I spent years throwing random hooks and lures into whatever container was handy. Plastic bags, old coffee cans, even a repurposed toolbox that rusted out after one rainy season. The breaking point came when I dumped my entire mess of tangled line and rusty hooks onto a dock, searching for a single jig head while the fish were actively feeding. That day, I bought a real tackle box.
If you are new to fishing, start organized. A good tackle box keeps your gear sorted, dry, and ready. The boxes below all come with tackle included, which saves you from buying everything separately and trying to figure out what you actually need.
1. Plano Ready-set-fish 3-tray Tackle Box
This Plano box is what I recommend to anyone starting out. It has three removable trays that stack neatly, giving you enough room to separate hooks from lures, weights from bobbers. The tackle included is basic but functional: enough to get you on the water without overthinking it.
The trays lift out easily, which matters more than you think. When you are standing on a dock or sitting in a boat, you need access to the right compartment without digging through everything. The plastic is thick enough to handle being dropped or kicked around in a truck bed.
Pros:
- Three trays give you room to grow your collection
- Included tackle is enough for your first few trips
- Sturdy construction handles rough treatment
- Easy to see what you have at a glance
Cons:
- Gets heavy when fully loaded
- Trays can pop open if latches are not tight
2. Fishing Single Tray Tackle Box
This is a solid choice if you want something simple. One tray means fewer compartments to manage, which is fine if you are fishing from shore and only need the basics. The lime green color makes it easy to spot in tall grass or at the bottom of a kayak.
The 55-piece kit covers the essentials: hooks, sinkers, bobbers, a few lures, and some line. Nothing fancy, but it works. I used a similar setup for years before upgrading. The single tray keeps you from overpacking, which is helpful when you are learning what you actually use versus what just takes up space.
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Bright color prevents lost boxes
- Enough gear to start fishing immediately
- Affordable entry point
Cons:
- Limited space for expanding your collection
- Single tray gets cramped quickly
3. Plusinno Large 4-layer Tackle Box
This is overkill for most beginners, but if you want everything in one kit, this box delivers. 547 pieces sounds like a lot, and it is. You get pliers, a huge variety of lures, hooks in multiple sizes, weights, and accessories you might not use for months.
I would not start here unless you are committed to fishing regularly. The four-layer design means you have room to organize by type, size, or water condition. The orange color stands out, which is useful if you tend to leave gear behind. The downside is the sheer volume: sorting through this many pieces takes time, and you will likely find duplicates or items you never touch.
Pros:
- Massive variety of lures and accessories
- Four layers provide serious organization potential
- Includes tools like pliers
- Great for experimenting with different techniques
Cons:
- Overwhelming for true beginners
- Heavy when fully loaded
- Takes effort to keep organized
4. Plusinno Fishing Lures For 12 Rigs Tackle Box
This 353-piece kit balances variety with usability. The box is compact enough to carry without strain but large enough to hold what you need for freshwater bass fishing. The included crankbaits and spoons are decent quality, not cheap knockoffs that fall apart after one cast.
I like this setup for someone who has fished a few times and wants to expand their options. The compartments are well-sized, and the box closes securely. You will find yourself reaching for the same few lures most of the time, but having backups and alternatives keeps you fishing when one breaks or gets snagged.
Pros:
- Good variety without being excessive
- Compact size is easy to transport
- Quality lures that hold up to use
- Organized compartments save time
Cons:
- Still a lot to sort through if you are brand new
- Some lures may not match local fish behavior
5. Plusinno Fishing Lures
The 137-piece kit is a middle ground between too little and too much. You get a range of lures, hooks, weights, and basic tools without drowning in options. The box is lightweight, which matters when you are hiking to a fishing spot or carrying gear for hours.
This is what I would hand to someone who asked me what to buy for their first serious tackle box. It has enough variety to learn what works in different conditions, but not so much that you feel lost. The tackle is functional, and the box keeps everything accessible.
Pros:
- Balanced selection for beginners
- Lightweight and portable
- Durable tackle that performs well
- Easy to keep organized
Cons:
- Limited space for adding more gear later
- Some accessories may go unused
6. Vipfish Fishing Lures Kit
This 448-piece kit is marketed for kids, but it works just as well for adults who want a comprehensive starter set. The three-layer box keeps everything separated, and the included fluorocarbon line is a nice touch that saves a separate purchase.
The tackle is lighter weight than some of the other kits, which is fine for smaller fish or calm water. I appreciate that it includes pliers and multiple rigs, because those are easy to forget when you are building your first kit. The box itself is sturdy enough to handle being tossed around, and the storage pouch makes transport easier.
Pros:
- Huge variety of tackle and tools
- Three-layer organization is helpful
- Includes fluorocarbon line
- Good for teaching new anglers
Cons:
- Many small pieces to track
- Lighter tackle may not suit all conditions
7. Plusinno Large 3 Layers Tackle Box
This 415-piece kit is another solid option for someone who wants a complete setup without going overboard. The three-layer design gives you room to organize by lure type, hook size, or water condition. The included pliers are basic but functional, and the crankbaits have held up well in my experience.
The box is compact enough to fit in a backpack or truck bed without taking over all your space. I have used similar kits for weekend trips, and they handle the basics well. You will eventually replace some of the lures with your preferred brands, but this gives you a foundation to build from. While you're at it, take a look at our collapsible fishing rod. While you're at it, take a look at our fishing net.
Pros:
- Three layers provide good organization
- Includes essential tools like pliers
- Compact but spacious design
- Durable construction holds up over time
Cons:
- Still a lot of pieces for absolute beginners
- Some lures may duplicate
How to Pick the Right One
- Start simple if you are brand new. A single-tray or small multi-tray box keeps you from getting overwhelmed. You can always upgrade later.
- Consider how you will carry it. Lightweight boxes are easier to transport, but heavier ones usually have more durable construction and hold more gear.
- Look for included tackle that matches your fishing style. Freshwater bass kits are different from general kits. Make sure the lures and hooks fit the fish you are targeting.
- Check the compartment layout. Removable trays and adjustable dividers make it easier to customize storage as you learn what you use most.
- Think about durability. Cheap plastic cracks and latches break. Spend a little more for a box that will last multiple seasons.
- Avoid kits with hundreds of pieces unless you are ready to sort and organize. More is not always better when you are learning.
Bottom Line
Start with a tackle box that matches your commitment level. If you are testing the waters, grab the single-tray Wakeman kit. If you know you will fish regularly, the Plano 3-tray or Plusinno 137-piece kits give you room to grow without burying you in options. For related gear, check out our camping cooler for your catch.
