Plano vs Spoon Box vs UV Tackle Box: Which Is Best for Salmon Fishing?

Plano vs Spoon Box vs UV Tackle Box: Which Is Best for Salmon Fishing?

If you're serious about salmon fishing on the Great Lakes, your tackle storage matters more than you think.

Most anglers start with a Plano box or a generic tackle tray. Over time, many upgrade to spoon-specific boxes. And recently, newer options like UV charging tackle boxes have entered the market.

So what’s actually the best option?

Let’s break it down.

Plano Boxes: The Starting Point

Plano boxes are everywhere — and for good reason. They’re affordable, widely available, and work well for general fishing gear.

For salmon trolling, though, they have limitations.

Pros:

  • Easy to find
  • Affordable
  • Decent for basic storage

Cons:

  • Not designed for trolling spoons
  • Treble hooks tangle easily
  • Compartments aren’t sized for larger lures
  • Limited visibility when fully loaded

Plano boxes are a solid starting point — but most anglers outgrow them quickly when running full trolling spreads.

Spoon Boxes: A Step Up

Spoon boxes are designed specifically for trolling spoons, which makes a big difference.

They typically offer individual slots and better organization.

Pros:

  • Better separation for spoons
  • Less tangling compared to generic boxes
  • Easier to organize by color or size

Cons:

  • Still limited depending on design
  • Not all account for hook clearance
  • No additional functionality beyond storage

For many anglers, spoon boxes are a noticeable upgrade from Plano. But they still don’t solve every problem — especially when it comes to efficiency and prep time.

UV Charging Tackle Boxes: The Modern Upgrade

UV charging tackle boxes take things a step further by combining storage with functionality.

Instead of just organizing your gear, they also help prepare it.

Pros:

  • Organized, tangle-free storage
  • Built for trolling spoons and full setups
  • Charge glow lures evenly and efficiently
  • Saves time before and during fishing

Cons:

  • Higher upfront cost
  • Newer concept for some anglers

The biggest advantage is efficiency. Instead of charging each lure individually with a flashlight, everything is ready at once.

👉 Check out our UV Charging Tackle Box here:
UV CHARGING TACKLE BOX

Why This Matters on the Water

When you're trolling for salmon, small inefficiencies add up.

  • Time spent untangling gear = missed opportunities
  • Slow lure changes = lost momentum
  • Poor organization = second-guessing decisions

The right storage system removes those problems.

So Which One Should You Choose?

  • Plano boxes are fine for beginners or general use
  • Spoon boxes are better for dedicated trolling setups
  • UV charging tackle boxes are built for anglers who want efficiency, organization, and performance

If you’re running a serious salmon trolling setup, your storage system should keep up.

Final Thoughts

The best tackle box isn’t just about holding your gear — it’s about helping you fish more effectively.

Great Lakes salmon fishing rewards preparation and speed.

If your current setup is slowing you down, it might be time for an upgrade.

👉 Explore our Trolling Spoon Box collection built for salmon anglers:
TROLLING SPOON BOX UPGRADE

 

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