BEST TACKLE BOXES 2023

The 3-Tray classic tackle box from Flambeau Outdoors is in a league of its own, as the American made product is certainly the best fishing tackle box for the money.

Once opened from the top, the hard-shell tackle box reveals three distinct shelves that can be used to store bait, worms, and lures. Each shelf has plenty of storage space and removable inserts that can be used to create different sections.

Unlike many of the other old-school tackle boxes, the product also contains a top-shelf lid for quick access to tools and accessories. Although it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles that many newer and fancier boxes have, the 3-tray is still one of the best bass fishing tackle boxes that money can buy.

BRAND: Flambeau Outdoors
DIMENSIONS: 16″ x 9″ 8.25″
WEIGHT: 2.8 lbs.
DESIGN: Hard-shell classic box
STORAGE LAYOUT: Folding layered tray storage
FEATURES: Top level storage compartment for quick tool access
TACKLE INCLUDED: No

BRAND: Plano
DIMENSIONS: NA
WEIGHT: 7.13 lbs.
DESIGN: Soft-shell bag
STORAGE LAYOUT: Vertical tray storage
FEATURES: Impact-resistant waterproof base
TACKLE INCLUDED: No

Ugly Stik’s products are generally known for being incredibly durable and reliable, so it is no surprise that the 15-liter bag is just another addition to that reputation. 

The fully loaded tackle box bag offers enough storage to hold four size 3600 tackle boxes, while also providing additional compartments on each side of the bag for quick access to tools and accessories. 

Material-wise, the product is made from high-quality polyester and molded plastic to ensure that it can endure all the harsh conditions that anglers typically take bags into. Apart from the removable tool holster that can be strapped to a belt, there isn’t anything extremely innovative about the bag. 

Nevertheless, it is still a great catfishing tackle box bag, that can be used to transport goods for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. 

BRAND: Ugly Stik
DIMENSIONS: 11.4″ x 9.65″ x 7.7″
WEIGHT: 2 lbs.
DESIGN: Soft-shell bag
STORAGE LAYOUT: Vertical tray storage
FEATURES: Removable tool holster with belt clip
TACKLE INCLUDED: No

Plano’s tackle box may just be a ‘plain-ole’ tackle box, but there is a lot to like about the original model that kicked things off decades ago.

At first glance, the model looks like just any other small tackle box. It is crafted from American-made molded plastic, and a brass latching system to prevent accidental opening. However, upon closer inspection, handlers can find the two top-access storage compartments that can be used for quick access to worms, lures, and general tools.

Like any other classic angler tackle box, the variant opens to reveal three different shelves, that all contain removable inserts and dividers. As a result, anglers can customize the interior design until the box efficiently holds their gear just the way they want it to.

It’s nothing fancy, but it is a reliable model that kids, new anglers, and occasional sportsmen can rely on to hold all their essential tools.

BRAND: Plano
DIMENSIONS: 16″ x 8″ x 8″
WEIGHT: NA
DESIGN: Hard-shell classic box
STORAGE LAYOUT: Folding layered tray storage
FEATURES: Brass latch for secure locking
TACKLE INCLUDED: No

Okeechobee Fats offers an incredibly simple, ready to fish tackle box bag that can be used in practically any environment with its deluxe tackle bag.

Deluxe is a bit of a mild term for the bag, as it is an excellent product that rivals any of the top fishing tackle boxes. Every variant is crafted out of high-quality polyester, that is stitched together to create one main compartment and eight exterior pockets. And awesomely enough, there is even an included sunglass compartment to secure an angler’s shades.

Feature-wise, the product consists of an adjustable strap, internal key pockets, and reinforced stitches to prevent the bag from tearing at the seams. While the brand certainly isn’t as popular as some others, it hasn’t stopped the product from being featured on every good fishing tackle box review.

BRAND: Okeechobee Fats
DIMENSIONS: 16.4″ x 13.9″ x 10.2″
WEIGHT: 6.8 lbs.
DESIGN: Soft-shell bag
STORAGE LAYOUT: Vertical tray storage
FEATURES: Sunglass compartment and adjustable shoulder strap
TACKLE INCLUDED: No

Practically every angler born in the 80s or 90s started their journey with a Plano tackle box and an ultralight spinning rod, as the killer combination was almost as popular as Michael Jordan at the time. 

Three decades later, and those same goods are just as popular. Although Plano has evolved and adapted to the changing times, it still offers the same excellent products that started it all. The 3-Drawer is one of those products, as the American made waterproof tackle box is one of the best on the market. 

With three easy-open front drawers, a small side storage compartment, and top-access spinnerbait racks, the piece is ideal for any topwater anglers that want to catch the evening bite. And once the handle is folded down, the transparent top lid can be opened to reveal any of the small compartments for lures and bait. 

BRAND: Plano
DIMENSIONS: 21″ x 12″ x 11″
WEIGHT: NA
DESIGN: Had-shell pullout box
STORAGE LAYOUT: Horizontal pull-out tray storage
FEATURES: Top lid for quick access to bait
TACKLE INCLUDED: No

The beautiful aesthetic and abundance of handy features make YVLEEN’s bag one of the top saltwater fishing tackle boxes currently available. 

