The Ultimate Unboxing Review (Long Read) 2024

fishinthedacks reply :

Disclaimer: Before I waste a lot of your time keep in mind this post is really only for the people who either use or are interested in using one of the monthly bait subscription services. So if none of this interests you please dont waste your time reading. This is also a topic you all have argued over and over about, but I do believe I'm the first to give them all a shot in the same month. So if you're tired of reading about it hit back now.

If you're like me during these winter months of no fishing or maybe an attempt or two at miserably ice fishing (or enjoying it if that's your thing.) One way I've kept myself from driving stakes through my eyeballs since all of my hobbies require nice weather and indoor golf and ice fishing don't satisfy my craving for the hobbies I love most bass fishing, and golfing, is to sign up (at first) for Mystery Tackle box. I thought it'd be a great way to keep my fishing hobby that previously only extended from spring to fall alive during the colder months.

I have loved Mystery Tackle Box, up until the dreaded "bad box". Of course this was my opinion and the rest of you may have loved it. But that month was just a disappointment after the 5-6 amazing boxes before that where I had at least one item that kept me salvating over it enough to keep it out, look up videos and results for hours on end just dreaming about jigging, flipping, walking it etc. So this month I set out to try them all and see if one was just that much better than the rest..... Spoiler alert... Not really.... The truth is, they all have the same connections for the most part. What I've noticed is one box tends to lean more towards a certain brand at times. For instance mystery tackle box has sent me a ton of Big Bite Baits stuff, and this month was no different. Once again I have more bite juice filled soft baits. So as someone who has never used BBB I hope this bite juice is all its cracked up to be because if it is I've got about 30 decent looking soft baits filled with this fish crack just waiting to be unleashed. If not I have a bunch of stinky bait I'm going to throw in my kids tackle box.

So this month not only did I try all 3 I also did a little investigative reporting on things like customer service, packing, etc. And this is going to be how I perceive it, and rate it. I just want you all to know I have no affiliation with any of these companies. This is all my personal oppinion and things the way I see them. I will be breaking them down into categories and after I post this will also attach pictures.

Packing Quality:

Starting out with something simple. All these companies use relatively small boxes conserving space and getting as much in as possible seems to be the key here to cut down on their shipping costs which they don't put on our shoulders. So honestly we should be happy as long as our products get here safely but with the quality of USPS and cut backs I've had a major issue with them in my own business lately so it makes me nervous.

The Winner: Mystery Tackle Box (They provide some extras in there to absorb the blow of transit but based on this alone I wouldn't turn my nose up at either of the other two. The worst we will call the other guy because this site seems to disown them (TG). Small box, mild damage from USPS I'm sure which led to a bent cardboard around my crank bait. No big deal it was unharmed this time.

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Customer Service:

This is something I am very big on because in my business world it's all you have and with small businesses like these they really need to make this a main focus. Having MTB I have had one issue in 6-7 months and it was resolved in minutes! I was also able to reach them by email/facebook/and phone upon every attempt. Little delays and no missed calls.

Due to a small error I was also forced to test LTB customer service as well. As Rick is a member of this site he helped me swiftly on his end. Unfortunately he is only one man and the rest of his staff wasn't as great. Before Rick responded on here I called customer service and initially got a voice mail which was unreturned so I called back 48 hours later and got ahold of a woman who was appolagetic and didn't quite give me what I expected but Rick fixed that that night. Still never receiving an email with tracking number (which I still havent received even though I have my box) I kept calling to make sure it was shipped, 6 unreturned calls and messages, and everytime I tried to use their customer service function on their website I was unsuccessful (nobody available). I partly put this up to the fact we are different coasts but still a call back would have been great. (Brittany did call me back at Ricks request but this was preshipment). So I give Rick an A, but the rest of the staff a solid F.

The Other Guy I haven't had an issue with so instead I just tried their TF# at different times and always got someone. Just so I had a reference LTB was the only one I ever got a voicemail from and it was frequent.

The Winner: Again Mystery Tackle Box. I had an issue they fixed it flawlessly around month 3 and always got a response. But I have a feeling the Other Guy would have been just as easy.

