Top 10 Tackle Boxes

What to Look for in a Tackle Box

Tackle boxes typically feature a multitude of tiered trays, each with a good deal of divided compartments coming in all sorts of various sizes. These compartments are used to hold all of the millions of little odds and ends that one may require when fishing, from lures, sinkers, and hooks, to different kinds of bait.

Know How Much Space You'll Need

Obviously, you're going to want a tackle box that features enough of a variety of compartments to allow you to properly sort and organize all the fishing supplies you'll want to take along with you on your trip. This can mean different things for different fishermen. Some fishermen like to keep it simple and whittle their supplies down to the bare minimum while others like to be prepared for every situation, with any tool or lure they could possibly desire at their fingertips.

Pricier Tackle Boxes May Offer Increased Durability and Protection

There are all sorts of different tackle boxes available at different price points. These price points are determined by the amount of protection tackle boxes offer their contents, how storage space they have, and any random little bonuses they might come with. For instance, some tackle boxes will come complete with an assortment of lures, spinners, hooks, and other goodies.

Different Boxes for Different Fishermen

Different tackle boxes will offer different degrees of water-resistance, as well as various amounts of protection against wear and tear. Some boxes are also optimized for certain conditions, such as those that are made to hold up against salt water. Regardless of what you're looking for, you should be able to find the perfect option for you in this list of the 10 best tackle boxes currently available, with links to listings on Amazon.

The 10 Best Tackle Boxes

Plano Angled Tackle System

Made by Plano, this fairly basic tackle box stands out for it's durability and efficiency. While other tackle boxes opt for fancy features, this one offers only what you truly need in a sleek and sturdy package that will hold up to wear and tear.

Featuring three separate 3560-sized storage trays that are pulled out individually from the main compartment, this thing packs a ton of room in a little package. Side compartments on both the front and top, as well as extra storage underneath the lid, can be used to store all the odds and assortments you could ask for.

All doors are see-through, meaning you can see what is inside each container, even the main three trays. This makes it so you don't have to dig through your entire tackle box every time you forget where your favorite lure is.

If you're looking for a great deal on a simple and sturdy tackle box, this might be the one for you. Lightweight, portable, and strong, this tackle box will hold its own without proving too much of a burden on long trips. It's medium sized, at 11 inches tall and 18 inches wide, and features a sturdy pull-out handle on the top for carrying.

KastKing Fishing Tackle Bag

Made by KastKing, this is a heavy-duty tackle bag that is optimized for salt fishermen. It features room enough for seven 3600-sized storage trays, although they have to be purchased separately. This can factor heavily into the overall price point. Still, if you need a salt-resistant and incredibly portable tackle box, this may be the one for you.

Besides the main storage compartment, there are a plethora of side compartments, all of which zip-up and provide water-resistant storage. This bag is made from 420D nylon, which should hold up well in some pretty tough situations.

This tackle bag is medium size, coming in at 15 inches wide and 11 inches tall. With it's insane amount of pouches, as well as pouches within pouches, there's never a lack of room to hide one more little thing away. It includes two handles that velcro together, as well as a padded shoulder strap for effortless carrying.

If you're a salt fisherman, or even if you just like the durability and water-resistant features, this is a great option as far as tackle bags go. It provides plenty of storage in a small and durable package that you can sling over your shoulder. You might even forget it's there. However, when it comes time, you'll be glad to have it with you, and glad for the protection it offers your fishing equipment.

YVLEEN Fishing Tackle Box Bag

Here's another tackle bag, this time by YVLEEN. This bag has a similar design to the KastKing bag with two handles that velcro together and a padded shoulder strap. However, this bag only fits four 3700 sized trays and one 3600 sized tray (in separate areas).

What this bag lacks compared to the KastKing bag, it makes up for in simplicity and sleekness. Whereas the KastKing bag can look a little busy with all it's zippers and pouches, this bag keeps it fairly simple. It offers you just what you need without an overwhelming amount of hidden compartments.

14 inches wide and 10 inches tall, this is another medium sized bag that provides the personal storage you'll need in a comfortable and portable package. It is a bit cheaper than the KastKing bag, though that's not too surprising given that it provides a slightly lesser amount of storage.

Plano Two-Level Magnum 3500 Tackle Box

Here's another fairly simple tackle box for Plano, this time with a slightly more basic design and a little bit more storage room. Featuring deeper compartments, this tackle box eschews the removable trays of the Angled Tackle System for a more basic box-style unit. It's see-through lid gives way to two separate foldable compartments, one on top of the other.

Each compartment features all the different-sized trays one would expect in such a basic tackle box. This box is 18 inches wide and 7 inches tall, with plenty of room to store all your lure, bait, hooks, line, and sinkers. A customizable divider in the largest compartment allows multiple and unique ways to personalize your storage.

A nice part about this tackle box is that it is simple enough that it's hard for things to get lost. There are very few moving parts, and no hidden areas where things may get trapped and never seen again.

While this tackle box isn't going to provide unlimited protection against the elements, it will store everything you need with easy visibility and access. As well, it's small enough that you can carry it with you everywhere you go, and it also features it's own small black collapsible handle.

