Choosing The Best Fishing Seat Boxes A Complete Guide
Updated 05/02/2024 - James Bevan
The best fishing seat boxes are those that offer comfort, plenty of storage, and are sturdy on different terrains. Ideally, they need to offer additional extras to make your fishing as efficient as possible.
This guide will explain what features to look out for in the best fishing seat boxes as well providing insight on the different types and when best to use them.
I also list 9 great options for different disciplines and budgets.
Here is a summary of the best fishing seat boxes featured in this article alongside what discipline or budget they are best suited for:
| Image | Product | Features | Quick Link |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall Seat Box  | Preston Innovations Absolute 36 | More Info | |
Best Daiwa Seat Box  | Daiwa D500 Seat Box | More Info | |
Best For Bad Backs  | Preston Innovations Inception 360 Seat Box | More Info | |
Compact Design  | Map Z30 Elite MK2 | More Info | |
Best Matrix Seat Box  | Matrix S36 Superbox | More Info | |
Best For Sea Fishing  | Daiwa Sea Seat Box | More Info | |
Best Selling Seat Box  | Shakespeare Classic Seat Box | More Info | |
Best Backpack Style Box  | Zite Fishing Seat Box Backpack | More Info | |
Best Budget Seat Box  | Michigan Fishing Tackle Seat Box | More Info |
The different types of fishing seat boxes
You may be asking yourself, what do you mean by different types of seat boxes? surely a seat box is just a box you sit on right? Well, to a degree, yes... however different types of seat boxes generally get used for different fishing circumstances.
General fishing seat boxes:
I am classing general fishing seat boxes as those traditional types that are literally boxes (mostly plastic) with a lid and sometimes a built-in cushion attached to them. These seat boxes are most suited to the casual, pleasure, coarse, or sea angler.
They are very basic but ultimately do the job of carrying your gear in a convenient container that doubles up as a seat, saving space in the car and giving you fewer items to lug to your chosen swim.
Because of this type of seat box's basic nature, they tend to be cheaper than a box with more features attached.
An example of a basic fishing seat box.
Match fishing seat boxes:
Match fishing seat boxes are much more feature-rich than a standard seat box and this is largely reflected in the average price for one.
The materials that a match fishing seat box is built with are generally superior to other types of seat boxes.
Match fishing seat boxes tend to come with all the bells and whistles including attachments to pretty much every piece of fishing gear you have in your arsenal.
There are quite often drawers and different compartments that allow you to easily access important items such as ready-made rigs and pieces of terminal tackle.
The overall objective of a match fishing seat box is to provide you with efficiency and speed which is important in a match situation if you are to do well.
If your setup is correct, you will literally not have to move from your seat box for the entire duration of a match except for maybe any call of nature!
An example of a match fishing seat box.
Lightweight roaming seat boxes:
These types of seat boxes like the name suggests are lightweight, small, and designed for active anglers who like to move around a lot.
If you enjoy stalking for fish and trying different spots then this type of seat box could be for you.
Some of the more popular boxes of this type, often double up as more of a seat rucksack for a more efficient, hands-free option.
An example of a lightweight roaming seat box.
The following table shows the different types of fishing seat box and when they are best applied:
Table to show the different types of seat boxes and the best angling style to use them:
| Seat Box Type | Key Features | Who Should Use It |
|---|---|---|
| Match style seat boxes | A lot of storage options and additional accessories, designed to be well organised and efficient when fishing | Match anglers or coarse fisherman that like to be super organised |
| General style seat boxes | Generally lightweight with a few additional storage options and accessories | Great for the general coarse or sea fisherman who wants to limit the amount of gear having to transport to where you are fishing. |
| Backpack style seat boxes | Lightweight and compact | Great for the fisherman that likes to roam and travel light |
What features to look for in the best fishing seat boxes?
Modern seat boxes aren’t just a cube you sit on. They are systems. In order to fish, and fish well, there are some things featured in the best fishing seat boxes that transform them into a truly revolutionary bit of kit.
The following features are what should be considered when finding that perfect seat box for your specific circumstances:
Comfort
First thing’s first. If you are having a proper session then you want to be comfortable. I can think of nothing worse than being consigned to spending the day sitting on a hard piece of plastic or metal.
That isn’t fun, it’s a punishment, especially if you are not catching!
