Best Fishing Tackle Boxes 2024: Plano, StowAway, and Waterproof Systems Reviewed
Tackle organization seems mundane until you're searching through a tangled mess of lures while a school of bass is blitzing. Good tackle storage saves time, protects expensive lures from tangling damage, and makes fishing more efficient. Here's what works.
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Plano 3600 ProLatch StowAway
The standard modular tackle storage box — adjustable dividers, clear lid for contents visibility, ProLatch closure that stays shut but opens smoothly. Fits inside Plano tackle bags and larger tackle boxes. The building block of any tackle organization system.Buy a dozen. Dedicate boxes by category: topwater, jigs, soft plastics, spinnerbaits, crankbaits. Label each with masking tape. This system immediately eliminates the 'search for the right lure' problem.
Plano Waterproof StowAway
Fully waterproof with a rubber gasket seal. Submersible to 1 meter. Essential for kayak fishing, surf fishing, and any application where tackle immersion is possible. Same adjustable divider system as the standard StowAway.Every kayak angler should have at least 2-3 waterproof boxes for saltwater lures and terminal tackle. Fresh water + salt + time destroys non-waterproof storage.
Flambeau Outdoors Portmaster 5007
Full-size tackle center with lift-out tray, adjustable main compartment, and drawer system. Large enough to be a home base for all freshwater tackle. The traditional bass angler tackle box that's been reliable for decades.Best used as a home base or boat tackle box rather than carried on foot. The size allows carrying a full season's tackle in one unit.
Buying Guide
Fishing Tackle Organization Guide
Modular vs. monolithic: A single large tackle box stores everything but creates a tangled mess over time. A modular system (multiple smaller boxes, each by category) keeps lures organized, reduces tangles, and allows carrying only the relevant boxes for each trip.
Organization by fishing type: - Bass fishing: Separate boxes for topwater, crankbaits, jigs, soft plastics, spinnerbaits - Trout/panfish: One or two boxes — lighter tackle doesn't need extensive categorization - Saltwater: Waterproof boxes by species/technique — striper plugs, jig heads, soft plastics, fluke rigs
Box size guide (Plano standard sizes): - 3500 (small): Flies, small hooks, split shot - 3600 (medium): Standard freshwater lures and jig heads - 3700 (large): Large swimbaits, crankbaits, larger soft plastics - 3700 deep: Deep lures, umbrella rigs, large terminal tackle
Lure protection: Treble hooks tangle between lures. Use hook sleeves (small foam tubes) on treble hooks in loose storage to prevent tangling. Jig heads and soft plastics should be stored separately — the plasticizer in soft plastic baits can damage hard lure finish over time.
Saltwater storage: Every piece of saltwater terminal tackle should be in a waterproof container. Wire leader, crimps, circle hooks, and snap swivels rust quickly in a non-sealed container exposed to saltwater spray.
Tackle boxes, bags, and organization systems — complete fishing accessory reviews for CT anglers. Subscribe to Hooked Fisherman.
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