Looking for a new fishing tackle box? Well, there are hundreds to choose from, so where do you start? In this handy Anglers’ Net guide to tackle boxes and rig cases, we’ll offer some useful hints and tips to help you purchase a product that’s right for you.
As someone who’s been fishing for more years than I care to mention, I’m firmly of the opinion that to some anglers, tackle boxes can be a bit like performance cars. Not so much in the sense that they can make up for a lack of something or other in the nether regions, but more that they can be put on show with all manner of tantalising offerings inside that will have your friends drooling from a distance!
For me, there’s three distinct camps when it comes to end tackle on the bank – those who like to carry the bare minimum in a simple tackle case or rig wallet, those who like to be able to cater for any conceivable eventuality by having every item of end tackle known to man stored in one (or several) tackle boxes, and the third type falling somewhere between the two; either still trying to build up to the kitchen sink brigade, or declutter to join the minimal camp!
Whichever type of angler you are (or want to be!), there’s never been a better selection of purpose built tackle cases, tackle boxes and storage systems to house all your rigs, tackle and accessories. The type you should go for will largely depend on the type of fishing you do. The stalking angler requires very little, and can usually get by with a small lead & bits case for most of the essentials they’ll need, whilst the short session angler might be best suited to a small tackle case or box.
If you’re more of a long stay angler doing a couple of nights at a time, then obviously it helps to have more end tackle to better respond as the session unfolds, so some sort of system box or a good sized tackle box might be better suited.
For the long stay angler fishing home or abroad, you can even get all singing all dancing rig stations with fold out legs and hard tops – effectively a tackle box and bivvy table all rolled into one, which could be quite handy if you’re home-from-home on a foreign carp fishing holiday.
I’m quite varied in my fishing and might be spending a couple of hours stalking on one session and doing a quick overnighter on the next – I was even known to do a few week-ish long sessions a few years back before marriage and kids. As such, I’ve had tackle boxes to suit most situations.
For stalking I like to use a small lead bag for my tackle. There are usually a few detachable Velcro dividers so you can section off a bit for leads and a bit for hooks and swivels. Most usually have a meshed pocket on the inside of the lid too for a few end tackle packets, so you’re laughing.
For my day sessions and overnighters, I’ve used various systems over the years, but have always tried to keep it as minimal as possible as I like to travel light. In the main this approach would consist of a fabric type zip up tackle case with envelope style pockets on a ring binder, whilst rigs would be stored in a separate stiff rig wallet of the same construction.
I fished for many years like this until quite recently actually, when I switched to a small system box, and I have to say, I absolutely love it. As system boxes go, it’s definitely at the smaller end of the scale, but has just enough room to take a couple of rig boards, hooklink materials, and has pouches for leads and pockets for end tackle packs. It’s a really neat system that allows me to have everything in one place so I don’t need to go routing in various bags and pockets in order to get the rods in, and as I’m often arriving at the water after dark, it’s an ideal hassle free storage solution.
I’ve always tended to favour those of a fabric design as opposed to plastic. In the main, this has been due to the weight of some of the plastic tackle boxes, but also just a personal thing, I guess – I prefer a proper zip around the edge to ensure nothing is coming out rather than a clip on a box, which might get caught on something during transit and spill its guts all over the shop! As such, if you do go for a clasp type box, make sure the clip is strong and tight.
Well, now we’ve covered the basics, let’s take a look at some of those on offer. First up is the TF Gear Lok Box. The Lok Box range has been designed to tailor your end tackle exactly as you’d like. With medium and large Lok Boxes to choose from and all containing a range of free Drop-in Lok Boxes to house essential rig bits – your Lok Box will be well armed, organised, absolutely essential for successful fishing. Both the Medium & Large Lok Boxes come with 4 x Drop in Lock Boxes worth around £15. We really like this tackle system from TFG, and it punches well above it’s weight in terms of quality and value. The medium box measures; 23.6cm x 22.2cm x 6.3cm and is priced at £15.99, whilst the large box comes in at; 34.6cm x 25.6cm x 6.3cm, priced at £19.99; full details HERE.
Along similar lines is this fantastic Korum Rig Manager, which comes fully loaded with all kinds of boxes and tubs perfect for storing all your end tackle, rigs and accessories. What we really like about this one is its shallow profile which makes it perfect for those with an eye on travelling light. The system comes with 6 x 4 compartment accessory boxes, two magnetic hook boxes and two rig boards with pins. Priced at £29.99 it’s a really neat bit of kit; full details HERE.
For those who like a zip up tackle case, check out this cracking TFG Primal Multi Rig Pouch. The pouch comes with a rig board & rig pins, and a ring binder storage system with clear rig wallets to store all your end tackle and accessories. There’s also an internal zipped pouch for leads, PVA and all kinds of odds and ends. A real steal this one at just £11.99, we like! Full details HERE.
Last but my no means least is the tackle box to end all tackle boxes, the Nash TT Rig Station. It’s more like a tackle shed than a tackle box, but is the perfect solution for the long stay angler who wants quick and easy access to all their essential rigs and tackle throughout their stay. The Nash TT Rig Station compactly condenses and organises all your terminal tackle and Nash say it’s the carp worlds first bivvy station, work station and total tackle storage solution. We believe them! The total capacity of the tackle box is: 46cm (l) x 30cm (w) with a double depth of 10cm to provide compartments to accommodate those larger items like spods and PVA. Compartments with infinite variable partitioning. Supplied with four large and eight small dividers. Lid/worktop features no ribbing to provide a smooth uninterrupted surface, Metric and imperial calibration for accurately tying rigs, Deep lip to prevent tackle spill. Externally mounted water tank for critically balancing rigs or use for hookbait/popup storage. Externally mounted Needle/baiting box. Foam lined main compartment for needles, baiting tools etc. Two lidded compartments for hair stops, etc. Integrated spring-loaded adjustable legs with mud feet. Rig station height 33.5cm extending height 39cm. Storage draw with integral rig board. Supplied with 20 rig pins. Ready to go rig retaining loops. As we said, the tackle box to end all tackle boxes! Priced at £79.99; full details HERE.
We hope this tackle box guide has proved useful, and don’t forget to check out all the other tackle boxes and rig wallets available via the Anglers’ Net Fishing Tackle & Bait Finder.
Julian Grattidge
November 2010
All prices and offers correct at time of publishing.
