Bank Fishers - What Tackle Box? 2025

loudcherokee reply :

hey folks...looking for a solution to replace my Plano magnum tray box. Its just too cumbersome and bulky, and the trays just aren't suited to my needs. Also, the bottom always seems to get filled with junk, loose odds and ends, discarded plastics, etc. I can never find my scissors, pliers, or gloves when I need them. that is mostly my fault, but I'm looking for better organization. I'm thinking of a tackle bag, with multiple trays - http://m.basspro.com/Plano-Fishouflage-Bass-Tackle-Bag/product/1108311833941/238422

Any of you guys use bags and like them? are they a pain in the you know what? are the storage boxes adequate for holding plugs, lures, jigs, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, etc?

I'm also thinking of this one - http://m.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Extreme-Qualifier-370-Camo-Tackle-Bag-or-System/product/10231462/231946

it seems like its bigger for just a little more. my biggest issue is my spinnerbaits and buzzbaits storage. I can't seem to figure a way to store them without the skirts melting together, or the blades getting bent on the buzzbaits.

ETA: I just picked up a "bait binder" made by spiderwire. its a little larger than a CD case, and has I think 15 "pages" that are zip lock to hold amm my plastics. this thing is the coolest thing since sliced bread! it was only $10 at Walmart.

5dollarsplash reply :

I find myself in a similar position when I don't take the boat out. Between my boat and friends I use this

http://www.gandermountain.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?pdesc=Gander-Mtn-Custom-Tackle-Bag&i=437862&aID=504T2A&merchID=4006

Its too much to carry with while shore fishing, so I was looking into maybe a tackle backpack or something like what you listed above. Hopefully you (and I) get some good answers.

basskicker98 reply :

I just use a good ol' backpack. I grab the tackle compartments that I need in my flat sided boxes and throw them in a backpack.

loudcherokee reply :

On 6/20/2013 at 10:13 PM, basskicker98 said:
I just use a good ol' backpack. I grab the tackle compartments that I need in my flat sided boxes and throw them in a backpack.

I thought about that. I have a nice outdoors backpack, but it only has two compartments. Id have to buy 4 or 5 of the flat tray boxes anyways, and for that price, I can get a whole tackle bag system. that Plano 3750 system is only $40 at Walmart.

aquaholic reply :

i switched to a backpack this season and love it. Makes it easy to just throw on your back and walk the shoreline casting

lmbfisherman reply :

On 6/20/2013 at 10:20 PM, aquaholic said:
i switched to a backpack this season and love it. Makes it easy to just throw on your back and walk the shoreline casting

This is what I do too, I own that BPS Extreme Qualifier tackle bag too...I found that too big to carry around for shore fishing. I usually only take that when I go in my canoe or boat. To expand on that, I have 4 lanyards that I use. Each lanyard has my hook remover, clipper, scissors and knife so I don't "lose them". They get held in place in the netting pocket in the very front, the lanyard ensures during my walk on the shoreline that I don't lose them. Two of those lanyards has a clip that I can remove from the main lanyard (Scissors and hook remover) when I need to remove it from the bag.

The only drawback using a standard backpack is that I don't have much room for a lot of my tackle, but it forces me to pick and choose what I carry.

JigMe reply :

Buy a good quality fishing vest, if you are fishing from shore. Get a zip lock bag, and bring few of each plastics. 1-2 cranks, Few jigs and you are set.

MichiganFishing1997 reply :

I got an angler backpack from cabelas that also has a rod holder. For $60 I love it.

Felix77 reply :

On 6/20/2013 at 10:13 PM, basskicker98 said:
I just use a good ol' backpack. I grab the tackle compartments that I need in my flat sided boxes and throw them in a backpack.

I have a simple backpack with one plano 3600 for various lures and a 3601 (skinny 3600) for terminal tackle. Plastics (4-5 bags) go in the bookbag as well.

Get's me through a day on the banks.

buzzfrog reply :

Backpack or co angler bag from bos

EvanT123 reply :

On 6/20/2013 at 10:13 PM, basskicker98 said:
I just use a good ol' backpack. I grab the tackle compartments that I need in my flat sided boxes and throw them in a backpack.

