Picture yourself fishing out on a lake. Your hook snags to the bottom and you can’t get it unstuck, even after pulling and yanking the line. What next? You have to cut the line and rig up another, complete with lure and sinker. So, as you aimlessly dig through your
tool bag, you might accidentally hurt yourself on free-lying hooks as you try to find the right supplies. This is a time-consuming and frustrating process, but a good tackle bag—one with several, well-organized compartments—makes it simple to arrange your gear and make your tools, extra reels and line, lures and hooks all easy to find.
We’ve put together this guide to help you find the right tackle bag and the features to look for in different types of bags available on the market. A tackle bag is much different from ordinary
hiking bags, which only focus on durability and storage space. To find the right tackle bag, look at how well the compartments are organized, its sturdiness, if it locks or not, and whether it's waterproof or water resistant.
Also, consider the type of fishing you engage in. There are many different fishing types, including deep sea fishing, fly fishing, trout fishing, and so on.Because each type requires different kinds of fishing equipment, you should look for a tackle bag that’s suited for your most preferred kind of fishing. You may even need more than one, depending on the types of fishing you like and how long you typically fish for. Again, not every
fishing rod will cut it for every fishing condition, so check that you have the right gear before you hit the road to your fishing hole.
Basically, you’ll find two styles of tackle bags: soft ones and the hard plastic ones that most people are familiar with. Both have their unique features that suit different tackles, levels of experience, and style. The important component of your decision is to get the bag that has features you’ll need, based on your fishing experience.
Let’s talk about price and how different features can affect it.
Price
The prices of tackle bags vary widely based on several factors, like size, material, design, and brand. With a budget between $10 and $220, you can find a good quality tackle bag that'll transform your fishing experience.You probably won’t be able to find tackle bags that are cheaper than $10, but if you do, be somewhat wary of them because the material might be thin, or it might not be waterproof.We suggest spending a little extra, if you can, to get a bag that’ll last for many, many fishing trips.
Features
When choosing the best tackle bag, there are several features to look for, but the bottom line is to consider features that best suit your fishing style. For instance, if you’re going deep sea fishing, a tackle bag that’s designed for fly fishing may not work, even if it has the features you like.
Here are some important features to look for:
- Size – Tackle bags can come as simple, flat boxes, or as complex contraptions with removable trays, racks, and drawers. If you’re a casual vacationer, you probably won’t need the latter. If you’re starting out, consider a small, basic tackle box that you can easily carry around, and then you can go for a gargantuan one once you’ve amassed a lot of fishing supplies
- Quality – As with any product, tackle bags are not all made the same. Look for models with thick, durable fabric that’s reinforced with sturdy stitching and well-working zippers
- Organizing system –Consider the internal organizing system that comprises of trays, hip roofs, racks, and drawers. Depending on your fishing needs, you may want to take everything with you, or leave most of your tackle at home and only carry what you need for the day
Construction and Design
There are many different styles, sizes, shapes, and types of tackle bags on the market. To make the best choice for your needs, understanding the differences in design and construction can help. You can find both hard or soft tackle bags, and each has their own merits.
Hard tackle bags are often made of molded plastic and come in a variety of styles, so you can choose what works best for you. Soft bags, on the other hand, are lightweight and more convenient to carry around. They are usually made from waterproof or water-resistant nylon to offer more durability.
Here are the common styles you’ll find on the market:
- Molded plastic tackle bag – This design is highly durable and best for carrying lures, hooks, and other small supplies
- Racked tackle bag – These large tackle bags come with a series of trays that you can pull out to see all your fishing gear at once and grab what you want to use. They are great for organizing and protecting your fishing lures. However, they are bulky to carry and most convenient on boats
- Satchel Style – These are among the least expensive bags, and are extremely portable and lightweight. This is a perfect choice for beginner fishing enthusiasts because they tend to be small
- Tray Style – This is perhaps the most common style and looks more like a tool box. It has several fold-out trays that carry bobbers, lures, and more. When the trays are opened, you can access large storage compartments located at the bottom. Also, if you use rubber or plastic worms, consider worm-proof trays to protect them the heat
- Drawer Style – These models come with pull-out drawers as opposed to trays. It’s all about personal preference.Again, consider worm-proof drawers to prevent your plastic worms from melting
- Hip Roof Style – This design has two sides that fold out to reveal content in a cascading format. It comes with latches to prevent the box from opening accidentally. Some models are quite large and can even accommodate up to 100 lures
Performance and Ease of Use
A tackle bag is as important in fishing as the fishing rod itself.These bags are designed to strategically hold fishing gear, including lures, bobbers, extra lines, and any other item you require for a day on the lake or ocean. When choosing the right tackle bag for your fishing expedition, consider how far you’re traveling, how long you’ll be gone and the type of fishing you plan to do.
Soft tackle bags are recognized for their lightweight and ease of transportation as compared to hard, molded plastic boxes. If you’re going to leave your car parked away from your fishing location, you may need a light tackle bag that you can easily carry across your shoulders or as a backpack. Consider models with padded straps and moldable bodies to make carrying it more comfortable. Storage for soft tackle bags is also easy as they can be folded and put away.
However, if you’re going to fish from your boat, it may be more convenient to go with a hard tackle bag that can carry everything you’ll need on the water. They’re heavy weight, but come with several compartments to carry all your fishing supplies. These tackle boxes have an infinite selection of organizational features, making them great for experienced fishermen.
The best fishing tackle bag should come with numerous compartments to hold all your fishing gear and other accessories that you take with you when you’re fishing. Its design should make it easy to carry to and from your car and fishing hole. Our top picks take these features into consideration to ensure that your next fishing expedition is memorable. So, go ahead and pick a model that suits your style and budget.
Tackle bags, also referred to as tackle boxes, are critical products that hold your fishing supplies and gear in a single, easy-to-access unit. Hopefully, we’ve helped you find the best tackle bag you’ve been looking for. If you didn’t, there are still other fabulous options offered by these brands. Check them out!
