Being an angler, you need to choose a trusty and convenient tackle box for essential gear. There have always been lots of discussions considering the features and specifications of the most useful options. Definitely, the top performing box choice will depend on the individual preference of its users. Some fishermen prefer hard plastic items while others are more fond of soft waterproof options. The price range and accessibility of the tackle box should also be taken into account.
Striving to enjoy excellent fishing, an organized tackle system will be the key. No matter if you are interested in a complex tackle box or simple bag with some degree of gear organization, durability and reliability are the primary features you should mind. This is the only way to have a safe experience when your gear remains safe and dry.
Tackle Box Features to Be Considered
When in search of a new tackle box, keep in mind several important issues that may influence your choice:
- Your needs, requirements and fishing style. New fishermen don’t usually need huge tackle boxes with tons of gears. The same way, fly anglers prefer small containers to put the essentials and be able to carry them without problems;
- Key features. While traditional boxes have big compartments, sturdy handles and much space for the necessary gear, soft items feature easier transportability, smaller compartments, but higher tackle accessibility;
- Gear storage. Keep in mind the amount of equipment you have and opt for the item that is equipped with a sufficient number of adjustable trays and compartments for all your gear. Some tackle boxes are huge enough to accommodate rods, beverages, and other supplementary things;
- Lure compartments. Some fishermen choose a big box with several compartments, but others would search for the option with tens of small containers for hooks, lures, and sinkers. This may be a helpful thing in case you want to facilitate management of all the tackles. Besides, it contributes to the ease of gear use since you can find the necessary item much faster;
- Durability and quality. Genuine and sturdy tackle boxes made from waterproof, durable materials are the top priority for an experienced angler. More than likely, the box will be dropped on the ground, put in water or kicked, so the option should be quality enough to live it all through.
There are many other options and features that should be taken into consideration before making your choice. Learning detailed information about the uses of certain tackle boxes, their peculiarities, and key features will simplify your task. Additionally, you can answer numerous questions that will give you the right direction when searching:
- What is the beneficial size of the tackle box?
- Do you want a smaller option?
- How much gear do you need to include in the container?
- What are the target fish species?
- What is your fishing style?
- Do you fish from the shore or on a boat?
- Do you need to carry the box for long periods of time?
These simple questions will give you a clear understanding of what you need. Do not opt for a bulky tackle box in case you are a trout fisherman, who is wading in a stream. But in case you are a bass angler, make sure you have all the equipment that may potentially be needed when you are fishing on a boat in the middle of a lake.
How to Select Quality, Durable and Convenient Tackle Box at Competitive Cost
Generally, when people consider fishing, the primary things that immediately come to mind include live baits, lures, rods, and reels. However, a tackle box is also an essential item that helps keep the gear well-organized and easily-accessed. Today, tackle boxes and bags are offered in various sizes, shapes, and forms, leaving the angler some space for personal preferences and requirements. Though starting an individual box may seem challenging, follow the tips and recommendations to make the right decision and purchase a perfect
Type of the tackle box. This is one of the first issues that should be solved immediately in order to specify the choice. There are several most commonly used types of a tackle box; and each one has certain its advantages and drawbacks, specifications and peculiarities that should be taken into account.
- Trunk-tray box. This is one of the most demanded and popular box types, which frequently serves as the first angler’s container. When you open 1-3 trays, they accordion over the lid that lays flat. Additionally, there is extra space for storage on the bottom of the box if it is deep enough. The main features of the trunk-tray box include small size, high commodity, light weight, extra mobility and easy access to the necessary items.
- Drawer type box. It is an excellent choice for those, who prefer fishing from a boat. Due to the limited space on board, the box should be compact but commodious. The item sits vertically, with the drawers sliding out. Additionally, such a structure allows your lures and other gears to stay dry even during wet weather.
- Hip-roof type. This tackle box resembles the traditional trunk-tray box but serves as its modified version. The container can be opened from both sides, leaving a spacious bottom compartment. The hip-roof option provides a high level of tackle organization and easy access to any gear you need.
