buy for children as it comes with a fishing guide with handy tips and it is made from rigid plastic so it can be wiped clean. However, reviewers point out that it has a steel closing latch, which could rust if exposed to salt water.

The tackle included in the price package is a float, swirltail grubs, swirltail worms, jigheads, a marabou jig, splitshot weights, hooks, and fish stringer. But it is also flexible, so the upper level dividers can be removed to make room for bigger bits of tackle.

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Wakeman Two-Sided Tackle Box

Again in the mid-range is the Wakeman two-sided tackle box, which has 22 interior compartments for maximum storage with a durable polypropylene construction and sturdy locking latches along with translucent lids for easy viewing.

It is a box that is 12.5 inches wide, 9.5 inches high and 4.25 inches in depth. The largest compartment is 4.4 inches by 7.5 inches and the smallest two inches by 1.75 inches.

According to reviewers, this briefcase-style tackle box has enough space to store tackle, fisherman’s tools, and a first aid kit and more. It is described as being a convenient size and having a large capacity.

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The Fishing Caddy

If you really want to push the boat out, so to speak, then one of the more luxurious fishing tackle boxes is The Fishing Caddy, described as the ultimate fishing storage box, with room for the catch. It has a fishing tackle box lid, a dual fishing rod holder, a cup holder and waterproof LED light for night fishing, and comes in a variety of colours.

It is guaranteed not to tip over and the manufacturer says it will keep everything secure. For example, the fishing rod holders are strategically designed with two hooks on the front where you can loop a rod line to better detect a catch. The hook placement allows a more sensitive bite detection, reduces wind effects on the lines and gives a signal before the rod tip bends.

The tackle box part, which is the lid, has 18 compartments suitable for fishing jigs, bobbers, hooks and other fishing tools like pliers, knife and even a fishing license. It can also be used as a seat.

This tackle box seems to be the ultimate in luxury. For storage it holds up to 30 lbs of water and has a quick water release system to easily drain the water from inside, in effect you tip it forward and the water will flow out of the rod holders to make it lighter for transporting.

It is not sold in stores and all the details can be found here:

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