When it comes to being a successful angler, there’s a lot riding on high-quality gear. And no matter how good a fishing pole you have it’s only as good as the tackle and the bait that you have to work with. A successful fishing expedition, thus, depends a lot on having premium-quality gear and tackle, as well as knowing how to exactly use them to your advantage. In fact, the best tackle boxes for kayak fishing can prove to be the deciding factor between whether you want to remain an amateur fisherman or transform into a competitive angler. Basically, a tackle box is a place where you can securely and safely store your tackle, hooks, bait, fishing line, and other gear.
Good tackle boxes go a long way in helping you stay organized so that you don’t have to keep looking for or fishing for your gear all the time. Besides being water-resistant, they are helpful storage boxes with room for just about everything. Tackle boxes now are very different from the ones our grandparents’ generation used, which only required you to take lunch scraps, throw in your lures, and get on your way! Today, tackle boxes are a functional style statement that makes your life out on the water a whole lot easier. To that end, here are the 13 best tackle boxes for kayak fishing.
How To Choose The Best Tackle Boxes For Kayak Fishing?
Kayaking fishing accessories, no matter what they are need to be chosen with care and consideration. Whether it’s the Best Kayaking Fishing Rods, the Best Kayaking Fishing Rod Holders, the Best Kayaking Fishing Nets, or tackle boxes, there are aspects you need to consider before you go about buying them. So, what do you need to look for in tackle boxes? Read on.
Types and material
Basically, there are two major kinds of tackle boxes or bags, the soft tackle boxes, and the hard ones. Soft tackle boxes are bags or backpacks that are usually made from very sturdy fabric. Not only can they be carried around, but also they’re cheaper. Hard tackle boxes, on the other hand, are made from strong and robust metal or plastic. They’re expensive, but they’re more rugged and last longer.
When we’re talking about types of boxes, naturally we need to talk about the material too. Soft tackle boxes, bags, or backpacks, which are made from robust fabric are comparatively cheaper. Moreover, they’re lightweight and can be carried around. They’re perfect if you don’t want a lot of weight or are buying for your kid. Plus, if you have to move continuously, then it’s better to go for tackle bags. On the other hand, if you want something rugged and tough or are fishing in harsher and wetter climates, then you should definitely go for plastic or metal tackle boxes.
Space and size
Another important factor to consider is the size and space of the kayak fishing tackle box. You need to first evaluate the amount of stuff you want to put into your box before you go about looking for one. If you’re an experienced angler, then you’ll need a larger kayak fishing tackle box. What’s more, tackle boxes come in many sizes and shapes, so you need to get one that meets your requirements. So, if you have lesser equipment, then don’t go for a larger box just because it looks good. On the other hand, if you fish in local or hidden spots, then smaller boxes are better for moving around easily. Finally, if you have a variety of lines, lures, etc., then get one with multiple storage compartments for organizing and fitting everything in.
Water resistance
Finally, you need to look at how water-resistant your tackle box is, as it protects your lures, sinkers, hooks, etc. Anything that has metal in it could end up getting corroded. Hence, if you want your fishing gear to stay pristine and protected, then make sure that you buy a waterproof or water-resistant tackle box/bag.
What all should you have in a fishing tackle box?
Basically, your fishing tackle box needs to have all the right things inside to make your fishing expedition easier and a success. Plus, you also need to be well prepared for various situations that could arise while you’re fishing. Therefore, the topmost important things that you should have in your tackle box are a line cutter, one of the Best Kayaking Knives, needle nose pliers, baits and lures, spare lines, sinkers and bobbers, and spare hooks. You also need to stash snacks, a mirror and whistle, a basic first-aid kit, water, sunscreen, and a hat.
Plano 3-Tray Tackle Box
13
If you’re looking for the simple best tackle box for kayak fishing, then look no further than the Plano 3-Tray Tackle Box. The simple yet elegant box features three cantilever trays with a total of 22-34 compartments, depending on how you set it up. The trays offer adjustability and customization, which is what makes this box so versatile. Thanks to the big opening at the bottom, you should have absolutely no issues fitting all of your tackle in here. There’s even a large bottom compartment where you can store hooks, extra lines, and bags of worms. However, what you’ll like most about this box is that it’s functional and yet lightweight. Available in six colors, it costs just $12!
Pros:
- Lightweight,
- Customizable compartments.
- Durable.
Cons:
- Sometimes, the trays feel clunky.
Elkton Outdoors Rolling Fishing Tackle Box
12
A tackle box that you can roll around might be a liability for some and a luxury for others. What happens is that while you can roll it till some point, at some point you’ll have to lift it and lug it around. In the case of the Elkton Outdoors Rolling Fishing Tackle Box, doing both actions is a piece of cake. The brand takes care to make the tackle box for kayak both carryable and rollable. So, the box comes with durable wheels that make it easy to drag around, while the shoulder straps make it easy to carry on your person too. With 26.5 lbs of storage, the box can hold five trays with as many as 18 compartment boxes! What’s more, you can customize and compartmentalize the box’s interior as you want. However, its winning feature is the inclusion of four-rod holders!
