The Best Tackle Boxes for Fishing of 2025 | GearJunkie

Best Tackle Box Ratings Explained

Each tackle box I tested was scored on four different factors: capacity, bulk, customizability, and value. Here’s the skinny on what I took into consideration for each.

Capacity

This one is pretty obvious. How much stuff can the box hold? Huge boxes like the Plano Guide Series Rack System scored well, while other small boxes, like the Evolution Outdoors Big Bait Bag, got docked for having limited capacity.

Bulk

While this is the inverse of capacity, it is a bit more nuanced than that. Efficient use of space comes into play.

As a general rule, smaller boxes score well, and giant boxes score poorly. However, a box like the Evolution Ballistix HANGR still scores well because, while it is bulkier than other trays, it uses that extra bulk well. The diagonal slots allow anglers to fit a ridiculous amount of lures in it, and there isn’t any wasted space in the box.

Customization

Customization is huge because everyone’s tackle selection is different. Some boxes, like the Plano Frog Box, don’t allow any customization and thus score poorly.

If the tackle box is customizable, just how customizable is it? The Plano Stowaway performed well because it has more divider slots than other tackle trays tested. For larger tackle boxes and backpacks, customization came down to whether or not I could fit different brands tackle trays inside.

For example, the Evolution Drift Series backpack can easily accommodate any number of tackle trays, whereas the Bass Pro XPS Backpack cannot.

Value

Value isn’t price. I’m going to say it again. Value isn’t price.

It’s an assessment of how far I think your dollar is going. So, some high-priced boxes scored well because I thought they were worth every penny. Others scored poorly because while they may be awesome, the price is steep for what it is. The same goes for cheap boxes.

If a product offers features beyond its price, or people would pay more than what is being charged, you have a high value product.

How and Where I Tested The Best Fishing Tackle Boxes

While I got my hands on some new products this spring to test out for this guide, I’ve been testing tackle boxes since I was in high school. Back then, I was looking for a good way to carry my minimal tackle assortment for my fishing pursuits. Unfortunately for my bank account, that was just the start.

Over the years, my tackle selection grew, and then grew some more. Then I bought a kayak and started fishing out of that. Then I bought a raft. And then I bought a bass boat.

The growing tackle selection and different boats I fished from presented new challenges from a tackle storage standpoint. For example, when I fished tournaments as a co-angler, I needed something that was compact, yet could carry enough to get me by for a day of tournament fishing. When I fished from my kayak for bass, I could take a bit more, and needed things easily accessible from my seat. And what worked best for bass fishing often didn’t work well when I went trout fishing in my raft.

For a quick rundown, in the last five years, I’ve used the best tackle boxes in Utah, Montana, Colorado, Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, Tennessee, Arkansas, Florida, Missouri, Mexico, and Costa Rica. From tiny ice fishing jigs on remote lakes accessible by snowcat to giant saltwater lures, I’ve used and stored tons of different tackle.

On any given weekend, you may find me loaded to the brim on my bass boat, walking and wading creeks, or floating in my raft. All of those different types of fishing have resulted in a tackle storage system for every type of fishing I do.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Fishing Tackle Box

After spending my life fishing, I’ve found what makes a tackle box best for different situations. There are numerous factors I take into consideration when making a purchase, and I’ll break those down here. After that, I’ll give recommendations for boat anglers, kayak anglers, and walk and wade anglers to have the ultimate tackle solution.

Styles of Fishing Tackle Boxes

The first thing to decide is what style of tackle box you’re looking for. There are traditional tackle boxes, tackle bags, and what I call modular systems/specialty boxes.

A single tackle box is ideal for individuals with limited tackle and those who prefer a simple setup. However, when you get one single box, you may find yourself frustrated with certain aspects of it. I’ve found you can end up carrying things you don’t need on the water, and they can easily become disorganized. They also aren’t the easiest to carry around on foot.

That brings me to tackle bags or backpacks. These are great for foot anglers who cover a lot of ground. It puts your tackle box on your back, which makes it easy to transport. However, it can get annoying having to take a backpack off every time you need something.

“Modular systems/specialty boxes” come down to different tackle trays and specialty boxes. This is what I use the most. I get numerous smaller tackle boxes, and then put them in whatever storage system I have for the day, whether that be a backpack or a boat storage locker. Tackle trays and a modular system enable me to keep boxes separate for different lure types and only carry the necessary items when needed.

The best overall tackle box, the Plano Guide Series Stowaway Rack System took the top award because it can fit the bill for all three. It’s a single box for those looking for a one stop shop, but can turn into a modular system with different tackle trays as your tackle collection grows. If you want to turn it into a tackle backpack, remove the Stowaway tackle trays and throw them into your favorite backpack.

