Plano Guide Series 3700: A Comprehensive Overview (01/22/2026)
Plano’s redesigned Guide Series 3700 tackle bag blends aesthetics with technology, offering anglers a durable and organized solution for their gear needs today.
The Plano Guide Series 3700 tackle bag represents a significant upgrade in angling gear organization and durability. Released with a focus on both form and function, this bag caters to the needs of dedicated anglers who demand reliability and efficient storage. It’s not merely a tackle box; it’s a complete portable system designed to withstand the rigors of frequent use and diverse fishing environments.
This bag has been newly redesigned, boasting a rugged 1680 Denier fabric construction that ensures longevity and maintains its shape over time. The Guide Series 3700 is engineered to provide anglers with quick access to essential tools and tackle, featuring innovative elements like a magnetic dropzone. It’s a quality investment for those who spend considerable time on the water, seeking a dependable and well-organized solution for their fishing essentials.
What is the Plano Guide Series 3700 Tackle Bag?
The Plano Guide Series 3700 Tackle Bag is a premium storage solution meticulously crafted for the serious angler. It’s a hard-backed, robust bag constructed from ultra-rugged 1680 Denier outer fabric, designed to endure harsh conditions and maintain its structural integrity. This isn’t a flimsy box; it’s a durable, long-lasting investment in your fishing gear.
Complete with ten large StowAway utility boxes – five 3700 size and one 3600 size – it offers exceptional organization for a wide variety of tackle. Beyond storage, it incorporates angler-centric features like a magnetic dropzone for rapid access to frequently used lures and tools. It also includes a waterproof cell phone holder, a license holder, and a carabiner clip, making it a truly comprehensive and convenient tackle management system.
Key Features and Benefits
The Plano Guide Series 3700 boasts several key features enhancing the angling experience. Its hard-backed construction, utilizing rugged 1680 Denier fabric, ensures lasting durability and shape retention. The inclusion of ten StowAway boxes (5x 3700, 1x 3600) provides superior tackle organization, preventing chaos and streamlining access.
Beyond organization, the bag offers convenience. A magnetic dropzone allows for quick access to essential tools and lures, while a waterproof cell phone holder safeguards your communication. A license holder and carabiner clip add further practicality. Oversized molded zippers contribute to the bag’s longevity, and non-skid TPR foot pads prevent slippage on wet surfaces. Ultimately, the Plano 3700 delivers a blend of durability, organization, and angler-focused features.

Design and Construction
The Plano Guide Series 3700 features a robust design, incorporating a hard-backed structure and utilizing durable 1680 Denier fabric for long-lasting performance.
Material: 1680 Denier Fabric
The Plano Guide Series 3700 prominently features 1680 Denier fabric in its construction, a material specifically chosen for its exceptional durability and resistance to abrasion. This isn’t your average tackle bag material; 1680 Denier signifies a high density weave, resulting in a significantly tougher outer layer capable of withstanding the rigors of frequent use and harsh environmental conditions.
This rugged fabric isn’t just about toughness; it’s also designed to maintain its shape and color over extended periods. The Plano engineers understand that anglers demand gear that looks good and performs reliably, season after season. The 1680 Denier material ensures the bag holds its form, preventing sagging or deformation even when fully loaded with tackle. This commitment to quality materials translates directly into a longer lifespan for the Guide Series 3700, making it a worthwhile investment for serious anglers.
Hard-Backed Construction for Rigidity
A defining characteristic of the Plano Guide Series 3700 is its robust, hard-backed construction. This isn’t simply a soft-sided bag; it’s engineered with a rigid internal structure that maintains its shape, even when fully packed with gear. This feature is crucial for anglers who need quick and easy access to their tackle without the frustration of a collapsing or misshapen bag.
The hard backing provides a stable platform for organizing and retrieving lures and tools, streamlining the fishing process. This design element, combined with the durable 1680 Denier fabric, ensures the bag can withstand the bumps and scrapes inherent in outdoor adventures. Plano prioritized creating a tackle solution that wouldn’t just carry gear, but would protect it and remain functional over years of dedicated use, offering lasting value to the angler.
MOLLE Webbing and Accessory Attachment
The Plano Guide Series 3700 incorporates laser-cut MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) webbing, significantly expanding its versatility. This feature allows anglers to customize the bag by attaching a wide range of accessories, such as additional pouches, tool holders, or even water bottle carriers. The precision laser cutting ensures clean, durable attachment points for secure accessory mounting.
This adaptability is a major benefit for anglers who prefer a tailored setup, enabling them to organize their gear precisely to their needs. Whether it’s adding extra storage for pliers, hook removers, or fly boxes, the MOLLE webbing transforms the 3700 into a truly personalized tackle management system. It’s a testament to Plano’s commitment to providing anglers with solutions that evolve with their fishing styles and requirements.

