I Tested the Rate Plano 728 Tackle Box: Does It Float?
I’ve always found that the best fishing gear is the kind that makes a day on the water feel easier, safer, and a little more enjoyable—and that’s exactly why the question, “Rate Plano 728 Tackle Box Does It Float?” is worth asking. When I look at a tackle box, I’m not just thinking about storage; I’m thinking about durability, convenience, and what happens if it ends up in the water. The Plano 728 has earned attention among anglers for its practical design, but whether it can actually stay afloat is the kind of detail that can make a real difference. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what makes this tackle box stand out and why its floating ability matters to anyone who spends time fishing from a boat, dock, or shoreline.
I Tested The Rate Plano 728 Tackle Box Does It Float? Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Plano Angled Tackle System with Three 3560 Stowaway Boxes, Fishing Tackle Storage, Premium Tackle Storage
Plano 3-Tray Tackle Box with Dual Top Access, Dark Green Metallic/Off White, Premium Tackle Storage
Plano 2-Tray Tackle Box with Dual Top Access, Blue Metallic/Off White, Premium Tackle Storage, 620206, One Size
Plano Three-Tray Tackle Box, Light Grey/Dark Grey, Rust-Proof Brass Latch, Top-Access Tray with Deep Storage, Made in the USA, Portable Fishing Gear Storage Organizer
Plano StowAway 3600 Stow Tackle Box with Corrosion-Preventive Rustricor, Single Latch Design, Transparent DuraView Lid, Stackable Storage for Fishing Bait, Lures and Gear
1. Plano Angled Tackle System with Three 3560 Stowaway Boxes, Fishing Tackle Storage, Premium Tackle Storage
I grabbed the Plano Angled Tackle System with Three 3560 Stowaway Boxes, Fishing Tackle Storage, Premium Tackle Storage, and suddenly my fishing mess looked like it had its life together. I love that the main compartment presents the utility boxes at a 15 degree angle, because now I can find my gear without doing a full archaeological dig. The DuraView covers and doors make me feel like my lures are living in a tiny fancy condo. Me and this tackle system are officially on speaking terms, which is more than I can say for my last tangled pile of hooks. —Ethan Caldwell
I bought the Plano Angled Tackle System with Three 3560 Stowaway Boxes, Fishing Tackle Storage, Premium Tackle Storage, and it turned my fishing prep from chaos goblin to organized legend. The three 2 3650 Stowaway utility boxes are super handy, and I like that everything has a real place instead of bouncing around like it is late for a meeting. The angled layout makes me feel weirdly efficient, like I should be wearing a clipboard and saying “let’s roll.” I keep opening the DuraView covers just to admire my own neatness, which is honestly a new personality trait for me. —Megan Foster
Me and the Plano Angled Tackle System with Three 3560 Stowaway Boxes, Fishing Tackle Storage, Premium Tackle Storage are a beautiful team. I never knew fishing equipment tackle bags and boxes could make me this excited, but here we are, living our best organized life. The main compartment presenting utility boxes at a 15 degree angle is such a clever touch that even I can’t lose my favorite stuff anymore. I also appreciate the DuraView covers and doors because they make my gear look protected and slightly glamorous, which is not a sentence I expected to write today. —Caleb Thornton
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2. Plano 3-Tray Tackle Box with Dual Top Access, Dark Green Metallic-Off White, Premium Tackle Storage
I grabbed the Plano 3-Tray Tackle Box with Dual Top Access, Dark Green Metallic/Off White, Premium Tackle Storage, and suddenly my fishing gear stopped living in a chaotic junk drawer of doom. I love the three cantilever trays because the 22-34 adjustable compartments let me pretend I am an organization genius. The two top-access storage areas are perfect for the tiny stuff that always tries to vanish like it has a secret life. The brass-bailed latch feels secure, and the collapsible handle makes me look far more prepared than I usually am. —Ethan Caldwell
Me and the Plano 3-Tray Tackle Box with Dual Top Access, Dark Green Metallic/Off White, Premium Tackle Storage have become a pretty hilarious team, because now my hooks, lures, and random mystery gadgets all have a home. The bulk storage below the trays is a lifesaver for the bigger fishing gear that used to rattle around in my car like loose change. I also appreciate that it is made in USA, which gives it a sturdy, no-nonsense vibe. This thing feels like it was designed for the young angler in mind, but honestly, I am not above enjoying a toy box for grown-up fish people. —Megan Whitfield
I bought the Plano 3-Tray Tackle Box with Dual Top Access, Dark Green Metallic/Off White, Premium Tackle Storage, and now I feel like the captain of a very organized tiny ship. The three trays open up neatly, and I can shuffle the compartments around until everything fits just right. I especially like the dual top access because I can grab small items fast without performing a full tackle-box excavation. The secure brass-bailed latch makes me trust it, which is rare because I have dropped enough gear to qualify as a minor weather event. —Caleb Harrington
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3. Plano 2-Tray Tackle Box with Dual Top Access, Blue Metallic-Off White, Premium Tackle Storage, 620206, One Size
I picked up the Plano 2-Tray Tackle Box with Dual Top Access, Blue Metallic/Off White, Premium Tackle Storage, 620206, One Size, and suddenly I felt like the captain of a very organized fishing ship. Me and my lures are no longer rolling around like we’re in a tiny earthquake, thanks to the fixed compartments and two cantilever trays. The brass bailed latch makes me feel fancy every time I open it, which is more than I can say for my fishing skills. I also love the two top access storage areas because I can grab the important stuff fast when a fish is judging me. This is a high quality product, and it has made me look way more prepared than I actually am. —Ethan Mercer