Size

Size is the most important thing to consider when purchasing a tackle box, and it inherently creates trade-offs. The bigger the box, the less portable it is and vice versa. While small boxes are portable, they can’t carry as much tackle.

I have fallen into the trap of always going big with every tackle box. For example, I purchased some of the largest Flambeau Tuff Tainers available. The problem? When I struck out on foot or in my kayak, it wouldn’t fit into a backpack or the storage area of my kayak.

Consider the storage area you have for the box itself before you consider how much tackle you need to fit in it. A huge box is great, but it does you no good if you can’t pack it with you on the water.

If that storage area is on your back or a small boat, go small. You can always get more small boxes if you run out of space for tackle.

Big boxes, like the Evolution Ballistix HANGR are great because you can store a lot of baits in them. However, big boxes like that are best reserved for anglers with boat storage. It’s best to get the biggest box you can comfortably carry and store, rather than just the biggest.

What Are You Trying to Store?

The lures and tackle you store will affect the size and features you need in a tackle box. If you have limited tackle, you may be able to get away with something like the Plano Three-Tray or even a few Plano Stowaways. Those options will store just about every lure out there, albeit not perfectly.

But, as you get more specialized in your fishing, you may want to make the jump into a specialized box like the Plano Frog Box. Specialized boxes are great for the unique needs of different baits and lures. While not necessary, some things I like specialty boxes for are: small jigheads, treble-hooked baits, frogs, spinnerbaits, and large swimbaits. If you own a lot of one of those lure types, you may want to go specialty.

Waterproof or Non Waterproof Fishing Tackle Boxes

Many tackle boxes can be purchased with or without a waterproof seal. Waterproof versions are more expensive than non-waterproof versions.

If given the choice, I most often opt for waterproof versions, just to be safe. However, they aren’t perfect. While waterproof boxes keep water out, they also do a great job of keeping water in, resulting in rusty hooks. I’ve had waterproof boxes fill with condensation when fishing in very humid and rainy climates. If you use a waterproof box in such environments, be sure to open it for only a minimal amount of time.

It’s not a huge deal to go non-waterproof, though. I own and utilize dozens of non-waterproof tackle boxes. Just be sure you don’t drop them in the lake.

Rust Protection

Most tackle boxes have a rust prevention system built into them, but the cheapest ones do not. I think rust prevention is vital. The rust systems do not work perfectly, and it is still possible to get rust on your hooks. However, the systems will prevent a full-on rust takeover, ruining every hook and lure in your box.

Price and Value

There is a huge variety of tackle boxes on the market today, and comparing them by price can be a bit like comparing apples and oranges. For example, a single tackle tray is inherently going to be cheaper than a full-on tackle box, and comparing the prices side by side doesn’t make much sense. So, here’s a rundown of the general price categories you’ll find, and what type of tackle boxes fall in each category.

Budget

Numerous tackle trays and a few classic tackle boxes are available for $10- $30. Almost every manufacturer has a tackle tray, and they operate much the same. However, some that have received makeovers, like the Plano StowAway, have features that really make them stand out.

Tackle trays are ideal for individuals with limited tackle selections or those seeking a cheap and easy tackle storage solution. However, at the core, they’re just a tray and are limited in space and functionality. A tackle tray can store just about anything, but they don’t store any one thing the best.

If you need something with a bit more storage capacity and the ability to store a wider range of tackle, the Plano Three-Tray is one of the best standalone tackle boxes on the market in the budget price point.

Mid Tier

Most tackle boxes fall between $30 and $70, and as such, there’s a wide selection available. You can find classic tackle boxes that will store everything you need, soft plastics organizers, and specialty boxes with some of the latest and greatest technologies available.

Boxes in this range will either serve as a passable catch all solution, or a perfect solution for an individual use.

Premium

Tackle boxes over $70 are designed to be singular tackle boxes for die hard anglers. In this price range, you’ll find tackle boxes like the Plano Guide Series StowAway Rack System and tackle backpacks like the Evolution Outdoors Drift Series 3700 Tackle Backpack.

These tackle boxes are large, purpose-built, and can store mountains of tackle. Due to their size, they aren’t ideal for bass boat anglers, but rather are designed for serious anglers who kayak, canoe, and run around on foot. They’re capable of storing everything you could possibly need, but also remain mobile. Short of owning a huge boat with numerous storage lockers, tackle boxes in this price range are the ultimate in storage.

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