Preparing for a fishing trip means different things to different anglers. Some may fill the truck and boat with gas. Others may pack their tackle and lunch for themselves and their buddy, whose boat they'll use. But for shore anglers, it’s culling down to only the tackle and gear they'll need for the day ahead, making it easy to carry and access. There’s ground to cover, and a cumbersome tacklebox or hefty backpack will only slow them down.
Shore anglers have specific needs when it comes to tackle transportation. It must be lightweight but sturdy and easy to carry, preferably slung over one or both shoulders. It must be out of the way while walking and fishing but immediately accessible when changing conditions require a tackle adjustment.
While any bag will work, technically, the best ones increase an angler's efficiency, which ensures a good fishing day. Those bags share characteristics, including:
- Storage: Organization is key to finding things quickly and only bringing what you need. A single pouch acts like a black hole, sucking in way too much stuff. You want a pocket for each type of item, from small resealable bags of sinkers to larger plastic utility boxes filled with hard baits.
- Toughness: Reaching some of the best shore spots requires walking through brush and brambles, their branches, and, in some cases, thorns, scratching at you and your gear. So, the best bags are made from rugged material that’s at least water resistant.
- Comfort: Straps need to be wide, contoured, and padded. They should be adjustable so the bag rides at the perfect spot for every angler. Ergonomic backs are helpful. Zipper pulls need to be easy to grab, even if you’re wearing gloves.
- Compact: A bag must strike the perfect balance — big enough to carry what you need but not all you want. That keeps it from catching on trees, brush, fences, and other obstacles anglers cross while walking to their fishing spots or being so heavy that they’re tempted to leave it behind.
While these characteristics are non-negotiable, the ways they are applied are numerous. Shore anglers can choose between single-strap sling packs, for example, and traditional double-strap backpacks. Compartments vary in size, holding several plastic utility boxes or just a few. And there's always a budget to consider. These four bags tick all the boxes, each in a unique way.
Catch Outdoors Weekender Angler Backpack
This bag has all the features and durability you want at a fraction of the cost of more expensive ones. That leaves plenty left over to buy a few more lures and snacks on your way to your favorite fishing hole.
The details
- Material: Water-resistant nylon-polyester mix
- Size: 16 inches tall, 12 inches wide
- Pockets: 9 storage pockets, 5 zippered
- Hard box capacity: Three to four, 3600-size utility boxes
- MSRP: $45.99
- Website: catchoutdoors.com
Want to carry a bit of everything but not feel weighed down? Then, Catch Outdoor's Weekender Angler Back Pack is your tackle bag. Water-resistant and compact, it's perfect for sneaking into your favorite honey hole and doubles as a boat bag when you get an invite from your buddy. Its padded back makes it comfortable to wear as a traditional backpack or a sling pack with the straps zippered closed.
This pack sports nine pockets, five of which close with a zipper. The large central pocket holds as many as four 3600-size utility boxes. The smaller pockets are perfect for separating your other gear, whether that’s bags of soft-plastic lures, hooks, or spools of line. It also has 22 accessory slots and 12 rings.
Available in four colors — Black Mavrik, Digi Camo, Black Camo, and Green Camo — it has plenty of capacity for fishing-related items beyond tackle. It sports holders for a fishing rod, pliers, and drinks. And there's a pocket for your sunglasses. Use one of the two pull ties on the back to secure a folded rain jacket whenever the forecast says you might need one later.
EGO Kryptek Tackle Box Sling Pack
Don’t judge this bag by its small stature. It swallows enough gear to ensure you’re prepared for anything the bass and current conditions throw at you, all while not weighing or slowing down your efforts.
