Tackle bags for fishing are a hands-free approach to carrying your tackle. Today you can easily carry a backpack, shoulder bag, or sling bag style that suits your needs. The days of lugging a tackle box are old school. The old-style boxes have less storage and need you to use a hand to carry them.
The new bags come with storage boxes inside. The boxes have adjustable dividers, removal is easy. As a result, you change the boxes before going fishing and have what you need. You can buy extra boxes and set them up for specific uses. This is a much better tackle storage solution for a modern angler.
What Type is Best
The type of tackle bag you buy depends on the fishing style. A backpack allows you to carry a lot of your tackle easily. A shoulder bag carries a lot. Yet, it is not good for longer periods of walking. A sling bag is ideal for anglers that wade while fishing. One of the tackle bags will fit your fishing needs.
The backpack bag is common among anglers. These carry 4-8 large trays. If you are going to a spot to fish and are unsure of the lures needed. This tackle bag allows you to bring about everything. The nicer models have extra pouches to carry tools, soft plastics, and other items. The downside is they can get heavy if you carry too many tray boxes.
A shoulder type is great for someone needing to carry gear to a place close or a boat. You can find shoulder bags for musky lures the size of a cooler to small ones the size of a lunch tote. The bag comes with many pouches. You can load it up like a backpack. The downside is all the weight on one shoulder. This is an issue for longer walks or moving around more.
The sling style is perfect for wading anglers. It hangs from one shoulder and is smaller. People trout or stream fishing for other species will like the bag. The bag is nice for carrying a few hard baits, some soft plastics, or fly fishing gear. The downside is limited carrying capacity.
Back Packs
The backpack models are for serious anglers taking a lot of tackle. These are great for carrying boxes of jerkbaits, crankbaits, topwater, and spinnerbaits. If you are hiking into a remote waterway, you can carry everything you need. The lures, tools and some water can be carried with ease. This leaves your hands free to carry your rod or rods.
Evolution Fishing Largemouth Double Decker Tackle Backpack
The Evolution Double Decker boasts a large storage capacity. It comes with 3 boxes in the 3600 size. It will hold a total of seven if you need to carry more. These are standard sizes made by several companies. The front-loading compartment holds four boxes. The top holds 3 more boxes.
You can load the top with bags of soft plastics also. The smaller front compartments hold smaller items or boxes. They are ideal for small boxes with hooks, weights, and jigs. The side pockets carry all your smaller items or tools. One pocket has a plier pouch attached.
- Boasts a ton of storage and easy organization
- Backpack straps, sternum strap, and a top carry handle
- Wide opening for hassle-free access to your tackle
- Multiple exterior pockets for accessories and gear
- Includes 3 trays and holds up to 8
- 600-denier polyester construction
- Finished in Mossy Oak Elements camo
- Dedicated pliers holster
- MOLLE loops
The straps and back contact points have ample padding to add comfort while carrying the bag. The Straps include the sternum strap to prevent sliding on your shoulders.
Flambeau Pro-Angler Backpack
The Pro Angler backpack is a comfortable bag. The ample padding on the straps and back eliminates digging in or hard spots. The pack comes with three Flambeau 5007 Zerust boxes, it can hold up to five. The boxes are like a standard 3700 box. The 5007 boxes help prevent rust on lures.
The top has a floating bladder lid pocket. It is ideal for carrying lunch or snacks along to the water. The front and side pockets add storage for tools and other smaller items. Mesh pockets for easy access for often used tools or whatever you need are easily available.
- Holds up to five 5007 Flambeau utility boxes
- Includes 3 utility boxes with Zerust technology
- The floating bladder lid offers extra storage
- External zip-close pockets on the sides
- Mesh slip pockets at the front and on the sides
- Diamond-gusset mesh plier holster
- Integrated line spool feed in a side pocket
- Padded shoulder straps and built-in sternum strap
- Top grab handle
The bag carries plenty of tackle with some room to spare. It is well made with durable materials, including zippers. Although slightly smaller it will last a long time.
