You should store your hooks, bait, line, tackle and other fishing gear in a safe and secure place. Enter tackle boxes! The best tackle boxes are usually water resistant and have enough room to accommodate all essentials in an organized manner for ease of access. The modern-day tackle boxes are quite different from those used in the past.
In the past, lunch boxes could double up as tackle boxes. Currently, there are different tackle boxes on the market and they come in different styles and sizes ranging from hard tackle boxes, soft tackle boxes to organizers among others. You are at the right place if you are looking for the best tackle box for bass fishing. Read on!
Best Tackle Box for Bass Fishing
Here’s an overview of some of the best tackle boxes for bass fishing:
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Pros
- It comes with four utility trays for versatility
- It has enough storage space at the top for tools and soft baits
- It has a sturdy latching system that helps keep it secure
Cons
- It’s relatively heavy
- It’s made with lots of plastic which can compromise its durability
Plano Guide has it all and this makes it hands down the best tackle box for bass fishing. This tackle box has everything an angler needs for a better fishing experience in terms of functionality, use, size and storage. It has four different utility trays with slots in different sizes to comfortably accommodate the lures.
The best thing about this tackle box is the utility storage at the top that’s relatively deep. If you use plenty of soft plastics then you know how hard it is to fit them in the utility tray. For the most part, you are forced to remove the trays to create space for the soft plastics. However, this is not the case with the Plano Guide Series Tackle Box. You can fit your Powerbait and worms at the top and leave the trays for the spoons, spinners and jigs.
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Pros
- It’s relatively affordable
- It’s portable and lightweight
- It comes with four different utility trays
Cons
- It’s made with lots of plastic
- It’s relatively small
Plano By-Rack Tackle System is equally good but can’t compare to its 1374 counterpart mentioned above. It has similar components as the Plano Guide but is relatively small. If you are working on a budget and are looking for the best tackle box for bass fishing then this option is your best bet. It almost half the price of a large tackle box but that doesn’t necessarily mean that its performance and functionality are compromised.
Plano By-Rack Tackle Box has enough storage space at the top for soft plastics and tools. Plus, most fishers love the depth of the utility storage. It additionally features a clear cover at the front for ease of finding the utility boxes.
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Pros
- It’s made with heavy-duty materials for increased durability
- It’s waterproof and comes with a rain fly
- It comes with 12 different utility trays
Cons
- It’s made with cheap plastic
Bass Pro Super Magnum Tackle Box has the best storage system. This tackle box features extra pockets, holds up quite well and is equally functional. This tackle box is an excellent choice for those who like bringing along plenty of fishing gear and other essentials. However, it’s relatively heavy.
Super Magnum has everything positioned strategically including side pockets for soft plastics, Powerbait and tools for ease of access. You’ll put the utility boxes for the spoons, weights, small cranks and jigs in the main compartment.
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Pros
- It comes with extra pockets for lanyard, pliers and sunglasses
- It comes with five different utility trays
- It features a built-in LED light system
Cons
- It falls on the higher side of the pricing spectrum
Currently, the tackle storage industry is pulling more weight in the direction of tackle bags as opposed to tackle boxes. Old tackle boxes were made with lots of plastic which made them more prone to cracks and chips. That’s why most people prefer tackle bags like the Wild River Frontier over the boxes.
Wild River Tackle Frontier Bag has plenty of storage space. This means that it can comfortably fit all your fishing essentials. What’s more, it features a built-in LED light system inside, removable and retractable pockets. The base pads make it stay flat on the surface.
Wild River Tackle Frontier Bag additionally comes with five different utility trays that fit in the main storage compartment at the front. The carrying handle makes it easy to carry the tackle bag around. This tackle bag is not flimsy at all as it provides long-lasting durability. The only downside is that it falls on the higher side of the pricing spectrum. If the price is something you can overlook, then Wild River is the best tackle bag available on the market.
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Pros
- It features a rugged design that guarantees long-lasting durability
- It comes with a Duraview lid
- It’s ideal for storing soft plastics in large numbers
Cons
- Its use is quite limited
Plano Edge is the best tackle box for bass fishing. It’s not only the latest but also the greatest when it comes to storage solutions. The whole idea of Edge products is allowing users to come up with their own tackle boxes with a range of lure specific solutions in terms of storage. In this scenario, we are talking about soft plastics.
