Fishing Bags Compared: Backpack vs Tackle Tote
The Plano Weekend Series 3700 tote is the most practical all rounder thanks to its tray count and rigid base. KastKing Karryall offers similar organisation for less, and the Shimano Blackmoon Fishing Backpack is the pick when you hike to the water and need both hands free.
The Plano Weekend Series 3700 Tackle Bag is the safest choice for most anglers because it fits the tray size the industry standardised on and holds its shape when loaded. Anglers watching budget should look at the KastKing Karryall, while the Shimano Blackmoon Fishing Backpack suits long walks to the bank.
Tackle bags are harder to choose than they should be because tray sizes are quoted in a numbering system nobody explains, and a bag that looks roomy in photos can be useless once four loaded trays go in. We compared included tray dimensions, pocket layouts, fabric weight and hardware, and weighed what owners report about zips and rust after seasons of saltwater use.
What to look for
Understand the tray numbering first Utility box sizes are quoted as 3500, 3600 or 3700 series, and the number describes the footprint rather than the brand. The 3700 size is the larger standard and suits bass lures, big crankbaits and spinnerbaits, while 3600 is more compact and lighter to carry. Buy the bag around trays you already own, because mixing sizes wastes internal space and leaves boxes sliding around.
Carry style should match how you fish Totes with a shoulder strap are ideal for boats and short walks from the truck, since everything is reachable while seated. Backpacks make sense when you walk a bank, hike to a pond or fish from a kayak, because keeping both hands free matters more than instant access. Some anglers end up owning both and moving trays between them.
Water resistance versus waterproof Very few tackle bags are genuinely waterproof, and most use coated polyester that sheds spray and light rain. What matters more day to day is a moulded or rubberised base that will not wick water when the bag sits on a wet deck, plus a lid design that does not funnel rain into the main compartment. If you fish in serious weather, keep electronics in a separate dry pouch.
Hardware is what fails first Zips, buckles and strap clips take the abuse, especially in saltwater where untreated metal seizes within a season. Look for moulded plastic or coated zips and rinse the whole bag with fresh water after coastal trips. A bag with a failed main zip is finished regardless of how good the fabric still looks.
What we recommend
Plano Weekend Series 3700 Tackle Bag
Plano built the tray standard most anglers already own, and this bag is sized around it with room for multiple 3700 boxes plus soft baits. The moulded base keeps it upright on a wet deck. Owners report the zips and stitching hold up across several seasons of freshwater use.
Pros
- Fits the tray size most anglers already have
- Rigid base stays upright when loaded
- Plenty of external pockets for tools
Cons
- Bulky for bank fishing on foot
- Not fully waterproof in heavy rain
KastKing Karryall Fishing Tackle Bag
The Karryall covers the essentials well, with integrated rod holders on the sides that free up your hands while rigging. The fabric is water resistant rather than waterproof, which is the right compromise for most conditions. Based on specifications it ships in several sizes to match tray counts.
Pros
- Built in rod holders are genuinely useful
- Several size options for different loadouts
- Good pocket count for the price
Cons
- Base is softer than premium bags
- Zip pulls feel light under heavy loads
Wild River WT3604 Tackle Tek Nomad Lighted Backpack
The Nomad builds an LED lighting system into the bag itself, which changes how workable a tackle bag is after dark. It carries as a backpack and includes trays plus a protected work surface. Owners report the light is bright enough to tie knots without a headlamp.
Pros
- Integrated lighting for night sessions
- Backpack carry frees both hands
- Well organised tool storage
Cons
- Heavier than a plain backpack
- Lighting needs batteries kept charged
Shimano Blackmoon Fishing Backpack
Built for anglers who walk to the water, the Blackmoon distributes weight properly across the shoulders and back rather than pulling on one side. Tray storage is accessible without taking the pack fully off. Based on specifications it accepts 3600 size boxes in the main compartment.
Pros
- Comfortable over long walks
- Rubberised base resists wet ground
- Sensible pocket separation for tools
Cons
- Smaller tray capacity than a tote
- Awkward to access while seated in a boat
Piscifun Fishing Tackle Backpack
This is a sensible first tackle backpack, with rod straps, a waterproof base panel and enough tray space for a focused loadout. It does not have the hardware quality of premium packs but it covers the basics. Owners report it suits day trips better than multi day travel.
