I've spent hours this past week looking online for a new tackle bag but can't seem to find anything to my liking. I've also gone through old forum threads and couldn't find any recommendations for a bag that suits my needs.
I'm looking for a medium sized bag that has the capability of storing three 3600 tackle trays as well as 8 to 10 bags of plastics, and a nice amount of pockets for other amenities such as pliers, clippers, scale, etc. Here's my current tackle bag which I like but just does not have enough storage for me anymore: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Plano-Medium-Bass-Fish-Scene-Bag/16351087. It measures 14.25 x 9.25 x 8.00 inches...while I currently have two 3600 trays and a good amount of plastics inside it's a pretty tight fit, so I figure something a few inches taller/ wider would probably be my best bet.
All the bags I've been looking at seem to be too big or too small. I'm mostly a shore fisherman frequently on the move so that's why I'd like to stick to a medium sized bag. Trying to stay in the $50 range, please let me know your recommendation if you are a similar style angler.
Ever considered a backpack? Bass Pro makes a decent one that works great for bank fishing. I like the Okeechobee Fats bags you can get at Walmart or Academy, but only have experience using the larger ones so not sure how their medium bags are designed.
Extreme 360 Backpack
I've struggled with this issue for years. While I don't consider it currently solved, I think I'm on the right track. I have a bag that looks to be a little larger than yours, will hold the boxes like you want + quite a few bags of plastic + tools and hooks/leader spools, etc. I suggest you measure your bag to get its cubic inches capacity, then look at Cabelas and basspro for ones that are somewhat larger. Probably + 50% would do it.
What I do is have all my stuff in the garage as well organized as I can make it, then depending on what type of fishing I will do, I fill the bag with the appropriate stuff, leaving most behind. Ever notice that you take everything including the kitchen sink, but use about 5-10 lures/techniques? If you get too big a bag it will be too heavy and you'll lose stuff in it. Those side pockets-assign them to hold certain stuff, and do it the same every trip. Like hooks, tools, leaders, extra spools, etc. Then you won't always be searching. Like I often am.
Been using a cheap 20yr old JanSport backpack guaranteed for life. Been holding up brilliantly. It's durable, has a large zip radius for the main compartment, a medium size pack which fits all my plastics in their original bags, and side pockets which carry smaller misc things. I am able to take four Plano 3700 series boxes which is all I need. And it's washable.
BPS Stalker backpack. 4 360 boxes and i had 50 bags of plasrics in the cooler part.Not to mention my multitool,braid cutters,weights,hooks,toilet paper,spare reel,and a bandana,scent etc.
I'm currently looking for the same thing you are so please let us know what you end up with.
This is my 3600 size boat bag that has lots of storage, but may be a bit on the big side for you.
http://www.cabelas.com/product/cabela-s-advanced-anglers-8482-tackle-bags-without-utility-boxes/1391169.uts?WT.ac=SF
my shore fishing setup, is a tiny bag with a few cranks, and a standard plastic box and Zman plastic box. Along with scale, pliers, gripper, hook cutter, and terminal tackle. Boxes are 3500 size or smaller.
I have the rapala bag that Cabelas sells. It holds (8) 3700 boxes, plus has lots of pockets and a spot for pliers. I use this when I am on a boat or fishing a body of water that I can roll right up to in my truck.
For all other bank fishing, I use a backpack that is made to carry a laptop. I've tried many different types of backpacks and have yet to find anything as handy as the laptop type.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/655387/plano-deluxe-a-series-3600-tackle-bag
on sale
Check out Acadameys tournament choice (house brand) bags think you will be more than satisfied
Conclusion of this matter get a tw bag I've had one for two years it's been the best bag for all your needs. I'm able to fit three 3700 boxes one 3600 and like a ton of plastics I'm actually going to buy another one very durable bag imo.
On 2/11/2017 at 9:40 AM, cgolf said:This is my 3600 size boat bag that has lots of storage, but may be a bit on the big side for you.
http://www.cabelas.com/product/cabela-s-advanced-anglers-8482-tackle-bags-without-utility-boxes/1391169.uts?WT.ac=SF
my shore fishing setup, is a tiny bag with a few cranks, and a standard plastic box and Zman plastic box. Along with scale, pliers, gripper, hook cutter, and terminal tackle. Boxes are 3500 size or smaller.
I have the same Cabelas bag in Large for boating but it is now too small. I am moving to a Plano bag with 3700 series boxes.
For shore fishing I use the cabelas waste pack and then swap out boxes as needed- this is insane right now too. http://www.cabelas.com/product/cabela-s-advanced-anglers-8482-waist-pack/1571764.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Ftackle-bags%2F_%2FN-1100378%2FNo-0%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_104619780%3FrecordsPerPage%3D18
So someone mentioned the BPS backpack. Two good options one for 30 and another for 65. I don't have the same exact bag but I do have an XPS bag from bass pro. I've been extremely pleased with the durability of the bag. No issues with zippers or the material being junk. So I would recommend something from there backpack lineup.