Plano Edge is relatively big but that shouldn’t draw any confusion. You can either carry it in a bag, on its own or place it in the tackle storage of the boat. Save for that, it’s an excellent choice for soft plastics. What’s more, you can put the bags in the compartments directly for ease of access anytime you need anything.
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Pros
- It comes with two different utility trays
- It has a waterproof base
- It has non-slip feet that helps keep it in place on the boat
- Denier water protection
Cons
- It has few pockets
Plano Z-Series Tackle Bag is deal for saltwater fishing since it stands out when it comes to storage, durability and waterproof capabilities. What’s more, it can accommodate even the largest of lures which makes it the best tackle box for bass fishing.
Plano Z-Series Tackle Bag has no zippers for increased durability since zippers are usually the first to spoil. It additionally features non-slip grips and a hard bottom that helps keep it securely in place on the boat.
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Pros
- It comes with a watertight seal
- It can hold up to a maximum of 70 lures
- It features a rust inhibitor that helps prevent rusting
Cons
- It’s quite limited and basic
Plano Edge Jigs and Blade Box has compartmentalized rows that allows you to store the jig heads while leaving enough room for trailers. It comes with a secure, watertight and durable case that closes remarkably well. The whole idea of this particular brand is to get the consumer base to purchase different trays uniquely designed for different types of lures.
The only downside is that this utility box falls on the higher side of the pricing spectrum. However, it’s the best tackle box for bass fishing available on the market.
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Pros
- It has customizable compartments
- It’s waterproof
- It comes with a tinted lid that helps protect the finish on the lures
Cons
- It’s quite basic
Bass Pro Shops Utility Box is your best bet if you are looking for a tackle box with excellent waterproofing capabilities. Leaving the trays sitting under the sun throughout the day usually has a great impact on the finish and can affect the overall presentation. Fortunately, this utility box comes with a smoke tint lid that protects the integrity of the lures as well as the finish.
This tackle box for bass fishing additionally features customizable compartments. You can customize the storage spaces in different ways according to your personal specifications depending on the type of lures you plan on using. It an excellent choice for those who carry few lures or prefer watertight sealed and lightweight utility trays.
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Pros
- It can hold up to 900 flies
- The sturdy construction guarantees long-lasting durability and endurance as it holds up quite well
- It’s versatile owing to its slit-foam interior
Cons
- The latch tends to wear out quickly
White River Swingleaf Fly Box is big enough to accommodate all your flies and that’s why it’s the best tackle box for bass fishing. What’s more, it helps keep all your gear and other essentials well organized for ease of access especially when you move around a lot. The waterproof protection keeps the flies dry to prevent the finish/paint from rusting or getting ruined prematurely.
White River Fly Box boasts some impressive features that come in handy during fishing. The best thing about this tackle box is that it’s relatively cheap. Plus, it accommodates a couple of flies without making it overly large. It will comfortably fit in the vest when you hit the waters since it’s only eight inches and equally lightweight.
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Pros
- It’s best suited for kayaks
- It effortlessly fits on the cargo deck of the most kayaks
- It can hold more than one tray
- There are a lot of places where you can tie this tackle box down
Cons
- There are a few flaws on the design
Flambeau Tuff Tackle Storage System is best suited for kayaks. This tackle box is your best bet if you have lots of tackle and gear laying around the kayak. It’s a complete storage solution far from just being a simple tackle box. It’s easy to carry around, is functional and durable.
Flambeau Tuff Tackle Box has a large compartment at the bottom, plenty of storage spaces and a section at the top where you can keep your lures and baits. It comes with two in-built rod holders and multiple rings for tying it down securely in place to the kayak. However, there are some drawbacks in the design including the lid completely opens and flops at the back on opening. Pulling the lid back on is quite difficult especially when you are in the kayak.
It’s the best tackle box for bass fishing in the kayak. You can tie a string on the lid to prevent it from falling all the way back when you open and only keep it at 90 degrees.