Flambeau Outdoors Classic Tray Tackle Box

Here's a very basic and affordable tackle box from flambeau. Featuring a gray and blue plastic design with a rigid black handle that makes it look more like a toolbox than a tackle box, this little guy offers you small and simple storage on the cheap.

It features two pop-out trays and a small main area for storage of bigger items. The trays feature divided compartments for your various bells and whistles while the main compartment can hold larger tools and line. This box is succinct, compact, and doesn't waste any room on unnecessary expenditures.

For the price, this is possibly the best value you're going to get when it comes to a no-frills tackle box. There are other cheap tackle boxes that include lures and other accessories, but they won't hold up quite as well as this one will in the long-run. This would make an easy go-to tackle box that provides you everything you need in a simple and sturdy package.

Plano 4-By Rack System

This next model from Plano is pretty similar to the first tackle box we looked at from them, the Plano Angled Tackle System, but without the visibility and side compartments. However, what it lacks for in those areas it makes for with the inclusion of an extra storage tray. As well, the storage trays are 3650-sized.

This tackle box features storage space beneath the lid, as well, but no see-through lid for visibility. The compartment for the storage trays does feature a see-through lid, though, carried over from the Angled Tackle System.

As far as tackle boxes go, this one is on the top-heavy side, being taller than it is wide. It comes in at a height of 17 inches and a width of 10 inches. While this can make transportation slightly awkward for someone, it does grant a little bit more storage in certain areas, as evidenced by the extra tray.

The top area can be a little crammed, as everything that isn't in the storage trays is going to have to fit into these tight, dark quarters. However, this thing offers a decent amount of storage in general that exceeds the Angled Tackle System while costing a little bit less. Definitely not one to write off as far as Plano is concerned.

Dr. Fish Fishing Tackle Bag

This tackle bag from Dr. Fish is the real deal. It's heavy-duty, water-resistant, and comes with five large storage trays that are loaded with a pre-packaged assortment of lures, spinners, spoons, and crankbaits. Unlike some other pre-loaded tackle boxes, these aren't cheap lures, either.

The tackle bag itself is what you're really paying for, and it's pretty nice. It's made with 900D fabric, so it's just about the toughest container on this list, fabric or otherwise. As well, it can be worn and carried multiple ways with adjustable straps, from over your shoulder to around your waist.

Once again coming in at a medium size, this tackle bag is perfect for outdoorsmen who don't want their fishing equipment to get weathered. You're definitely going to be paying a little extra for the high-quality materials, but it's worth it if you feel like you're going to need the protection.

CatchMeister Fishing Tackle Box and Lure Kit

This tackle box is unique in that it includes a wide assortment of lures, as well as hooks, weight sinkers, line stoppers, swivels, and leaders. That means that this tackle box comes with everything you need to start fishing right away (except, of course, your rod, reel, and line).

While most fishermen will already have their personal preferences for the lures and equipment they'll like to use, this tackle box could make a fun gift or a starter pack for the little fisherman or woman in your life. As well, the tackle box itself is simple and efficient, providing storage long after the lures and hooks are lost.

At this price point, it would be hard to get a better deal, either for a beginner or simply for yourself in a pinch. There's no handle, so you'll have to either try to hold onto the side or simply put it in another bag or backpack. It's fairly small, only about 8 inches wide and 4 inches long, which makes it incredibly easy to store away in other baggage.

Wakeman Fishing Single Tray Tackle Box

Here's another great budget option that'll provide basic storage and protection without breaking your wallet. As well, this one once again comes with some goodies, including lures, hooks, sinkers, and fishing line. While it's nothing fancy, this tried-and-true tackle box almost represents the idyllic image of what a tackle box should be.

12 inches wide and 5 inches tall, this box provides just a few separate compartments, but sometimes that's all you really need. The main lid itself features trays with their own little see-through lids, with the main lid opening up to reveal a take-away second section that pulls out to reveal the larger main compartment. This main compartment provides basic storage while the pull-out second section features a couple more divided trays.

If you like to keep it simple and don't need maximum protection, this is a great option that costs practically nothing. You can take the included supplies or leave them and this would still be a great budget tackle box for fishermen of any level.

It includes a red collapsible handle that ensures easy carrying without the need for any extra storage. It's not going to last you forever, but it's another great and simple tackle box that will provide everything you need in a pinch.

Basic Plano Tackle Box

On the subject of budget tackle boxes, here is Plano's most basic tackle box. Featuring just two pop-up trays and a simple main storage compartment, this is a great option for experienced fishermen who like to keep their equipment whittled down to the bare minimum. Small enough that it could be used by children, this tackle box is the perfect portable accessory for fishermen of all ages.

The two pop-out trays hold a wide variety of different-sized compartments, with 14 and 25 compartments respectively. This provides you just the right amount of room for a simple-person fishing set-up that can be easily transported wherever you go with the large collapsible handle. The whole thing is held together with a sturdy brass latch, meaning you can be sure there will be no slip-ups and spills.

While some fishermen like to have room for everything they could possibly need, other fishermen pride themselves on their ability to get the job done with minimal equipment. For those fishermen, this may very well be the ideal tackle box. It won't keep your equipment dry a mile underwater and it would most likely melt on the surface of the sun, but it'll certainly serve you right on the lakeside.