Hey there my fellow fishing enthusiasts and welcome to my post covering my 3 best tackle boxes for general fishing this year. This is often an afterthought for many of us as we start our fishing journey as we tend to get ourselves a rod and reel and then some tackle and then realize we don’t have anywhere to keep it. In this case, a simple lunch box or plastic food container will usually do .
However, as we start to collect a bit more equipment such as tools, spare line, lures and so on we then realise that we need a little more room. So if you need something to keep all your gear in whilst fishing from a river/estuary bank, jetty or even the beach, then let’s have a look and see if we can find the best fishing tackle box to suit your needs…
My 3 recommended fishing tackle boxes
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:
![Flambeau Outdoors 4007 Tuff Tainer, Fishing Tackle Tray Box, Includes [12] Zerust Dividers, 24 Compartments](https://beachandfishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/31nRLKDyQTL._SL500_.webp)
What are fishing tackle boxes for general fishing?
As I mentioned above, a fishing tackle box can essentially be anything that you keep your tackle in – I mean I use little food containers for my tackle and lures in the kayak. Here however we are talking about built for purpose tackle boxes that generally contain as a minimum:
- Trays/compartments for smaller tackle
- Larger storage section for tools, spare line etc.
Now here is the problem. There are so many different types of tackle boxes out there that I have had to break them down in a number of posts so as to allow us to fully explore each type. So for today’s post I am going to focus on the hard plastic type of tackle boxes that are strong and durable and will hold a good amount of gear.
That said, I am also a proponent of not taking all of your tackle with you every time you go fishing so we are also looking for something small and portable enough to carry to your favourite fishing spot but large enough to hold whatever it is that you may like to take with you.
General tackle box types
As a base though, when it comes to general fishing tackle boxes there are a few types that could fit in with your personal needs so let’s run through them below:
- Plastic tray: This is simply a plastic tray with a lid and segregated sections inside for tackle, lures etc. and good for those who just want to take a little bit of tackle with and not their whole collection. Some come with movable barriers to adjust compartment size or little handles for carrying. These options are also used if you have a tackle bag or backpack with slots for a tackle box as well.
- Toolbox style tackle box: These are the traditional tackle boxes. They are generally made of hard plastic with lids that open out to reveal a cantilever tray and general storage area. Some models also have separate wet/dry storage compartments as well as easy access sections at the top as well.
- Drawer style tackle box: If you need to take a whole lot of stuff with you, or are not actually sure what type of fish will be there once you start fishing, you may have need for a larger tackle box where your tackle is kept in slide out drawers (or even the plastic trays as discussed above). These are a little larger and bulkier but will allow you to keep a whole lot more stuff with on at the water’s edge. As an added advantage however, some of this type also double as a seat and can incorporate cooler and wet/dry sections as well.
What should you be looking for?
Again, the function here is pretty simple in that you are looking for something that will keep your tackle in a dry and safe whilst you out and about in your fishing exploits. 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 smaller box is obviously going to be easier to carry with everything else. If you are walking a fair way, then maybe consider a tackle bag or backpack instead.
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 box has adjustable 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 box may 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 box.
Other stuff – Like anything, there are some really tricked out options out there. There are heavy-duty options available for those with large equipment setups whilst others come with external pockets or even cold sections. So if you have the space and means to get this to the water’s edge with you, then by all means get one with all the addons for sure.
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 I use?
As mentioned above, I don’t like to take all of my tackle with me when I go fishing. Hence, I have a couple of options that I use depending on what I am chasing at the time and what tackle I am planning to use.
If I am going to be fishing with fresh bait in one of the deeper holes in my local estuary then to be honest, I just put a set of hooks, sinkers and swivels into a small snap lock food container. I put it in my backpack or in the cart and off I go.
If however we are planning to do a bit with lures (or a mixture of both) I then take my little plastic tackle tray as it will fit all of my spare lures as well as tackle.
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. 4007 Tuff Tainer Tackle Box
This first one is a basic option for those who just want something quick and easy to use for fishing at a decent price. It won’t hold a real lot however it is a good size for anything needed on a single trip and will keep your tackle out of the elements as well. Specifications as follows:
- Size: 1.75 x 7.25 x 11 inches
- Waterproof: light water only
- 12 adjustable dividers that can create up to 24 different compartments
Other inclusions:
- Secure latches
- Exclusive VCI formula infused into the dividers that release a corrosion inhibiting vapor
Why have I chosen it?
I like this one purely for its ability to hold a decent amount of tackle for the price. It will fit most fishing tackle and lure options for those who want to throw a few ‘spares’ into a bag or cart and get on with it.
2. Plano Tray Tackle Box
Our next box is the traditional ‘toolbox’ style which is again a good one for simple general use where space is needed for both small tackle pieces (hooks, sinkers, swivels etc.) as well as bulky items too. These are good for those who want to carry just a little extra but still have a box small enough to easily carry with all of their gear.
- Size: 8.25 x 8.13 x 14 inches
- Waterproof: Yes – when closed
- Adjustable compartments: Yes – 7-13 adjustable compartments
Other inclusions:
- Available with 1, 2 or 3 cantilever trays
- Brass-bailed latch for secure closure
Why have I chosen it?
This is a great one for those looking for a few more storage options for a good price. It is small enough to carry or sit in a cart yet strong enough for use in a number of conditions. These are also good for quick and easy access to tackle as you fish too.
The third option I have chosen is a complete tackle box for those who want to keep everything in one spot. It includes three plastic, adjustable plastics tackle tray boxes as well as easy access compartments for any number of lure, tackle or personal item (wallet, phone etc.) storage options. Specifications as follows:
- Size: 18″ L x 11″ H
- Waterproof: Yes
- Adjustable compartments: Includes three adjustable 3600 Series Stowaway Utility Boxes
Other inclusions:
- Duraview covers and doors
- Added bulk storage section under the lid
- Main compartment presents utility boxes at a 15-degree angle for easy access
Why have I chosen it?
Again, this is a great one for those looking for a good tackle box with a few more storage options whilst still being small enough to not be too bulky. This one would also work well for a home storage container as well.
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Primary Rating:
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4.5
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Primary Rating:
4.5
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Conclusion
And there they are – my 3 best tackle boxes 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