X2 my bag has two mess pockets on the side one holds a drink and snack the other pliers and gloves. I can get 3-4 clear tackle boxes and a ton of soft plastics. I bought one of those tackle carries that you sling over your shoulder but found the backpack better.

annexation reply :

On 6/20/2013 at 11:19 PM, Felix77 said:

I have a simple backpack with one plano 3600 for various lures and a 3601 (skinny 3600) for terminal tackle. Plastics (4-5 bags) go in the bookbag as well.

Get's me through a day on the banks.

This. I have my hard baits organized into the smaller 3450s (the ones with 6 slots) so I use those instead. The backpack never comes off my back unless it's time to tie something new or replace plastic.

nascar2428 reply :

One fully loaded backpack for me, that's all I take land or water.

LApanic reply :

I caught this one on sale at Dick's for $39.99 and I like it...http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11419314&gsidynamic=GooglePLA-_-TACKLE-_-TACKLE-_-SKU-9920759&camp=CSE:GooglePLA:11419314:9920759:TACKLE-

My only complaint is the zipper pulls are just cheap/thin string, with a plastic tab. After6 months of use the tab and the string has pulled off and actual braided some hemp sections with a bead on the end to connect directly to the zipper loop. Besides that it's great.

Bottom holds 4 regular size Plano boxes, plus a little extra space ( I put my worm binder there). Two pockets on the top, the bigger one is deep and keep line, first aid kit, extra boxed lures, scales, etc. The front-top pocket is smaller but has quite a bit of tiny pockets for nail clippers, spike it, pocket knife extra. I keep my more sensitive stuff like medicine bottle, extra spools, sunblock. It has two smaller side pockets, one holds my Spike-It, Bang, Line-Butter and small rag. The other holds my braid scissors, Gerber multi-tool, forceps.

moguy1973 reply :

I use a Flambeau AZ3 tackle bag when I'm walking the bank or wading. They are $30 on Walmart's website but I think I got mine for less than $20 in the store. Has 3 small boxes included and lots of pockets for bags of plastics.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Flambeau-AZ3-Light-Soft-Tackle-Bag/16326924

loudcherokee reply :

On 6/21/2013 at 12:37 AM, LApanic said:

I caught this one on sale at Dick's for $39.99 and I like it...http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11419314&gsidynamic=GooglePLA-_-TACKLE-_-TACKLE-_-SKU-9920759&camp=CSE:GooglePLA:11419314:9920759:TACKLE-

My only complaint is the zipper pulls are just cheap/thin string, with a plastic tab. After6 months of use the tab and the string has pulled off and actual braided some hemp sections with a bead on the end to connect directly to the zipper loop. Besides that it's great.

Bottom holds 4 regular size Plano boxes, plus a little extra space ( I put my worm binder there). Two pockets on the top, the bigger one is deep and keep line, first aid kit, extra boxed lures, scales, etc. The front-top pocket is smaller but has quite a bit of tiny pockets for nail clippers, spike it, pocket knife extra. I keep my more sensitive stuff like medicine bottle, extra spools, sunblock. It has two smaller side pockets, one holds my Spike-It, Bang, Line-Butter and small rag. The other holds my braid scissors, Gerber multi-tool, forceps.

Now THAT is a backpack. you got it at a steal for $39!!!

good replies and ideas here folks.

tomustang reply :

For a real compact trek I use a flambeau creel bag, it has room for 4 3600 thin containers and two side mesh water bottle pockets you can store plastics in.

I also use a backpack I got from walmart in the camping section, they're only $25 and still holding on strong, think the name is Outdoor Products

tallen316 reply :

I have the white abu garcia bag from dicks that I use on my outings. It holds everything that I need. I take it bank fishing and to the lake as well. I highly recommend it!

NWBasslover reply :

Back pack, even a cheap one from Walmart. It really does make everything easier to carry, even more so then a tackle bag. I've been through where you are at. Wasted $100's on different tackle bags over a couple of years. Finally listened to everyone and got a backpack, had it for 4 years now, not going back!

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-videos/bank-fishing-tips-shore.html

aquaholic reply :

http://www.lapolicegear.com/diplomat-3-day-backpack1.html

this is what i use. Even has a thing for a camelback. 1 main compartment for boxes, two front for accessories and plastics, and a third inside the bag i use for accesories as well.

