Tearing my hair out looking for a new tackle bag...

[Skeeloco]

I've spent hours this past week looking online for a new tackle bag but can't seem to find anything to my liking. I've also gone through old forum threads and couldn't find any recommendations for a bag that suits my needs. 

 

I'm looking for a medium sized bag that has the capability of storing three 3600 tackle trays as well as 8 to 10 bags of plastics, and a nice amount of pockets for other amenities such as pliers, clippers, scale, etc. Here's my current tackle bag which I like but just does not have enough storage for me anymore: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Plano-Medium-Bass-Fish-Scene-Bag/16351087. It measures 14.25 x 9.25 x 8.00 inches...while I currently have two 3600 trays and a good amount of plastics inside it's a pretty tight fit, so I figure something a few inches taller/ wider would probably be my best bet.

 

All the bags I've been looking at seem to be too big or too small. I'm mostly a shore fisherman frequently on the move so that's why I'd like to stick to a medium sized bag. Trying to stay in the $50 range, please let me know your recommendation if you are a similar style angler.

[XzyluM]

Ever considered a backpack? Bass Pro makes a decent one that works great for bank fishing. I like the Okeechobee Fats bags you can get at Walmart or Academy, but only have experience using the larger ones so not sure how their medium bags are designed. 

 

Extreme 360 Backpack

[MickD]

I've struggled with this issue for years.  While I don't consider it currently solved, I think I'm on the right track.  I have a bag that looks to be a little larger than yours, will hold the boxes like you want + quite a few bags of plastic + tools and hooks/leader spools, etc.  I suggest you measure your bag to get its cubic inches capacity, then look at Cabelas and basspro for ones that are somewhat larger.  Probably + 50% would do it.

 

What I do is have all my stuff in the garage as well organized as I can make it, then depending on what type of fishing I will do, I fill the bag with the appropriate stuff, leaving most behind.  Ever notice that you take everything including the kitchen sink, but use about 5-10 lures/techniques?  If you get too big a bag it will be too heavy and you'll lose stuff in it.  Those side pockets-assign them to hold certain stuff, and do it the same every trip.  Like hooks, tools, leaders, extra spools, etc.  Then you won't always be searching.  Like I often am.

[mixel]

Been using a cheap 20yr old JanSport backpack guaranteed for life. Been holding up brilliantly. It's durable, has a large zip radius for the main compartment, a medium size pack which fits all my plastics in their original bags, and side pockets which carry smaller misc things. I am able to take four Plano 3700 series boxes which is all I need. And it's washable.

[CTBassin860]

BPS Stalker backpack. 4 360 boxes and i had 50 bags of plasrics in the cooler part.Not to mention my multitool,braid cutters,weights,hooks,toilet paper,spare reel,and a bandana,scent etc.

[Buckeye Ron]

I'm currently looking for the same thing you are so please let us know what you end up with.

[Cgolf]

This is my 3600 size boat bag that has lots of storage, but may be a bit on the big side for you. 

 

http://www.cabelas.com/product/cabela-s-advanced-anglers-8482-tackle-bags-without-utility-boxes/1391169.uts?WT.ac=SF

 

my shore fishing setup, is a tiny bag with a few cranks, and a standard plastic box and Zman plastic box. Along with scale, pliers, gripper, hook cutter, and terminal tackle. Boxes are 3500 size or smaller. 

[Oklahoma Mike]

I have the rapala bag that Cabelas sells. It holds (8) 3700 boxes, plus has lots of pockets and a spot for pliers. I use this when I am on a boat or fishing a body of water that I can roll right up to in my truck. 

 

For all other bank fishing, I use a backpack that is made to carry a laptop. I've tried many different types of backpacks and have yet to find anything as handy as the laptop type. 

[Angry John]

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/655387/plano-deluxe-a-series-3600-tackle-bag

on sale

[Blackhawk83]

Check out Acadameys tournament choice (house brand) bags think you will be more than satisfied

[Guest]

Conclusion of this matter get a tw bag I've had one for two years it's been the best bag for all your needs. I'm able to fit three 3700 boxes one 3600 and like a ton of plastics I'm actually going to buy another one very durable bag imo.

[MittenMouth]

10 hours ago, cgolf said:

This is my 3600 size boat bag that has lots of storage, but may be a bit on the big side for you. 

 

http://www.cabelas.com/product/cabela-s-advanced-anglers-8482-tackle-bags-without-utility-boxes/1391169.uts?WT.ac=SF

 

my shore fishing setup, is a tiny bag with a few cranks, and a standard plastic box and Zman plastic box. Along with scale, pliers, gripper, hook cutter, and terminal tackle. Boxes are 3500 size or smaller. 