In order to make sure that you are comfortable, ideally, you want a good layer of padding between you and the top of your fishing seat box.
The padding needs to be covered with a layer that is waterproof and prevents it from getting permanently dirty.
Easy to setup
Depending on your chosen venue, the bank can be uneven. If you spend the day sitting on a jaunty angle or trying to stop your seat box from tipping over you aren’t going to enjoy it quite as much.
At the very worst by sitting at an angle all day, you can exacerbate or even cause a really bad back. The best fishing seat boxes will tend to have adjustable legs or mud feet in order to prevent this.
Some of the best even come with a spirit level built so can ensure you are at the perfect angle at all times!
As a prerequisite to the setup process, the seat box needs to get to your chosen swim, ideally in one piece. A seat box that is easy to carry and/or fits easily onto a fishing trolley is clearly a consideration.
If you want to know the best way to set up your seat box, why not see how an expert does it in the following video...
Good organisation options
We’ve said it before. The key to successful angling is being in the zone and organised. Everything you need should be easily reachable, or at the very least you should be able to quickly find it.
By using a fishing seat box that is easy to organise you can make sure that all of these things are accomplished.
Easy to carry & transport
You may not be the kind of angler who likes to sit still for too long, but hey, it’s still nice to take the weight off occasionally. Some seat boxes allow you to do both.
If you can carry the seat box easily, be a little bit mobile, but still, sit comfortably then that counts as a real win in my book.
Even if you intend to be rooted to the spot for a day, ease of transport, or even reduced trips to the car mean you are far more likely to enjoy your day.
Look for things like padded shoulder straps or the ability to even attach wheels to the seat box to make transporting it easy.
Price
Ok, I know that not everybody has the ability to spend a king's ransom on an all singing and dancing system, but here’s a top tip… the fish don’t care what you are sitting on.
That said I would strongly advise going for the very best fishing seat box that you can afford. The amount of time you will be sitting on it should dictate to you how important it is.
Additional attachments
Some of the best fishing seat boxes have various attachments on them that provide options for accessories to be added. These accessories can really improve your efficiency and general fishing experience.
An example of these attachments include the following:
An example of a match fishing seat box with attachments
In summary, the best seat box needs to have a degree of flexibility to adapt to what style of fishing is required for the session.
Having a seat box that can easily cater for you changing from using a margin pole to a long-distance pole to a float rod and then a feeder rod, all in quick succession will benefit you no end.
Accessories such as a pole roller attachment or a fishing umbrella holder also add to your efficiency and comfort.
The best fishing seat boxes
So now you know what the different types of seat boxes are on the market and what features to look out for.
The following 9 seat boxes are considered some of the best on the market today and tick a lot of the boxes mentioned in this article.
They aren't all the most expensive and glamorous boxes you can buy. Instead, I have focused on functionality as well as catering to different fishing circumstances and budgets.
#1. Preston Innovations Absolute 36
Who's it ideal for:
Match Fisherman or Coarse anglers who want a quality all-round seat box
Key Features:
- 26mm Tray (Attached to Frame)
- 40mm Compartmented Side Drawer Unit
- Deluxe Padded Seat With Integrated Side Drawer
- 26mm Shallow Tray
- Cassette Lid
- Seatbox Cover
- Deluxe Padded Shoulder Strap
- Shuttle Adaptor
This fantastic seat box is my number one choice today. Preston has introduced a seat box that is not only unique but also oozes quality from every angle.
The seat box itself is packed with features. A comfortable padded seat is an absolute must and from there it only gets better.
You can alter absolutely everything about this seat box to make it your own. Never mind this being one of the best seat boxes on the market today, we’ll still be saying this in 2040!
The height of the seat, the footrest, even what you attach to it, can be made inch-perfect for your body shape.
Detachable wheels make it portable and using Preston’s revolutionary 360 mounting system you will be able to attach nets, bars, and poles to your heart's content.
Check this video showcasing some of the features of the Absolute 36 seat box:
Here is what I like and dislike about the seat box based on my own experiences...
Pros
Cons
#2. Daiwa D500 Seat Box
Who's it ideal for:
Serious match or coarse anglers looking for Daiwa quality in their seat box.