B@ssCrzy reply :

I got this for father's day last year from Tackle Warehouse and love it. Has held up pretty well as well. You have room for 3 3700 series plano trays in the main compartment and then has a good amount of room for any plastics that you have. Only problem I have had is the stitching is coming lose on the pliers holder. Other than that it has been great.

http://www.***.com/Tackle_Warehouse_Angler_Backpack/descpage-TWABP.html

Revival reply :

I use a simple backpack that i used when i was in college. It fits everything I need. My main plano box is the Plano 4700 and i love this thing. I actually had the smaller one for years along with another tackle box but now i just carry one. Combined most of my important lures and a lot lighter especially because Im always on the move.

Very simple yet it gets the job done.

loudcherokee reply :

you guys have kinda got me considering the backpack now. I could get 2 or 3 of the 3700 series flat boxes, and a spinnerbait box to throw in there. hmmmm....decisions decisions.

aquaholic reply :

On 6/21/2013 at 6:46 AM, loudcherokee said:

you guys have kinda got me considering the backpack now. I could get 2 or 3 of the 3700 series flat boxes, and a spinnerbait box to throw in there. hmmmm....decisions decisions.

LC

I doubt you will regret it. Its nice to be able to walk to spots without your hands full. Or walk banks casting away without having to worry about leaving a tackle box in a spot.

Revival reply :

On 6/21/2013 at 6:46 AM, loudcherokee said:

you guys have kinda got me considering the backpack now. I could get 2 or 3 of the 3700 series flat boxes, and a spinnerbait box to throw in there. hmmmm....decisions decisions.

LC

My only other advice would be to bring only what you need. It's very easy to overload your backpack. I used to think more was better but now prefer to keep it simple. A backpack definatley keeps you mobile as long as its a comfortable weight.

clayton86 reply :

http://shop.sandpiperca.com/index.php/gear-packs/bugout-bag-coyote-brown.html

This!!! Don't buy it from the company though they hav it listed for $95+ I paid 60 for mine from the PX when on deployment but iv seen them on amazon for like 65. I fit 12 of the big Plano boxes in mine and still had room for more J Francho witnessed the bag loaded this past Saturday. They have a lifetime warranty also I own 3 one for fishing one as a range bag for shooting and one for just what ever I need a backpack for like clothes when traveling.

CPBassFishing reply :

I just use an old school backpack. I put two 3700's, two 3600's, and a 3601 (super skinny) in the main pocket, and about 50 bags of soft plastics in the second pocket. I put a drink, bugspray, sunscreen, my gopro, and line in the third pocket, and carry scissors and plier in my shorts. It is heavy (16 pounds) but walking around with it has stengthened my shoulders quite a bit.

hooah212002 reply :

On 6/21/2013 at 6:46 AM, loudcherokee said:

you guys have kinda got me considering the backpack now. I could get 2 or 3 of the 3700 series flat boxes, and a spinnerbait box to throw in there. hmmmm....decisions decisions.

LC

A spinnbait binder takes up even less room if you have that many spinnerbaits.

Bassfink86 reply :

i use the largest camelback backpack they make, its really expensive like $200 or something like that but i had mine issued to me since im military, i love it, i use a 3600 box, a skinny 3600, a travel tolietries bag for plastics, and then i have a pro qualifier 350 that i shove in there, it holds everything that i could possibly need and its very comfortable.

flyfisher reply :

I use my chest pack that i use for flyfishing normally. it can hold quite a bit of stuff and has a pocket in the front that is easily accessible without having to take the entire pack off. It has a larger storage area in the back that can holder larger plano boxes and other things i might need on a not as regular basis.

The other nice thing is that it rides high on my chest so when wading i don't have to worry about it getting wet.