I have the same Cabelas bag in Large for boating but it is now too small. I am moving to a Plano bag with 3700 series boxes. 

 

For shore fishing I use the cabelas waste pack and then swap out boxes as needed- this is insane right now too. http://www.cabelas.com/product/cabela-s-advanced-anglers-8482-waist-pack/1571764.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Ftackle-bags%2F_%2FN-1100378%2FNo-0%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_104619780%3FrecordsPerPage%3D18

 

 

[SWVABass]

So someone mentioned the BPS backpack. Two good options one for 30 and another for 65. I don't have the same exact bag but I do have an XPS bag from bass pro. I've been extremely pleased with the durability of the bag. No issues with zippers or the material being junk. So I would recommend something from there backpack lineup.

[Deeare]

DO NOT buy a "fishing specific" bag/backpack!!!!!   Go buy a good backpack that's specified for hiking that is big enough for your needs.   It will last 10 times longer.   Might cost a few bucks more but a good backpack will last 10 years easy if your just using it for fishing.   

[Guest]

I disagree.

[mixel]

On 2/11/2017 at 6:53 AM, Deeare said:

DO NOT buy a "fishing specific" bag/backpack!!!!!   Go buy a good backpack that's specified for hiking that is big enough for your needs.   It will last 10 times longer.   Might cost a few bucks more but a good backpack will last 10 years easy if your just using it for fishing.   

 

This is exactly the reason I went with a simple JanSport. If you look at things from a manufacturing perspective, very few (if any?) fishing tackle specific company is going to be able to match the quality, durability, and design of a backpack-only company, even if their subbing out the work to a cheap backpack manufacturer which you know they are. And you can get a lot more uses out of the same backpack too, when you're not fishing. I used mine for overnight work trips, trips to the beach, day hikes, etc.

 

Lifetime Warranty from JanSport

http://www.jansport.com/customer-service/lifetime-warranty.html

 

by comparison, this Shimano has a 1-year warranty

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/catpage-SHIMFSHSTG.html?from=basres

 

I would consider Wildriver as they also have a lifetime warranty. I find products from companies that offer lifetime warranties are usually above the rest in their category.

https://gowildriver.com/PrivacyPolicy.aspx#cservice

 

But the cost of the WildRiver is more than double from JanSport. Although it looks like they have some true innovative ideas, I don't need built in USB charging, LED lights and all that fancy stuff. Great looking backpacks thoough.

 

 

[WPCfishing]

One of mine is a $20.00 Compact Cooler bag. It fits 6 Plastic bins perfectly. Made by Choice. 12"x9"x11.5"

Link: http://www.webstaurantstore.com/search/coller-bags.html

 This is the bag I bought.

 This one is less money but looks cheap.

["hamma"]

Plano makes a 3700 bag that holds four of them, big side and front pockets,.One strap easy "on/off" front pocket holds tools and such sides good for plastics. The larger main pocket will hold plenty of 3600s and plenty of room for more plastics, and "stuff". I have one and use it for my little basshunter, or when im on someones boat. Would be a decent shore bag

[Deeare]

2 hours ago, mixel said:

 

This is exactly the reason I went with a simple JanSport. If you look at things from a manufacturing perspective, very few (if any?) fishing tackle specific company is going to be able to match the quality, durability, and design of a backpack-only company, even if their subbing out the work to a cheap backpack manufacturer which you know they are. And you can get a lot more uses out of the same backpack too, when you're not fishing. I used mine for overnight work trips, trips to the beach, day hikes, etc.

 

Lifetime Warranty from JanSport

http://www.jansport.com/customer-service/lifetime-warranty.html

 

by comparison, this Shimano has a 1-year warranty

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Shimano_Blackmoon_Backpack_Black_Medium/descpage-SBBBM.html

 

I would consider Wildriver as they also have a lifetime warranty. I find products from companies that offer lifetime warranties are usually above the rest in their category.

https://gowildriver.com/PrivacyPolicy.aspx#cservice

 

But the cost of the WildRiver is more than double from JanSport. Although it looks like they have some true innovative ideas, I don't need built in USB charging, LED lights and all that fancy stuff. Great looking backpacks thoough.

 

 

the shimano is $150 and not worth it at all.   You can get a great jansport for less than that and is much better. Life time warranty!!!  I already had the tackle boxes but those are cheap.    