Key Features:
- 36mm telescopic legs which are secured with a 180 degrees rotating locking handwheels
- Aluminium and Steel construction
- Fully interchangeable ‘stack system’
- Supplied with 20mm shallow winder tray (perforated)
- Two shallow side drawers with adjustable dividers
- Fixed 20mm shallow unit
- Lift out stack system supplied with Two 20mm shallow winder trays (perforated)
- 20mm base unit with rubber feet
- Supplied with pole seat and shoulder strap
Daiwa has produced a really solid seat box in the D500 which exudes the same quality that Daiwa produces in its rods & reels.
The D500 is strong and durable, with components that come in an aluminium-steel construction. The box features telescopic legs that easily lock into place, as well as a retractable footplate.
The seat box features a stack system, which means it can be customized to fit your needs as well as two shallow drawers with dividers that can be adjusted.
Other options that come complete with this box are a 20mm shallow winder tray and a 20mm base unit with rubber feet.
The box comes complete with a shoulder strap and a pole seat which finishes off this good-looking, feature-packed seat box, nicely.
Check out this video that showcases the quality of the D500 seat box...
Here is what I like and dislike about the seat box based on my own experiences...
Pros
Cons
#3. Preston Innovations Inception 360 Seatbox
Who's it ideal for:
Those looking for the ultimate seat box for ease and comfort
Key Features:
- 360 Seat Unit
- Deep Side Drawer Unit
- 100mm Container Base Unit
- 2 x 30mm Telescopic Seatbox Legs 45cm
- 2 x 30mm Telescopic Seatbox Legs 50cm
- 2 x 30mm Standard Seatbox Legs 45cm
- Cassette bar & Footplate
- Deluxe Padded Shoulder Strap
The Inception 360 seat box is the perfect mix of form and function. With a 360-degree seat unit for ultimate comfort, a deep side drawer unit for storing all your goods, and a 100mm base unit this box is one of the best on the market.
The Inception 360 comes with 2 x 30 cm seat box legs that range from 45 cm to 50 cm in length, 2 x 30 cm telescopic legs that range from 45 cm to 50 cm in length, and 2 x 30mm standard legs that range from 45 cm to 50 cm in length.
All these legs make the seat box extremely solid yet very versatile and suitable for all types of terrain. The features on this great seat box continue with a cassette bar and footplate with the deluxe padded shoulder strap a standard yet important addition.
The 360 swivel chair on this box makes it ideal for fishing the margins without having to move and realign everything.
Finally, this fantastic seat box comes complete with the revolutionary MAG-LOK® clips. These basically ensure that the box is held securely together but can be opened in a second, giving access to the base compartment.
All in all this great seat box by Preston is packed full of features and with it being at a very competitive price point, it's one well worth considering.
The following video demonstrates some of the great features of the inception seat box range...
Here is what I like and dislike about the seat box based on my own experiences...
Pros
Cons
#4. Map Z30 Elite MK2
Who's it ideal for:
Those looking for a lightweight, match fishing style seat box
Key Features:
- 30mm diameter legs
- Lightweight aluminium frame
- Sliding footplate with twist lock locking pins
- Footplate can be fully removed for easy transport or for cleaning
- Large diameter swivel mud feet
- Fully waterproof and padded pole seat with pole support
- Pole seat is UV protective with aluminium skeleton frame for added strength
- Water resistant seals on drawer and tray units
- Divided drawer units
The Map Z30 Elite Seat Box is a lightweight, fairly compact seat box, perfect for use on any terrain.
With a wide variety of features, the Map Z30 Elite Seat Box has been designed to provide a versatile and comfortable seat wherever you fish.
The 30mm diameter legs allow for a sturdy base. The mud feet are a nice addition for rigidity but also the swivel motion is handy for cleaning purposes.
The seat box features the standard features like a central pole support, but it presents them really well.
The sleek, skeleton Z-frame makes for a solid box but it also looks the part as well.
The following video shows the features of the Map Z30 Elite...
Here is what we like and dislike about the seat box...
Pros
Cons
#5. Matrix S36 Superbox
Who's it ideal for:
Those looking for a lightweight, match fishing style seat box
Key Features:
- Large diameter 36mm legs with 25mm telescopic inserts
- Lightweight aluminium frame
- Removable padded carry strap
- Stylish new back plate
- Anti-warp footplate
- Large diameter, swivel mud feet
- Padded seat with built-in spirit level
- Accessory thread in the top of 36mm leg
The new and improved S36 Superbox is the perfect seat box for any angler seeking stability, comfort, and storage space.