The details
- Material: 1000D nylon fabric with water-resistant PVC backing
- Size: 16 inches high, 11 inches wide, 9 inches deep
- Pockets: Main compartment, multiple storage pockets
- Hard box capacity: Three 3700-size utility boxes
- MSRP: $119.99
- Website: egofishing.com
The first of two single shoulder strap offerings on this list, EGO's Kryptek Tackle Box Sling Pack, is built on efficiency from the outside. Its backside has molle loops for attaching accessories and Velcro, where you can display your favorite patches—adjustable loops along one side, holster a rod and reel.
Easy-to-grab pulls open the pack’s compartments. Stow three utility boxes and additional gear in the main compartment, where integrated straps secure cargo. Two additional zippered pockets allow you to organize smaller items, such as bags of soft-plastic lures and hooks. The side pouch holds a water bottle, which is within easy reach while wearing the pack.
Built with nylon and water-resistant PVC backing and sporting a Department of Defense-tested Kryptek camouflage pattern, this sling pack fights through the toughest conditions, whether a downpour or thicket of shoreline bushes. Tighten the contoured padded shoulder strap and fish on.
Orvis Guide Sling Pack
Designed for fly anglers chasing trout, this single-strap bag is the perfect crossover for bass anglers wanting to travel light. Pack only what you need, and head to your most difficult-to-reach spots.
The details
- Material: 100% recycled CORDURA re/cor
- Size: 18.5 inches high, 12.5 inches wide, 7.5 inches deep
- Pockets: Large main pocket and small zippered pocket, both with internal features
- Hard box capacity: Two 3600-size boxes plus smaller ones
- MSRP: $159.00
- Website: orvis.com
The Orvis name is tied to quality gear that adds to outdoor adventures. While the Vermont-based company designs its fishing gear for fly anglers, certain pieces are perfect for anglers targeting bass with conventional gear. And its Guide Sling Pack is a prime example.
Weighing less than 2 pounds, made from 100% recycled CORDURA re/cor, and available in two colors, this pack is built to be worn across your left shoulder, freeing your right arm for casting. Its main storage pocket can handle a couple of 3600-size utility boxes, a lightweight rain jacket, and some snacks. Small internal zippered and mesh pockets organize smaller gear, including vehicle keys, a phone, and packages of hooks, sinkers, and baits. There’s even a pocket for a water bottle, which is held securely in place with an elastic retainer.
The details sell this pack. You'll enjoy the recessed tippet bar docking station if you often fish braid with a leader. It holds up to six small spools of leader material, putting different pound tests at your fingertips. And for anglers who use a net, the integrated storage puts the handle between the pack and your body, making it easy to grab during those often tense last moments of landing a big bass.
Plano Atlas Tackle Backpack
Tough on your equipment? Then this is your bag, an innovative combination of soft-sided flexibility and hard-box protection. Its strength doesn’t cripple its usefulness, including a host of pockets to organize tackle.
The details
- Material: EVA construction with a waterproof HDPE base
- Size: 18 inches high, 13 inches wide, 8 inches deep
- Pockets: Large main pocket and three smaller molded side pockets, each with internal zippered pockets
- Hard box capacity: Three 3700-size boxes
- MSRP: $219.99
- Website: planooutdoors.com
Shore fishing isn't all park-like settings with manicured landscaping. It's often bushwacking, where you fight through bushes, branches, and blowdowns to reach the perfect casting angle. And a little rain or sometimes snow isn't going to stop you. This bag ensures your gear gets there in one piece and is ready to fish.
The Atlas Tackle Backpack rises from a waterproof base molded from HDPE plastic. Its strong EVA panels offer protection. Inside, there's room for three 3700-size utility boxes. Molded side pockets and the center compartment's lid have zippered pockets for smaller items. And on the back, there's quick zippered access to water-resistant storage for your phone, small electronics, or other valuables; soaked wallets are a thing of the past.
Plano’s magnetic Dropzone creates a mobile workbench, keeping lures, tools, and other metallic items from getting lost in leaves, lawns, or other ground cover. It has molle loops to attach accessories, and a bungee rod holder allows you to carry a second outfit.
