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Many anglers can get a little OCD about their gear and its organization. There are few things more frustrating than spending hours the night before a fishing excursion trying to get together enough gear to last a full day or even a few hours. A quality fishing bag will keep everything organized and in place all year round. You can keep tackle, line, bait, reels, and even some clothing in these bags. All you need to do is grab it, and you’ll have everything you need for the water.
In this article, let’s go into the details of the types of fishing tackle bags and which one you should consider buying!
Types of Fishing Tackle Bags
There are two primary types of fishing tackle bags for anglers to use. Each has many benefits depending on the type of fishing you’re trying to do.
- Duffle Bags – Duffle bags are ideal for anglers looking to store all of their fishing gear in one area but still transport it to and from the water.
- Backpacks – Backpacks are the best choice for anglers who want their fishing gear to never leave their back. You can travel with it and always have it attached to your shoulders while you’re fishing.
Our Best Fishing Tackle Bags
There are dozens and dozens of options for fishing tackle bags on the market. While each tackle bag has unique benefits, the following five are the best choices. Look at their features, price, and size and make the best decision for your specific needs.
- Piscifun Fishing Tackle Backpack – Best Overall Fishing Backpack
- KastKing Fishing Tackle Bag – Best Overall Fishing Duffle
- Calamus Fishing Tackle Bag – Best Budget Fishing Tackle Bag
- Rodeel Fishing Tackle Backpack – Most Versatile Fishing Tackle Bag
- Evolution Fishing Drift Series Tackle Backpack – Best Professional Tackle Bag
Piscifun Fishing Tackle Backpack – Our Best Fishing Backpack
The Piscifun Fishing Tackle Backpack is the best option on the market for anglers looking to quickly grab their bag and go. The backpack is comfortable, and allows you to carry it the entire time you’re fishing! Plus, the bag is easy to transport, so you can take it on public transportation, throw it in your trunk, or carry it while riding a bike. It’s very versatile, so you can get everything you need inside of it.
The backpack has a 1200D rating. This means that the bag is highly water resistant and ready for all sorts of inclement weather.
The backpack is broken up into 11 different storage compartments. You have a front zipper pocket that’s perfect for small tackle and even snacks. A side pocket is available for small tackle boxes or valuables. The main compartment can be adjusted depending on what size of gear you have.
If you make it as large as possible, it will measure 13 inches tall and 8 inches wide. This is plenty of room for whatever gear you would need for a day or two of fishing.
The best feature of this backpack is the bottom compartment that holds four tackle boxes that are provided to you when you purchase the backpack. You can fit lures, terminal tackle, and any other gear you need.
There are a few other small pockets for sunglasses, valuables, and reels. You can organize the backpack in whatever way you would like. Along with the interior storage, you have numerous clips and d-loops for you to attach pliers and multi-tools. At only $80, you’re getting a wonderful deal on a fishing tackle bag!
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Water bottle holder
- Durable SBS zippers
- Safety reflective sticker
- 11 different storage compartments
- 86 different stitchings for high-quality construction
- Padded straps
- It comes with a waterproof bag in case of rain or snow
Cons
- Straps can become loose after excessive use
KastKing Fishing Tackle Bag – Our Best Fishing Duffle
KastKing has quickly become a favorite brand for both freshwater and saltwater anglers. If you’re the type of angler who wants to keep everything in a duffle bag, then choose the KastKing Duffle. You can keep it in your car or your garage and easily store all of your tackle and accessories in it.
It’s able to store up to seven 3600 size lure boxes. As anglers, we gather more and more gear the longer we fish, and KastKing is up to the challenge of storing it all. Overall, the duffle has 12 different storage pockets.
The duffle is made up of 420D ripstop material, so it’s able to withstand some inclement weather and won’t tear if you carry it around and set it on rocks and other rough surfaces. The nylon exterior and inner PVC layer keep moisture out and prevent all of the gear on the inside from rusting. Combine all of these with a waterproof bottom, and you have the perfect bag for all of your fishing needs.
There are carrying handles as well as a shoulder strap to ensure you can move it quickly and comfortably wherever you are going. It’s the ideal bag for the angler who wants a one-stop shop for everything. You’re getting a great bag for less than $70.
KastKing also manufacture the Bait Boss Pro Fishing Tackle Backpack, however this is priced twice as expensive as the duffle option.
Pros
- Durable and water-resistant
- Fully waterproof bottom
- Mesh outside pockets are perfect for storing small accessories
- Waterproof pocket for your valuables
- Comfortable straps
- Built-in compartment for your pliers
- Rust-resistant and self-healing zippers
Cons
- Only comes in one color
- The upper mesh pocket on top of the bag can rip
Calamus Fishing Tackle Bags – Our Best Affordable Fishing Tackle Bag
The Calamus Fishing Tackle bag is ideal for the angler who isn’t out on the water every other day and needs an extremely high-quality storage option. If you’re a hobby angler who doesn’t want to break the bank, then this is the best choice for you.