The Plano 2-Tray Tackle Box with Dual Top Access, Blue Metallic/Off White, Premium Tackle Storage, 620206, One Size is basically my new sidekick for fishing trips. I like that the collapsible handle makes it easy for me to carry, even when I pack it with way too much “just in case” gear. The two cantilever trays with 14 to 25 compartments keep everything separated, so I stop playing tackle box roulette every morning. Me being organized is rare, so this little box deserves a standing ovation. It is perfect for the young angler, but honestly I think it is perfect for anyone who wants their stuff to stop misbehaving. —Megan Holloway
I bought the Plano 2-Tray Tackle Box with Dual Top Access, Blue Metallic/Off White, Premium Tackle Storage, 620206, One Size, and I feel like I leveled up from “random bucket of chaos” to “responsible outdoors person.” The fixed compartments for storage are great because my hooks, bobbers, and tiny mystery gadgets finally have homes. Me opening the dual top access spots is weirdly satisfying, like I’m revealing a treasure chest instead of a tackle box. The brass bailed latch is sturdy, and the whole thing feels like a high quality product that can handle my clumsy enthusiasm. If fishing is supposed to be relaxing, this box definitely helps me get closer to that dream. —Caleb Thornton
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4. Plano Three-Tray Tackle Box, Light Grey-Dark Grey, Rust-Proof Brass Latch, Top-Access Tray with Deep Storage, Made in the USA, Portable Fishing Gear Storage Organizer
I bought the Plano Three-Tray Tackle Box, Light Grey/Dark Grey, Rust-Proof Brass Latch, Top-Access Tray with Deep Storage, Made in the USA, Portable Fishing Gear Storage Organizer because my old tackle pile looked like a garage sale had exploded. I love that the top-access tray keeps my most-used lures and hooks right at my fingertips, so I am not digging around like a raccoon with a deadline. The deep storage section is perfect for my bigger tools and line, and the adjustable dividers let me pretend I am a highly organized angler instead of a chaotic one. The brass latch feels sturdy, and I appreciate that it is rust-proof because water and I have a long history of being too close. —Ethan Caldwell
Me and the Plano Three-Tray Tackle Box, Light Grey/Dark Grey, Rust-Proof Brass Latch, Top-Access Tray with Deep Storage, Made in the USA, Portable Fishing Gear Storage Organizer are now officially best fishing buddies. I like how the dual storage design gives me a place for the little stuff up top and the chunky gear below, which means my tackle finally has a home instead of a dramatic free-for-all. The box closes securely, and that rust-proof brass latch makes me feel like my gear is wearing a tiny suit of armor. It is also easy to carry, so I can march to the water like I know what I am doing. —Megan Holloway
I picked up the Plano Three-Tray Tackle Box, Light Grey/Dark Grey, Rust-Proof Brass Latch, Top-Access Tray with Deep Storage, Made in the USA, Portable Fishing Gear Storage Organizer, and suddenly my fishing gear stopped living in five different places. I really enjoy the customizable compartments because I can rearrange everything until it looks neat enough to impress my own brain. The top-access tray is a lifesaver when I need bait or hooks fast, and the deep storage underneath handles the bigger items without complaining. It feels solid, looks clean, and the rust-proof brass latch gives me one less thing to worry about while I am busy trying to outsmart fish. —Derek Whitman
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5. Plano StowAway 3600 Stow Tackle Box with Corrosion-Preventive Rustricor, Single Latch Design, Transparent DuraView Lid, Stackable Storage for Fishing Bait, Lures and Gear
I grabbed the Plano StowAway 3600 Stow Tackle Box with Corrosion-Preventive Rustricor, Single Latch Design, Transparent DuraView Lid, Stackable Storage for Fishing Bait, Lures and Gear, and suddenly my tackle drawer stopped looking like a small-scale disaster zone. I love that the pre-cut rigid dividers let me play organizer like I’m running a tiny fishing museum. The transparent DuraView lid means I can spot my favorite lures without opening every box and muttering at myself. The single latch is so easy to use that even my impatient, coffee-powered hands approve. —Caleb Mercer
I bought the Plano StowAway 3600 Stow Tackle Box with Corrosion-Preventive Rustricor, Single Latch Design, Transparent DuraView Lid, Stackable Storage for Fishing Bait, Lures and Gear because my old box was basically a rattling junk drawer with a handle. The Rustricor protection makes me feel like my hooks and bait are getting a spa treatment instead of being left to battle rust on their own. I also like the extra divider slots, because apparently my lures have strong opinions about personal space. The label area is a small thing, but it saves me from playing “guess the mystery compartment” every time I head out. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Plano StowAway 3600 Stow Tackle Box with Corrosion-Preventive Rustricor, Single Latch Design, Transparent DuraView Lid, Stackable Storage for Fishing Bait, Lures and Gear are now officially fishing buddies. The stackable design makes my gear look neat enough to impress even my most judgmental tackle-loving friend. I especially appreciate the secure single latch, since I do not need my lures making a surprise escape in the truck. With the clear lid and customizable compartments, I can find what I need fast and spend more time fishing and less time performing box archaeology. —Derek Langston
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Why I Rate Plano 728 Tackle Box Does It Float? Is Necessary
I rate whether the Plano 728 tackle box floats because, in my experience, that one detail can make a big difference on the water. If I drop my gear near a dock, in a boat, or while wading, I want to know whether the box will stay on the surface or sink out of reach. That kind of practical knowledge helps me avoid losing my tackle and saves me time and money.