The large diameter 36mm legs with 25mm telescopic inserts allow for incredible stability and coupled with the lightweight aluminium frame delivers the best possible fishing experience.
The generous storage capacity between the footplate and drawer units alongside the stylish new backplate makes this seat ideal for serious anglers.
The superbox boasts snag-free fitting throughout allowing for that efficiency which I talk about in the best fishing seat boxes.
Combine all of this with a comfortable padded seat and built-in spirit level it's clear that the S36 superbox is one of the best fishing seat boxes out there.
Check out the following video that showcases some of the top features on the Matrix S36...
Here is what I like and dislike about the seat box...
Pros
Cons
#6. Daiwa Sea Seat Box
Who's it ideal for:
Designed especially for the sea angler
Key Features:
- Extremely hardwearing and durable
- Small, compact and lightweight
- Features a built in tier tackle box
- Strong and durable design
Designed for both the shore and boat angler, this deep base, classic box from Daiwa also features a top-tier tackle box for easy access to small bits of kit.
Although marketed predominantly towards sea anglers there is absolutely a use for it if you are coarse fishing also.
With plenty of space and a solid build, this seat box would be a great purchase for any modern-day pleasure angler.
Check out the following video made by a sea angler on how they use the Daiwa sea seat box...
Here is what I like and dislike about the seat box...
Pros
Cons
#7. Shakespeare Classic Seat Box
Who's it ideal for:
A coarse angler who wants a decent, solid seat box without the frills
Key Features:
- Made from high quality durable filled-polypropylene
- Extra deep lid for additional storage
- Unique twin catch style locking system
- Improved water resistance
- Matching Colour Side Tray
This classic seat box has been kicking around for a number of years now and yet it is still as popular as when it was first launched.
It has recently been revamped with a new look design and is still supplied with a tough, easy fit, colour-matched external side tray.
This superb seat box is a great all-rounder for coarse and sea fishing alike. Despite being around for a number of years, this classic still sits proudly in my list of top fishing seat boxes on the market today.
Check out the following video from the reputable Angling Times that addresses the Shakespeare classic as the best-selling seat box of all time!
Here is what I like and dislike about the seat box...
Pros
Cons
#8. Zite Seat Box Backpack
Who's it ideal for:
Anglers who fish lightweight and roam a lot
Key Features:
- Easy to carry backpack type straps
- 4 boxes in the lid
- Multiple pouches on the exterior
- Lightweight
For the more mobile-minded amongst you, I'd like to present this seat box with a twist. It has twin shoulder straps, designed so that you carry the seat box on your back.
It is festooned all over with numerous pockets, suitable for rigs, floats, weights, and the occasional bait box or two. The best bit is that when you are done walking you can pop it down, and perch on top of it.
Here is what I like and dislike about the seat box...
Pros
Cons
#9. Michigan Fishing Tackle Seat Box
Who's it ideal for:
Anglers looking for a decent seat box on a budget
Key Features:
- Fully water resistant
- Incorporated tackle box
- Carry strap included
- Lightweight
I haven’t forgotten those of you who may be on a budget. Judging by the outside you would be forgiven for thinking that this box is pretty basic.
However, it offers a few nice touches that will easily serve to keep you fishing. Made from reinforced plastic the box is super lightweight.
If you lift the lid you will be greeted with a host of handy little draws that tuck away to leave a whole 18 litres of storage space for your tackle. It’s also pretty portable with a padded shoulder strap to keep it easy to carry.
Here is what I like and dislike about the seat box...
Pros
Cons
Final Thoughts
My suggestions for the best fishing seat boxes have been tailored to suit you, regardless of your budget or angling style. As I said, out of all of your tackle, a seat box is something that you will use the most and probably keep for a long time, so it makes sense to choose wisely.
If after reading this article you decide that a seat box isn't for you, you may want to check out my article on fishing chairs with a rod holder, which details more traditional chairs with similar accessories to a seat box.
Equally, if it is just a chair you after, I have a dedicated article to the best fishing chair right here.
Whatever you go for though, I hope to see you on the bank, sat down, sometime soon.
Thanks for reading...
Tight Lines!
All of the fishing tackle featured in this article can be found at good tackle shops.
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