Tackle boxes and bags come in every size and shape you can imagine, leaving the angler with some outstanding choices when it comes to finding one that suits their needs.  Deciding on a tackle box is identical to buying a pair of pants; you want them to be the perfect "fit," with extra room for added growth.  Follow these simple suggestions and discover the tackle storing system that is tailor-made for you!

Hard or Soft?

When it comes to choosing tackle boxes, the angler has two options available -- hard or soft. 

Hard tackle boxes (hard) have been a part of the fishing experience since the dawn of modern day fishing, conjuring up childhood memories for most that enjoy the sport today.  Although the standard design remains the same, improvements and minor upgrades have been made to make fishing tackle boxes more useful in this competitive market.  For those anglers looking for a solid and sturdy design, hard tackle boxes certainly have the basics covered.  The hard plastic and resin will prevent cracking and rough handling nicely, making the toughness of this product extremely hard to beat.

Most tackle boxes have fold-out trays inside allowing the users to utilize different compartments in order to store their fishing tackle supplies.  Make sure these trays are classified as "worm proof" before purchasing, (most are), as your plastic baits will melt and fuse into one another without this feature.  Some models have forgone the trays and added plastic utility boxes -- a neat concept that allows you to customize your baits and lures into different groups.  Both options work well, but the utility boxes seem to be a better fit for ease and functionality in today's market.

Another interesting option that many of these tackle boxes include are top-loading compartments, allowing for the storage of larger items such as bait jars, fishing reels, and fishing accessories.  The time and effort anglers spend preparing their gear is significantly reduced by accessing these items from the top, allowing for improved simplicity.  Keep your eyes open for this significant feature to add value to your purchase.

One last thing to keep in mind are spinnerbait and jig racks.  These specialized plastic additions to the box allow for easy and tangle-free storage of certain lures, keeping them at the angler’s fingertips for easy selection.  A lot of these lures are bulky in nature, yet these plastic racks allow storage in an organized manner.  (Not all tackle boxes come with these plastic racks, so keep this in mind when shopping.)

There are a couple things to look for when buying hard tackle boxes would be strong, sturdy handles; secure latches; and large lure compartments that will allow for the storage of "oversized" fishing tackle supplies.  A deep base that can hold a variety of fishing accessories is also a handy addition. 

The one downside to hard tackle boxes is their bulky size and weight.  In comparison to fishing tackle bags, they can be quite heavy.  This extra weight of a hard shell tackle box is normally offset by the increased protection they offer your tackle and gear, leaving the final say up to your own personal preference.

As with all tackle boxes, purchasing a model that is larger than your current collection of lures is advisable.  Remember, over time you will be adding more fishing tackle supplies to your collection, so make sure that the tackle box you choose can adapt to your future purchases. 

Soft fishing tackle bags are beginning to take the fishing world by storm as they provide a new innovation in the fishing tackle storage system industry.  Fishing tackle bags are extremely lightweight, waterproof shells that hold a variety of plastic utility boxes, which in turn, hold your lures.  Depending on the dimensions of the bag, utility boxes can number anywhere from two, six, or 8.

A great feature that really shows is the convenience that fishing tackle bags offer.  You can take only the tackle "boxes" you need, while leaving the others behind.  (If you're strictly fishing bass for the day, no need to cart all of your pike gear to the lake.)  This can greatly reduce unnecessary weight, while also simplifying the process of finding your fishing accessories quickly and effortlessly. 

Another interesting "addition" that comes with fishing tackle bags is storage pockets.  These can come in handy for holding fishing accessories, spare reels, tools, or even a camera.  I prefer fishing tackle bags that have a number of pockets in different sizes, as, in my mind, you will never have too many storage compartments.  (Nor enough tackle to fill them!)

As in the case of the tackle boxes, make sure you buy a bag that is roomy enough for mostly all of your gear.  I've seen a lot of fishing tackle bags that only hold two utility boxes - great for pan fishing, but ineffective for almost all other fishing situations.  Bigger is definitely better when choosing your final tackle bags.

Padded shoulder straps are a great feature that will bring comfort when carting around your gear to and from the boat.  Make sure the straps and handles on your fishing tackle bags are strong and sturdy, with reinforced stitching to provide extra toughness.  Waterproofing material is mandatory, as is sturdy fabric that will resist tears and punctures. 

As with most things in life, you get what you pay for.  Tackle boxes and fishing tackle bags both have their good points and bad, leaving the consumer the option to thoroughly investigate both varieties before making a decision on which to purchase.  Whichever system you choose, make sure it is right for you.  A storage system is an angler's personal office when on the water, and being the particular group that we are -- everything has to be in perfect order when out on our watery domain.

What type of tackle box do you use? Share with other anglers by leaving a comment below on our outdoor news section and find all your fishing sporting goods at PoorFish Outdoors.