Pros
- Low cost entry into backpack style storage
- Waterproof base handles wet banks
- Light when only partly loaded
Cons
- Zips are the weak point under strain
- Shoulder padding thins out on long hikes
Spiderwire Wolf Tackle Bag
The Wolf is aimed at anglers who carry a lot, with room for multiple large trays plus a spacious top compartment for reels and spare line. It is a boat and truck bag rather than something to walk far with. Based on specifications it accommodates 3600 size utility boxes.
Pros
- Very high storage capacity
- Tough fabric handles boat abuse
- Wide opening makes loading easy
Cons
- Too large for bank walking
- Gets heavy quickly when fully loaded
Calcutta Squall Tackle Bag
Calcutta builds for inshore and coastal use, so the emphasis is on fabric that rinses clean and hardware less prone to seizing in salt. It fits standard utility trays and includes external tool storage. Owners report a freshwater rinse after each trip is still essential regardless of the bag.
Pros
- Built with saltwater exposure in mind
- Rinses clean easily
- Good external tool organisation
Cons
- Fewer size options than major brands
- Interior layout is fairly basic
The lineup, side by side
| # | Model | Tray size | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Plano Weekend Series 3700 Tackle Bag | 3700 series | Best overall | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | KastKing Karryall Fishing Tackle Bag | 3600 and 3700 options | Best value | 9.2 | Check price |
| 3 | Wild River WT3604 Tackle Tek Nomad Lighted Backpack | 3600 series, four included | Best for night fishing | 9.0 | Check price |
| 4 | Shimano Blackmoon Fishing Backpack | 3600 series | Best backpack | 8.8 | Check price |
| 5 | Piscifun Fishing Tackle Backpack | 3600 series | Best budget | 8.6 | Check price |
| 6 | Spiderwire Wolf Tackle Bag | 3600 series | Best for large loads | 8.3 | Check price |
| 7 | Calcutta Squall Tackle Bag | 3600 series | Best for saltwater | 8.0 | Check price |
Questions worth asking
What is the difference between a 3600 and 3700 tackle tray?
The 3700 footprint is larger and deeper, suiting big crankbaits, spinnerbaits and larger soft plastics. The 3600 is more compact, lighter and better for finesse tackle and terminal gear. Bags are built around one size, so decide before buying.
Should I get a tackle backpack or a shoulder bag?
Choose a backpack if you walk to your spot, fish from a kayak or cover ground on foot. Choose a tote style shoulder bag if you fish from a boat or park close, because the wide opening and stable base make everything easier to reach while seated.
Are tackle bags waterproof?
Most are water resistant rather than waterproof. They shed spray and light rain, but sustained downpours will get in through zips. A waterproof base and a separate dry pouch for a phone and keys covers most real situations.
How many trays do I actually need?
Most anglers work comfortably with three to five trays, organised by technique rather than by lure type. Owners report that carrying more trays than that leads to a bag too heavy to enjoy and tackle that never gets used.
Do tackle bags work for saltwater fishing?
Yes, provided you rinse the bag and hardware with fresh water after every trip. Choose models with coated or moulded zips, and avoid leaving wet lures inside, because salt residue destroys hooks and split rings faster than the bag itself.
Can I use a regular backpack instead?
You can, but a fishing specific pack adds a waterproof base, rod holders, plier sheaths and trays sized to fit properly. A regular backpack lacks the rigid structure, so loaded trays shift and hooks work through the fabric.
How do I stop rust inside a tackle bag?
Dry lures fully before putting them back, keep a few silica packets in the trays, and open the bag to air out after each trip. Owners report that trapped moisture in a closed bag causes more hook rust than the fishing itself.
What size bag is best for kayak fishing?
A compact bag holding two or three 3600 trays usually fits a kayak tank well without blocking movement. Larger 3700 totes are often too tall to sit securely and become awkward to reach while seated low in the boat.
The verdict
The Plano Weekend Series 3700 Tackle Bag remains the most sensible default because it matches the tray standard most anglers already own and holds its shape when fully loaded. KastKing Karryall covers the same ground for less with handy rod holders, while the Shimano Blackmoon Fishing Backpack is the better answer for anyone walking any real distance to the water.
