Most anglers have purchased the Plano StowAway tackle box without even knowing its name. You know when youre walking around a Bass Pro or Walmart and grab one of those cheap, clear plastic boxes with dividers connected by little tabs? Thats a Plano StowAway or a knockoff of it.

　　I cant remember a time I didnt see them on shelves in my favorite fishing aisle or shop. Theyre a cheap, easy storage option and are nifty for all sorts of things. In 2025, Plano released an updated version, which was long overdue.

　　The most recent improvements include updated divider tabs, a new latch, and a rust inhibitor system. I wanted to test whether these upgrades really made a difference or were just cosmetic changes.

　　In short: Planos updates to the iconic StowAway tackle box give it increased functionality. With more slots for dividers, you can customize the box more than in past models. The new tabs lock in, preventing hook migration between compartments. Anglers also dont need to worry about losing tackle to rust with the inclusion of Rustrictor, a rust prevention system. To top it off, Plano kept it at the exact same retail price, making it inflation-proof, like the Costco hot dog and AriZona iced tea.

　　Plano StowAway Tackle Box Check Price at Bass Pro Shops

　　Specifications Size: Multiple sizes available Latch: Single latch with label Compartments: Adjustable with removable tabs Waterproof: Waterproof and non-waterproof options available Pros Price Rust inhibitor Highly customizable Secure single latch New tabs prevent hook migration Cons Not ideal for treble hook baits Divider tabs can be tough to insert correctly Morgan Nowels Plano StowAway Tackle Box Review

　　(Photo/Morgan Nowels) Ive found that rust attacks different hooks in different ways, and some are more easily corroded than others. To test the Rustrictor, I put a new pack of thin wire VMC Neko hooks, heavy-gauge EWG hooks, Ned rig jigheads, and an already-rusted old crankbait into the box. Then, I poured water into it and closed it up. I assumed the rust from the old crankbait would spread like wildfire.

　　After four days, no rust was on any of the new hooks. The rust on the crankbait didnt seem to grow, and there were two spots where rust stuck to the bottom of the tackle box under the crankbait. So, it appears that the Rustrictor does its job, at least for a short period of time. If you leave water in your box for longer than 4 days, youre just being irresponsible.

　　Plano StowAway Tackle Box Review: What I Dont Like The only thing I dont like about these boxes is how poorly they store treble-hook baits. Because the box is so thin, you cant put many crankbaits or jerkbaits in one slot, and when you do put multiple baits in a slot, the hooks will get massively tangled. There are better options for storing those baits.

　　Its best to keep this box limited to storing terminal tackle, single-hooked baits like jigs, and soft plastics.

　　Will I Be Upgrading My Old Boxes? With the new changes, I will update all of my Plano StowAway tackle boxes to the new version. The new tab system alone is enough reason to make the switch, and the price has stayed the exact same: the 3700 size retails for $10. At that low cost, its easy to justify upgrading all of my StowAways to a better system.

　　Theyre available in waterproof and non-waterproof versions and in a variety of sizes. If youre looking for a simple yet functional tackle box for everything besides treble-hooked baits, the new Plano StowAway is the answer.

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