JSPOONE reply :

i second the backpack... im using a shoulder stap spiderwire tacklebag now for the past year and its becoming nothing but a pain take it off and picking it upp. im going back to the back pack and keep it on while im fan casting the shores.. it makes everything so much easier

BassAssassin726 reply :

I switched to a nice big tackle bag a while ago and am so happy i did. Its one less thing to carry. I can have all my tackle on my back, my rods in one hand and the other free to help myself through the brush. lol

Blues19 reply :

I have a pretty decent backpack that has enough room for 2 big plano boxes, a gallon size ziplock bag full of plastics, tools, a waterbottle and whatever else i need, whether its a camera, long sleeve shirt, bug spray, All taht otehr stuff. It makes it really easy to carry around and if you need a cooler, you can have a cooler in one hand and the rods in another

Thatbasstardbrent reply :

I prefer using backpacks actually. Its just very convenient being able to have everyting organized and on you. Tackle bags are good to though.

das028 reply :

I find that using a vest is the best way to go. Just pack everything you wanna use that day and go get em. I find lets bulky then a back pack, and of course easier to haul around then a tackle box

SudburyBasser reply :

For bank fishing I use a small tackle bag made by Wake...room for 3 or 4 3700s and two side pouches. Forces me to narrow down what I carry to the essentials. A far cry from the BPS Extreme Pro Qualifier bag with seven 3701s I keep for the boat.

Fly fishing is a dream...one vest with enough pouches to keep every darned thing you need and one small fly box.

Fishes in trees reply :

I don't bank fish anymore, but I think the tackle vest is the best idea if you can be disciplined about how much gear you need. Of course, in a perfect world, what you need is a lackey, to follow you around, tote all your gear and then some and hand it to you with a smile when you asked for it.

Bankbeater reply :

When I fish from the bank I walk around a lot. For me a backpack is a pain, and the bag I take on the boat with me worse. I usually carry this with me.

http://www.basspro.com/Plano-1150-Tackle-Box/product/10205332/

derekxec reply :

i used to just throw baits in my pocket and head out but since i have been fishing flats mostly i have been using a backpack and love it....keeps the weight off my pockets and keeps my stuff higher for when i go into the waist deep water

usually when im bass fishing ill only take a pair of pliers and 1 bait so havent found a need for that yet

tugsandpulls reply :

i have a berkley powerbait bag hold 5 utilty box and room to spare love it i get a good work out carrying it around

dman reply :

On 6/21/2013 at 4:03 AM, Revival said:

I use a simple backpack that i used when i was in college. It fits everything I need. My main plano box is the Plano 4700 and i love this thing. I actually had the smaller one for years along with another tackle box but now i just carry one. Combined most of my important lures and a lot lighter especially because Im always on the move.

Very simple yet it gets the job done.

This is the same box i use with a regular backpack.....I carried around a fishing backpack with all the boxes but realised when bank fishing i only needed and used a few things. The bottom of this box has two larger sections. In one of those i keep my Spinnerbaits and the other goes to Buzzbaits....I fill the rest of the bottom with a few jigs and hollow body frogs....Top tray gets a couple Zara jr's, prop bait, Jerkbaits,hooks and weights....Couple bags of my favorite Senkos and Baby brush hogs and i'm set for all my bank fishing. If you are pretty mobile while bank fishing i think you will eventually regret anything larger

Knightiac reply :

I, too, walk the banks but it seems I like to carry a lot more than you guys do. Could never find a backpack that could hold half of the stuff I like to take. I used to take one box if I knew it was the one I needed, but hated getting out there and having ______ but not ______ when I saw the perfect place to throw ______.

I've got 3601's for:

Tackle

Jigs

Topwaters

Then 3650's for:

Spinnerbaits/Buzzbaits

Cranks

Creatures (soft plastics)

Swimbaits (soft plastics)

So that's 7 boxes alone. Throw in that I carry 4 bags of craws, 3 bags of tubes and 10 bags of worms and it gets to be a lot.

I finally found a bag to hold all of this and I was pumped to find it. $60 from Dick's and if you're a member at Dick's, you always get those 10% off deals each month so it's only $54. Has a very comfortable shoulder strap that stows away.

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=18419416

countrybumpkin reply :

I've found two really good backpacks I'm going to get I've tryed both of them at the stores and I love them both

This bag ill be using this for my bass fishing

http://www.basspro.com/XPS-Stalker-Tackle-Bag-or-System/product/10221672/

This bag ill be using for my cat fishing

http://www.academy.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_10051_783640_-1__?N=272574546

loudcherokee reply :

I appreciate all the suggestions folks. I ended up going with the Plano tackle bag. A lot of the places I bank fish are wooded with just a few open spots to reach the water, so I won't be doing a lot of walking around. Also, carrying the tackle bag in my arm is easier on my back than a backpack would be with three ruptured disks in my lumbar.

