What Can You Use as a Tackle Box? 5 Tackle Box Alternatives

Fishing enthusiasts know the importance of having a well-organized tackle box. A tackle box keeps your fishing gear neatly arranged, easily accessible, and protected. But what if you don’t have a traditional tackle box? Fortunately, there are several tackle box alternatives that you can use as a tackle box to store fishing tools.

Alright, let’s explore various innovative and practical alternatives to conventional terminal tackle boxes, ensuring you have everything you need for a successful fishing trip.

5 Tackle Box Alternatives For You (Economical Solutions)

When a traditional tackle box isn’t the most practical option, especially for activities like kayak fishing, there are several effective alternatives to consider. Here are some of the popular alternatives and their benefits based on our experiences:

1. Tackle Bags and Backpacks

Tackle bags and backpacks are soft-sided bags designed specifically for fishing tackle. They often include multiple compartments and trays for easy organization. These bags provide a flexible and portable solution for storing fishing gear.

One major benefit of tackle bags is their ease of transport, especially for activities like kayak fishing. Unlike bulky tackle boxes, these bags can be carried comfortably on your back, freeing up your hands. They can also be customized with various tray sizes to suit your specific needs.

We found that tackle bags with 3600 or 3700 series trays are particularly useful. When we switched from a traditional tackle box to using Plano 3600 trays in a bag, we noticed a significant improvement in organization and ease of use.

It’s much more convenient to grab a tray from the bag than to handle a whole tackle box, especially on a kayak. Additionally, we found that a backpack with a couple of 3600 trays fits perfectly under the bungee cords on our kayak, making it an ideal solution for our fishing needs.

2. Milk Crates and Storage Bins

Milk crates and storage bins are another great alternative to traditional tackle boxes. These sturdy plastic containers can hold tackle trays and be easily secured to kayaks or boats.

The durability and easy access provided by milk crates and storage bins make them an excellent choice for organizing and retrieving tackle. They are particularly useful on kayaks, where space and stability are crucial. These containers allow for quick and easy retrieval of tackle without the need to unstrap cords each time you need something.

We use a 13×13 crate in the back of our kayak, which fits perfectly and makes it easy to store and access our tackle trays. This setup allows us to keep our gear organized and within reach, significantly improving our efficiency on the water. Additionally, we found that a storage bin, similar to a milk crate, worked well for holding tackle trays and other gear, allowing for easy reach and organization during our fishing trips.

Both tackle bags and milk crates offer practical and flexible alternatives to traditional tackle boxes, catering to different fishing styles and needs. These alternatives help keep fishing gear organized, protected, and easily accessible, enhancing the overall fishing experience.

3. Tool Bags and Tupperware Containers

Regular tool bags and Tupperware containers can be repurposed for fishing tackle storage. These items are cost-effective and readily available, providing an alternative to traditional tackle boxes.

The primary benefit of using tool bags and Tupperware containers is their cost-effectiveness. They are usually much cheaper than purpose-built tackle boxes and can be easily customized to fit specific needs and sizes.

We’ve found tool bags and Tupperware containers to be ideal for budget-conscious anglers looking for flexible storage solutions. For instance, using a small tool bag filled with parts bins provided an affordable and customizable way to organize our fishing gear. This setup worked well for us and allowed us to spend saved money on more lures and other essentials.

4. Zipper Bags and Wallets

Zipper bags and wallets are soft, flexible bags designed for organizing small tackle items. These are lightweight and easy to carry, making them convenient for fishing trips.

Zipper bags and wallets provide quick access to frequently used items, which is particularly useful during minimalistic fishing trips. They help keep gear organized in small spaces and are easy to transport.

We have used zipper bags organizing small tackle items during our fishing trips. These bags are lightweight and provide quick access to our gear, making them perfect for short, minimalistic fishing outings. We’ve found them to be a great way to keep frequently used items within easy reach.

5. DIY Solutions

DIY solutions involve repurposing items like old backpacks, lunch boxes, or fanny packs for tackle storage. These alternatives are customizable and often free.

