I don't have a boat or any way to go out I to the water so I would like a way to carry all my stuff with me when I'm not sure exactly what to bring and it's a new spot.

 

Currently I have an Okeechobee backpack. I'm able to (very tightly) fit 5, 3600 boxes. Which is an issue cause I need more. But my biggest issue is the front pouch doesn't allow me to expand on my soft plastic collection or terminal tackle. 

 I do plan on keeping that pack to bring small amounts of stuff to places where I know exactly what I'll be using so I won't have to lug around a larger backpack.

But I want a "mothership" storage bag I can take as well. 

 

Right now I'm debating two different bags, but I keep seeing reviews saying certain straps, seams, buckles, or zippers are breaking/ripping.

And I really want something that will last me a long time cause I don't want to spend $100+ on something for it to just break after a few months to a year. 

 

My first one, in no particular order, is the Evolution drift series 3700 backpack. I really like the look of this bag and the fact that there is a large space up top to put things as well as spaces on the sides. And that spooling storage area is a good selling point as well. Love that it has two rod holders too. 

But I've heard of buckles breaking, seams coming undone, as well as poor customer support in some cases (Same as the other bag as well).

 

The second one which I really love is the Plano guide series 3700 XL. I heard it digs into your back when you wear it like a backpack, but I went to the store to try it out and it honestly wasn't bad for me. Heavy for an empty bag, yes, but it wasn't that bad. Although maybe after loading it up it gets bad? I don't know. Even then I think it would be fine if adjusted right.

But I love that it fits 7, 3700 boxes, 3, 3600s on the sides, and has rod holders.

No direct spooling storage but it's not that big of a deal. That's just an extra on the evolution bag.

That magnetic top is also very nice for fishing on piers and docks. I can already see applications for that in my fishing trips. 

For soft plastic storage I can just take out one or two of the 3600 boxes and use that. 

 

What would you guys say is the best buy? I really want to get a quality product and something I won't have to change out like this Okeechobee bag (which has served me well, no hate on this bag) due to my growing collection.

>>>https://www.bassresource.com/fishing/tackle-bag-buyers-guide.html

Either a sling bag or a backpack. It will depend on how much tackle you are carrying.  I have a few different styles of the Kastking line of bags.

As a fellow bank angler I’ve been in your shoes. My advice is to leave the bulk of your tackle at home or in the car. I suggest building a ‘day box’ based on the place/time/conditions you are fishing. If you’re anything like me, you know the areas you fish pretty well so you know what to expect. 
 

I suggest having a smallish terminal box, a single 3700 for hard baits, and a variety of soft plastics in a simplified color selection. 
 

If you’re around fish they’ll bite something you’ve got. 

I have the guide series in both large and XL.  I started with the large in the kayak and moved to the XL for a year or two.  If you’re going to carry it around a lot, then it’s pretty big and heavy. The Large is better, but is shoulder strap only.  I can say that my XL with 7 +3 boxes (none had terminal weights either, that stayed in the boat) was a solid 40lb.  If you are walking in to an area on the bank and camping out for a while then that’s not bad.  If you’re continually moving around the lake it will add up.  You don’t have to stuff it as full as I did of course, but it’s big.  the large size still fits 5+1 plus two side pockets for plastics.  I’d have to check but if you already have 3600 size boxes I think you could fit 7 standing on end in the main compartment instead of 3700s.  

 

Either way, if you’re interested in a used one for cut price then PM me.  Since I got the boat I emptied them and only use them to store leftover Plano boxes (with lures) in the basement.  

I too carry a 'day box' to the pond and leave my big tackle bag at home. I carry mine in a lap top computer bag that has some pockets and a front zipper pocket to carry some bags of plastics etc.. It has a shoulder strap to carry it on my shoulder. I got tired of toting that big bag to the pond. This way I can carry what I know the fish normally bite and if I get skunked I just chalk it up to "there's always tomorrow". JMHO

23 hours ago, greentrout said:

>>>https://www.bassresource.com/fishing/tackle-bag-buyers-guide.html

I checked that out and all of those options still put me at square 1. Plus I've already narrowed it down to two that I love. But I'm jud trying to hear people's opinions between those two bags.

BUT, if someone has a recommendation on a bag that fits close to the same amount or more as the two i have listed, that is better, I would love to hear about it!

I appreciate the link though!

23 hours ago, ike8120 said:

Either a sling bag or a backpack. It will depend on how much tackle you are carrying.  I have a few different styles of the Kastking line of bags.

I've seen those kastking bags! They're pretty cool but from the ones I've seen they still only fit up to 4, 3600s...

Some places I go fishing, I'm fishing for multiple species that range from fresh to salt due to brackish conditions. So I take quite a bit with me and each thing can target multiple species (normally)

23 hours ago, jdr99a said:

As a fellow bank angler I’ve been in your shoes. My advice is to leave the bulk of your tackle at home or in the car. I suggest building a ‘day box’ based on the place/time/conditions you are fishing. If you’re anything like me, you know the areas you fish pretty well so you know what to expect. 
 

I suggest having a smallish terminal box, a single 3700 for hard baits, and a variety of soft plastics in a simplified color selection. 
 

If you’re around fish they’ll bite something you’ve got. 