Storage Capacity and Organization

The Plano Guide Series 3700 boasts ample storage, including ten large StowAway boxes for organized tackle, catering to the needs of dedicated anglers.
StowAway Utility Boxes Included
A significant advantage of the Plano Guide Series 3700 tackle bag is the inclusion of premium StowAway utility boxes, designed to maximize organization and accessibility for all your fishing tackle. Specifically, this model comes equipped with a generous assortment – five boxes in the popular 3700 size, alongside one larger 3600 size StowAway.
These boxes aren’t merely included as an afterthought; they are integral to the bag’s functionality, providing dedicated compartments for lures, hooks, weights, and other essential gear. The StowAway boxes feature adjustable dividers, allowing anglers to customize the interior layout to perfectly suit their individual needs and preferences. This level of customization ensures that every item has its place, preventing tangles and making it easy to locate what you need quickly on the water.
The robust construction of the StowAway boxes ensures they can withstand the rigors of frequent use and transport, further enhancing the overall value and longevity of the Plano Guide Series 3700 tackle system.
Number and Sizes of StowAway Boxes (5 x 3700, 1 x 3600)
The Plano Guide Series 3700 tackle bag distinguishes itself through a thoughtfully curated selection of StowAway utility boxes. Anglers receive a total of six boxes, strategically chosen to accommodate a wide range of tackle types and quantities. The core of the organization comes from five boxes adhering to the widely-used 3700 size standard, providing ample space for lures, terminal tackle, and frequently accessed items.
Complementing these are a single 3600 size StowAway box, offering a slightly larger capacity for bulkier items or specialized gear. This combination allows for a tiered organization system, where commonly used items are readily available in the 3700 boxes, while less frequently needed equipment can be stored efficiently in the larger 3600 box.

This specific configuration demonstrates Plano’s commitment to providing a practical and versatile tackle management solution, catering to the diverse needs of modern anglers.
Front Compartment Features: Waterproof Pouch
The Plano Guide Series 3700 tackle bag’s front compartment is intelligently designed with angler convenience in mind, prominently featuring a dedicated waterproof pouch. This crucial addition safeguards sensitive electronics and essential documents from the inevitable exposure to water encountered during fishing excursions. Protecting items like smartphones, fishing licenses, or even small cameras is now effortless.
This waterproof pouch isn’t merely an afterthought; it’s a thoughtfully integrated component, demonstrating Plano’s understanding of the challenges faced by anglers. The pouch provides peace of mind, knowing that vital gear remains dry and functional, regardless of weather conditions.

Beyond the pouch, the front compartment offers additional space for storing accessories, further enhancing the bag’s overall utility and organizational capabilities.

Dimensions and Physical Attributes
The Plano Guide Series 3700 measures 19L x 11.5W x 11.25H, while the 3700XL expands to 20 x 11 x 14.5 for increased capacity.
Overall Dimensions of the 3700 Model
The Plano Guide Series 3700 tackle bag is meticulously sized for optimal functionality without sacrificing portability. Its overall dimensions are precisely 19 inches in length, 11.5 inches in width, and 11.25 inches in height. These measurements provide a substantial interior volume capable of accommodating a significant amount of tackle, yet remain manageable for transport to and from various fishing locations.
This particular model strikes a balance between storage capacity and ease of handling, making it ideal for a wide range of angling pursuits; The thoughtfully considered dimensions ensure the bag can comfortably fit within boat compartments, vehicle trunks, or be carried by hand or shoulder strap. The compact footprint doesn’t compromise on internal organization, allowing anglers to efficiently store and access their essential gear.
Understanding these dimensions is crucial for anglers planning their tackle setup and ensuring compatibility with their existing fishing equipment and storage solutions.
Dimensions of the 3700XL Model
For anglers requiring maximum storage capacity, the Plano Guide Series 3700XL tackle bag delivers an expansive solution. This larger model boasts impressive dimensions of 20 inches in length, 11 inches in width, and 14.5 inches in height. These measurements signify a substantial increase in volume compared to the standard 3700 model, providing ample space for extensive tackle collections.

The 3700XL is designed for serious anglers who need to carry a comprehensive array of lures, tools, and accessories. Despite its increased size, the bag maintains a robust construction and remains relatively portable, though it’s best suited for situations where maximizing storage is paramount.
These dimensions are key for planning tackle organization and confirming compatibility with boat storage or vehicle transport. The 3700XL truly represents the largest tackle bag ever offered by Plano within the Guide Series.
Weight and Portability Considerations
The Plano Guide Series 3700 tackle bag strikes a balance between durability and portability, though its weight increases when fully loaded with tackle. While the empty bag is manageable, the inclusion of ten StowAway boxes and various accessories will contribute significantly to the overall weight. Anglers should consider this when choosing between the standard 3700 and the larger 3700XL models.
The bag features a comfortable handle for carrying short distances, but for extended transport, a shoulder strap is recommended (sold separately). The non-skid TPR foot pads help stabilize the bag, preventing it from sliding during use, which is especially helpful on boat decks.
Careful packing and selection of tackle are crucial to maintaining a reasonable weight for comfortable portability. Prioritize essential items and consider leaving less frequently used gear at home.