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Pros
- It has customizable compartments
- It’s quite simple and relatively cheap
- It’s best suited for weekend warriors and beginners
Cons
- It’s clunky
Plano 3-Tray Tackle Box is quite simple and features three different cantilever trays with up to 34 compartments depending on your set up. The best thing about this tackle box is that you can adjust and customize the trays depending on the type of lures and other personal specifications. Its simplicity doesn’t necessarily mean that it compromises on functionality.
Plano 3-Tray Tackle Box works remarkably well without being expensive and too advanced. It’s no doubt the best tackle box for bass fishing.
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Pros
- It lightweight
- It comes pre-packed with lures for beginners
- It comes with ten different compartment trays
Cons
- It’s a bit flimsy
Just as the name suggests, it’s the best tackle box for bass fishing for kids. Kids who’ve started out fishing will be delighted when they open the tackle box and see the tackle and lures inside. It comes with a tray which is enough for the little ones. Plus, it’s removable to allow them to carry from one spot to another around the shoreline.
Plano Ready Set Fish Tackle Box comes with pre-packed lures best suited foe beginners.
Different Types of Tackle Boxes
There are a variety of tackle boxes with different features to choose from on the market. Here’s an overview:
Hard Tackle Boxes
A hard tackle box is typically a standard option which comes with cantilever trays. It’s a traditional option with a hard frame and a sturdy handle at the top. Most people prefer using hard tackle boxes since they offer long-lasting durability and endurance. They are also water resistant especially if they feature a robust, rustproof latch at the front.
The only downside is that hard tackle boxes tend to damage and even crack when dropped around frequently. These tackle boxes are also relatively heavy and bulky as compared to their counterparts.
Soft Tackle Boxes
Soft Tackle Boxes are an excellent alternative to their hard counterparts since they are lightweight and for the most part, fit plenty of gear and other fishing essentials. The best thing about these boxes is that they come with removable trays for ease of access and clean up. You can easily get hold of whatever is in the tray or see what’s inside without removing everything from the bag.
Durable Soft Tackle Boxes usually have water-resistant or waterproof base at the bottom. A soft bag has a convenient shoulder strap for ease of transportation and carrying around. More anglers are leaning towards the soft tackle box/bag direction since they’re not only easier to carry around but also more efficient.
Rollable Tackle Boxes
Rollable tackle boxes usually come in both soft and hard varieties. They are almost similar to their soft counterparts but have a convenient handle and wheels to allow the user to roll them as you would a suitcase. It’s advisable to go for a rollable tackle box that you can also carry. This is because you can’t roll the tackle box everywhere regardless of where you choose to fish. There are times when you’ll need to lift the box/bag. In such cases, one with a strap will come in handy.
How to Pick the Best Tackle Box for Bass Fishing on the Market
There are a number of things you need to put into consideration when looking for the best tackle box for fishing. This is because they come in different variations with different unique features which can make getting the right one a daunting task. Let’s dive right in!
Size
Size plays a significant role when it comes to the best tackle box for bass fishing. This is because you want to find one with enough storage space to hold your crankbaits, top waters, soft plastics, jigs and lures. However, you don’t want a tackle box that’s too large to fit on the boat or at the right place along the shoreline.
A tackle box that can comfortably hold four standard size compartment boxes will work perfectly fine for a majority of anglers. Don’t go for something too crazy. However, you might need an assortment of tackle for all your trips if you plan on fishing many different species. In this case, a large tackle box will come in handy since it allows you to keep all things on-hand simultaneously. You don’t want to forget something in the car due to storage issues and need it later on when you hit the waters.
Where you plan on fishing and how to get there are also determining factors when it comes to the size of the tackle box to go for. A rollable tackle box will come in handy if you have to cover a substantial amount of distance. So don’t want to struggle around carrying an enormous, heavy or bulky tackle box. You can bring along a large tackle system and leave it in the car and carry a smaller one to the water.
Storage
Storage goes hand in hand with the amount of space inside the box. You can have a large tackle box with very little space and vice versa. So, it’s not safe to assume the size of the tackle box translates to storage space. The best tackle box for bass fishing should be customizable and allow you to organize your gear and other essentials with ease. Plus, you should be able to spot them quickly.
