Tackle Boxes & Trays: Utility Box Sizing Matrix

Anglers often wonder what 3400, 3500, 3600, and 3700 numbers actually designate. These are the universally recognized footprint standards pioneered by Plano, Flambeau, and Meiho, dictating the interior dimensions of tackle bags and bass boat center lockers.

1. Footprint & Depth Dimensions Matrix

Series DesignationFootprint Dimensions (L x W)Depth / Height ProfileTypical Tackle AllocationPrimary Packing Environment
3400 / 3440 (Micro)6.5" x 3.75" (16.5 x 9.5 cm)1.1" (2.8 cm)Terminal split rings, swivels, bullet weights, beadsWading vest chest pockets, glove box
3500 (Compact)9.1" x 5.0" (23.2 x 12.7 cm)1.25" (3.2 cm)Small 5-8cm minnows, finesse jigs, micro spoonsSling bags, waist fanny packs
3600 (Mid-Size Benchmark)10.8" x 7.2" (27.5 x 18.3 cm)Standard 1.75" / Deep 2.75"Jerkbaits, standard cranks, spinnerbaitsAll-round daypacks, co-angler packs, kayaks
3700 (Pro Tournament Standard)14.0" x 9.1" (35.6 x 23.2 cm)Standard 2.0" / Thin 1.3"Full-sized hard baits, tournament jig collectionsBass boat center lockers, heavy boat duffels
3700 Deep / XL14.0" x 9.1" (35.6 x 23.2 cm)Extra Deep 3.25" – 4.0"Deep-diving 10XD cranks, 8-12" glide baitsBoat center locker wells, trophy storage

2. Slim vs Standard vs Deep Profiles

  • Slim/Thin Trays (1.2-1.3" depth): Maximize packing density by 66% for flat terminal tackle, EWG hooks, dropshot weights, and thin flutter spoons;
  • Deep Trays (3.25-4.0" depth): Prevent massive diving bills (e.g. 10XD) and tall glide baits from being crushed or bent by compressed box lids.

Top 10 in four markets

United States

  1. Plano ProLatch StowAway 3500 Utility Box (Model 23500-00) — $5.99 USD / $7.99 CAD. The industry baseline 3500 footprint (9.13"x5.0"x1.25") with 5-9 adjustable compartments.
  2. Plano Edge 3500 Waterproof Terminal Box — $19.99 USD / $26.99 CAD. Dri-Loc O-ring waterproof seal with Rustrictor VCI rust prevention and one-handed cam latch.
  3. Meiho Versus VS-3010ND Compact Utility Case — ¥1,100 JPY / $9.5 USD. Japanese precision engineering (205x145x40mm) with micro-adjust dividers and polyacetal latches.
  4. Meiho Versus Slit Foam Case F-7 — ¥1,400 JPY / $12 USD. Pre-cut high-density slit EVA foam interior keeps single hooks and treble points perfectly separated.
  5. Flambeau Zerust Tuff Tainer 3003 (3500 Size) — $6.49 USD / $8.99 CAD. Infused with patented Zerust VCI polymer that emits invisible vapor to stop hook rust for 5+ years.
  6. Gamakatsu G-Box 3500 Pocket Utility Case — $10.99 USD / $14.99 CAD. High-impact copolymer construction with curved interior compartment corners for easy terminal grab.
  7. Cabela's Utility Tackle Box 3500 ProLatch — $5.49 USD / $7.49 CAD. Rugged budget workhorse with secure snap latches and customizable dividers.
  8. Daiwa Multi-Case 205MD Compact Tackle Box — ¥1,350 JPY / $11 USD. One-touch red latch with clean grooved partitions designed to slide into compact tackle packs.
  9. Shimano Lure Case 3010 Smoke Lid — ¥1,450 JPY / $12 USD. Smoke tint polycarbonate lid with longitudinal lure channels that prevent plug shaking.
  10. HanDing 汉鼎便携双面多格路亚收纳盒 (HanDing Double-Sided Finesse Box) — ¥18 CNY / $2.8 USD. V-shaped triangular groove design stores lures on both sides without tangled hooks.

Canada

  1. Plano ProLatch StowAway 3500 Utility Box (Model 23500-00) — $5.99 USD / $7.99 CAD. The industry baseline 3500 footprint (9.13"x5.0"x1.25") with 5-9 adjustable compartments.
  2. Plano Edge 3500 Waterproof Terminal Box — $19.99 USD / $26.99 CAD. Dri-Loc O-ring waterproof seal with Rustrictor VCI rust prevention and one-handed cam latch.
  3. Meiho Versus VS-3010ND Compact Utility Case — ¥1,100 JPY / $9.5 USD. Japanese precision engineering (205x145x40mm) with micro-adjust dividers and polyacetal latches.
  4. Meiho Versus Slit Foam Case F-7 — ¥1,400 JPY / $12 USD. Pre-cut high-density slit EVA foam interior keeps single hooks and treble points perfectly separated.
  5. Flambeau Zerust Tuff Tainer 3003 (3500 Size) — $6.49 USD / $8.99 CAD. Infused with patented Zerust VCI polymer that emits invisible vapor to stop hook rust for 5+ years.
  6. Gamakatsu G-Box 3500 Pocket Utility Case — $10.99 USD / $14.99 CAD. High-impact copolymer construction with curved interior compartment corners for easy terminal grab.
  7. Cabela's Utility Tackle Box 3500 ProLatch — $5.49 USD / $7.49 CAD. Rugged budget workhorse with secure snap latches and customizable dividers.
  8. Daiwa Multi-Case 205MD Compact Tackle Box — ¥1,350 JPY / $11 USD. One-touch red latch with clean grooved partitions designed to slide into compact tackle packs.
  9. Shimano Lure Case 3010 Smoke Lid — ¥1,450 JPY / $12 USD. Smoke tint polycarbonate lid with longitudinal lure channels that prevent plug shaking.
  10. HanDing 汉鼎便携双面多格路亚收纳盒 (HanDing Double-Sided Finesse Box) — ¥18 CNY / $2.8 USD. V-shaped triangular groove design stores lures on both sides without tangled hooks.

