While a surf fishing rod and saltwater reel are important, it’s crucial to the success of any saltwater fishing trip to have the best saltwater tackle box you can buy.
These tackle boxes allow you to keep all your fishing gear and tackle organized, ready for quick access yet stowed away safe.
With so many tackle boxes available on the market, choosing the right one can be quite a daunting task.
In this article, I am going to cover everything you need to know to help you make a decision on which tackle box is right for you.
Let’s dive in!
Top Salt Water Tackle Boxes Reviewed
Saltwater tackle boxes take on a life all their own. These fishing tackle boxes have to be tough and durable.
They must be able to accommodate varying sizes of lures and hooks. Some of which can be huge in size. Larger varieties come with attached wheels that allow the angler to simply roll them from place to place and on and off boats.
Saltwater fishing tackle boxes can also be purchased with saltwater rod holders and a top that doubles as a seat.
1. KastKing Large Saltwater Resistant Fishing Bag
Best Saltwater Tackle Boxes
As one of the best saltwater tackle box, this is the real deal. Other manufacturers offer similarly designed soft tackle bags for a lot more than what KastKing charges, so keep that in mind. It has plenty of storage for your Plano boxes so you’ll stay organized even with your large saltwater lures.
You’ll never run out of pockets, so don’t worry about that either. The shoulder strap makes it easy to lug this bag to your fishing spot and the tough nylon material will stand up over time.
2. Calissa Offshore Tackle Recon Rolling Fishing Backpack
Best Backpack Saltwater Tackle Box
Not only is this a backpack tackle box, but it also has wheels to help you lug all your gear around…without straining yourself.
Calissa has made a high-quality fishing tackle backpack made in the USA. If you’re looking for a waterproof bag that can carry everything you fish with and maybe even stuff you don’t, this bag will handle. It holds size 3600 and 3650 Plano boxes and when you pack it right, you can hold an arsenal.
Plus, with the rod holders, this bag makes getting to your spot a breeze.
3. Plano 7771-01 Guide Series Tackle System
Best Plano Tackle Box
I’m pretty sure you’ve seen this saltwater tackle box or have owned this one at some point in your saltwater fishing journey. It’s the tried and true heavy-duty plastic tackle box that’s been used by anglers all over the place and it keeps performing.
It has tons of space and compartments…the latches are a bit wonky until you get used to them…but that adds to the appeal.
4. Wilderness Systems Kayak Krate with 4 Rod Holders
Best Kayak Tackle Box
If you have a little extra money to spend and want a hard tackle box for the best ocean kayak, then this is the one. You don’t need a milk crate to keep it in place either.
With four rod holders, this crate will carry everything you need for a full day on the water. You can even adjust the height of it.
It’s not waterproof but water-resistant. If you topple your kayak over, I wouldn’t feel comfortable saying it’ll float for a long time…but hopefully just long enough for you to flip your yak over and get situated again.
5. Plano Guide Series 3700 Tackle Bag XL Fishing Storage Box Carry Case
Best Kayak Soft Tackle Box
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With the drop zone tops that utilize magnets to keep the lures and tackle in place, this Plano guide series is one of the best soft shell saltwater tackle boxes available on the market today.
With compact framing, multiple compartments utilizing durable waterproof zippers, and laser-cut Molle webbing, this tacklebox provides you with all the space you could meet inside of a kayak without monopolizing the boat.
This is an investment that will last you a lifetime, with quality materials, integrated rod holders, and molded nonskid TPR pads.
6. Okeechobee Fats Fisherman Deluxe Tackle Bag
Best Soft Tackle Box
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This bag comes with plenty of space to store more than enough tackle boxes and even a few cold ones if that’s your thing.
It has a two-rod holder in case you want to let your live bait run a bit while you’re helping the kids get rigged up and just putting your hands up and relaxing.