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Quality:

Now this is going off just this months boxes not using previous months. This is also where I break down what I received.

MTB:

Reaction Strike line through swim bait (yellow/pink/blue/white coloration) with an unattached treble hook so you can hook it multiple ways.

Live Target Squarebill Crawfish in Red. A lot of you saw this and liked it the videos look fantastic. Great action seems to tear through the water and foliage with ease.

Big Bite Baits 4" minnow shad tail in pearl/blue.

Zman: LizardZ in pumpkin/chart tail. (Used these last year and caught a ton of monsters trolling them off my kayak and tr off bank)

(They do samples so hard to give the exact price of the box without a calculator but around 31.00 in value for 15.00 not bad Love the colors on 3 of the 4 for my area. Over all a solid box. highlights for me are the live target craw and the lizardz. Look forward to trying the line through swim bait but have so/so luck with this color around here (which ltb sent me this color as well). Big Bites I will try but probably will end up in the kids tackle boxes. I've used similar product/color and had terrible luck with them, but maybe the fish crack will prevail.)

LTB:

Backstabber Square Bill Crankbait 0-4 ft (15.00 seems a bit steep IMO especially since I got a medium crank bait from backstabber in the the other guys box and they claim the price is only 8.99 and appear to be in the same line up. Treble hooks on back and everything)

Vicious Fishing 2" crankbait. Multi color (pink blue silver) Ghost minnow. Dives 8-12 ft. Personally can't see why this is only 5.99 but the backstabber is 15.99. If I was faced with the choice of either of these twos the treble hook on top is not worth the extra 10.00 to me personally.

Lunar Lures The Callisto 1-4 ft. jerkbait. Silver with black back. Love the 3 VMC treble hooks. Super sharp should do well around Northville bridge where a lot of the big bass, walleye and pike tend to hang out depending on day/temp/weather etc. Had good success with similar baits there.

100 yards of Vicious 12lb test line. Like the idea of trying new lines. If nothing else it'll be good on the kids poles.

Mustad Ultrapoint 5/0 hooks. Will be perfect to combo with that swimbait from MTB if I want to skip the treble hooks on top.

(Over all $40.45 worth of baits for $15.00. I do question spending 15.00 on the backstabber lure. My biggest complaint is almost no variety in color in the hard lures. Lots of silver which is a color I use about 25% so having 3 more almost silver lures seems like overkill for one box. No soft baits which after the overwhelming amount of soft baits in MTB it was a perfect month to have this LTB/MTB combo. In fact down to the hooks from LTB being used in stuff from my MTB almost seems too perfect. Love the idea of LTB sending you literally everything you need to fish minus a rod/reel. Would be a great box for beginner fisherman.)

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The Other Guy (TG):

River2Sea Bubble Popper - Silver/Green/Black spots. Love the open gills idea. Who knows if it will be effective but I love absolutely everything about this bait. And I'm a huge R2S guy.

Backstabber Lures Mid-Depth Crankbait 8-12 ft. Blue/Green/Black top white and orange bottom. Not a huge fan of how loud the colors are and they match no bait fish around here but I am interested in giving this one a shot. Still dont know why this is 8.99 the other 14.99 *shrugs*

Gambler Twin Tail Craw Grub. Enhanced with gambler juice (wonder how it compares to bite juice) comes in a speckled blue. Says to be hooked on swim jig which they so nicely sent in the same box. Do look forward to trying this.

Gambler Southern Swim Jig 5/16 6/0 Black blue same color as the craw grub above. May need to trim the skirting back a bit but think this could be a good jigging combo.

2/0 5 pack of Pen Hooks (worm hooks) Never tried a hook in this design nice barbed tip. Will certainly give them a shot

(Over all well put together box. Like getting boxes where they include items that go together like the swim jig/tube bait. Love river2sea products. Also got a backstabber which LTB provided as well. Good color variety. Very excited about this. $28.00 worth of tackle for 16.00. Price doesn't always equate to quality imo.

