Best Tackle Organization Systems (2025): Plano, Flambeau, and Custom Options Reviewed
Tackle organization is one of those topics that seems trivial until you've spent 10 minutes searching for a specific hook at the water's edge while a bass is feeding 30 feet away. A well-organized tackle system means you spend time fishing, not searching. The right system depends on how you fish — a kayak angler needs a compact, waterproof setup completely different from a tournament bass boat with dedicated rod storage and built-in tackle compartments.
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Plano 3600 Stow N' Go Organizer
Best all-around tackle trayThe Plano 3600 is the most ubiquitous piece of fishing tackle storage in the industry for a simple reason: it works perfectly, costs almost nothing, and every tackle bag and boat storage system is designed around its dimensions. Stack them in a backpack, organize by technique (jig box, crankbait box, soft plastic box), and bring only what you need for the day. Buy six of them — at $12 each, the cost is irrelevant.
Plano EDGE 3700
Best waterproof tackle trayFor saltwater and kayak fishing where trays regularly get splashed or dunked, the EDGE's dripless seal prevents rust on hooks, lure finishes, and metal hardware. The cost premium over a standard 3600 is easily justified for anyone who has opened a water-logged tray of rusted hooks. Use EDGE trays for saltwater gear; standard 3600s for freshwater setups that aren't regularly submerged.
Flambeau Tuff Tainer
Best for soft plasticsCertain soft plastics (Z-Man ElaZtech baits especially) react with standard plastic tray materials, causing warping and staining. The Flambeau Tuff Tainer's material composition handles most soft plastic types without degradation. Also works well for hooks, swivels, and split shot where the ZeroFlex dividers prevent the compartment-shifting that happens in standard trays.
Buying Guide
**Building a complete system:**
For most anglers, the optimal organization system is a collection of Plano 3600 or 3700 trays organized by technique or species, stored in a tackle bag (for bank/kayak fishing) or boat compartment (for boat fishing).
**Technique-based organization:** - Tray 1: Hard lures — crankbaits, jerkbaits, topwater - Tray 2: Jigs and spinnerbaits - Tray 3: Terminal tackle — hooks, weights, swivels, split rings - Tray 4: Soft plastics (sealed bag or separate tray per material type) - Tray 5: Leader material, line, snaps
**For soft plastics:** Store in resealable bags by color/style within the tray, not loose. Loose soft plastics tangle, different colors bleed into each other, and certain materials react with tray plastic.
**For saltwater:** Rinse tackle and trays with fresh water after each saltwater trip. Even "stainless" hardware corrodes over time in salt; rinsing dramatically extends lifespan. Dry trays with lids open before storage.
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