KastKing Fishing Tackle Backpack
This bag offers total hands-free carrying. If you use 2 piece rods, the two holders will hold your rods. The inside and outside have a water-repellent coating. Besides comfortable shoulder straps, there is a waist strap. It has 2 nice size pouches for access while hiking in. The pockets hold the standard soft plastic packages.
The bag has side access to four 3600 trays (not included). Opening the top, you can remove the divider between the top storage and the tray section. The pack has pockets inside also. These are good for items you use less often or want to secure better.
- Rod & Tool Storage
- Tough and Water Resistant
- Efficient Tackle Organization –
- Uses 3600 Trays
- Suitable for Saltwater
- Easy to Access Waist Pockets
- D-rings
- Adjustable sternum strap
One of the best features of the bag is the self-repairing zippers. If you overload and pop a zipper. You work the zipper and it puts it back together. Add in D-rings and Molle loops you have a highly functional bag for fishing.
Piscifun® Fishing Tackle Backpack
The bag comes with 4 vented tray boxes. This allows wet or damp lures to dry by air circulation. The trays are easier to remove and put in vertically. Laying flat the last box is a bit tight going into the bottom compartment. The side compartments are large, providing plenty of storage.
The compartment above the box opening opens into a tray. You can use it to set things on if you find the need. On top is a hard shell case for glasses or other fragile items, it has padding inside. Plus, the outer compartments have padding to protect gear. A camera will be safe.
- Large Capacity
- Protective Rain Cover
- Retractable Bottle Pocket
- Hard Molded Sunglasses Case
- Indestructible KAM Buckle
- Double SBS Zippers
- Movable Clapboard in The Main Bag
- Rubber feet Protect the Bag from Water
- Padded and Breathable Straps
- Uses 3600 Size Trays
The bottom has rubber feet to hold in place in a boat or kayak. The bottom has a zipper with a rain cover inside also. In bad weather, the cover stops water from entering the pack. The pack boasts a lot of versatile storage for any angler.
Shoulder Bags
The majority of shoulder bags tend to be smaller. They hold fewer trays and have fewer pockets on the outside. The smaller size is an advantage for some anglers. People using kayaks, canoes, or smaller boats have limited space for a tackle bag. These fill the storage needs of these anglers. Plus the bags are ideal for anglers carrying less tackle.
Evolution Fishing Largemouth Tackle Bag
The Evolution Tackle Bag comes in 2 sizes. One carries 3600 size boxes and the other holds 3700 boxes. The bags come with 3 of the tray boxes. The large opening makes loading and removing boxes easy. The front compartment has an internal zippered pocket to separate items. The shoulder strap is removable if used in a boat, kayak, or canoe.
- Largemouth opening for convenient access
- The main compartment holds 3 trays (included)
- Gusseted, zippered exterior pockets
- Front pocket with interior zippered pocket
- Rubberized-mesh back pocket
- EVA pliers holster
- Removable, adjustable padded shoulder strap
- Padded carry handle
- Extremely rugged 1,680-denier fabric
This bag holds everything you need for a day out on the water. The 3 outer compartments are large and able to hold soft plastics, tools, and small boxes of hooks, weights, and similar terminal tackle.
Flambeau IKE 400 Tackle Bag
This bag includes 3 Flambeau 4007 Tuff Tainer boxes. These are equal to a 3600 size. The trays have rust-preventing technology. You get ample storage with a small package. The bag fits between your feet or legs in a Kayak. The back of the bag has a messy pouch with velcro closure. It provides easy access to regularly used tools.
- Foam padded walls, lid, and base backed with a polyurethane lining
- Holds four 4007 series utility boxes(included)
- 4 exterior zipper pockets
- Mesh stash pocket
- Carry handle and padded shoulder strap
The compartments include padding. This adds protection to your gear. The outer compartments have large openings and ample storage. A great tackle storage solution for those with limited space available.