The silver-grey polyester bag offers a slightly different setup than competitors, as it holds three large tackle boxes in its center compartment, and one medium-sized tray in its front exterior pocket. As a result, it is extremely convenient to pick out bait and lures from the quick access front-facing tacklebox. However, one of the most unique aspects of the product is its transparent window pocket on its interior. The pocket makes it easy for anglers to keep track of sensitive goods such as phones, wallets, and keys – without ever worrying about where they placed them. 

The only real downside to the model is that it doesn’t include any waterproof tackle boxes, so those need to be purchased separately. 

BRAND: YVLEEN
DIMENSIONS: 14.9″ x 9.1″ x 10.2″
WEIGHT: NA
DESIGN: Soft-shell bag
STORAGE LAYOUT: Vertical tray storage
FEATURES: Transparent window pocket for storing valuables
TACKLE INCLUDED: No

Plano’s finest quality bag hails from the Guide Series – a series created for devote anglers that spend more time on the water than at the office.

The Guide Series tackle bag is noticeably beautiful and durable, as it is crafted with a rugged 1680 Denier fabric. The sturdy material prevents the bag from tearing, stretching, and puncturing, as it is tightly woven together for maximum strength.

There’s no shortage of great specs on the Guide Series bag, as it possesses non-skid TPR molded skid pads, a side facing rod pocket, and a magnetic top that prevents lures and tools from rolling away. Although the oversized zippers can be a bit difficult at times, the bag is nothing short of amazing, and can definitely classify as the best tackle box for bass fishing.

BRAND: Plano
DIMENSIONS: 21″ x 14″ x 15″
WEIGHT: NA
DESIGN: Soft-shell bag
STORAGE LAYOUT: Vertical tray storage
FEATURES: Magentic top to attract tools, non-skid TPR molded skid pads
TACKLE INCLUDED: No

The KastKing Hoss is a waterproof fishing tackle box bag that is ideal for anglers residing in any humid and temperate climate.

The Hoss is a real boss, as the model offers seven exterior pockets, a front-facing plier pocket, an anti-slip shoulder pad, and 420 rip-stop nylon – all covered by a hydrophobic coating. Due to its abundance of pockets, the product likely offers more storage than any other bag in its size range.

Additionally, the bag neatly rests on top of a molded waterproof bottom to prevent the contents from becoming affected by moisture. While it is certainly a fierce contender for the best saltwater tackle box bag – it can’t quite seize that dream, as it doesn’t include even one waterproof fishing tackle box.

BRAND: KastKing
DIMENSIONS: 15″ x 11″ x 10.25″
WEIGHT: 2.65 lbs.
DESIGN: Soft-shell bag
STORAGE LAYOUT: Vertical tray storage
FEATURES: Hydrophobic water-resistant coating
TACKLE INCLUDED: No

Soft vs Hard-Shell 

Both hard and soft-shell tackle boxes have devout groups of followers, but there is certainly a fair bit of difference between the two. 

Hard-shell tackle boxes are far more classic, as they were what kicked off the tackle box trend. Most of the time, hard shell boxes come in a rectangular shape, with folding drawers that collapse onto one another. As technology has evolved, so too have the boxes, as many of the newer models now include top-level compartments and storage units for quick access to lures and bait. 

Soft-shell bags, on the other hand, are much more likely to be featured on a best fishing tackle box review, as they are slightly more modern and practical than hard-shell boxes. Soft-shell boxes, which are actually bags, are crafted out of durable fabric and shaped to hold several standard tackle boxes. Two key factors that set them apart from hard shell boxes are their additional exterior pockets and the presence of shoulder straps. For this reason, soft shell boxes are becoming more and more popular, as they are slightly more convenient to the everyday angler. 

Storage Capacity

An essential aspect to consider before selecting a bag is its storage capacity, as not all bags are suitable for every type of fishing. The best saltwater tackle box is likely far larger than the best panfish tackle box, as the size of bait required for each species is dramatically different in size. 

However, tackle boxes seem to come in small, medium, and large sizes. Many of the classic hard-shell tackle boxes offer just a small amount of storage, though some offer a medium amount too. Soft-shell bags on the other hand typically tend to offer a medium to a large amount of storage, as they often hold anywhere from four to eight standard tackle boxes. 

The best tackle box size for most anglers is the medium size, which can usually hold four or more standard tackle boxes. 

Additional Compartments

While it is certainly nice to have a box or bag that can carry lures, it is even nicer to have a bag that can also carry additional tools and accessories. 

Apparently, manufacturing executives read every fishing tackle box review written, as they have answered the prayers of many anglers by constantly adding additional pockets, compartments, and tool holsters to most modern boxes. 

Consequently, it has become far easier for anglers to pack everything they need on the water, especially when also packing a quality fishing backpack. However, anglers who need maximum storage are best off looking for side pockets, front zippers, and external tool holsters. 

