Hey there my fellow fishing enthusiasts and welcome to my post covering my 3 best tackle bags for general fishing this year. Whether you are new to the world of fishing, or have been doing do for a while, there comes a time when you realise that you would like to take a little more ‘stuff’ with you to the water’s edge. After all, at the very least fishing can be thirsty work so a good tackle bag can assist here is making sure we can get amongst them with everything we need in the one spot.
Added to this is the fact that at times, where we want to fish is a little further away than normal so a good tackle bag is also a little easier to carry than a traditional tackle box or all-purpose bag. So if you need something to keep all your gear in whilst fishing from a river/estuary bank, jetty or even the beach with a bit of space for everything you need, then let’s have a look and see if we can find the best fishing tackle bag to suit your needs…
My 3 recommended fishing tackle bags
I will review these in more detail below but if you just want to get moving without all the carry on, my 3 are listed here for your convenience:
| Tackle Bag | Price | Get it | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Piscifun Fishing Tackle Storage Bag | $ | CURRENT PRICE |
 | Ugly Stik Fishing Bag | $$ | CURRENT PRICE |
 | Plano A-Series Tackle Bag | $$$ | CURRENT PRICE |
What is a fishing tackle bag?
Ok, so before we begin, let’s discuss the differences (as I see them anyway) between a tackle bag and a tackle box. Tackle boxes are the hard case option (many look a toolbox) that generally contain trays or compartments for smaller tackle and a larger storage section for tools, spare line etc.
Tackle bags on the other hand are generally made of soft material with sections for tackle and storage as per the boxes above (many hold plastic tackle trays) as well as other sections including:
- Tools holders
- Wet and dry pockets
- Drink holders
- Mesh pockets for easy access
Most also come with a padded shoulder strap making them easier to carry as well.
What should you be looking for?
Now, as above, the function here is pretty simple in that you are looking for something that will keep your tackle dry and safe whilst you are out and about in your fishing exploits as well as allow you to carry all the extra bits and pieces you need in the one spot. Even within this simplicity however, there are some influences to consider prior to purchase as follows:
Location – How far will you have to lug your gear to get to where you want to fish? Now think about how you are going to get it all there. If you have a cart, then all is good. If not, then a carry straps are a must and one of the main reasons you would pick these over a tackle box.
Target species – The type of fish being chased will obviously determine the type of tackle that you need. For example, if you are chasing larger fish with larger lures, you may need to make sure your bag has compartments to fit them in.
Location hazards – If you are fishing where there are lots of logs, rocks, coral or other hazards then you are going to be susceptible to more snags. More snags means potentially more tackle loss so a larger tackle bag may again be needed here as well.
Weather patterns – Fishing is generally a wet experience at the best of times, however if your local waterway is one that has wind, surf spray or rain more often than not, then waterproofing may be something to investigate when if comes to a good tackle bag.
Again, at the end of the day you need something that is just big and strong enough to hold your tackle safely and securely without being too big and cumbersome to carry about.
What do they need inside?
Apart from the environmental factors above, consider your own needs for them as well such as:
Plastic tray inclusion: Many tackle bags come with, or have space for, plastic trays with a lid and segregated sections inside for tackle, lures etc. These are good for those who just want to take a little bit of tackle with them and not their whole collection. Some come with movable barriers to adjust compartment size or little handles for carrying.
Tool slots – If you have been fishing for any length of time, you will probably be aware that sometimes tools are needed quickly (when the line tangles with a fish on for example). Most fishing tackle bags come with tool slots for pliers, knives etc. but it is worthwhile checking to see if they are easily accessible in a hurry.
Accessibility – As per the tool slots above, a good fishing tackle bag has enough sections to keep all of your gear in an easily accessible manner. Fishing can be a messy pastime so a good number of easily accessible pockets and sections can make things a lot easier in the heat of the moment or when your hands are wet and/or covered in bait.
‘Wet’ sections – Again, towels, clothing and equipment can get wet during a good fishing session. Some bags come with a section that can allow for storage of wet stuff keeping it separate from everything else. Something to look for if you often end up with wet gear – if not, then of course it can double as a cooler for your ice packs and drinks – or bait!