Its a nice system. lots of room, and ease of organizing. I was able to put all my spinnerbaits in a Plano 3700 style box and add it to the mix. so far so good.

fishking247 reply :

a small plano tray and i shove bags of plastics in my pockets. no reason a for a huge bag anytime for me.

Derriick reply :

I usually have to walk a long way where I bank fish so I usually use a fanny pack. Really makes you take only what you need.

xxjace reply :

I've been debating about a backpack myself..and packing less in it ..I pack a huge kvd plano bag with 5 3700 cases and prob 20 bags of plastics jammed full..I swear it weighs 50 pds

galileo2 reply :

I use a Bass Pro Freestyle Satchel 360 (http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Freestyle-Satchel-360-Tackle-Bag-or-System/product/13033005513110/

). It is compact, has one main pocket, a smaller front pocket and two side pockets. It also has tool pouches on either side. I used to use a back pack but I found myself carying around way too much stuff. I find it easier to have a master tacklebox that stays at home (unless I rent a boat for the day) and I taylor the satchel to the lake and species that I'm fishing.

It also comes in the larger 370 size http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Freestyle-Satchel-370-Tackle-Bag-or-System/product/12041305022811/

Fishes in trees reply :

A couple of days ago, I was in the KCK Cabelas. They had a fishing specific back pack on sale for $90. It was well thought out and had every feature you might want.

bigbill reply :

I'm a decaded shore fisherman too. We just don't have a way to carry everything the boat guys do. But after switching from the smallest tackle box to the split barn roof type I use now. I have 5 tackle boxes I put in the car. Since I'm disabled I'm not far from the car anyway.

My tackle boxes are; (just a few)

1. Split roof barn type

All my topwater baits box #1 from spooks, poppers to props. With some soft bag baits in the bottom. As well as containers of smaller spooks in the bottom too.

All my crankbaits box #2, shallow to mid depth cranks. With containers of inline spinners, spinnerbaits as well as smaller cranks.

All my larger deeper running cranks box #3.

2. Mid size tackle box

Box #1, every weedless bait you can think of from top props to timber doodles. With weedless spinner grubs in the bottom.

Shore fishing tips.

I could have less and carry my favorite lures but on slow days where I like to try different lures were I can try different presentations. Let's call it honing our skills then it being slow.

I fish from dark till around 9am. I do notice the fish go to deeper cover as it gets lighter. So we can adjust by going from topwater/cranks to weighted plastic. This keeps us in the game. If there are Lilly pads nearby I can reach I cast near them not into them. I make the fish come out a few feet to strike rather than spook them. I prefer to cast past them and work my lure slow past the pads.

If you can find the flats, the drop off's, Rocky points and the channels Chambemlain them to your advantage.

Sorry if I bore anyone.

pbizzle reply :

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Outdoor-Products-Vortex-Backpack/19487035

This thing has plenty of room. Three pockets, one large main pocket good for boxes. One mid-sized pocket good for soft plastics. And one small pack that's good for packs of hooks,pliers,phone,scissors,etc. Actually pretty good quality, I've had one for 3 years now and just got a new one because it got nasty. Cheap also.

0119 reply :

The older I get the less I carry, even on the boat. I use a flyfishing chestpack but just sling it over my shoulder. A pack of flukes, a half dozen spook jr.'s, a few jigs, leader and tools. All the banks I fish are fairly clear and its typical to venture almost a mile and often down trails to hidden waters. Flyfishing stuff is stupid expensive but very well made with long term warranties.

OhioBassNewcomer reply :

I use a soft sided tackle box. It comes with a strap that you can carry over your shoulder, has tons of pockets and the main zip part can fit 4 big plano boxes(not sure what size).

bigbill reply :

I have three 9606 split roof tackle boxes. Plus more tackle boxes. I like to carry a supply of all different lures.

Kevin22 reply :

I just use a backpack and throw in whatever boxes I think I will need. I keep most of my stuff in clear 3700's.

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