Hey there my fellow fishing enthusiasts and welcome to my post covering my 3 best surf fishing tackle bags to stock this year. As I have mentioned in a number of posts, when fishing at the beach, you really need to be able to make things as easy as possible so that you can get maximum enjoyment from the time you are there. And one way to assist with this is to ensure that you have yourself a good tackle bag so that you can avoid that awkward and cumbersome experience when you attempt to carry everything you need to the water’s edge in one go without one.
So how can you carry all that equipment that you need such as tackle, tools, towel, water, bait and so on with your rod and rod holder as well? A surf fishing tackle bag! However, as per most things when it comes to fishing, there can be some variation in what’s available so grab yourself a nice cold beverage and a snack and let’s see if we can get you setup with a good fishing tackle bag to aid you in your beach angling endeavours…
My 3 recommended surf 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:
What are fishing tackle bags?
Tackle bags are essentially a carry bag that is tricked out with pockets, compartments, tackle boxes and tie downs etc. so that you can store and carry all of your surf fishing equipment in the one place. Whilst I personally prefer a fishing backpack, tackle bags with a strap can be just as useful when it comes down to it.
I use my surf fishing backpack as my ‘go to’ bag as my fishing mates and myself often find ourselves jumping in the car for a fish at short notice. So rather than having to pull everything together, I can just thrown my rod into the back of the truck with the backpack and I am good to go. If you have a tackle bag instead, then the same obviously applies.
The other advantage here is that if you have a large tackle box at home already, then a tackle bag allows you to simply add only the tackle etc. that you will need for that one trip. This means that you can not only travel light, but are not constantly exposing all of your tackle t the elements each time you go out as well.
What should you be looking for?
Again, the function here is pretty simple in that you are looking for something that will hold all of your gear in the spot and allow you to carry it all at once down to the beach. At the end of the day, there are a number of surf fishing accessories that I believe you should always have with you on your surf fishing expeditions including:
- Tackle (preferably in a tackle Box)
- Rod Holder
- Bait
- Bucket
- Knife
- Tools
- Sun protection
- Towel
- Water
- Fishing license
Now, these are the basics I believe every surf fisherman needs in general. Many also look to other stuff such as chairs, coolers (eskies), lights and other options as well.
So, when looking into a surf fishing tackle bag, these are some of the options you could consider prior to purchase:
Waterproofing – Based on my experience with using a non fishing specific back pack that is not so waterproof, if it is not going to keep everything in it dry, forget it. If you are going to purchase a tackle bag then waterproofing is a must (I think most are by default but still worth a check). I know with mine that even if I used to put it on soft dry sand it still gets damp on the bottom – especially at dusk – meaning I always have to air everything out when I get home.
Tackle box inclusion – As I mentioned above, I keep all of my tackle in a larger box in the garage and then just take a smaller sample of what I will need for each trip. That way I am not lugging everything I own down to the beach, and also I am not exposing all of my tackle to the elements every time I go fishing.
Some bags come with tackle boxes included and other just have the slots for them. If you have small boxes already all you need to do is ensure that they will fit into your new bag. If not, then I would suggest getting a model with tackle boxes included.
Note: Always read the fine print here. Some vendors display their bags with tackle boxes in them. It is not until later that you find out that this is for display purposes only and that the boxes are sold separately!
Tool slots – If you have been fishing for any length of time, you will probably be aware that sometimes tools are needed quickly (line tangles with fish on them for example). Most fishing tackle bags come with tools 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 too.
At the end of the day, you need something that is not too bulky but big and strong enough to handle all of the gear you wish to take with you along with any extras or comfort items you would like as well.
FAQ
What should a fishing tackle bag include?
This depends on you fishing needs but in general a good tackle bag will include:
Wet and dry pockets
Dry sleeve for wallet, phone etc.
Space for hard tackle boxes
Mesh pockets on outside
Three elastic tool holders
Drink holder
My three recommendations broken down
There are literally hundreds of saltwater fishing tackle bags available online (with a large range in price points) 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. Amitfo Fishing Tackle 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 with a waterproof coating inside
- Tacklebox number and size: Holds up to four (4) Plano 3500 size lure boxes – NOT included
- Wet Storage: Not specifically but waterproof internal coating should work
- Dry Storage: Yes – front pocket designed for mobile phones, bank cards etc.
- Total number of pockets: 4
- Tool slots: Four front mounted elastic straps for quick and easy access
Other inclusions:
- 3 straps for arrangement as a handbag, waist bag, or sling bag
- Drink bottle holder on side
- Two multi piece rod holder on side
- Rust proof zipper and extra D rings on side of bag
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 surf 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. Piscifun Travel Pro Fishing Tackle Bag
Our next option is good for those looking for a few more options and tackle boxes included as well. It comes in three sizes with extra mesh pockets and dry holders to be found all over. Its other main specifications include:
- Waterproof: Yes – 600D PVC waterproof material
- Tacklebox number and size: Holds up to four (4) 3600 size tackle boxes – included
- Wet Storage: Yes – front and pockets designed for either wet or dry storage
- Dry Storage: Yes – extra zipper pockets for protective storage of phone, wallet etc.
- Total number of pockets: 8 plus multiple external mesh slots
- Tool slots: Yes, via slot on front pocket plus 3 external molle straps for easy access
Other inclusions:
- Sandwich waterproof bottom
- 3 straps for arrangement as a handbag or sling bag
- Front holder for pliers
- Rust proof zippers and extra rubber mesh pockets on side of bag
Why have I chosen it?
Put simply, this is the best one I could find with the most inclusions for the best price with the best review scores. In terms of fishing, it provides some good options for storage and is available in a number of sizes. It has space for all the basic needs with tackle boxes included. The only thing I can see that it doesn’t have is a drink bottle holder… it should fit inside though.
3. Plano Guide Series Tackle Bag
The third option I have chosen is a little more expensive however for those who like to fish with a large array of tackle and lures on hand, it is well worth the price. It maybe doesn’t have the non-tackle storage capacity of some of the others however with 10 included tackle trays, you could safely remove one and add more space that way. Specifications as follows:
- Waterproof: Yes – 1680 Denierfabric
- Tacklebox number and size: Holds up to seven (7) 3750 size and three (3) 3650 tackle boxes – Included
- Wet Storage: Yes, – if front or side tackle box removed
- Dry Storage: Yes – dedicated waterproof cell phone holder, license holder, and carabiner
- Total number of pockets: 5
- Tool slots: Yes, magnetic ‘drop zone’ for tools and lures and molle webbing on side
Other inclusions:
- Waterproof non-skid feet
- Integrated rod holders
- Oversize waterproof zippers
- Handbag and backpack straps
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 on the beach.
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Primary Rating:
4.5
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Primary Rating:
4.5
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Primary Rating:
5.0
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N/A
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$79.99
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Conclusion
And there they are – my 3 best surf fishing tackle bags to stock 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