DO NOT buy a "fishing specific" bag/backpack!!!!! Go buy a good backpack that's specified for hiking that is big enough for your needs. It will last 10 times longer. Might cost a few bucks more but a good backpack will last 10 years easy if your just using it for fishing.
I disagree.
On 2/11/2017 at 10:53 PM, Deeare said:DO NOT buy a "fishing specific" bag/backpack!!!!! Go buy a good backpack that's specified for hiking that is big enough for your needs. It will last 10 times longer. Might cost a few bucks more but a good backpack will last 10 years easy if your just using it for fishing.
This is exactly the reason I went with a simple JanSport. If you look at things from a manufacturing perspective, very few (if any?) fishing tackle specific company is going to be able to match the quality, durability, and design of a backpack-only company, even if their subbing out the work to a cheap backpack manufacturer which you know they are. And you can get a lot more uses out of the same backpack too, when you're not fishing. I used mine for overnight work trips, trips to the beach, day hikes, etc.
Lifetime Warranty from JanSport
http://www.jansport.com/customer-service/lifetime-warranty.html
by comparison, this Shimano has a 1-year warranty
http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Shimano_Blackmoon_Backpack_Black_Medium/descpage-SBBBM.html
I would consider Wildriver as they also have a lifetime warranty. I find products from companies that offer lifetime warranties are usually above the rest in their category.
https://gowildriver.com/PrivacyPolicy.aspx#cservice
But the cost of the WildRiver is more than double from JanSport. Although it looks like they have some true innovative ideas, I don't need built in USB charging, LED lights and all that fancy stuff. Great looking backpacks thoough.
One of mine is a $20.00 Compact Cooler bag. It fits 6 Plastic bins perfectly. Made by Choice. 12"x9"x11.5"
Link: http://www.webstaurantstore.com/search/coller-bags.html
This is the bag I bought.
This one is less money but looks cheap.
Plano makes a 3700 bag that holds four of them, big side and front pockets,.One strap easy "on/off" front pocket holds tools and such sides good for plastics. The larger main pocket will hold plenty of 3600s and plenty of room for more plastics, and "stuff". I have one and use it for my little basshunter, or when im on someones boat. Would be a decent shore bag
On 2/12/2017 at 12:25 AM, mixel said:
This is exactly the reason I went with a simple JanSport. If you look at things from a manufacturing perspective, very few (if any?) fishing tackle specific company is going to be able to match the quality, durability, and design of a backpack-only company, even if their subbing out the work to a cheap backpack manufacturer which you know they are. And you can get a lot more uses out of the same backpack too, when you're not fishing. I used mine for overnight work trips, trips to the beach, day hikes, etc.
Lifetime Warranty from JanSport
http://www.jansport.com/customer-service/lifetime-warranty.html
by comparison, this Shimano has a 1-year warranty
http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Shimano_Blackmoon_Backpack_Black_Medium/descpage-SBBBM.html
I would consider Wildriver as they also have a lifetime warranty. I find products from companies that offer lifetime warranties are usually above the rest in their category.
https://gowildriver.com/PrivacyPolicy.aspx#cservice
But the cost of the WildRiver is more than double from JanSport. Although it looks like they have some true innovative ideas, I don't need built in USB charging, LED lights and all that fancy stuff. Great looking backpacks thoough.
the shimano is $150 and not worth it at all. You can get a great jansport for less than that and is much better. Life time warranty!!! I already had the tackle boxes but those are cheap.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/655387/plano-deluxe-a-series-3600-tackle-bag
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/718919/plano-guide-series-3700-tackle-bag
These are insane deals on REALLY nice bags. Totally don't need it but I might get the 3700 one.
On 2/11/2017 at 5:21 AM, XzyluM said:Ever considered a backpack? Bass Pro makes a decent one that works great for bank fishing. I like the Okeechobee Fats bags you can get at Walmart or Academy, but only have experience using the larger ones so not sure how their medium bags are designed.
Extreme 360 Backpack
Not a fan of backpacks, not exactly sure why but I prefer the should strap bag over everything else.
On 2/11/2017 at 5:54 AM, MickD said:I've struggled with this issue for years. While I don't consider it currently solved, I think I'm on the right track. I have a bag that looks to be a little larger than yours, will hold the boxes like you want + quite a few bags of plastic + tools and hooks/leader spools, etc. I suggest you measure your bag to get its cubic inches capacity, then look at Cabelas and basspro for ones that are somewhat larger. Probably + 50% would do it.