Japan

  1. Meiho Versus VS-3010ND Compact Utility Case — ¥1,100 JPY / $9.5 USD. Japanese precision engineering (205x145x40mm) with micro-adjust dividers and polyacetal latches.
  2. Meiho Versus Slit Foam Case F-7 — ¥1,400 JPY / $12 USD. Pre-cut high-density slit EVA foam interior keeps single hooks and treble points perfectly separated.
  3. Daiwa Multi-Case 205MD Compact Tackle Box — ¥1,350 JPY / $11 USD. One-touch red latch with clean grooved partitions designed to slide into compact tackle packs.
  4. Shimano Lure Case 3010 Smoke Lid — ¥1,450 JPY / $12 USD. Smoke tint polycarbonate lid with longitudinal lure channels that prevent plug shaking.
  5. Plano ProLatch StowAway 3500 Utility Box (Model 23500-00) — $5.99 USD / $7.99 CAD. The industry baseline 3500 footprint (9.13"x5.0"x1.25") with 5-9 adjustable compartments.
  6. Plano Edge 3500 Waterproof Terminal Box — $19.99 USD / $26.99 CAD. Dri-Loc O-ring waterproof seal with Rustrictor VCI rust prevention and one-handed cam latch.
  7. Flambeau Zerust Tuff Tainer 3003 (3500 Size) — $6.49 USD / $8.99 CAD. Infused with patented Zerust VCI polymer that emits invisible vapor to stop hook rust for 5+ years.
  8. Gamakatsu G-Box 3500 Pocket Utility Case — $10.99 USD / $14.99 CAD. High-impact copolymer construction with curved interior compartment corners for easy terminal grab.
  9. Cabela's Utility Tackle Box 3500 ProLatch — $5.49 USD / $7.49 CAD. Rugged budget workhorse with secure snap latches and customizable dividers.
  10. HanDing 汉鼎便携双面多格路亚收纳盒 (HanDing Double-Sided Finesse Box) — ¥18 CNY / $2.8 USD. V-shaped triangular groove design stores lures on both sides without tangled hooks.

China

  1. Meiho Versus VS-3010ND Compact Utility Case — ¥1,100 JPY / $9.5 USD. Japanese precision engineering (205x145x40mm) with micro-adjust dividers and polyacetal latches.
  2. Meiho Versus Slit Foam Case F-7 — ¥1,400 JPY / $12 USD. Pre-cut high-density slit EVA foam interior keeps single hooks and treble points perfectly separated.
  3. HanDing 汉鼎便携双面多格路亚收纳盒 (HanDing Double-Sided Finesse Box) — ¥18 CNY / $2.8 USD. V-shaped triangular groove design stores lures on both sides without tangled hooks.
  4. YuZhiYuan 渔之源磁吸微物配件盒 (YuZhiYuan Magnetic Finesse Box) — ¥25 CNY / $3.8 USD. Magnetic bottom plate keeps tiny hooks, swivels, and split rings firmly anchored during wind.
  5. Plano ProLatch StowAway 3500 Utility Box (Model 23500-00) — $5.99 USD / $7.99 CAD. The industry baseline 3500 footprint (9.13"x5.0"x1.25") with 5-9 adjustable compartments.
  6. Plano Edge 3500 Waterproof Terminal Box — $19.99 USD / $26.99 CAD. Dri-Loc O-ring waterproof seal with Rustrictor VCI rust prevention and one-handed cam latch.
  7. Flambeau Zerust Tuff Tainer 3003 (3500 Size) — $6.49 USD / $8.99 CAD. Infused with patented Zerust VCI polymer that emits invisible vapor to stop hook rust for 5+ years.
  8. Daiwa Multi-Case 205MD Compact Tackle Box — ¥1,350 JPY / $11 USD. One-touch red latch with clean grooved partitions designed to slide into compact tackle packs.
  9. Shimano Lure Case 3010 Smoke Lid — ¥1,450 JPY / $12 USD. Smoke tint polycarbonate lid with longitudinal lure channels that prevent plug shaking.
  10. Gamakatsu G-Box 3500 Pocket Utility Case — $10.99 USD / $14.99 CAD. High-impact copolymer construction with curved interior compartment corners for easy terminal grab.

Specialty Lure & Swimbait Trays →

Tackle Boxes & Trays

From 3400 micro terminal utility trays to 3700 deep swimbait boxes: sizing standards, specialized lure holders, waterproof seals, and anti-rust technologies.

  1. Utility Box Sizing Matrix
  2. Specialty Lure & Swimbait Trays
  3. Waterproof Seals & VCI Rust Proofing
  4. Zero-Migration Dividers & Boat Storage

Tackle Boxes & Trays