The Winner: This is tough. All of these boxes offered great value. It seems like the newer the box the more expensive the items inside. Maybe it's because the longer a company has been out they need to start making ends meet. It's really a coin flip on what kind of fishing you like but based on color/design/brand etc I have to say it's basically a 3 way tie. But for the purpose of writing this gun to my head I only get one box this month....Lucky Tackle box by the slimmest of margins.

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Quantity/Selection:

The Winner: No need to delve any deeper I've already stated the case for each box. MTB gave too many soft baits, LTB all hard lures however the line and mustad hooks were cool. However over all quantity/selection The Other Guy take this one.

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Favorite Hard Bait: The Other Guy with the River2Sea popper (livetarget craw a closeeeee second)

Favorite Soft Bait: Since one of the 3 took themselves out of the running for this have to go with MTB with the ZMan Lizardz. Not many soft baits could have over taken this category for me personally no close second imo)

Colors: I know it's a matter of preference but this month The Other Guy gave a good variety which is the point of these boxes.

Hooks: Hands down LTB with the Mustad hooks

Website: Mystery Tackle Box. Hands down. Very user friendly, a lot of extras. You're not just paying for the tackle you get a sweet website to browse. What makes you happier than in the winter when you can't try the products out to go online and watch videos of it all from the people who sent the tackle to you instead of googling each individual bait. The Other Guys are a close second. I think LTB needs to take note.

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Over all winner:

Taking everything into consideration that I have mentioned above it's a tough call. I have some serious thinking to do about which box or 2 I keep moving forward. I thought the other guy would face immediate elimination due to the extra dollar and past boxes I've seen, but to be honest any of these boxes could produce almost all of these products, and the other guy has a pretty sweet box. They have a lot of the same tackle companies in their back pocket. I really don't think you can lose no matter who you pick. In fact this test has left me more confused than I was before. I'm sure the select few of you who have read through this are just as lost haha. Based on everything overall regardless of the fact I'd say this month were the worst of the 3 boxes by a slim margin I would say if I could ONLY KEEP ONE BOX.

Mystery Tackle Box

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The being said I will probably keep Mystery tackle box due to their exceptional customer service, past boxes, consistancy, etc. I just will probably add LTB and continue to let the two wow me and make a final decision after 2 more boxes. Thanks to those who read this and hope this helps at least one person. Then once I make my choice of the two I will probably give The Other Guy another shot as well. They did have my favorite item this month but over all I think riding the newer guy in LTB could be very advantageous for awhile. Hopefully they keep sending pricey/flashy boxes and they seem very open to keep adding in new random items like line etc I could see their boxes being exciting for awhile. Between these boxes and what I spend on my own I'm getting lured out so LTB sending things like line or scents etc (I really liked the dude wipes from MTB) will keep me interested in seeing whats next.

(If you guys want a close up of any lures etc let me know.)

fishinthedacks reply :

All the pics still wont load but here's the rest of what I can get. Again if their are any that anyone wants to see from what I listed above let me know.

MysteryTackleBox reply :

Very in-depth overview!

Thanks for the great feedback and this will help us improve even more! Next month we actually only have one small kit with Big Bite. Email us at support@mysterytacklebox.com and we'll make sure to send you one of the other kits.

Thanks again for the review!

boostr reply :

Good write up. I have a sub with the other guy since September, and haven't been dissapointed at all, and none of my packages have been damaged. Good job Gives everybody something to think about.

fishinthedacks reply :

Thanks guys. Mtb no big deal if I get another bag of bb a lot of their stuff I have been interested in trying. Just the color shad I got last month ive had years of terrible luck with. I am going to attempt to fish it slightly different this year. So color may not matter if my style changes. I'll roll the dice because with my luck id say no big bites and that would be the box with the dhalberg craw ive been dying to get my hands on. Cant wait to see if it works like the video ive heard mixed user reviews but if it does I will buy one in each color.

boostr I agree that the other guy had a solid box. Like I said that r2s lure was amazing. My biggest beef was honestly the fact everything they sent me ltb and mtb could also send. And they added in 7-20.00 more stuff and based on unboxing videos they are consistently under that 30.00 value however the quality is there and as I stated price doesn't always equate to quality.