What I do is have all my stuff in the garage as well organized as I can make it, then depending on what type of fishing I will do, I fill the bag with the appropriate stuff, leaving most behind. Ever notice that you take everything including the kitchen sink, but use about 5-10 lures/techniques? If you get too big a bag it will be too heavy and you'll lose stuff in it. Those side pockets-assign them to hold certain stuff, and do it the same every trip. Like hooks, tools, leaders, extra spools, etc. Then you won't always be searching. Like I often am.
Yes this I'm already doing this, I have four 3600 trays and I will swap them out depending on what kind of fishing I'm doing. However room for just one more tray would make my life a lot easier. I do often find myself flipping through bag after bag of plastics so losing stuff in a big bag is something I took into consideration...definitely need to stick to medium size.
On 2/11/2017 at 2:31 PM, Blackhawk83 said:Check out Acadameys tournament choice (house brand) bags think you will be more than satisfied
This looks like a nice bag, a lot like the one I currently have. I can't however find any measurements on it.
Thanks for the suggestions everybody. I decided the best way to find a bag I like is to just go to a store and try em out, just wish there was a Cabelas near me. Plenty of Gander Mountains and can probably get a good deal on one since they're going out of business. Checked out the Spiderwire Wolf bag at Dick's today, I did like it but I'm now reading some reviews that it isn't very durable. My search shall continue, hopefully soon at a Field and Stream store I discovered just outside of the city. I'll give an update when I find something I like.
On 2/12/2017 at 3:23 AM, Deeare said:the shimano is $150 and not worth it at all. You can get a great jansport for less than that and is much better. Life time warranty!!! I already had the tackle boxes but those are cheap.
On 2/12/2017 at 12:25 AM, mixel said:
This is exactly the reason I went with a simple JanSport. If you look at things from a manufacturing perspective, very few (if any?) fishing tackle specific company is going to be able to match the quality, durability, and design of a backpack-only company, even if their subbing out the work to a cheap backpack manufacturer which you know they are. And you can get a lot more uses out of the same backpack too, when you're not fishing. I used mine for overnight work trips, trips to the beach, day hikes, etc.
Lifetime Warranty from JanSport
http://www.jansport.com/customer-service/lifetime-warranty.html
by comparison, this Shimano has a 1-year warranty
http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Shimano_Blackmoon_Backpack_Black_Medium/descpage-SBBBM.html
I would consider Wildriver as they also have a lifetime warranty. I find products from companies that offer lifetime warranties are usually above the rest in their category.
https://gowildriver.com/PrivacyPolicy.aspx#cservice
But the cost of the WildRiver is more than double from JanSport. Although it looks like they have some true innovative ideas, I don't need built in USB charging, LED lights and all that fancy stuff. Great looking backpacks thoough.
Wow is this the one you're talking about those jansport bags hold tons of tackle
^Hahahaha that's epic!
On 2/11/2017 at 11:56 AM, Angry John said:https://www.midwayusa.com/product/655387/plano-deluxe-a-series-3600-tackle-bag
on sale
Hard-bottom bags are awesome. Im in love with my 3600 Guide series but the one in the link looks really nice too
http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/mossy-oak-sling-fishing-backpack-15moaucmmssykslngtbx/15moaucmmssykslngtbx?&color=
One of my buddies has this and it impressed me so much with the amount of room that i got one for my self. It even has a place to hold a second rod while you walk around. They also have a bigger one that could carry everything half of a BPS store, lol.
This Cabelas, on sale, lifetime warranty, holds 5 3600's and is very close to the one I have (mine is older model). Check the size against yours, multiply height/length/width for volume.
I am very pleased with it. One thing to look at with bags is the size of the zippers, the robust, big zippers are what you want.
http://www.cabelas.com/product/DELUXE-GEAR-BAG-DELUXE-GEAR-BAG/1729401.uts?searchPath=%2Fbrowse.cmd%3FcategoryId%3D734095080%26CQ_search%3Dfishing%2Btackle%2Bbags%26CQ_st%3Db
On 2/11/2017 at 5:02 AM, Skeeloco said:I've spent hours this past week looking online for a new tackle bag but can't seem to find anything to my liking. I've also gone through old forum threads and couldn't find any recommendations for a bag that suits my needs.
I'm looking for a medium sized bag that has the capability of storing three 3600 tackle trays as well as 8 to 10 bags of plastics, and a nice amount of pockets for other amenities such as pliers, clippers, scale, etc. Here's my current tackle bag which I like but just does not have enough storage for me anymore: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Plano-Medium-Bass-Fish-Scene-Bag/16351087. It measures 14.25 x 9.25 x 8.00 inches...while I currently have two 3600 trays and a good amount of plastics inside it's a pretty tight fit, so I figure something a few inches taller/ wider would probably be my best bet.
All the bags I've been looking at seem to be too big or too small. I'm mostly a shore fisherman frequently on the move so that's why I'd like to stick to a medium sized bag. Trying to stay in the $50 range, please let me know your recommendation if you are a similar style angler.