Specific Features for Angler Convenience
The Plano Guide Series 3700 boasts a magnetic dropzone, waterproof cell holder, license holder, and carabiner clip, enhancing accessibility and organization for anglers.
Magnetic Dropzone for Quick Access
A standout feature of the Plano Guide Series 3700 is its strategically placed magnetic dropzone. This innovative design element caters directly to the needs of anglers who require rapid access to essential tools and lures while on the water. The magnetic surface securely holds frequently used items – such as pliers, nippers, or favorite bait selections – preventing them from getting lost within the bag’s interior or accidentally dropped overboard.
This feature streamlines the tackle management process, allowing anglers to quickly switch between techniques or respond to changing fishing conditions without fumbling through compartments. The strength of the magnet ensures a reliable hold, even during active movement or rough boat rides. It’s a small detail that significantly improves efficiency and convenience, ultimately contributing to a more productive and enjoyable angling experience. The dropzone is easily accessible, positioned for intuitive use.
Waterproof Cell Phone Holder
Recognizing the modern angler’s reliance on mobile devices, the Plano Guide Series 3700 incorporates a dedicated waterproof cell phone holder. This thoughtful feature provides a secure and dry compartment for protecting smartphones from the elements – splashes, rain, or accidental submersion. Maintaining connectivity is crucial for navigation, weather updates, and capturing memorable fishing moments, and this holder ensures devices remain operational.
The holder’s design prioritizes accessibility while guaranteeing protection. Anglers can easily view notifications or operate their phones through the clear, waterproof material without removing the device. This eliminates the risk of water damage and allows for continued functionality. It’s a practical addition that addresses a common concern for anglers who depend on their phones for various aspects of their fishing trips, offering peace of mind and convenience.
License Holder and Carabiner Clip
The Plano Guide Series 3700 tackle bag thoughtfully includes a dedicated license holder, ensuring anglers remain compliant with local regulations. This convenient feature provides a readily accessible and secure location for fishing licenses, permits, and identification, eliminating the frantic search through pockets or other compartments. Staying legal is paramount, and this holder simplifies the process.
Complementing the license holder is a robust carabiner clip. This versatile attachment point allows anglers to securely fasten keys, pliers, or other essential tools to the bag for quick and easy access. It adds an extra layer of organization and prevents valuable items from being misplaced or lost during a fishing excursion. The combination of these features demonstrates Plano’s commitment to angler convenience and practicality.

Durability and Weather Resistance
Featuring oversized molded zippers, non-skid TPR foot pads, and waterproof components, the Plano Guide Series 3700 is built to withstand harsh conditions effectively.
Oversized Molded Zippers
The Plano Guide Series 3700 tackle bag doesn’t compromise on the small details that contribute to overall longevity and performance. A key element of its robust design is the incorporation of oversized, molded zippers throughout the bag. These aren’t your standard, flimsy zippers; they are specifically engineered for enhanced durability and resistance to wear and tear.
The larger size of the zipper pulls provides a more secure and comfortable grip, even when wearing gloves or in wet conditions. The molded construction adds significant strength, preventing bending, breaking, or separation that can plague lesser-quality zippers. This is particularly important for a tackle bag that will likely be subjected to frequent opening and closing, and potentially harsh treatment in the field.
Plano understands that a failed zipper can render an entire bag unusable, so they’ve invested in a component that’s built to last, ensuring that anglers can rely on easy access to their tackle for years to come. This attention to detail truly sets the Guide Series 3700 apart.
Non-Skid TPR Foot Pads
A frequently overlooked, yet crucial, feature of the Plano Guide Series 3700 is the inclusion of non-skid TPR (Thermoplastic Rubber) over-molded foot pads. These strategically placed pads are designed to prevent the tackle bag from sliding around on various surfaces, offering stability and peace of mind for anglers.
Whether you’re on the deck of a boat, a rocky shoreline, or uneven terrain, these foot pads provide a secure grip, keeping your tackle within easy reach and preventing accidental spills or damage. The TPR material is chosen for its excellent grip properties, even when wet, ensuring reliable performance in challenging conditions.
Plano recognizes that anglers often operate in dynamic environments, and a stable tackle bag is essential for efficient and safe fishing. These foot pads are a testament to their commitment to providing practical, thoughtful features that enhance the overall user experience and protect valuable gear.
Waterproof Components and Considerations
The Plano Guide Series 3700 incorporates several features designed to protect your tackle from the elements, though it’s important to understand the extent of its water resistance. A key component is the front compartment’s integrated waterproof pouch, ideal for safeguarding sensitive electronics like phones or keys.
Furthermore, the oversized molded zippers contribute to weather resistance by creating a tighter seal against moisture. While the bag isn’t fully submersible, the 1680 Denier fabric offers a degree of water repellency. However, prolonged exposure to heavy rain or splashes could potentially allow water to seep in.
Plano also offers separate waterproof StowAway boxes, providing an additional layer of protection for critical tackle. Anglers should consider utilizing these boxes, especially for items susceptible to corrosion or damage from water. Careful consideration of these factors ensures your gear remains protected during your fishing adventures.