You’ll need more organizational features and storage space if you plan on carrying more lures. Anglers who fish many different species will also require more storage space since they’ll need to carry more lures. You might also need somewhere to keep live baits such as minnows and shads.
Most hard tackle boxes usually come with cantilever system that helps keep everything securely in place in an organized manner. This system also allows you to clearly see everything. However, they can be a bit heavy and clunky especially when fully loaded. These types of tackle boxes don’t feature anti-rust technology which makes them more prone to rust compromising on their durability and endurance. To prevent the box from rusting, avoid putting wet lures inside as it can result in build up of moisture which in turn leads to rusting.
Ensure you put the above considerations in mind when looking for the best tackle box for bass fishing. Some soft tackle bags/ boxes usually come with separate mesh compartments to keep wet get and allows them to dry. You should look out for this feature if you drown different tackle and switch lures frequently.
Durability
You need to get the most of your tackle box without compromising on its functionality and performance due to stretching out. Hard tackle boxes offer long-lasting durability and endurance as compared to its soft and rollable counterparts since they are made with sturdy materials and are more waterproof.
When choosing the best hard tackle box for bass fishing, always go for those that are made with molded plastic since they can withstand even the harshest of weather conditions. Plus, they are less likely to damage or crack. A hard tackle box is best suited for those who fish in the rain frequently. Plastic tends to wear out when exposed under the sun for an extended period so ensure you keep it under a shade for increased durability.
What Can I Keep in the Tackle Box?
If you are a beginner and don’t know what to keep in the tackle box, then here are some tips. Remember, there are no limitations to the type of lures the tackle box can hold.
- Spinnerbaits
- Jig heads
- Spoons
- Drop Shots
- Jigs
- Weedless lures
- Swimbaits
- Soft baits
- Plastics
- Artificial frogs
- Lipless crankbait
- Jerk baits
- Crawfish
- Worms
- Sinkers
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Organize My Tackle Box?
The best tackle box for bass fishing should have different organizational features to help keep your gear and other essentials well organized. Most tackle boxes in our recommendations have built-in trays and compartments. Ensure you keep cycling the lures out of the box especially the ones that you no longer use and avoid overfilling the tackle box.
Which One is Better Between a Tackle Backpack and a Tackle Box?
When it comes to tackle boxes and backpacks, it always narrows down to personal preference. However, the former is usually more durable but a bit difficult to manage and bulkier. A tackle backpack, on the other hand, is lightweight, easy to carry around and has limited storage space. Plus, the lures tend to move around a lot more in a tackle backpack as compared to when carried in a tackle box.
Which is Better Between Removable or Pull-Out Compartments?
There’s a significant difference between cantilever compartments and their counterparts that come out and you have to open them. In this case, removable containers stand out as they help keep all your essentials well organized especially if you want them to look neat.
Removable containers will hold the lures basing on the type and allows you to close the bag if you want. Plus, you can always take out the tray you want to use.
Are There Bass Lures That Can’t Be Put in the Tackle Box?
No. However, you need unique trays to hold heavier bass that weighs 8lbs and beyond since you might be using a lure that doesn’t fit in most regular tackle boxes. All standard size bass gear and finesse lure should comfortably fit in the above recommendations. You can get special trays to accommodate your extra-large lures if the need arises.
How Important is a Bass Tackle Box Kit?
Yes, having a bass tackle box kit is equally important. I can recommend the Topfort 187 Piece Accessory Kit.
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It’s ideal for both professionals and the novice since most come with a range of hooks, swivels, jig heads and sinkers. We can’t talk much about the quality of the accessories but it’s an excellent choice if you want to get the gears at once since its relatively affordable.
Conclusion
A tackle box is quite simple but it’s a worthwhile investment which you can use for an extended period owing to its long-lasting durability and endurance.
When looking for the best tackle box for bass fishing, keep in mind the impact it’ll have on your organization and storage as well as the different types of boxes available on the market. One of the most important factors to put into consideration when shopping for a tackle box is the organizational features.
Happy Shopping!