I just briefly browsed through this thread - as I'm in a bit of a hurry this morning....BUT...I think I may have just what you are looking for (my apologies if it has already been mentioned).
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003M1IHB8/
I just purchased this for my tournaments as a co-angler, and was very pleased with it. Check it out.
Let me know if you have any specific questions about it.
He is a idea. I have a Plano tackle bag that I store under the step to my front deck in my boat. It's a 3700 & I changed to 3701 boxes & went from 4 to 6 boxes. They make a 3601 also so you would also have room for your bags of worms. It worked out so well for me I have changed all the 3700 boxes in my tackle storage system on the boat to the 3701 boxes. I can now carry a bigger selection of what I carry but just not as many of 1 item. I just replace what I need as needed which not that often.
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Plano-ProLatch-trade-StowAway-Utility-Boxes/737190.uts?searchPath=%2Fbrowse.cmd%3FcategoryId%3D734095080%26CQ_search%3Dplano%26CQ_st%3Db
I wish they had a 3701 or a 3601 hydroflow. The keep my baits from rusting.
https://apmerchandise.com/collections/frontpage/products/ap-fishing-backpack
Has room for 3 3700 plano boxes in the bottom (not included) and the top has room for your plastics. Also has rod holders on the side of the bag.
This is one of the backpacks I use for fishing. The Under Armour Hustle 2
Plenty of room for everything I need to carry including my vacuum sealed 40oz water bottle in one of the side mesh holders. Outside is water repellent which helps.
On 2/13/2017 at 12:11 AM, Angry John said:I wish they had a 3701 or a 3601 hydroflow. The keep my baits from rusting.
An 1/8 drll bit will take care of the airflow issue. 1 hole around the outside in each compartment. 1 hole in each divider. And dont put wet lure back until its dry, or open the box up when you return home. Ive been doing the for years, and no rust problems
I used to lug around a medium sized Okeechobee Flats tackle bag from Walmart. They hold a good amount of stuff. I eventually realized what a pain it ws to pick up the bag every time I was going to move. It wasn't an issue early on because I didn't really cover a lot of water but as my tactics changed it was becoming increasingly annoying.
I also realized I didn't need a ton of baits once I knew the bodies of water I was fishing. I now use a fishing style fanny pack. It holds a small plano for terminal tackle, up to 8 packs of bait, I've also put a couple of crank baits in their boxes along with 4-5 packs of bait.
Though on certain occasions I will take the medium bag in the trunk. I will try what I have in the pouch and if they don't work out, I will head over to the car, and switch things out till I find the winning bait or lure. This is a rare occurrence though.
The other option is a backpack, or a sling. Some of those shoulder slings are fairly big, though I don't think they will hold 3 planos and 10 bags of bait.
On 2/11/2017 at 8:25 PM, MittenMouth said:I have the same Cabelas bag in Large for boating but it is now too small. I am moving to a Plano bag with 3700 series boxes.
For shore fishing I use the cabelas waste pack and then swap out boxes as needed- this is insane right now too. http://www.cabelas.com/product/cabela-s-advanced-anglers-8482-waist-pack/1571764.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Ftackle-bags%2F_%2FN-1100378%2FNo-0%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_104619780%3FrecordsPerPage%3D18
I looked at this bag this weekend and it is really nice, but was just too big for what I carry lol.
On 2/13/2017 at 11:22 PM, KDW96 said:
An 1/8 drll bit will take care of the airflow issue. 1 hole around the outside in each compartment. 1 hole in each divider. And dont put wet lure back until its dry, or open the box up when you return home. Ive been doing the for years, and no rust problems
I use the hydroflows because I put them back in the box when I get done and set the entire tray on my bench to dry out. Working out of a yak means I don't want to have a bunch of baits floating around in the people space to hook me. I don't exactly like how easily the current hydroflows break and if bass mafia came out with a hydroflow version I would have them in a second. I have never had an issue with the BM boxes but I have dropped and shattered more than a few hydroflows. I don't want to get into drilling boxes that will not hold up. I cant bring myself to drill a 37dollar box or that would have been the best answer.
On 2/13/2017 at 11:39 PM, SFL BassHunter said:
I also realized I didn't need a ton of baits once I knew the bodies of water I was fishing. I now use a fishing style fanny pack.
Flambeau AZ6. I've had a couple AZ7s and an AZ4 for years.
On 2/12/2017 at 5:24 AM, RichF said:http://www.midwayusa.com/product/655387/plano-deluxe-a-series-3600-tackle-bag
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/718919/plano-guide-series-3700-tackle-bag
These are insane deals on REALLY nice bags. Totally don't need it but I might get the 3700 one.
I used the old style Flambeau AZ8 for years. But now this one (3700) I really like the top tray.
Edited by J Francho