lmbfisherman reply :

Great write up and basically have similar experiences with LTB and MTB with the exception of the CS for me regarding LTB. I had to use the CS 3 times with LTB..overall I was responded too pretty quickly and the issues were fixed right away. So I guess I had a different experience with LTB regarding CS. Britni was responsive and Rick very fast at getting things expedited.

fishinthedacks reply :

I agree 100% about Rick. Britini only called me back once Rick put her on it and then I was able to reach her back (she left me a vm while kids were in karate) after that though I tried only going through the general CS number and one call to Rick and got nothing. I'm sure it may have been a busy week coupled with time zone difference. But I did leave my email on the voicemail, house and cell. Really all I wanted was a confirmation or tracking number. I base my customer service based on a companies toll free number, not the having to go over peoples heads to their bosses to get things done. However it is great when theres a boss who is so hands on and active in forums which is why I gave Rick an A+ and why I am continuing my subscription for the next 2-3 months. I'll probably just sign up for 3 month deals with MTB and LTB just to save money while I continue to feel them both out. I have a friend who tried MTB didn't care for it because of issues on his first months and he loved the other guys box this month. So by me keeping LTB and MTB if he gets something he doesn't like from the other guy we can always trade which is of great benefit as well.

collards reply :

I got all three as well. I have to say TG was a lot better this month after many crappy boxes. I had canceled it last month, but they claimed I had to take another month (this was well before the billing date). About 2 months ago I had gotten an e-mail from them asking to approve and if I did nothing, I would automatically cancel. Didn't work that way. Anyway I expected a lousy box since I was canceling, but got a decent one. I have had broken lures before in my box and the replacement lures were not the same as pictured. I also had to pay to return the lure when they sent me a broken one. Not good guys. They also gave me a chatterbait as their top lure and claimed their shipment of better lures didn't arrive from japan. They did send an AR lure when I said cancel to keep me.

LTB - I also had a hard time with customer service. Britni claimed twice that my welcome aboard e-mail was sent and look in my junk mail as she resent it. They were never there. I got the confirmation (not subscription but for the box) in my e-mail so she was using the junk mail thing as an excuse to cover her not sending it. Rick speak to her about not trying to fool your customers like that as it may cause me to cancel. This was my first LTB so I will give them a few more months. Bad customer service though.

With MTB, I have never had a shipping problem or a reason for customer service. Some months the lures have been good and some months not so good. I wish they would give a list of what we like.

Overall, I keep paying for them as I love getting lures. I check the prices with TW & others and they are seldom, if ever the price the boxes claim. There are big differences many times. I will stick with LTB & MtB for the time being. TG has lost me due to too many disappointments in product, service and honesty. I think they are way too desperate for clients. I will see if LTB changes since they have been bought out.

boostr reply :

I don't think TG is desperate for clients. They also do saltwater and multi species fishing tackle so I think they are doing alright. Ive been with them since September, and they have done me good. Have not had any problems. Just saying. The other 2 subs are also great from what I heard.

Talonman reply :

Thanks for the post...

If I do join one in the near future, MTB will get my $$.

fishinthedacks reply :

Boostr if I were you I would give mtb or mtb a shot. If you like tg I know you will like the other two. Ive watched a ton of unboxings and to be honest this months tg was the best. One thing I didn't mention is they claim they customize your boxes. I told them I wanted stuff for trout and pan fish mostly and really they sent me all bass products. I wouldn't use any of what they sent me to target trout or panfish.

talonman if you join one let us know how you like it. I'm always interested in peoples opinions and it seems these companies do take our advice to heart it seems to show month to month in the boxes

boostr reply :

Don't get me wrong I will try the MTB and LTB, but not all at the same time. I'll probaply cancel in March but not before I spend the points they give you when you join and reup, I have like 90$ worth. I'm gonna try MTB next for sure.

fishinthedacks reply :

I have 150 pts I don't know what that equates to or what its good for. Is the store even up? They gave me 150 just for the 5.00 trial

bassh8er reply :

Not to be a party pooper and not trying to dissuade anyone from trying these subscriptions, but if you're looking for buying lures at a severely discounted price, then these may not be for you.

