Hey there my fellow fishing enthusiasts and welcome to my post covering my 3 best fishing kayak tackle box options to load up this year. This is a critical choice for kayak fishing as unlike many other areas where you would throw a line, there is not a lot of space to keep a larger tackle box or bag. However, you definitely do not want to head out there without some spare gear in case you get snagged or snapped off.
I am also a proponent of not taking all of your tackle with you every time you go fishing so here we are looking for something small enough to fit on the kayak but large enough to hold whatever it is that you may like to take with you. So based on all of that information, let’s see if I can find 3 good fishing kayak tackle box options to assist you out on the water?
My 3 recommended kayak 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:
Tackle Box | Price | Get it | |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4007 Tuff Tainer Tackle Box | $ | CURRENT PRICE |
![]() | Reaction Tackle Fishing Tackle Bag | $ | CURRENT PRICE |
![]() | Plano Weekend Series Tackle Case | $$ | CURRENT PRICE |
What is a kayak fishing tackle box?
Now here is the problem. There are so many different types of tackle boxes out there that I really could (and probably will) do different posts on each type. So for today’s post, I am going to focus on the type of tackle boxes that I personally recommend for fishing on a kayak. This is based mainly on the two influences that I touched on in the opening paragraph above – these are:
- They are small enough to fit on a kayak in either the storage well, under the seat or in the back netted compartment.
- They can hold enough tackle/lures etc. for each trip.
As a base though, when it comes to kayak 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. 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.
- Small covered tackle carry bag: These are not much larger than the first option however the tackle box is actually a small zip up bag that usually contains other options such as plastic holder sleeves (for leaders, lures etc.) and mesh pockets. These are just a little easier to carry and will hold extras for you too.
- Larger tackle bag/backpack: If you are looking for an all in one equipment carrier with a tackle box included, then a surf fishing backpack/bag will suit. These can be used on a kayak if you have a netted storage compartment for it however I would probably recommend just pulling one of the plastic trays out of the main bag and taking that only.

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 are out on the water. Even within this simplicity however, there are some influences to consider prior to purchase:
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. Alternatively, you may go for the bag option where lures can be kept in a plastic sleeve instead.
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 – Kayak 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 cooler bags. I haven’t listed any with those here (mainly due to storage space issues on a kayak) however if you do have the space and accessibility, then by all means get one with all the addons for sure.
Again as I have mentioned above, at the end of the day you need something that is just big and strong enough to hold your tackle safely and securely within the space that you have available on your kayak.
What do I use?
Ok, so 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. This sites nicely in the storage cavity in front of me on the kayak for easy access.
If however we are planning to do a bit with lures (or a mixture of both) I then take my little tackle bag as it will fit all of my spare lures as well as tackle. I actually take the hard plastic tackle box out and just use the plastic sleeves inside. This again will fit in the storage cavity and is waterproof to protect unused lures etc.

My three recommendations broken down
There is quite a large range of kayak 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 on a kayak for 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 to fit in a kayak for the price. It will fit most kayak fishing tackle and lure options for those who want to throw it in the dry cavity in front of them and get on with it.
2. Reaction Tackle Fishing Tackle Bag
Our next ‘box’ is similar to the type that I use which is a tackle storage bag with a plastic sleeve inside to carry soft baits, tackle, tools, and leader line etc. These are good for those who want to carry just a little extra but still be able to keep it in another bag, backpack or in the storage cavity of the kayak.
- Size: 8.5” x 5.5” x 1”
- Waterproof: Made of high quality waterproof material with tackle kept in one of 6) clear plastic sealable sleeve
- Adjustable compartments: Sleeves are not adjustable however they are detachable along with (2) zipper pouches
Other inclusions:
- Includes a carabiner to clip to the kayak if not kept in storage cavity
Why have I chosen it?
This is a great one for those looking for a bag type tackle holder with a few more storage options for a good price. It is small enough to go into a bag yet strong enough to sit on the kayak as well. I use one like this and find it works well on the beach or bank too.
3. Plano Weekend Series Tackle Case
The third option I have chosen is a complete tackle bag/box for those who want to keep everything in one spot. It is low profile meaning it can be easily stored on a kayak in one of the netted compartments or beside/behind the seat in the larger models. Specifications as follows:
- Size: 12″ L x 7″ W x 6″ H
- Waterproof: Yes
- Adjustable compartments: Includes two adjustable 3500 Series Stowaway Utility Boxes (can hold up to four)
Other inclusions:
- Three zippered pockets and three meshed pockets
- D-ring and multiple MOLLE attachment points for extra storage and tools
- Soft padded handle
Why have I chosen it?
Again, this is a great one for those looking for a good tackle bag with a few more storage options. It is small enough to go into a kayak yet strong enough to use in other conditions (such as the beach as well). I would certainly be looking at this one if you are on a larger vessel with a bit more storage.
Conclusion
And there they are – my 3 best surf fishing tackle box options to load up 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
