Best Tackle Boxes for Your Saltwater Fishing Trips

The best tackle boxes for saltwater fishing not only help keep you organized and prepared when the bite is on, but are also made with heavy duty components that can withstand the ocean elements. Finding the best fishing tackle box for your saltwater adventures isn’t difficult. All you have to do is consider the type of tackle you need to have along and where you intend to use it.

Best Tackle Boxes For Deep Sea Fishing

Waterproof soft tackle bags have a few advantages over hard-sided tackle boxes when deep sea fishing. Soft tackle bags are usually lighter, more comfortable to carry, and won’t slide around on the deck as easily if the water gets choppy. Be sure to look for a model that has corrosion-resistant zippers and sturdy hardware.

If your deep sea fishing adventures include trolling for big game species like tuna or sailfish, you may want to think about buying some soft mesh or plastic rig storage bags. You can put the rig storage bags inside of your soft tackle box to keep individual pre-made leaders or rigs tangle-free and ready to use when you need them.

Best Tackle Boxes For Inshore Fishing

For inshore saltwater fishing trips, you can keep it simple by using plastic tackle trays in different sizes. Small plastic trays can be used to sort and organize fishing gear and tackle such as hooks, swivels, crimps or lures. Large trays can be used for organizing lures, popping corks, or spools of leader material. Each tackle tray can be labeled (jigs, topwater lures, bait hooks, etc.) and stowed in a dry storage compartment on board a boat or in a kayak.

Be sure to use tackle trays that have watertight seals and tight latches that won’t pop open. When it’s time to head back to the dock, just put the closed and latched trays inside of a duffle bag or soft tackle bag to transport them.        

Best Fishing Tackle Box For Shore Fishing

What types of fishing tackle boxes are best if you want to fish from the beach or shoreline and walk from spot to spot? In this case, backpack tackle boxes might be the best option because they free up your hands so that you can carry your fishing rods or a cooler. Most backpack tackle bag models come with plastic tackle trays and zippered compartments that are ideal for storing tools like line clippers or pliers.

Remember, the best fishing tackle storage option may not always be a traditional hard-sided tackle box. Don’t be afraid to think out of the box — the tackle box, that is! Check our interactive map to find best places to go deep sea fishing.

Debbie Hanson

Debbie Hanson is an award-winning outdoor writer, women’s sport fishing advocate, IGFA world record holder, and freshwater guide living in Southwest Florida. Hanson’s written work has appeared in publications such as Florida Game & Fish Magazine, BoatUS Magazine, and USA Today Hunt & Fish. To learn more about her work, visit shefishes2.com or follow her on Instagram @shefishes2.