I have Mystery Tackle Box, and I LOVE it. I go in with the mindset of receiving lures each month that I've never seen before. I like Zoom Brush Hogs and KVD 1.5s but if I got them in the box each month, what's the point? I like buying tackle and I keep what looks interesting then give the rest to my neighbor kid. I would have loved getting new lures each month when I was his age and he is also a MTB fan now.

I laugh at the guys mad at sample packs; to me that's the whole point of their business. Try something new, if you like it, buy more.

It'd be like a monthly beer subscription. My wife loves trying beer she's never had before and she would love a mystery beer sub. I, on the other hand, would be ticked unless I received Coors Light each month.

I hope that helps anyone on the fence or wondering about MTB. I will continue subscribing even if I don't keep a majority if the lures each month simply because I like buying new tackle and like MTB's attitude and participation on this board. I've yet to hear a negative remark about them other than the sample packs, which again, I completely disagree with.

camovan reply :

I have my own version of this. I take my 4 and 6 year old kids to Gander Mountain once a month and tell them they can pick one thing as long as it is something that is not in my tackle box already. Yesterday they picked Stanley Top Toad which looks pretty killer, I had never noticed them on the bottom shelf and a couple weighted bobbers that I could actually use for the pan fish or catfish days. The down side is I pay full price, the upside is I have veto power. Over all though they have exposed me to quite a few new products that I wouldn't have picked myself which is pretty cool.

Felix77 reply :

I have tried all 3 and narrowed it down to MTB. I think it was the dude wipes. Lol

fishinthedacks reply :

On 2/26/2014 at 8:47 AM, bassh8er said:

Not to be a party pooper and not trying to dissuade anyone from trying these subscriptions, but if you're looking for buying lures at a severely discounted price, then these may not be for you.

I have Mystery Tackle Box, and I LOVE it. I go in with the mindset of receiving lures each month that I've never seen before. I like Zoom Brush Hogs and KVD 1.5s but if I got them in the box each month, what's the point? I like buying tackle and I keep what looks interesting then give the rest to my neighbor kid. I would have loved getting new lures each month when I was his age and he is also a MTB fan now.

I laugh at the guys mad at sample packs; to me that's the whole point of their business. Try something new, if you like it, buy more.

It'd be like a monthly beer subscription. My wife loves trying beer she's never had before and she would love a mystery beer sub. I, on the other hand, would be ticked unless I received Coors Light each month.

I hope that helps anyone on the fence or wondering about MTB. I will continue subscribing even if I don't keep a majority if the lures each month simply because I like buying new tackle and like MTB's attitude and participation on this board. I've yet to hear a negative remark about them other than the sample packs, which again, I completely disagree with.

I def dont have an issue with the sample packs but I think they should offer more in comparison. That being said I hate having a ton of tackle I won't use. So I'm ok with sample packs but if ltb sends four soft plastics no samples shouldn't you receive a few more sample packs in mtb? But no one on this particular post was complaining about sample packs myself included.

fishinthedacks reply :

On 2/26/2014 at 9:13 AM, Felix77 said:
I have tried all 3 and narrowed it down to MTB. I think it was the dude wipes. Lol

seriously!!! Send more dude wipes! Hell send us a three pack.

MysteryTackleBox reply :

On 2/26/2014 at 9:37 AM, fishinthedacks said:
I def dont have an issue with the sample packs but I think they should offer more in comparison. That being said I hate having a ton of tackle I won't use. So I'm ok with sample packs but if ltb sends four soft plastics no samples shouldn't you receive a few more sample packs in mtb? But no one on this particular post was complaining about sample packs myself included.

Pretty sure they typically only send one pack. And it's not always a full pack. They sent a 4 pack of a MrWiffeLure that retails with 6 and a 6 pack of Bruiser Baits Rad Shad, which retail with 8. Perhaps they need to clarify what they consider to be sample packs.

We always try and send 2-3 samples which is a total of 6-9 baits. Same number of plastics as a full pack, just more variety.

