Plano Guide Series StowAway Rack System Review

If you saw what my tackle looked like at the end of a day on the water, you’d gather that I probably have undiagnosed ADHD. My repeat clients, who have fished with me frequently, could vouch for that. For some reason, I was built as an unorganized human, and it takes massive effort on my part to keep things tidy.

Fortunately, I’m passionate about fishing, so I’m willing to put in effort to keep things organized on the water. I’m still not perfect at it, and things do get jumbled. But after years of being on the struggle bus, I’ve found tackle storage products that help combat my bad habits. The Plano Guide Series StowAway Rack System is one of those products.

In short: The Plano Guide Series StowAway Rack system is one of my most-used tackle boxes. It has a massive amount of storage, and the individual StowAway trays allow me to keep things organized. As a multi-species angler with entirely too much tackle, I especially like how it’s modular. The system allows me to purchase additional StowAway tackle boxes and swap them out based on my tackle needs for the day. While there is no such thing as a perfect tackle box, this one comes close.

Why I Purchased the Plano Guide Series StowAway Rack System

The real trouble I’ve had with tackle storage is the different ways I access my favorite fishing grounds. One day I may be on foot, another day I may be fishing out of a kayak or raft, and the next I’ll be on big water chasing fish in my bass boat.

On top of that, I have a ton of different tackle for different species. Finding a way to effectively store it all in those different situations became a big hassle.

I had been using a hodgepodge of different tackle boxes and trays, but that ultimately created chaos. In my raft, tackle boxes were scattered all across the floor.

On foot, some of the tackle boxes were too large to carry, so I would pull baits out of the large boxes and stick them alongside other baits in a small box. That resulted in topwater baits being in my jig box right next to trout spinners. Within a few weeks, my lures and baits were intermixed among over a dozen tackle boxes. Yikes.

I began looking for something that would allow me to keep tackle separated by category, but could also be compact enough to go with me on all of my fishing trips. That’s when I stumbled across this tackle box and decided to test it out.

How It Works

From a sky-high view, the Plano Guide Series StowAway Rack System looks and performs like a classic tackle box. It has a single carry handle and is meant to store all of your tackle in one box.

However, it’s a huge upgrade from the boxes of old because it’s not just a tackle box; it’s a system. Rather than opening up to expand built-in trays, the front garage-like door opens up to a shelf system that stores four removable 3700-sized Plano StowAway tackle boxes.

Note: As far as I know, this tackle box still comes with the older version of the StowAway. Pictured are the updated StowAways that I purchased at a later date.

The Plano StowAways that are provided allow you to add and remove tabs as you see fit, so each individual box can be customized for your exact needs.

Above the StowAway shelf system is one open compartment similar to what you’d find at the bottom of a normal tackle box. You use the main latch to access that portion and flip the lid open. On top of the lid is a small hatch you can squeeze a couple of baits into.

What Can You Fit In It?

It’s capable of storing mountains of tackle. For casual anglers, the box comes with enough space to store everything you’ll ever need.

It’s also highly customizable for anglers with extensive tackle selections. When I bought it, I also purchased extra Plano StowAway boxes. That way, if I’m fishing for bass, I can put four bass fishing–specific StowAways in it.

When I go after trout, I ditch the bass equipment and put two trout-specific StowAways inside. Additional StowAways allow me to convert it to a species-specific tackle box each day. As a bonus, its modular nature ensures that I can carry everything I need, and nothing that I don’t.

Those separate trays also mean you won’t run into different lure types scattered all over the place. You can have a box filled with terminal tackle, another with spoons, another with jerkbaits, etc. You can build it out however you want. And it holds all of those tackle trays in a nice, neat package.

The top portion is where I store leader material, tools, soft plastics, PowerBait containers, you name it. It’s the perfect size, and I rarely feel like I don’t have enough room on the top shelf. The only downside is that there are no separators in this portion, so things can get jumbled. I keep it organized by putting a soft plastic wallet in it rather than having soft plastic bags loose.

Best Places to Use the Plano StowAway Rack System

Compared to most standard tackle boxes, this thing is a giant, which means it isn’t the most portable. That’s the tradeoff you get for being able to store so much equipment. For that reason, it’s received the most use from me in small watercraft like kayaks and rafts. It is the perfect tackle solution for those uses, and it basically gives you a storage locker on a small boat.

When I guide out of a raft, this is the sole tackle box I take. It has more than enough for me to carry a wide variety of bass fishing tackle for two clients.

The huge size makes it a bit unwieldy for mobile walk-and-wade anglers. Sort of. I wouldn’t want to pack the whole thing around for a day of creeking, however, I do pull one or two StowAways out of it and throw them in a backpack when I need to move around. So in a way, it allows me to be mobile without needing to purchase a different tackle box.

If you’re the type of foot angler who posts up at the local boat ramp and sits in one spot for hours on end, you likely won’t mind the size.

Durability of the Plano Guide Series StowAway Rack System

After 2 years of use, only one thing has broken on this tackle box, and it’s very minor. The little, clear compartment on the top has had issues. For some reason, over time, it stopped latching with ease. If I don’t slam it down hard, it won’t stay closed. It’s not a huge deal, though, because I think that tiny compartment was a bit gimmicky anyway, and I rarely use it.

Outside of that, the box has been indestructible. The top latch has held up well, even when I overstuffed the top shelf. The latches on the front door have also held up just fine. And, if any of the provided StowAways were to break, you can replace them for a cheap price.

What It Does Best

My favorite part of this tackle box is its ability to adapt to multiple fishing scenarios. If I need to get mobile, I can grab a couple of the StowAways, throw them in a backpack, and walk and wade my favorite creek.

For those times when I want to fish with various techniques and baits, I can load it up to the brim and bring everything with me. Rather than have jumbled tackle boxes everywhere, the Plano Guide Series StowAway Rack System keeps everything in one neat package. It’ll keep even the most disheveled anglers organized. When I go out in the bass boat, I pull the StowAways out and put them in a storage locker.

I also like to keep an extra empty StowAway on hand, for impromptu fishing missions in a buddy’s boat. That way, I can grab a few baits out of the Rack System and be off to the lake with ease.

Whether you’re a new angler who needs a tackle box that can grow with you, or a tackle junkie who needs a system for different fishing adventures, this box will make things quick and easy.

Where It Struggles

This box isn’t great for bulk storage of treble-hooked baits. This isn’t a unique problem, though. It’s an issue for even some of the best “crankbait boxes.”

The problem with treble-hooked baits is that they require their own storage compartments in order to prevent hooks from tangling together. That eats up space quickly. A Plano StowAway may only have enough space to store 10-15 jerkbaits and crankbaits.

For some, that may be more than enough. If you’re like me and have mountains of those baits, it’s not enough. Those crossing the realm of “casual angler” into “dedicated angler,” may find that they need more room than this box can provide. Hint: If this box cannot store all your tackle, consider purchasing a boat.

Final Thoughts

Due to the modular nature of this box, it’s a great fit for most anglers. If you’re a new angler, there is ample room to grow with your tackle selection. Even if your tackle selection outgrows it, you can purchase more Plano StowAways that are interchangeable with the system. For years, it will provide everything you need.

For fishermen like me, with a seemingly unmanageable amount of tackle, the Plano Guide Series StowAway Rack System offers a solid solution that can adapt to your needs on the water. You’ll still need some bulk storage for your treble-hooked baits and excess soft plastics. But, this box allows you to pull from that bulk storage and have a one-stop shop out on the water.

Ultimately, it comes down to this box being a system. It’s built to adapt to you and your needs on the water.