Pros:
- Durable
- Plenty of storage
- Loaded with extra features like rod holders
Cons:
- Can’t be rolled all the time, but that’s not really a con.
Kingfisher Large Fishing Go-to Fly Box
11
It’s not often that you find nothing wrong with a fishing accessory, but the simple yet elegant Kingfisher Large Fishing Go-to Fly Box. It literally checks all boxes. Is it durable and built to last? Check. Is it watertight and does it close properly? Check. Does it have a good capacity? Check! If you do fly fishing a lot, then this is the best tackle box for kayak fishing. Made from ABS plastic with stainless steel hinges, the box is resistant to rust and corrosion and is durable at the same time. Since space isn’t an issue when it comes to flies, you can literally stash hundreds of flies into this waterproof design. Plus, the center swing leaf allows for loading even more flies. Well-built with high-quality performance, this is one go-to fly box that every angler must-have. The best part? It costs just $11!
Pros:
- Very spacious.
- High-quality and durable.
- Great design.
Cons:
- None!
YUKI Fishing Lure Boxes
10
Are you looking for a 100 percent watertight tackle box for kayak? Then you’d want to look at the YUKI Fishing Lure Box, which boasts exceptional watertight performance and ensures that not even a drop of water gets inside the box. What’s more, it provides this guarantee even if you entirely drop it into the lake! The box comes in multiple sizes and colors, the smallest of which has 12 compartments and the largest of which has a whopping 30 compartments! The compartments in the smallest box might just be one inch by one inch in size, but it’s perfect for small, expensive lures rather than keeping them in a large box. Finally, what makes this one the best kayak tackle box is that it wonderfully protects your tackle and is ideal for really small but costly lures.
Pros:
- Can fit into your pocket.
- Durable handle and latch.
- Watertight design.
Cons:
- Slightly small for bigger lures.
Flambeau 4007 Tuff Tainer
9
The best tackle box for kayak fishing along the shoreline is the Flambeau 4007 Tuff Tainer. This standalone tackle box is perfect for transferring stuff from a larger tackle box to this smaller one, making it perfect for you to carry this around. Moreover, it features rust-free technology in the build, ensuring that it’ll last you a long, long while. The brand has used a special formula that includes a corrosion-inhibiting vapor that creates a barrier, thus preventing your tackle from rusting inside the box. There’s a lot to like about this box, starting with the fact that it offers easy access, thanks to the double loop zipper pulls. Going further, you’ll find a whopping 12 adjustable dividers that end up creating a total of 24 different compartments. Measuring 7.25 inches in width and 11 inches in length, the box costs less than $5, making it a great buy.
Pros:
- Clear box for identifying tackle easily.
- Anti-rust technology.
- Smart divider system.
Cons:
- Too big to fit inside most tackle boxes.
KastKing Fishing Tackle Bag
8
If you’re fishing in saltwater and are getting wet regularly, then you’ll need to go for a waterproof tackle box that won’t be affected by the water or the UV rays, for that matter. Behold the KastKing Fishing Tackle Bag, the best tackle box that’s also waterproof. The box is specially designed for saltwater fishing and features a 420D rip-stop nylon build with a hydrophobic coating that helps the moisture slide right off. It’s also easy to access, thanks to the double loop zipper pulls. Coming to its main portion, it holds as many as six huge boxes, aside from multiple internal pockets for items such as keys, phones, and the likes.
On the outside, you’ll find get seven slip and zippered pockets for flashlights, pliers, and additional gear. Moreover, it’s available in eight nice colors spread across two sizes, medium and large. Finally, it costs all of $65, making it a value-for-money tackle box.
Pros:
- Functional design.
- Lots of room for storage.
- Waterproof and saltwater resistant.
Cons:
- No 3600 containers.
Plano 137401 By Rack 3700 Size Tackle Box
7
Weighing just 10 lbs, the no-frills Plano 137401 By Rack 3700 Size Tackle Box is the best tackle box for kayak fishing for most anglers. Offering more than enough features for most anglers, this works well as an everyday tackle box thanks to its multi-tray system build. It comes with four removable trays that can be pulled out to access all your tackle easily. These four 3700 boxes sit in a four-rack system, complete with a flip-top storage compartment for stashing flies and spinners on the top. What most anglers like is the box’s standard construction, the limited lifetime warranty, and its long-lasting durability. It also comes in two great offbeat colors of sandstone and graphite, comes with a clear DuraView cover, and comes with four removable StowAway utility boxes with Prolatch closures.
Pros:
- Durable construction.
- Lots of storage.
Cons:
- Some users found the shape slightly awkward to carry.
Okeechobee Fats Fisherman Deluxe Tackle Bag
6
If you’re looking for the best kayak tackle box that needn’t be cheap but will last you many years, then the Okeechobee Fats Fisherman Deluxe Tackle Bag is the one. Available in three colors green/brown, palmetto green, and minnow grey, this tackle box is easy to carry since it has two padded shoulder straps. Plus, it’s very lightweight, weighing just 7 lbs. On the inside, it boasts enough room to hold whatever you want to bring along, and then some. Thanks to the double-stitched seams and heavy-duty polyester canvas the tackle box is extremely durable too. Plus, the space on the inside can handle up to eight large utility boxes.