‘Dry’ section – On the other side of the fence, there are often items we really want o keep dry on the beach – check for a little section where you can keep items such as wallets, phones and car keys etc. where they can be safe and dry.
Other stuff – Like anything, there are some really tricked out options out there. Some come with holders on the side for a rod (multi piece of course), drink holders or coolers. And if you like to sit a lot, then the convenience of a fishing tackle bag with a hard top that can double as a stool might be worth the extra spend here to
What do I use?
I use a single strap backpack type bag and keep in it the basics that I need for that particular trip (I personally don’t like to take all of my tackle with me when I go fishing). In the ‘what to look for’ section above, I have pretty much outlined what you need to have and my backpack includes:
- Dry sleeve for wallet, phone etc.
- 3 x tackle boxes
- Mesh pockets on outside
- Three elastic tool holders
- Drink holder
If you can mirror this in your tackle bag then to be honest, in my opinion you are well and truly on the right track.
My three recommendations broken down
There is quite a large range of fishing tackle boxes available online so I have chosen the following three in an attempt to give you options taking into consideration the information above. Based on this, I recommend the following options:
1. Piscifun Fishing Tackle Storage Bag
This first one is a great option for those looking to get themselves a decent fishing tackle bag for a decent price. It has a great number of storage options and add-ons as well making it perfect for beginners and experienced fishers alike. Specifications as follows:
- Waterproof: Yes – 1000D nylon fabric
- Tacklebox number and size: Holds up to three (4) Plano 3500 size lure boxes – NOT included
- Wet Storage: Water resistant with internal waterproof pad
- Dry Storage: Yes – pocket designed for mobile phones, bank cards etc.
- Total number of pockets: 13
- Tool slots: Four specialised tool pockets on side and bottom
Other inclusions:
- Abrasion resistant and indestructible KAM buckle and SBS zippers
- Two left/right exchangeable, adjustable and detachable shoulder straps
- Two multi piece rod holder on one side and water bottle holder side
Why have I chosen it?
I like this one purely for its versatility and inclusions for the price. It will fit most gear for general fishing and great for those who want to travel light their destination. It is light weight, easily stored and I think a good option for the budget minded.
2. Ugly Stik Fishing Bag
Our next option is good for those looking for a few more options and tackle boxes included as well. It comes with plenty of storage space with extra pockets and dry holders to be found all over. Its other main specifications include:
- Waterproof: Water resistant polyester
- Tacklebox number and size: Hold up to four medium utility boxes (10.2 x 6.6 x 1.6 inches) – included
- Wet Storage: Yes – main compartment is lined
- Dry Storage: Yes – 3 zipper pockets for protective storage of phone, wallet etc.
- Total number of pockets: 3 plus min storage and external mesh slot
- Tool slots: Yes, removable tool holster on front
Other inclusions:
- Padded shoulder strap
- Nonslip, compression-molded bottom
Why have I chosen it?
Put simply, this is the best one I could find for the best price with the best review scores. In terms of fishing, it provides some good options for storage and gear protection with space for all the basic needs and tackle boxes included. It is a great one for those who simply want a good tackle bag without all the bells and whistles.
3. Plano A-Series Tackle Bag
The third option I have chosen is a complete tackle box for those who want/need to take a little more with them. It is almost a hybrid of the tackle box and bag with two plastic tackle tray compartments on the top as well as all the storage space found in most other bags. Specifications include:
- Waterproof: Water resistant top on waterproof base
- Tacklebox number and size: Yes, holds up to four 3600 plastic trays – Included
- Wet Storage: Yes, – at front or inside if tackle boxes removed
- Dry Storage: Yes – Two dry holders on sides
- Total number of pockets: 6
- Tool slots: Multiple MOLLE straps on front
Other inclusions:
- Padded removable shoulder strap
- Oversize waterproof zippers
Why have I chosen it?
This is a great one for those looking for a little quality over price with specifications that make it a very versatile option for most conditions and needs in all fishing environments – especially if you have need for a larger array of tackle when out on the water’s edge. The top compartments also allow for quick changeover of lures and tackle or separation of anything exposed to the conditions as well.
Conclusion
And there they are – my 3 best tackle bags for general fishing this year. I hope it has been helpful and as usual, please let me know of your experiences with them.
Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.
Until next time
Have fun
Paul
