A soft tackle bag is a great choice for carrying and storing fishing lures and accessories. I tested four models while fishing for walleye, bass, and panfish. Here are some highlights.
The Borona is durably constructed of rugged materials and components. Measuring 14.5” x 9” x 8.5”, this medium-sized, front-loading bag has moulded, adjustable interior trays that are handy for keeping containers organized. I put the bag through its paces on bass and walleye day trips, and was able to fit plenty of tackle in the three Plano #3650 utility boxes that come with the bag. The deep side-zipper pockets, top compartment, and front and side mesh pockets worked great for storing small tackle trays, bags of plastics, leader wheels, pliers, scissors, O-ring tool, sunscreen, a Buff, and more.
Shoulder carrying this bag was a dream, thanks to its adjustable shoulder strap and back padding that cushions the hip.
MSRP: $169.99
www.shimano.com
The verdict:
This bag’s a winner. It’ll fit in most boat compartments, and is comfortable to carry if you’re shore fishing. Price may deter some, but buyers willing to make the investment can expect years out of this rock-solid product.
Checkmarks:
• Sturdy zippers with pulls
• Bottom has textured feet for grip
• Adjustable interior trays
• Large, zipper-accessed top storage tray
• Deep side pockets
• Thickly padded and adjustable shoulder strap
Plano’s 3700 is all about versatile, customizable tackle storage. Its top Utili-Tackle Rail System holds one 3700-sized box and includes 34 accessory attachments, plus tie-down slots.
Its bottom also has a rail system.
I liked both the bag’s semi-rigidity (that comes from its hard-plastic base) and its large, top-loading compartment. This design gives anglers the flexibility of using the six included 3700 StowAway Utility Boxes or storing a combination of trays and bags of various sizes, and it’s all easy to find. Front and side compartments are perfect for squirrelling away plastics, extra spools of line, and smaller boxes.
The rear mesh slip pocket’s adjustable drawstring is handy for securing items in the pouch, while providing quick access.
MSRP: $139
www.planomolding.com
The verdict:
This is a well-made, spacious bag that lets anglers store tackle in a way that suits their needs. It holds oodles of gear without being a space hog in the boat.
The top rail system is a slick design, but be sure to secure tools and accessories with a clip or retractable lanyard, otherwise items can fall off when opening this top-loading bag.
Checkmarks:
• Hard-plastic base keeps contents dry on wet surfaces
• Rubber feet secure bag to boat
• Padded shoulder strap
• Looped zipper pulls
• Durable fabric
• Attachment points to tie bag down
• Compressible, zippered side pockets with tool holders
The Stalker series is one of Bass Pro Shops’ best selling soft-sided tackle systems. I tested the large version, which measures 20” x 15.5” x 12”. Storage abounds. The front compartment holds five 370-sized trays (four are provided). It also has two side pockets, a large padded top compartment, and several other mesh and zippered storage spaces. I tested this robust bag during a week of fishing with my family at a cottage. Its trays and pockets held bass, panfish, and pike tackle for several anglers, and still had space for pliers, scent, sunscreen, and other gear. After loading it, I appreciated the two heavy-duty, padded side handles for carrying the weighty bag.
MSRP: $124.99
www.basspro.com
The verdict:
A great choice for anglers wanting to carry heaps of gear. As one Bass Pro Shops review wrote, “If you can’t fit all your gear on this, you’re taking too much gear.” I agree. One minor drawback is the main compartment’s top tray can be tricky to remove due to the curvature of the front pocket opening. My solution was using a 1.5” tall tray instead of a 2” model.
Checkmarks:
• Heavy-duty, 600-denier, water-resistant polyester and quality zippers
• Adjustable dividers in front and top compartments
• Three carrying options
• Available as a bag (no trays) or a system with four 370 utility trays
• Reinforced water-resistant, non-skid bottom
• Integrated ID holder
Flambeau describes its lightweight Ritual Series as “the perfect marriage of simplicity and function for transporting essential gear from home to the honey hole.” I tested their medium-sized 40D duffel, which measures 14” x 9.25” x 9”.
The top-loading design provided easy access to the main compartment and the four 4007 Tuff Tainers that come with the bag. The two full-zipper side pockets and mesh pouches easily held small utility boxes, soft-plastic bags, and other compact items. The bag was comfortable to carry using either the contoured top handle or adjustable, padded shoulder strap. I also appreciated that this bag fit in my medium and large boat compartments.
MSRP: $56.65 US
www.flambeauoutdoors.com
The verdict: A great option for anglers wanting an affordable, feature-loaded bag for carrying a respectable amount of tackle when bank or boat fishing. While the zippers with oversized pulls performed well, I would have preferred sturdier hardware to withstand prolonged, rough use. A small drawback to an otherwise impressive bag.
Checkmarks:
• Made of UV- and water-resistant 600D and 420D construction with vinyl backing
• Rubber feet on bottom prevent bag from sliding
• Measurement marks on shoulder strap
• Large rear mesh zipper pocket
• Line-spool purse with grommet
• “V” cup tool holders
Originally published in the Ontario OUT of DOORS 2018 Fishing Annual
Contact Information
PO Box 2800 / 4601 Guthrie Dr.
Peterborough, Ontario Canada K9J 8L5
Phone: 705-748-OFAH (6324)
Fax: 705-748-9577
Join Our Newsletter
Watch
Shop
Follow