Thanks for all the great feedback everyone!

fishinthedacks reply :

Sorry mtb that was actually more of a hypothetical. Saying IF they offered us four full bags you should offer more samples but that's currently not the case. However they did give three hard lures and a full bag of soft plastics but as I said in mu initial review we will see how long this ride lasts. I hope ltb can continue to offer 40.00 boxes but with my business experience its usually a short period of time they can afford to do that. Maybe they have an in no one else does we will see. Personally I will be using both of you so I hope you both keep your game at the highest level and the subscribers will be the true winners.

collards reply :

I don't mind the samples either. I like getting them. I also like getting different new lures. I enjoy getting the boxes every month. I still find myself buying from TW, Lurenet, BPS, cabelas and GM too. It is so addicting.

Felix77 reply :

On 2/26/2014 at 9:25 PM, collards said:
I don't mind the samples either. I like getting them. I also like getting different new lures. I enjoy getting the boxes every month. I still find myself buying from TW, Lurenet, BPS, cabelas and GM too. It is so addicting.

Crazy isn't it! No matter how much I have it always seems like it's not enough! LOL

boostr reply :

On 2/26/2014 at 4:18 AM, fishinthedacks said:
I have 150 pts I don't know what that equates to or what its good for. Is the store even up? They gave me 150 just for the 5.00 trial

Yeah its open, make sure u use them before you cancel.

boostr reply :

On 2/26/2014 at 8:47 AM, bassh8er said:
It'd be like a monthly beer subscription. My wife loves trying beer she's never had before and she would love a mystery beer sub. I, on the other hand, would be ticked unless I received Coors Light each month.

I would be ticked if I recieved Coors Light.

collards reply :

On 2/26/2014 at 10:23 PM, Felix77 said:
Crazy isn't it! No matter how much I have it always seems like it's not enough! LOL

It is. My wife says don't you have enough. It has taken up over half a room. I bought from TW last night. I also buy hooks etc. from wal mart on a weekly basis. When I retire, I want to maybe get on a small lake where I can have many boxes out.

I enjoy lure/equipment collecting as much as I enjoy using them. The only difference is when I hook one on the lake. It is so exciting. I do enjoy getting them on the different lures though. I brag to my wife on what lure catches what. I also buy shiners and assorted worms as well.

Wbeadlescomb reply :

I joined mystery tackle box last night looking forward to my first package. Didn't care what the price was I just like getting packages in the mail

MysteryTackleBox reply :

On 2/26/2014 at 11:48 PM, Wbeadlescomb said:
I joined mystery tackle box last night looking forward to my first package. Didn't care what the price was I just like getting packages in the mail

Welcome aboard!

boostr reply :

On 2/26/2014 at 11:48 PM, Wbeadlescomb said:
I joined mystery tackle box last night looking forward to my first package. Didn't care what the price was I just like getting packages in the mail

Except bills

Wbeadlescomb reply :

On 2/27/2014 at 12:03 AM, boostr said:
Except bills

I don't make enough money to have bills that big haha

Wbeadlescomb reply :

On 2/26/2014 at 11:50 PM, MysteryTackleBox said:
Welcome aboard!

Thank ya

boostr reply :

Well, I cancelled my sub to TG, and signed up with Mystery Tackle Box . They were good to me and enjoyed getting their quality products, but I wanted try something else. I didn't even bother with the points that I got with TG, I wasnt going to by 50$ worth of tackle only to get 11$ off. That was for only three different items of CBs. Don't want to spend that much money on a lure and then lose it on a stump or to a toothy critter.

MysteryTackleBox reply :

On 2/27/2014 at 8:31 AM, boostr said:
Well, I cancelled my sub to TG, and signed up with Mystery Tackle Box . They were good to me and enjoyed getting their quality products, but I wanted try something else. I didn't even bother with the points that I got with TG, I wasnt going to by 50$ worth of tackle only to get 11$ off. That was for only three different items of CBs. Don't want to spend that much money on a lure and then lose it on a stump or to a toothy critter.

Welcome aboard!

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