DIY solutions allow anglers to repurpose items they already own, saving money and reducing waste. These custom setups can be tailored to specific needs, making them highly flexible and practical.

We’ve found DIY solutions to be effective and enjoyable for those who like DIY projects. Using an old backpack to organize and carry our tackle provided a cost-effective and customizable storage solution. This approach allowed us to create a personalized tackle storage system without spending extra money on new gear.

Our Personal Preference and Suggestions

Opt For Waterproof Solutions

When selecting tackle storage solutions, it’s crucial to consider waterproof materials and designs to protect your tackle from water damage. Whether you’re fishing from a kayak, a boat, or the shore, ensuring your gear stays dry can prevent rust and prolong the life of your tackle.

Also, check: What is the Best Material For a Tackle Box?

Using waterproof materials for tackle storage is essential for keeping your gear dry and free from rust. Moisture can quickly damage hooks, lures, and other tackles, leading to decreased performance and the need for replacements. Waterproof solutions are especially important when fishing in rainy conditions or when there’s a risk of your storage getting wet.

We’ve shared some tips that are very useful for getting rid of moisture in your tackle box. Do give it a read!

We learned the hard way that using non-waterproof storage can lead to gear damage. During our early kayak fishing trips, we used a regular backpack, only to find that it wasn’t waterproof. After encountering unexpected rain, we found our tackle was soaked, and some items began to rust. We then switched to a waterproof tackle bag, which has made a significant difference. This bag keeps our gear dry, even in wet conditions, ensuring that our tackle remains in good condition.

Check our recommendations on Best Fishing Backpack & Tackle Backpack (Top 10)

Opt For Compact and Lightweight Options

Choosing small, lightweight alternatives can make a big difference in your fishing experience. These solutions are easy to carry and don’t take up much space, allowing you to focus more on fishing and less on managing your gear.

We’ve found several compact and lightweight options that work well for various fishing trips. For instance, using a sling pack with a box or two for hooks, sinkers, and lures has been incredibly convenient.

It allows us to carry just what we need without being weighed down by bulky equipment. Additionally, a small tackle bag that fits a couple of 3600 trays can be easily stowed under the bungee cords of a kayak, providing easy access to essential gear without taking up too much space.

We’ve also covered a guide on storing and organizing hooks in the tackle box. Do give it a read!

Benefits of Using a Tackle Box

We often use the alternatives mentioned above on fishing trips, and they work well. However, to be honest, nothing can replace the role of a tackle box. It’s designed specifically for this purpose, and no other item can fully substitute it. We’re saying this due to the reasons provided below.

Organization and Accessibility

One of the primary benefits of a tackle box is the organization it provides. With a well-organized tackle box, all your fishing gear is in one place, making it easy to find exactly what you need without rummaging through a mess.

For instance, when I used a three-tray Plano box for almost 20 years, it kept my hooks, lures, and other essentials neatly arranged and easily accessible. This level of organization ensures that you spend more time fishing and less time searching for gear.

Protection of Gear from Damage

A good tackle box also protects your gear from damage. Fishing tackle can be quite delicate, and exposure to the elements or rough handling can lead to broken hooks, tangled lines, and damaged lures. By keeping everything in a sturdy tackle box, you can shield your gear from the harsh conditions often encountered during fishing trips.

Personally, my old Plano box has safeguarded my tackle through countless fishing adventures, proving its durability and protective qualities.

Ease of Transportation

Transporting your fishing gear becomes significantly easier with a tackle box. These boxes are designed to be portable and convenient, allowing you to carry all your essentials in one compact unit.

This is especially important when moving between fishing spots or when you have to hike to a remote location. My tackle box, despite its bulk, has always been easy to transport, making it a reliable companion on all my fishing trips.

Using a tackle box has undoubtedly made my fishing experiences more enjoyable and efficient. However, there are times when a traditional tackle box might not be the best option, especially for activities like kayak fishing.