Choosing your next tackle bag is a big deal; it can make the difference between a great next trip or one you would rather forget. Serious anglers put as much thought and care into selecting a tackle bag as the seasoned traveler does a piece of carry-on. What makes the difference between a tackle bag and a good one?

Why a tackle bag?

Not too long ago, the tackle was carried in a box, not a bag. Only the elitist, top-of-the-tier anglers took the soft-sided bags. Everyone else used the traditional boxes they grew up with, essentially unchanged (except construction materials) since their fathers and grandfathers hit the lake. But for most anglers, there was a turning point. Once they used a great tackle bag, the box was a thing of the past. But it was about more than fashion. The tackle bag offers many advantages.

Takes up less room — a soft-size bag takes up far less space than a tackle box, offering the same storage space.

Easy to customize — while the traditional box offered separated trails of various sizes and two, maybe three, compartments, you were pretty much stuck with what the maker envisioned. The bag allows the user to change the size of compartments, offers a vast number of compartments, and, most attractive of all, the ability to install removable trays. You can have multiple trays for each scenario and take only those you need on a trip.

Lightweight — even a large tackle bag, one big enough to carry days’ worth of offshore equipment, will be light enough to be easily carried and more comfortable.

What you should look for in a tackle bag?

Only some tackle bags are created equal; some are hardly worth the time and effort you will put into shopping for them. However, if you find the right bag, you will soon discover it is worth all the time and money invested. A quality tackle bag will provide years of dependable service in various applications. But picking the right bag means learning what features are essential.

Quality construction — if your bag is going to last, it needs to be made of top-of-the-line materials and use quality construction methods. Look for durable materials that will withstand being wet, exposed to the sun, and the rigors of being tossed into the truck, boat, or along the shoreline. Poly zippers and water-resistant liners are a must to avoid corrosion and mildew.

What Makes a Good Tackle Bag?

Choosing your next tackle bag is a big deal; it can make the difference between a great next trip or one you would rather forget. Serious anglers put as much thought and care into selecting a tackle bag as the seasoned traveler does a piece of carry-on. What makes the difference between a tackle bag and a good one?

Why a tackle bag?

Not too long ago, the tackle was carried in a box, not a bag. Only the elitist, top-of-the-tier anglers took the soft-sided bags. Everyone else used the traditional boxes they grew up with, essentially unchanged (except construction materials) since their fathers and grandfathers hit the lake. But for most anglers, there was a turning point. Once they used a great tackle bag, the box was a thing of the past. But it was about more than fashion. The tackle bag offers many advantages.

Takes up less room — a soft-size bag takes up far less space than a tackle box, offering the same storage space.

Easy to customize — while the traditional box offered separated trails of various sizes and two, maybe three, compartments, you were pretty much stuck with what the maker envisioned. The bag allows the user to change the size of compartments, offers a vast number of compartments, and, most attractive of all, the ability to install removable trays. You can have multiple trays for each scenario and take only those you need on a trip.

Lightweight – even a large tackle bag, one big enough to carry days’ worth of offshore equipment, will be light enough to be easily carried and more comfortable.

What should you look for in a tackle bag

Only some tackle bags are created equal; some are hardly worth the time and effort you will put into shopping for them. However, if you find the right bag, you will soon discover it is worth all the time and money invested. A quality tackle bag will provide years of dependable service in various applications. But picking the right bag means learning what features are essential.

Quality construction — if your bag is going to last, it needs to be made of top-of-the-line materials and use quality construction methods. Look for durable materials that will withstand being wet, exposed to the sun, and the rigors of being tossed into the truck, boat, or along the shoreline. Poly zippers and water-resistant liners are a must to avoid corrosion and mildew.

Ability to personalize — as stated before, one of the significant advantages of a tackle bag is the ability to customize it. For this reason, you will want to select a model that can change compartment sizes, or at least compartments that will accommodate multiple uses and a large compartment that will accept boxes packed for specific species or uses.

Lots of compartments — having multiple compartments, both inside and out, will allow you to put each piece of gear where you want it and where it can be easily accessed. Small pockets for tiny items, large pockets for oversized gear, and specialized compartments for sunglasses or water bottles.

Easy to transport — you will want to ensure that the bag you select has solid and durable handles that will withstand the heavy loads you will face. Most anglers also prefer a shoulder strap, although the current trend is to have a backpack-style strap allowing your hands to carry other gear, such as rods.

Ability to personalize — as stated before, one of the significant advantages of a tackle bag is the ability to customize it. For this reason, you will want to select a model that can change compartment sizes, or at least compartments that will accommodate multiple uses and a large compartment that will accept boxes packed for specific species or uses.

Lots of compartments — having multiple compartments, both inside and out, will allow you to put each piece of gear where you want it and where it can be easily accessed. Small pockets for tiny items, large pockets for oversized gear, and specialized compartments for sunglasses or water bottles.

Easy to transport — you will want to ensure that the bag you select has solid and durable handles that will withstand the heavy loads you will face. Most anglers also prefer a shoulder strap, although the current trend is to have a backpack-style strap allowing your hands to carry other gear, such as rods.