[RichF]

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/655387/plano-deluxe-a-series-3600-tackle-bag

 

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/718919/plano-guide-series-3700-tackle-bag

 

These are insane deals on REALLY nice bags.  Totally don't need it but I might get the 3700 one.

 

[Skeeloco]

On 2/10/2017 at 4:21 PM, XzyluM said:

Ever considered a backpack? Bass Pro makes a decent one that works great for bank fishing. I like the Okeechobee Fats bags you can get at Walmart or Academy, but only have experience using the larger ones so not sure how their medium bags are designed. 

 

Extreme 360 Backpack

 

Not a fan of backpacks, not exactly sure why but I prefer the should strap bag over everything else.

 

 

On 2/10/2017 at 4:54 PM, MickD said:

I've struggled with this issue for years.  While I don't consider it currently solved, I think I'm on the right track.  I have a bag that looks to be a little larger than yours, will hold the boxes like you want + quite a few bags of plastic + tools and hooks/leader spools, etc.  I suggest you measure your bag to get its cubic inches capacity, then look at Cabelas and basspro for ones that are somewhat larger.  Probably + 50% would do it.

 

What I do is have all my stuff in the garage as well organized as I can make it, then depending on what type of fishing I will do, I fill the bag with the appropriate stuff, leaving most behind.  Ever notice that you take everything including the kitchen sink, but use about 5-10 lures/techniques?  If you get too big a bag it will be too heavy and you'll lose stuff in it.  Those side pockets-assign them to hold certain stuff, and do it the same every trip.  Like hooks, tools, leaders, extra spools, etc.  Then you won't always be searching.  Like I often am.

 

Yes this I'm already doing this, I have four 3600 trays and I will swap them out depending on what kind of fishing I'm doing. However room for just one more tray would make my life a lot easier. I do often find myself flipping through bag after bag of plastics so losing stuff in a big bag is something I took into consideration...definitely need to stick to medium size.

 

18 hours ago, Blackhawk83 said:

Check out Acadameys tournament choice (house brand) bags think you will be more than satisfied

 

This looks like a nice bag, a lot like the one I currently have. I can't however find any measurements on it.

 

Thanks for the suggestions everybody. I decided the best way to find a bag I like is to just go to a store and try em out, just wish there was a Cabelas near me. Plenty of Gander Mountains and can probably get a good deal on one since they're going out of business. Checked out the Spiderwire Wolf bag at Dick's today, I did like it but I'm now reading some reviews that it isn't very durable. My search shall continue, hopefully soon at a Field and Stream store I discovered just outside of the city. I'll give an update when I find something I like.

 

[Guest]

6 hours ago, Deeare said:

the shimano is $150 and not worth it at all.   You can get a great jansport for less than that and is much better. Life time warranty!!!  I already had the tackle boxes but those are cheap.    

 

9 hours ago, mixel said:

 

This is exactly the reason I went with a simple JanSport. If you look at things from a manufacturing perspective, very few (if any?) fishing tackle specific company is going to be able to match the quality, durability, and design of a backpack-only company, even if their subbing out the work to a cheap backpack manufacturer which you know they are. And you can get a lot more uses out of the same backpack too, when you're not fishing. I used mine for overnight work trips, trips to the beach, day hikes, etc.

 

Lifetime Warranty from JanSport

http://www.jansport.com/customer-service/lifetime-warranty.html

 

by comparison, this Shimano has a 1-year warranty

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Shimano_Blackmoon_Backpack_Black_Medium/descpage-SBBBM.html

 

I would consider Wildriver as they also have a lifetime warranty. I find products from companies that offer lifetime warranties are usually above the rest in their category.

https://gowildriver.com/PrivacyPolicy.aspx#cservice

 

But the cost of the WildRiver is more than double from JanSport. Although it looks like they have some true innovative ideas, I don't need built in USB charging, LED lights and all that fancy stuff. Great looking backpacks thoough.

 

 

Wow is this the one you're talking about those jansport bags hold tons of tackle

[mixel]

^Hahahaha that's epic! 

[Outdoor Zack]

22 hours ago, Angry John said:

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/655387/plano-deluxe-a-series-3600-tackle-bag

on sale

 

Hard-bottom bags are awesome.  Im in love with my 3600 Guide series but the one in the link looks really nice  too

[BigShew2]

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/mossy-oak-sling-fishing-backpack-15moaucmmssykslngtbx/15moaucmmssykslngtbx?&color=

 

One of my buddies has this and it impressed me so much with the amount of room that i got one for my self.  It even has a place to hold a second rod while you walk around. They also have a bigger one that could carry everything half of a BPS store, lol.