Plano 3600 SoftSider Tackle Bag Review: Ultimate Fishing Tackle Organization

Are you tired of wrestling with cluttered tackle boxes and searching endlessly for the right lure? The Plano 3600 SoftSider Tackle Bag revolutionizes fishing gear organization. This isn't your grandfather's tackle bag; it's a customizable, modular system designed for efficiency and convenience. With its innovative ProLatch system, multiple compartments, and dedicated spaces for everything from lures to pliers, this bag ensures you'll always have the right gear at your fingertips.From its camouflage pattern to a range of colors, the Plano 3600 offers both style and functionality. This comprehensive review delves into the bag's impressive features, highlighting its superior storage capacity, interchangeable trays, and thoughtful design elements that cater to anglers of all experience levels and fishing styles. Discover why the Plano 3600 SoftSider Tackle Bag is the ultimate solution for keeping your fishing gear organized and readily accessible, no matter the fishing adventure.

Read more: 5 Best Small Fishing Tackle Boxes for Anglers

Ample Storage and Customizable Organization

The Plano 3600 SoftSider Tackle Bag boasts exceptional storage capacity, surpassing traditional tackle boxes. Its modular design allows for easy customization, enabling anglers to tailor the bag to their specific needs. The four ProLatch doorways provide quick access to essential gear, making it perfect for impromptu fishing trips.

Overall view of the Plano 3600 SoftSider Tackle Bag
Overall view of the Plano 3600 SoftSider Tackle Bag

The camouflage pattern is visually appealing, but the bag also comes in a range of colors such as orange, brown, blue, and black, allowing for personalization. This versatility caters to a diverse range of anglers and preferences.

Close-up of the ProLatch doorways
Close-up of the ProLatch doorways

Beyond the main compartments, the bag features numerous smaller pockets and organizers. This strategic design allows for efficient storage of various tackle items, ensuring everything is neatly organized and readily accessible.

Showcase of different color options
Showcase of different color options

Convenient Interchangeable Tackle Trays

One of the most innovative features is the interchangeable ProLatch system. This allows anglers to swap out tackle trays quickly, making it simple to switch between different fishing styles or target species. Need to go bass fishing after a quick call from a friend? Just swap trays – no need for extensive reorganization.

Demonstrating the speed of swapping out the ProLatch trays
Demonstrating the speed of swapping out the ProLatch trays

This streamlined approach saves valuable time and minimizes frustration, particularly when time is of the essence. Instead of rummaging through a cluttered tackle box, anglers can quickly access the necessary gear with this modular system.

Highlighting the ease of removing and replacing trays
Highlighting the ease of removing and replacing trays

The interchangeability also allows for specialized tray setups for various types of fishing, enhancing efficiency and convenience regardless of the fishing scenario.

Showing different tackle boxes for comparison
Showing different tackle boxes for comparison

Dedicated Storage for Accessories and Essentials

The Plano 3600 SoftSider Tackle Bag isn't just about lure storage; it incorporates dedicated spaces for essential accessories. The front pocket, equipped with binders for bait jars, perfectly accommodates products like Gulp and PowerBait.

Showing the front pocket with bait jars and tools
Showing the front pocket with bait jars and tools

Additional pockets provide space for pliers, cutters, and other small tools. A small latch also provides a secure spot for keys, ensuring everything is kept organized and readily available.

Inside the front pocket showing pliers and cutters
Inside the front pocket showing pliers and cutters

Other pockets are designed for larger items like maps or even smaller stowaway boxes, effectively utilizing every inch of space available. The versatility in storage size ensures that all essential equipment can be carried comfortably.

Small knife in the front pocket
Small knife in the front pocket

External Features and Additional Storage

The bag features a sizable side pocket perfect for soft plastics like Ripple Sheds, ideal for bass or crappie fishing. A map pocket conveniently protects important navigational tools, although additional waterproofing may be needed for extreme conditions.

Side pocket with soft plastics
Side pocket with soft plastics

Another external pocket with a key clip provides more storage. This pocket can comfortably hold a smaller Plano Stowaway box, offering even more organization options. A unique top-mounted zippered pouch is perfect for documents such as boat registrations.

External pocket with a stowaway box
External pocket with a stowaway box

A large net or stringer can be attached to the back via Velcro straps. While a bucket is recommended for keeping fish fresh, the stringer is an excellent alternative for quick trips or when a bucket is unavailable.

Net attached to the back
Net attached to the back

Size Options and Final Verdict

The Plano 3600 SoftSider Tackle Bag is available in 3500, 3600, and 3700 series, catering to various storage needs. The 3600 series, reviewed here, offers a great balance of space and portability. The larger 3700 is ideal for anglers with extensive tackle collections.

Size comparison of the 3500, 3600, and 3700 series
Size comparison of the 3500, 3600, and 3700 series

The 3600 series is particularly well-suited for storing larger lures like crankbaits and Rapalas. The generous pockets accommodate longer items without cramping, providing excellent organization. The smaller 3500 is a good option for younger anglers or those with less tackle.

Showing the spaciousness of the 3600 series for crankbaits
Showing the spaciousness of the 3600 series for crankbaits

Overall, the Plano 3600 SoftSider Tackle Bag is a highly recommended product for any angler seeking a convenient, customizable, and highly organized way to transport and store their fishing gear. Its modular design and plentiful storage options make it a valuable addition to any fishing arsenal.

Final shot of the 3600 series bag
Final shot of the 3600 series bag