What sort of tools and lures should I keep in my tackle box?

First and foremost – every angler should have a valid fishing license stored in one of their waterproof fishing tackle boxes. Fishing licenses help fund park and reservoir maintenance and ensure that fish populations can be efficiently maintained. Aside from just having documentation, anglers should also have a handful of useful tools. 

The first category of accessories includes hooks and sinkers. Without spare hooks, a day on the water can end very quickly. 

Second off, are the essential worms, bobbers, and lures. Although it is possible to buy a tackle box with tackle included, it is much easier to just add bait that has a history of working well. Due to every species’ different tastes and interests, an angler must research what type of worms and lures before tossing random pieces in the box. 

The third, and likely most advantageous category of accessories, are the tools. To make things go more smoothly, every angler should have a file, a pair of fishing pliers, and a fishing knife. The three tools can be massive game-changers that make a day on the water much less frustrating. 

What size tacklebox is right for a day trip?

For just a simple day trip, anglers can rely on even just one tackle box with tackle, although it is often better to pack at least two to three. 

Some fish, such as crappie and bluegill, can be caught on extremely small worms that take up little to no space in fishing lure containers. However, other species such as bass, pike, and walleye require far larger lures, that can take up a whole row in a fishing container. As a result, it may take a handful of tackle boxes to pack all the needed lures for even just a simple day trip when pursuing larger fish. 

Which lures should I not put in a tackle box?

Although it isn’t so much of a problem in cold climates, placing rubber worms and bait in a tackle box in hot weather can create an absolute mess. 

Rubber worms are a bit like snowmen – they melt if exposed to the heat for too long. While it takes a significant amount of heat to melt them, it is certainly possible in some climates. Even the best small tackle box can turn into a tar pit if loaded with worms on a sunny day. As a general rule of thumb – keep the worms in a relatively cool and dry part of the tacklebox to prevent them from molding together into one gooey mess. 

What is better, a hard or soft tackle box?

Just like cars, every angler seems to have their preference for tackle boxes. While many old-school anglers favor the hard-shell boxes, and many younger anglers favor the soft tackle bags, there is still plenty of utility for both models. 

Hard-shell tackle boxes are great pieces for day trips when anglers just need a handful of lures to catch their target species. Most hard-shell boxes don’t contain quite as much storage as soft bags, as their folding mechanisms take up a fair bit of space. Nevertheless, they are still great pieces for storing lures, bobbers, and hooks – and even home-goods if need be.

Soft-shell bags, on the other hand, are slightly more ideal for anglers trekking their way through backcountry terrains to their destinations. They usually offer a fair bit more storage, as well as special compartments for holding tools. These features also make soft-shell bags great options for anglers that want a tackle bag on a boat. 

Ultimately, the choice just comes down to preference, as each variant has its own pros and cons. 

What is the best way to organize a tackle box?

The best way to organize a tackle box is to group the contents into sections based on their purposes. 

Metallic accessories, such as hooks, sinkers, and swivels should all be kept in one section, with dividers separating each. Due to their tendency to rust, they should be kept in an area that isn’t often exposed to water. 

The second section in a box should likely contain the worms and soft bait lures. With soft baits grouped together, it can be much easier for anglers to find the exact lure or worm they are looking for. 

The final section needed to create the best tackle box combo, is the collection of crankbaits, swimbaits, and other plastic baits. These lures are often crafted with treble hooks, which can make them somewhat difficult to remove from a box. Nevertheless, with a bit of patience and diligence, it can be easy to remove them. 

If there are any spare sections left in a box, then an angler should include essential tools such as pliers, clippers, files, and rulers. 

How many tackle boxes do I need?

An angler can never have too many tackle boxes, as there is no shortage of fantastic baits to be purchased. Like a bag of chips, just one usually isn’t enough. 

For anglers that rarely head to the water, just one medium-sized tackle box with three trays is often sufficient. However, for those who spend every weekend at the lake, having as many as two or three tackle boxes with three trays each may not be enough.

Those who fish for countless different species may need even more, as each species usually has its own particular taste for lures. 

What is the best tackle box?

The best tackle box of 2023 is the IKE from Flambeau Outdoors. 

The IKE is a collaboration bag between the professional angler Mike Iaconelli, and American-based manufacturing firm Flambeau Outdoors. And as one could expect, the combination is absolute dynamite – and not just because of its crimson red polyester. 

The IKE didn’t earn its reputation as the best fishing tackle box bag simply because of its celebrity affiliation, but rather because of its genuine likability. With countless exterior pockets, capacity for four standard tackle boxes, and a finely designed handle system, the bag is well thought out in every way. It’s a great option when heading out on a day, weekend, or extended trip, as it can hold more than enough bait for a week on the water.

As always, we create our content with you, fellow adventurers, in mind. So, how’d we do? Did you find this informative? Did it help you make a decision? Did we miss anything? We’d love to hear from you below. Thanks for reading and we hope your next adventure is a great one!