Finding tackle boxes for less than $30 is a fairly simple task. Finding a good tackle box is a bit more difficult. All fishermen know that it can be an expensive sport, but if you need a new tackle box, I’ve listed five that will deliver solid results for under $30.
The number one pick has to be the Plano Flipsider (3-Tray). www.BassProShops.com has this box listed for $24.99. Unlike many other tackle-boxes, the Flipsider has plenty of room to store the bulkier saltwater lures that typically end up thrown in the bottom of lesser boxes. It has two hinged sides of the top, with one containing a rapid access bin with a clear cover. We all have 5-10 “favorite” lures to toss, and this box makes it easy and fast to switch. If you have a lot of tackle and don’t mind the traditional “box” style tackle box you should take a serious look at this one. From personal experience I can tell you that Plano boxes are well crafted and reliable. The only thing I don’t like is the limited colors. The only scheme available for this box is copper and silver.
A second box to consider is the Flambeau XL 3-Tray. This box is a very traditional tackle box, with a few upgrades. It has the normal features, but has the added benefit of removable bin dividers and exterior rails for hanging hooks. I own a few Flambeau boxes and can attest to the benefit of having an exterior rail to hang lures to dry. Nothing is worse than tossing a lure back in the box while it is wet, or losing a lure because you forgot you placed it on a rock to dry. In addition it has three small boxes that you can take with you for quick runs or trips that don’t require a full complement of equipment. You can find this one at http://fishing.flambeauoutdoors.com .
Tackle box number three is a bit different than the previous two. Let’s take a quick look at www.cabelas.com and look at the Plano 1350 Satchel box. It’s listed at $24.99 and it can hold a ton of tackle. You can adjust the size of the trays to fit your tackle and maximize storage. It can hold the largest saltwater plugs or the smallest freshwater hooks. The bottom has ample room to store weights, bobbers, insect repellant, or virtually anything else you need.
The fourth tackle box can be found on www.bassproshops.com again. It’s the Plan Bill Dance 1258. I’m typically not a fan of “endorsed” gear, but this one seems to be pretty decent. The major upside to this box comes with the huge bulk storage area. Anyone that has a lot of tackle to lug around will be a fan of this box. The transparent top makes finding the right lure quick and easy. While not included in the price, it is an excellent box for anyone that likes to divide their tackle into smaller boxes, as it can hold several of these. The price on the site is $24.99.
Lastly I’m going to shift gears slightly. This final “tackle box” is my personal favorite of all time. On www.cabelas.com look for the Cabela’s Advanced Anglers T.U.B. It’s called a tackle utility binder, but it’s really a binder full of tackle. This is a soft-sided zip tackle box that essentially stores your gear in a waterproof 3-ring binder. It is an absolute blessing to anyone that is walking a shoreline or looking to minimize on the amount of gear they need to lug around. I have packed mine with everything from freshwater lures and hooks to saltwater flies and leaders. It’s durable, easy to transport and holds everything I ever need for a day on the water. You can get the larger model (#3700) on cabelas.com for $29.99.
Everyone needs to get a tackle box to suit their individual needs and style. From the traditional style box, to the satchel, to the utility binder, I have outlined some of the best inexpensive models. Check out the specs on each and go for the one that you believe will fit your needs the best. Good luck, and tight lines to everyone!