- Soft side box is getting increasingly popular due to the storage system it offers. The option is lightweight, flexible and completely waterproof. The main specification is the diversity of small plastic utility boxes inside, as well as special pockets to store extra tools.
- Hanging type tackle box is exceptionally appreciated by Muskie anglers. The item has enough space for big lures, removable dividers made from clear polycarbonate or plastic, equipped with slots for lure hanging.
Hard or soft? This is another important question that requires attention. Anglers discuss the issue a lot, but the choice is still individual. Mind the peculiarities of each option and check whether it suits your purposes. Comparing hard and soft boxes, it is necessary to specify certain differentiating features:
- Hard boxes are considered to provide higher-quality performance;
- Higher durability of hard boxes means you will be able to use it longer;
- Equipped with work proof trays, hard boxes maximize the safety of the lures;
- Hard containers are 100% waterproof, while soft ones may be water resistant or waterproof but still cannot guarantee complete dryness of your tackle.
- Hard tackle boxes are preferred by people, who need to take much stuff. The top-loading compartments can be used in such instance, so you are completely ready for fishing at any moment and location.
Key features included. While you have opted for the preferred type of the box, you need to view the peculiarities of items within the category. While the waterproof material is definitely a beneficial option, some extras may add to the convenience of the gear use. The size and functionality of the box should not be the last considerations. Northern pike and Muskie anglers will need large boxes, while panfish fans will need a smaller item for small lures and terminal tackle. Zippers, hinges, and handles are the items that may either increase or decrease the effectiveness of the box, depending on your fishing style.
Cost. Being a novice fisherman, you will not need an expensive box with the most innovative features and exclusive storage facilities. But in case you are an advanced angler, you won’t enjoy a simple item. The price range of tackle boxes is rather high, so you can get the item for as cheap as less than $10 and as expensive as more than $300.
Accessibility. How comfortably you can access your lures and gears may significantly impact your fishing performance. You want the compartments of your box stow closely when folded, that true; however, take a careful look whether they open as nicely. When unfolded, the compartments shouldn’t overlap vertically, allowing you to get what you want fast. Beware of too-tight latches and scissor mechanisms due to their ability to pinch flesh and catch clothes; magnets are the best and so are non-plastic hinges. Finally, clear lids will also make for a better management of your tackle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the essential items found in a tackle box?
Generally, the list of essentials will also be individual and vary depending on the fishing type you practice. But, on average, it includes line, hooks, sinkers, bobbers, plastic worms, lures, needle nose pliers, and a line cutter.
Should I choose a tackle box that includes all the tackle or buy it separately?
Being a new fisherman, you would be more comfortable with the full set of equipment. Your task will be reduced to simply using it. But an experienced angler would probably prefer some specific lures and wobblers he/she is used to.
What is the best way to organize a tackle box?
Get ready with the box before you go fishing. Install all the racks and shelvings to keep your gear tidy. Group tackles in accordance with the fish species they are used for and place them in the same container. Manage lures following their purpose. Organize one color soft-plastic baits in the same container. Keep sinkers, hooks, floats, and similar terminal tackle in small compartments. Label the container to identify its content. Clear and dry the box every time you use it.
Should I get a general tackle box or the one designed for specialized fishing?
If you have chosen a reliable, quality, waterproof, commodious and easily accessible box at a reasonable cost, its design is not that important. The main priority is functionality and durability, while design is the icing on the cake for professional anglers.
Conclusion
Tastes and preferences differ, and so do the needs of every single angler. Want your next fishing sessions to be the best experience? Get one of the best tackle boxes reviewed.
Now that you have got detailed information as to how to choose a tackle box and what model suits your budget and storage needs the most, you can be sure to opt for the most convenient one for you personally. Keep all of your lures, baits, lines, and tools safely in one place to enjoy fishing to its fullest.