Made from 100 percent polyester, the box’s exterior boasts elastic holders, vented pockets, and even three large zipper pockets. Two front tool holders, a Sunglasses case with a hard shell, and a Neoprene wrap handle make this top-loading storage system top-draw.
Pros:
- Water-resistant.
- Lots of storage.
- Long-lasting and durable.
- High-quality product.
Cons:
- Slightly larger for some users.
Wild River by CLC Tackle Fishing Bag
5
If you’re an occasional angler looking for the roomy best tackle box for kayak fishing, then give the Wild River by CLC Tackle Fishing Bag a shot. There’s a lot to like about this tackle box for kayak, starting with the fact that it comes with an adjustable top compartment. It even has not one but four mesh pockets for wet lures, making sure they’re not getting mingled with your other dry ones. In fact, its storage is the main reason why this tackle box is so popular. Not only can it hold up to five 3700 trays, but it also has pilers holders, web loops, and cup holders on the outside as additional storage.
There’s even a removable self-retracting steel cable lanyard for keys, small tools, clippers, etc. However, the standout feature for many anglers is the in-built LED light on the handlebar. That, and the fact that the bar handlebar system rotates – yes!
Pros:
- In-built light on the handlebar.
- Lots of interior and exterior storage.
Cons:
- None, really.
Spiderwire Wolf Tackle Bag
4
While the Spiderwire Wolf Tackle Bag which costs $40 might not be the most affordable tackle box on this list, you get your worth for the money you spend with this tackle box. For starters, there are a ton of organizational features on this tackle bag, right from a line dispenser on the outside to trays on the inside. It might feel like overkill, but trust us when we say that for this price, they’re perfect. There are two pockets on the front that feature in-built fishing organizers for storing your lures. Featuring a storage capacity of 38.8 liters, this tackle bag is perhaps one of the largest soft tackle boxes on this list. Made from tough 1680D polyester with a durable PVC backing, it’s durable and sturdy too. However, what you’ll like the most about it is the skid-resistant and waterproof molded base that keeps the bag from sagging.
Pros:
- Well-organized.
- Comes with a lifetime warranty.
- Comfortable to carry and lightweight.
Cons:
- None.
Plano 7771-01 Guide Series Tackle System
3
The Plano 7771-01 Guide Series Tackle System is the best tackle box for kayak fishing in every way. To begin with, the tackle box features three removable racks, each of which has its own access. To top that, it even comes with four utility boxes with a roomy storage area that you can see through the clear plastic! So, with this tackle box, you get more than enough storage to carry all the gear you need, and then some. Plus, you don’t have to swap the gear out before each trip. What many anglers like is that you can pull the drawers out and see what you’re looking at, since you could forget where you’ve put which lures. What’s more, you even get three removable spinnerbait racks at the top. Hence, you can pull them out, take a look, and put them back easily. Overall, this water-resistant tackle box is a worthy buy.
Pros:
- Tons of storage
- Many different compartments
- Closes well and stays dry
Cons:
- Slightly bulky for some users.
Okuma Fishing Nomad Tackle Roller System
2
We have yet another trolley luggage-styled tackle box in the form of the Okuma Fishing Nomad Tackle Roller System. Made from high-grade 600D ripstop polyester with a PVC coating, this simple yet elegant tackle box for kayak offers a lot of room. It provides easy access to five storage trays which are enough to store every kind of line and lures. What’s more, it even boasts high-quality and robust zippers that can handle the toughest and harshest climates and weather conditions.
Going further, this tackle box also features four side rod holders and one deep-sized tackle tray. Hence, you don’t need another separate rod rack in case you have a lesser number of rods. Rounding up the features is the robust and easy-to-operate retractable handle that makes rolling this beauty around everywhere very easy.
Pros:
- Lots of storage.
- Lightweight.
- Durable.
- Side rod holders.
- Weatherproof.
Cons:
- None, really.
Wakeman Outdoors Fishing Tackle Box
1
Sitting atop the list of the best tackle box for kayak fishing is the Wakeman Outdoors Fishing Tackle Box. The multicolored plastic-made tackle box is affordably priced, simple, and practical to operate, making it perfect for beginners and amateurs. Despite being small in size, it offers plenty of space thanks to its old-style toolbox design. Thus, its main lid opens up to reveal a number of folding-out trays where you can store all of your lures. Not only will you find two trays and a total of 31 compartments, but also three extra removable organizer boxes and in-built tool slots. Add to that the deep bottom storage area, and you can even store a large-sized item such as a wrench. Finally, the hard molded plastic build of this nifty tackle box makes it rugged and tough enough to be used even in the harshest climatic conditions.
Pros:
- Lots of storage space.
- Affordable.
- Three removable organizers.
Cons:
- Slightly small for professional anglers.