7. Frabill Plano Deep Waterproof Stowaway Utility Box
Best Waterproof Tackle Box
[amazon box=”B00FPQRHV4″]
Sometimes you need to be extra diligent about having saltwater get into your gear. That’s when it’s important to step up your tackle box game and get one with an o-ring seal.
This one is reliable enough that some people even use it as a medication box while traveling. If it’s good enough for life-saving meds, it’s good enough for your pricier lures.
Just make sure you don’t throw wet lures back in and close the box without drying…it’ll keep that moisture in as well as it keeps it out.
Overview
Tackle storage boxes can best be defined as a multi-sectional carrying box for fishing lures, tools, spare parts, hooks and so on.
They come in a variety of sizes, shapes, materials, and functionalities. Some models are even waterproof!
Long gone are the days when anglers just stuck a few lures in their fishing hat and went fishing.
With the ever-changing market for new lures such as soft plastics, new hook designs, and rigs, as well as the “old faithful”, you need something that can carry everything you need.
How to Pick the Best Saltwater Tackle Bag
Quality
Tackle bags use a tough-but-light nylon fabric similar to high-quality backpacks to replace the hard-plastic structure. It allows tackle bags to be stuffed into corners of a vehicle trunk or boat locker. And It eliminates the need for a big, rigid box.
Finding a good quality saltwater tackle bag is essential to keep your equipment readily available.
Waterproof
Water-resist bags are necessary to avoid broken electronics, rusted machinery, and wet meals. In addition, it will allow you to get your gear dry and safe. As a result, the tackle bag must be fully waterproof, including the closures.
Design
Anglers with the proper fullback style should have a bag design that is simple to carry. The anglers should be able to carry all of their belongings and allow them to customize each journey.
You should select the tackle bag according to the trip’s tackle type, size, and length. The user should be able to utilize the bag easily.
Strap
The shoulder strap is an evident benefit of tackle bags over tackle boxes. It distributes the weight of the bag in the shoulder, making it easier on the body.
In addition, it frees up one hand to hold rods or hold handrails. As a necessity, tackle bags should have solid handles and a comfortable carry strap attached to the bag.
Size
Wide lure sections that allow authoring “oversized” equipment are one thing to look for when purchasing a tackle box. If the tackle bag has been filled, it will weigh a lot. So it is essential to find the right size for your equipment. More so, A deep base that can contain a variety of other items is also a great idea.
Storage
Lures should be stored in the bag in a tangle-free manner, putting them at the angler’s fingers for simple pickings. So, having spacious storage can help anglers organize their equipment in a tidy manner.
More so, storage pockets are another fascinating “addition” to a tackle bag. You may use it to store blister packs of plastics, extra reels, fishing equipment, or even the camera.
Durability
A tackle bag should have high-quality materials, sturdy handles, and a comfortable carry strap fastened to the bag. If the tackle bag has all of these criteria, the more durable it will be.
Remember that a tackle bag will weigh a lot once the angler equipment is in. The weight puts a lot of strain on the bag, and if it is made of poor material, it’ll tear apart soon.
Key Takeaway
In the longer run, finding the best tackle bag can be advantageous. It can transport your gear and keep your belongings secure. So make sure to find the one that suits you best. Anglers’ needs vary depending on their activities.
With the right tackling bag, you can be well-organized and confident in your gear. Therefore, you can focus entirely on catching. Consequently, you will have a better experience when you go saltwater fishing.
Types of Fishing Tackle Boxes
Plastic Tackle Boxes
The more recognized name in tackle boxes is PLANO plastic tackle boxes. Most of the plastic fishing tackle boxes we are used to seeing have divided trays that expand when the lid is opened.
This allows you to separate lures such as different size soft plastics, hooks by size and hard plastic lures.
Problems with Plastic Tackle Boxes
One of the issues that posed a problem in years past, was soft plastics melted to the plastic trays in many tackle boxes.
While as first thought, heat will play a factor in this but it is now more commonly known that it is a chemical reaction between the plastisol used to make soft plastic lures and the plastic the tackle box trays were made of.