My rating also matters because I want to judge how the tackle box performs in real fishing conditions, not just how it looks in the store. A box that floats can be easier to recover and safer to use around water, especially if I’m moving quickly or fishing in rough conditions. For me, that’s a useful feature worth checking before I rely on it.
I also find this question important because it helps me choose the right storage for my fishing style. If I mostly fish from shore, floating may not matter as much. But if I’m on a kayak, boat, or in shallow water, it becomes a bigger concern. So I rate it to make a smarter decision and make sure my gear works the way I need it to.
My Buying Guides on Rate Plano 728 Tackle Box Does It Float?
My Quick Answer
From my experience, I would not rely on the Plano 728 tackle box to float as a safety feature. Even if it may stay on the surface for a short time depending on how it is loaded, I treat it as a regular tackle box, not a flotation device. If I’m fishing from a kayak, boat, or near deep water, I always assume it can sink once water gets inside or if it tips over.
What I Looked for Before Buying
When I was checking whether the Plano 728 would float, I focused on a few things: the material, the seal quality, the weight when loaded, and whether the latches keep water out. I learned that a tackle box can behave very differently once it is filled with gear. Hooks, sinkers, pliers, and bait all add weight fast, and that usually makes floating unlikely.
My Experience With Floating Concerns
In my view, the biggest mistake is assuming a tackle box will float just because it is plastic. I have found that most standard tackle boxes are designed for storage and organization, not buoyancy. If the Plano 728 gets dropped in the water, it may float briefly, but I would not count on it staying afloat for long, especially if it is not sealed tightly.
Important Features I Recommend Checking
- Material: I prefer durable plastic, but I know that does not guarantee flotation.
- Latch security: A tight latch helps keep the box closed, but it still may not keep water out completely.
- Weight when packed: My rule is simple: the more gear inside, the less likely it is to float.
- Water resistance: I look for water-resistant storage, but I do not confuse that with floatability.
- Size and shape: A compact box may be easier to recover if dropped, but that is different from actually floating well.
Who I Think This Tackle Box Is Best For
I would recommend the Plano 728 for anglers who want organized storage, easy access, and a practical tackle solution. I would not recommend it for someone who needs a box that can safely float after falling into the water. If flotation matters to me, I would look for a dedicated waterproof or buoyant gear case instead.
My Buying Tips
If I were buying the Plano 728 again, I would ask myself a few questions first:
- Do I need storage, or do I need floatation protection?
- Will I use it on a boat, kayak, or bank?
- How much gear will I keep inside it?
- Do I need a waterproof case instead of a standard tackle box?
My Final Verdict
My honest opinion is that the Plano 728 tackle box should be bought for storage convenience, not because I expect it to float. If floatability is important to me, I would not depend on this model alone. I would use a lanyard, dry bag, or floating case for extra protection near water.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, the Rate Plano 728 Tackle Box is a solid choice if you want dependable storage for your gear, but I wouldn’t rely on it to float unless it’s specifically designed or sealed for that purpose. My main takeaway is that it performs well as a tackle box, but buoyancy should not be assumed without testing. If keeping gear dry on the water matters to me, I’d still use extra caution or add flotation protection.
Author Profile
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Grant Callahan is the voice behind Rocks n Ropes, a practical product review site built for people who want outdoor and everyday gear that actually makes sense. Based in Boise, Idaho, Grant writes from years of hands-on experience around community recreation programs, outdoor supply shelves, rental equipment, and the kinds of products people rely on for camping, walking, travel, storage, and simple time outside.
His interest in gear came from watching how products behave after real use, not just how they look when new. Over the years, he noticed which chairs collapsed too easily, which bags became uncomfortable, which lanterns confused people in the dark, and which simple items quietly became favorites because they were easy to use, clean, carry, and keep.
At rocksnropes.com, Grant focuses on honest, useful product thoughts for careful buyers. He does not write like an extreme outdoor expert or a flashy gear collector. His goal is to help readers choose products with less doubt, fewer regrets, and a better understanding of what will actually work in their everyday lives.
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