What factors do you consider when choosing a fishing tackle bag?

When looking for the best fishing tackle bag, it's important to consider a few key factors. Size and comfort, along with durability and convenience will go a long way towards helping you find the right bag for your needs.

The other day I was at my workbench trying to figure out how to load my Spiderwire fishing tackle carrying bag.  And I got a surprise!  I found that a little critter, probably a "friendly" mouse, had chewed a hole in one of the side pockets and made mincemeat out of an old Power Bar I had stashed.  I didn't care about the Power Bar, but the tackle bag?  I was a bit pissed, but what can you do at that point except drop a few traps in the garage to catch the culprit.

Then at that point I wondered "Is there a better material that could be used for a tackle bag?  And what do I need to look for the next time I buy one?

So I thought I'd do a little research to help out the next person who may be in the same predicament.  And here's what I found out.

What to look for in a fishing tackle bag?

• Size
• Large main storage
• Number of pockets
• Waterproofing
• Material
• Zipper Quality

Choosing the right size tackle bag

It's important to choose the right size bag to make sure you have enough space for all your gear. A small bag will be too cramped and you'll end up leaving something important behind, while a large bag will be cumbersome and difficult to carry. And frankly, during the average outing, you really only use a few things you bring with you, so there's really no use trying to stuff the inventory of Cabela's into your bag.  The trick is to try to find a happy medium that will give you plenty of room to store everything you need, without being too big or too small.

Number of pockets

Another thing to consider is the number of compartments in the fishing tackle bag. You'll want enough compartments to keep all your gear organized, but not so many that it's a pain to find what you're looking for. A good fishing tackle bag will have a few large compartments for things like lures and bait, as well as smaller pockets for things like hooks and line.

I like a large center area for tackle organizers, at least about 13" x 9" which is enough for a couple of mid sized Plano organizers.  These will serve as organizers within your organizer - you can configure these for just about any trip you'll take.

Then you'll still have quite a bit of room, maybe for an extra reel and a few spools of fresh line, plus light rain gear and a snack or two.

Outside pockets

Most, if not all tackle bags have 4 sides, although I've not seen a 6 or 8 sided tackle bag.  Let's just go with 4 sides.  One of the sides will be flat, because that's the one that's going to be against your body when you carry it, and it'll be more comfortable if there aren't any pointy things digging into your sides.

So that leaves 3 sides, which is perfect. Look for additional pockets on the other 3 sides.  Some may have a full zipper closure, but others may be just velcro or a snap.  These side pockets make gear easy to find and add space to the bag itself.

Carabiners

A lot of tackle bags will have a carabiner-type clip on the outside for things that need to be clipped to the outside.  Keys, or even a hook remover come to mind for this.

Tool holders

Look for a convenient place to quickly slide in your all-in-one tool.  The hook remover/split ring/wire cutter/pliers type of thing.  You know what I mean, we all have at least one.  You'll need access to this tool, so make sure it's handy, somewhere hanging securely on the outside.

Waterproofing

One of the most important things to look for in a fishing tackle bag is waterproofing.  Most will have waterproof, skid-resistant molded base.  Waterproofing will help to keep your tackle and fishing gear dry, which will in turn help to keep it in good condition. There are a few different ways that fishing tackle bags can be waterproofed, so be sure to check for this feature before making your purchase.

One is by using a waterproof material for the bag itself, such as PVC or nylon. Another way is to use an interior liner, which is a waterproof pouch that goes inside the bag and protects your gear from the elements. Whichever way you choose, make sure it is effective in keeping your gear dry.

Material

Nylon fishing tackle bags have a number of benefits that make them ideal for fishing. Nylon is a lightweight material, so it won't weigh you down when you're carrying your bag around. It's also water-resistant, so it will keep your gear dry even if you get caught in the rain. And, if you accidentally drop your bag in the water, the nylon will help it float. Plus, nylon is durable, so your bag will last for years to come.

Canvas fishing tackle bags offer a number of advantages over other materials. For one, canvas is very sturdy and durable, meaning that your bag will last for many fishing trips to come. Additionally, canvas is a breathable material, so your tackle won't get musty or moldy after being stored in a canvas bag.

Finally, canvas is a natural material, so it won't harm the environment like some synthetic materials can. If you're looking for a fishing tackle bag that is eco-friendly and will stand up to the elements, canvas is a great option.

Zippers and Stitching

When you're looking for a tackle bag, it's important to make sure that the bag is well-constructed. One way to tell if a bag is well-made is to look at the stitching. The stitching should be even and tight, without any loose threads. If the bag has poor stitching, it's likely to fall apart quickly.  How many times have you bought a shirt and found out later there were loose threads? So, when you're shopping for a fishing tackle bag, be sure to examine the stitching carefully.

Look for a fishing tackle bag that also has durable, water-resistant zippers.  Water-resistant zippers are made with a special coating that helps repel water. They can be made from a variety of materials, including PVC, polyurethane, or TPU. This coating helps the zipper resist water penetration and prevents rusting or corrosion.

Velcro Closures

When looking for a fishing tackle bag, one of the things you'll want to consider is what kind of closure it has. Many fishing tackle bags have velcro closures, which can be very convenient. However, you'll want to make sure that the velcro is strong and won't come undone easily. Some velcro isn't worth a darn in terms of keeping a tight closure.

Comfort

You'll want to make sure the fishing tackle bag is comfortable to carry, because...it's a carrying bag. A good bag will have padded straps that distribute the weight evenly, so it's not too heavy on one side. It should also have a sturdy handle that won't break when you're carrying it. If you can  "try on" the bag on before you buy it to make sure it's comfortable for you to carry.

Price

Tackle bags can vary widely in price, so it's important to set a budget before you start shopping. Keep in mind that the most expensive option isn't necessarily the best – often, mid-priced fishing tackle bags offer the best value for money.

What to look for in a fishing tackle bag

When looking for the best fishing tackle bag, it's important to consider a few key factors. The size of the bag should be appropriate for your type of fishing, as well as the amount of gear you need to bring. The bag should also be comfortable to carry, with straps that distribute the weight evenly. Additionally, the bag should be made from durable materials that can withstand the elements. Finally, it is important to choose a bag with plenty of compartments and pockets for organization. By keeping these factors in mind, you can be sure to find the perfect fishing tackle bag for your needs.

Not sure there's one that can keep out a mouse, but hey, that's another issue.

To read our article on the 14 Best Fishing Tackle Bags You Can Buy On Amazon Prime, click the button below.

Cheers to the outdoors, and to keeping mice away from your gear!
Bert