This chemical reaction broke down the plastisol and caused it to fuse to the tackle box tray leaving a sticky mess.
Newer plastic tackle boxes are made from a more “plastisol friendly” material that will not cause a chemical reaction.
One of the best parts about plastic tackle boxes is, almost all of them float!
Kayak Tackle Boxes
The kayak tackle box has a few “special features” that make it more of a specialty tackle box. One of these is the ability to float.
There are times when an angler fishing from a kayak can find himself/herself in precarious situations. If this happens and your tackle box comes out of the kayak, you will be able to retrieve it instead of it sinking.
Another feature is the ability to attach it to the kayak to help prevent it from falling out in the first place.
The ability to have everything you can foresee needing in your kayak tackle box is a huge plus due to the distance you may be traveling.
It is also for this reason kayak tackle boxes can come in a variety of sizes.
(Note: It is a good idea to pack basic survival equipment in your kayak fishing tackle box in the event you have an accident far away from civilization).
Metal Tackle Boxes
Metal tackle boxes have been around for decades. The major problem posed by metal tackle boxes is rust.
The older metal tackle boxes were prone to rust especially if sat down on muddy creek banks and lures put inside while still wet.
To combat this, some manufacturers that still make metal tackle boxes, use powder coating instead of painting.
This method of painting involves using a powder that is adhered to by electricity and then baked on. Manufacturers now use this method of painting because it has a longer life expectancy than paint and protects against rust.
Soft Tackle Boxes
Soft tackle boxes offer a much larger variety of options than metal and plastic. Waist type, backpacks and shoulder carry are a few of the options available.
Size and capacity can be even more varied with soft tackle boxes. More than size, these tackle boxes can come equipped with built-in light, phone chargers, and everything you need in a survival situation.
Growing Popularity
Soft tackle boxes are growing more in popularity. This is due largely in part to the ease of carrying because you can simply throw a strap across your shoulder and go.
Another reason soft tackle boxes are becoming popular is because of the variety of functionality they offer.
Most come with flat plastic tackle boxes, also known as tackle storage boxes, that easily slide in and out of the soft tackle box. They have different sized often adjustable, compartments.
The phone charger and light features offered in higher-end soft tackle boxes are becoming common as well.
Ice Fishing Tackle Boxes
Ice fishing tackle boxes are much like standard fishing boxes in that you need compartments to separate lures, hooks, weights, etc.
Also, an area for any tools you may need with respect to ice fishing. It is a good idea to make sure your ice fishing tackle box is waterproof.
This eliminates the possibility of water getting into your tackle and freezing it.
Another good idea for an ice fishing tackle box is a plastic variety that has a lid that doubles as a seat. This eliminates the need to transport a chair or a separate seat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many of today’s choices do float and are waterproof. Many of us know from experience, however, older metal tackle boxes do not float well.
The range in price is as vast as the selection. You can purchase a cheap tackle box however, it will most likely not be waterproof nor hold up very well.
Yes, there are fishing tackle boxes on the market specifically targeted at girls.
Absolutely! Depending on the type of fishing you will be doing, it is a good idea to have a tackle box outfitted for that type of fishing.
Places such as Walmart carry PLANO brands. Online, you will find a much larger selection as well as “special deals.”
Insider Advice
Fishing tackle boxes have always been an angler’s best friend. Depending on the style of fishing you do and the type of gear you carry will depend greatly on the type of tackle box that will best fit your needs.
It is a good idea to try out a variety of tackle boxes. Some anglers actually have one specifically stocked for each type of fishing they will be doing.
Flambeau tackle boxes, PLANO tackle boxes, Bass Mafia tackle boxes, and Spiderwire tackle boxes offer some excellent choices in fishing tackle boxes.
We hope this article has been helpful in giving you some information about choosing your next fishing tackle box.
Founder & Angler 
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