1 minute ago, VTFan said:

I too carry a 'day box' to the pond and leave my big tackle bag at home. I carry mine in a lap top computer bag that has some pockets and a front zipper pocket to carry some bags of plastics etc.. It has a shoulder strap to carry it on my shoulder. I got tired of toting that big bag to the pond. This way I can carry what I know the fish normally bite and if I get skunked I just chalk it up to "there's always tomorrow". JMHO

Yeah, I totally get the convenience of doing that. That's why I brought up the point of using my current backpack as a day bag, but still getting a "mothership" bag to bring with me when I don't know the area we'll and I'm learning what exactly to use. Im also unable to fish often at this time, so I'd like to bring all my stuff with me, or at least as much as I can sometimes, so I can cover a lot of ground.

 

22 hours ago, casts_by_fly said:

I have the guide series in both large and XL.  I started with the large in the kayak and moved to the XL for a year or two.  If you’re going to carry it around a lot, then it’s pretty big and heavy. The Large is better, but is shoulder strap only.  I can say that my XL with 7 +3 boxes (none had terminal weights either, that stayed in the boat) was a solid 40lb.  If you are walking in to an area on the bank and camping out for a while then that’s not bad.  If you’re continually moving around the lake it will add up.  You don’t have to stuff it as full as I did of course, but it’s big.  the large size still fits 5+1 plus two side pockets for plastics.  I’d have to check but if you already have 3600 size boxes I think you could fit 7 standing on end in the main compartment instead of 3700s. 

Thank you for commenting about the XL on this! Appreciate it!

Yeah, usually I'm just walking to get to a point and setting it down for a while. Maybe switching points here and there. Wouldnt be too bad for me. Walk to a point, fish for about 30 minutes, then switch spots on the lake/pond depending on how large the lake/pond/river bank is.

 

That does sound heavy to lug around though. Definitely something to consider... 

 

How has the quality of the bag been, though? Has it held up nicely? Do the straps still feel sturdy?

22 hours ago, casts_by_fly said:

Either way, if you’re interested in a used one for cut price then PM me.  Since I got the boat I emptied them and only use them to store leftover Plano boxes (with lures) in the basement.  

I appreciate the offer! That's very generous, but I should be ok! Thank you so much!

I also recommend a big bag in truck and small deal when walking. That's what I do. I have a kastking sling bag and don't love it. It has had multiple failures and also doesn't have a great layout for me. 

I may try the fanny pack style next as it looks easier to access while fishing And I prefer a minimal setup but would like to have two or three bags of plastics, a few jigs and a little terminal tackle with me. So for me I think this could be the deal .

1 hour ago, FishTax said:

I also recommend a big bag in truck and small deal when walking. That's what I do. I have a kastking sling bag and don't love it. It has had multiple failures and also doesn't have a great layout for me. 

I may try the fanny pack style next as it looks easier to access while fishing And I prefer a minimal setup but would like to have two or three bags of plastics, a few jigs and a little terminal tackle with me. So for me I think this could be the deal .

That may be a good idea! But I don't think it would work too well for me personally.

I found this awesome bag by accident today:

https://a.co/d/5cT4TI4

 

But it is kastking, so I'm concerned about quality lol. 

25 minutes ago, Rocky998 said:

That may be a good idea! But I don't think it would work too well for me personally.

I found this awesome bag by accident today:

https://a.co/d/5cT4TI4

 

But it is kastking, so I'm concerned about quality lol. 

That is very interesting. Personally I wouldn't want something that large and don't carry many rods, but I'm the right situation that would be cool to have. 

 

Kast King quality isn't terrible and I'm hard on my gear. I do think other brands are much more durable though. 

When I bank fished I carried my stuff in a 5 gallon bucket with a lid.  I could even use it as a chair if I wanted to.

3 hours ago, Rocky998 said:

I checked that out and all of those options still put me at square 1. Plus I've already narrowed it down to two that I love. But I'm jud trying to hear people's opinions between those two bags.

BUT, if someone has a recommendation on a bag that fits close to the same amount or more as the two i have listed, that is better, I would love to hear about it!

I appreciate the link though!

I've seen those kastking bags! They're pretty cool but from the ones I've seen they still only fit up to 4, 3600s...

Some places I go fishing, I'm fishing for multiple species that range from fresh to salt due to brackish conditions. So I take quite a bit with me and each thing can target multiple species (normally)

Yeah, I totally get the convenience of doing that. That's why I brought up the point of using my current backpack as a day bag, but still getting a "mothership" bag to bring with me when I don't know the area we'll and I'm learning what exactly to use. Im also unable to fish often at this time, so I'd like to bring all my stuff with me, or at least as much as I can sometimes, so I can cover a lot of ground.

 

Thank you for commenting about the XL on this! Appreciate it!

Yeah, usually I'm just walking to get to a point and setting it down for a while. Maybe switching points here and there. Wouldnt be too bad for me. Walk to a point, fish for about 30 minutes, then switch spots on the lake/pond depending on how large the lake/pond/river bank is.

 

That does sound heavy to lug around though. Definitely something to consider... 

 

How has the quality of the bag been, though? Has it held up nicely? Do the straps still feel sturdy?

I appreciate the offer! That's very generous, but I should be ok! Thank you so much!

held up well. My large I bought new and it looks new. The xl I bought lightly used and the only thing wrong is that it’s faded a little. 

2 hours ago, FishTax said:

That is very interesting. Personally I wouldn't want something that large and don't carry many rods, but I'm the right situation that would be cool to have. 

 

Kast King quality isn't terrible and I'm hard on my gear. I do think other brands are much more durable though. 

Yeah. Might stay away from that then... I do have the kastking centron spinning reel, though and its actually not bad... Just a broken drag clicker but that was actually my fault. I was being stupid 😂

Thanks for your input!