This is a good size bag that stores upwards of four 3600 size tackle boxes and one 3500 size tackle box.
It’s also made of 600D rip-stop material and it’s fairly water resistant. Similar to the KastKing, you have the weather-resistant (not water-resistant) outer material and the inner PVC layer that ensures your gear doesn’t become rusty after it’s left in the bag for a few days. You’ll find that this bag even works perfect for saltwater fishing. While the bottom of the bag is not waterproof, it has four rubbered corners that keep it from fully touching the ground.
There are seven total pockets on this bag, so storage and organization shouldn’t be an issue. The pockets vary in size to allow for easy storage or larger items and accessories.
There are carrying handles as well as a shoulder strap that make transportation easy. For less than $30, you’re getting a wonderful deal. It does not come with trays.
Pros
- Internal waterproof pocket for valuables
- 5 exterior pockets for all of your accessories
- Rust-resistant zippers
- Outer mesh pocket for line spools
- Cinchable rubber bungee straps on top of the bag for carrying clothes or an extra rod
Cons
- Fewer pockets than most other duffle bag options
- Soft-sided and can fall in on itself
Rodeel Fishing Tackle Backpack – Our Most Versatile Fishing Bag
If you want a heavy-duty fishing backpack that looks great and can store all of your gear, then the Rodeel backpack is your best bet. There are many storage areas on this pack and you’ll find that it’s extremely comfortable to wear all day.
You’ll find that it’s just about the perfect size for anglers who want to carry a bunch of gear, but not feel as if they’re overloaded. The 600D material is water-resistant and able to hold its own in all types of weather.
The storage is what causes this backpack to stand apart from others. The front-loading tackle box storage pocket is wonderful. You’re able to store four boxes in the pockets that are 11 inches long, 6 inches wide, and 2 inches tall. Four of these boxes are perfect for all of your terminal tackle and lures you would need for a week of fishing.
Other pockets include another large top storage pocket and a few external pockets for accessories! Combine these with the d-loops and you’ll find that it has storage for every single item you may need.
The strap system is fully adjustable and the venting system allows your back to breathe on those extremely hot days. At less than $50 (without trays) and around $55 (including one tray), you’re getting a great deal.
This Rodeel sling shoulder backpack is certainly one of the best options for those that lure fish and are often roaming the bank.
Pros
- Water-resistant zippers
- Water bottle pocket
- Moveable clapboard in the main bag
- Able to carry 2 rods on the side
- Rugged base pads
Cons
- Camo patterns are the only designs available
Evolution Fishing Drift Series Tackle Backpack – Best Professional Tackle Bag
The Evolution Drift series is for the serious fisherman who wants a bag that will last multiple years of rugged fishing trips, has superb quality, and is a top of the range option for features and functionality.
Its construction is wear-resistant (and water-resistant) 1680D material. Trays are tied down by the Y-Strap which incorporates an adjustable buckle, and even includes a rain fly to prevent rain entering into the backpack. The padded main straps provide a comfortable fit even when walking around for a few hours.
The Drift series can be configurable where you can load boxes in both the bottom or top compartment. If you only use the lower part for storage then the upper part can store other items such as cans, food, or a jacket.
Holding up to six 3600 trays in the open access lower compartment and additionally four more 3600 Trays in the upper compartment. With dimensions of 22” height x 17” width x 9” depth, you will find plenty of space for two anglers gear. The backpack comes included with six drift series matching color trays.
The two-rod holder areas are only provided in the green or blue color options. The rod position is at the left and right corners of the bag for easy retrieval.
Plus, there are five additional storage pockets (four pockets are rubberized mesh lining to prevent items from slipping out) to hold pliers, line spool feed, soft plastics, and plenty of other accessories. It does not have a dedicated sunglasses pocket.
In addition to the 3600 tray size option, a 3700 version is available, however this only is available in green or blue colors. Make sure you select the correct type when you order.
Pros
- Ideal for the serious angler
- High-quality material and construction
- Multiple pockets for extra items
- Includes six tackle trays that fit vertically at the rear
- Maximum weight fully loaded is 10lbs
- Three colors available
- Nice designed plier holder at front
Cons
- Has a higher price due to its construction and features
- The zipper quality could be better given the price point
Bagging Out
Quality fishing tackle bags are worth their investment. Knowing that all of your gear is in one place (and easy to retrieve) allows you to make the most of your time on the water without having to worry about digging around in multiple bags.
Determine what you need for your fishing bag, A tackle bag must have an accessible layout, plenty of pockets for accessories, be the right size for your tackle needs. A preferably water-resistant, and long lasting one to last a few seasons of fishing is worthwhile.
If you prefer a more minimalistic bag such as a lumbar pack check out my review on the Fishpond Thunderhead or the fully waterproof Yeti Panga 28 backpack , which is an awesome option when fishing in saltwater.
Steve holds a special place in his heart for the mighty Carp and the elusive Tench
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