KastKing Fishing Tackle Bag
This is a larger shoulder bag. It is not suitable for kayaks or canoes. Someone with a boat will find it useful. It holds up to 6 boxes in the 3600 sizes. Some vendors list 7 boxes. That is making it tight, placing or removing the boxes. It holds the boxes in a vertical or horizontal position. The vertical is easier to find the right box quickly.
- Store up to (6) 3600 size lure boxes
- 12 internal and external storage pockets
- A hydrophobic coating sheds moisture
- Tool Holder
- The waterproof bottom repels standing water
- Easy to organize tackle.
The outer and internal pockets allow easy organizing of tackle. You can carry multiple packs of soft plastics, tools, or smaller containers. The bag has a water-repellent coating and waterproof bottom. It can sit in a little water at the bottom of a boat. It keeps your gear dry and safe.
Sling Bags
A sling pack is for the on-the-move angler. Whether you are wading or pond hopping these bags are ideal. The packs are lighter and the single strap allows free movement. You can cast and fight a fish without restriction. Yet, have the gear you need readily available to you. It is the best tackle bag for this type of fishing.
Flambeau Pro-Angler Sling Pack
You have easy access to the 3 Flambeau 5007 boxes. There is a bait binder for hot lures. The front mesh pocket holds things needing to breathe. A nice feature is the rod holder straps. If you need to traverse a difficult area. You can free up your hands with the rod holder. A plier holster with a locking strap is on the shoulder strap. It is where you need it, no fumbling in or with the bag.
- Holds up to three 5007 Flambeau utility boxes
- Includes 3 utility boxes with Zerust technology
- The front pocket includes bait binders
- Zip-close mesh front pocket
- Built-in rod-holder straps
- Plier holster on the padded, adjustable sling strap
- Top grab handle
The main compartment, bait binder, and mesh pouch is the only storage. Yet you can place a fair amount of tackle and tools in the bag. This keeps the bag light and easy to handle while wading or pond hopping.
KastKing BlowBak Sling
This is a rugged tactical-style sling bag. It is slightly small holding 2 of the 3600 boxes. The extra compartments do add to the storage a lot. One holds many bags of soft plastics. It has a pouch in the back with separate pockets. On the outside is a Molle system to add more carrying options.
- Holds 2 of the size 3600 boxes
- Dimensions – 8” x 6” x 14 ideal for Kayaks
- Water Repellent coating
- Plier holder
- Wearable while fishing
- Tough and durable material
- Molly tabs for lanyards
- Easy to access pockets
- Water bottle holder
The top holds smaller items such as glasses or a small camera. The plier holster is on the top compartment. It does have a locking strap. A D-tag is close for a lanyard for the pliers. The shoulder strap can convert for left or right shoulder use. It has a quick-release buckle also. The water bottle holder zips closed when not in use. It is a nice bag for people taking limited tray boxes.
Piscifun® Sling Fishing Waist Sling
This bag has all the features you need when wading. The waist section is well padded for comfort. The straps have buckles for easy on and off. The large pouch holds 2 of the 3600 boxes. The front pouch holds plenty of soft plastics. A small rod holder allows you to go hands-free when the need arises.
- Holds 2 of the size 3600 boxes.
- The lower bag can be worn in front.
- Easiest access in a sling bag
- Breathable and ergonomic padded back
- The waist and shoulder strap is adjustable
- Excellent bag for wading.
The bag comes with 2 small pockets and a drink holder. Plus a few D-rings, Molle system, and tether attachments. You will find the bag one of the best for the wading angler. It is basic but has everything you need with easy access.
Conclusion
Using a tackle bag allows your hands free for other items you take fishing. The larger backpack bags will carry enough gear for several anglers. The smaller shoulder bags are good for kayaks, canoes, or small boats. A sling bag is an answer for wading anglers or pond hopping as you fish.