Wesley Littlefield 07.15.26
It used to be that we only had a couple of options for high-quality fishing crates. That’s not the case now. I’ve used several brands for bank and kayak fishing throughout the years. The latest is the Plano GoNow Fishing Crate. I’ve fished with it all spring and summer to see if it’s actually any good. Keep reading my Plano GoNow Fishing Crate review to see if it’s right for you.
Quick Take
The Plano GoNow Fishing Crate is built like a tank. I’ve stood/sat on it, used it to clean fish, and of course, loaded my fishing gear into it and took off in my kayak. It holds plenty of gear for a day of fishing, but it’s bulky and heavy.
Plano GoNow Fishing Crate Specs
DUALHINGE™ latches hinge from either side or remove lid entirely Removable internal divider separates and organizes larger gear Removable tray with customizable dividers for smaller items QUICKLINK™ attachment points compatible with GoNow™ Accessories Rubberized, non-skid feet Secure tie-down slots and locking tabs for transit Stackable design saves space when storing multiple boxes GoNow™ Cutting Board made of durable food-grade construction and dishwasher-safe GoNow™ Rod Holder (x2) accommodates spinning and casting rods Plano® StowAway® 3700 (x4) organizes and protects your bait and tackle GoNow™ Box Small Dimensions: 20″L X 15.6″W X 12.2″H (50.8cmL X 39.6cmW X 31.1cmH) 8gal (30L) GoNow™ Box – Small GoNow™ Cutting Board (2) GoNow™ Rod Holder (4) StowAway® 3700™ Storage Tray with 4 Removable Dividers Internal Divider (4) EZ-Labels MSRP: $170 Test Methods and Conditions
The Plano GoNow Fishing Crate has bounced around in the back of my truck and sat on several of my kayaks all summer long. I’ve used it for quick trips down to my pond and all-day kayak fishing adventures.
Assembly, Rigging and Initial Setup
The Plano GoNow 30L Freshwater Fish Kit came nearly fully preassembled. I only had to install the rod holders, which easily slide into place on the corners of the crate and the dividers on the tray.
Rating: 9 / 10
On-the-Water Organization and Storage Performance
The freshwater kit comes with four StowAway 3700 trays that will hold all the tackle you need for multiple days on the water. There’s still room left over in the box for some additional gear, and in the tray as well, so I have no complaints about the storage and organization capabilities. While kayak fishing, I can easily access the gear I need, and it all stays organized as I drive down the road. It makes getting on and off the water very simple.
Rating: 9 / 10
Durability, Materials and Build Quality
As I mentioned, the GoNow Box is built like a tank. It’s a bit heavy, but I have no concerns about durability. The latches work great, and the plastic seems like it should last for many fishing seasons. I have zero worries about standing or sitting on it. In fact, I’ve used it as a seat on one of my inflatable kayaks, and it worked out great (except when I needed to get my tackle out).
Rating: 9 / 10
Who It’s For / Who Should Skip It
The Plano GoNow 30L Freshwater Fish Kit is perfect for bank and kayak anglers. Bank anglers can keep it in the back of their vehicle or use it as a seat while waiting on a bite. However, I wouldn’t want to carry it very far, so be sure to park nearby. Kayak anglers will find it fits in most kayaks and will hold everything you need.
Boat anglers will find this box less than useful unless you use it to store your gear off the boat.
Value and Price-to-Performance
At $170, the Plano GoNow Fishing Kit is expensive. However, I paid more than that for my YakAttack Blackpak Pro, and it didn’t come with as many accessories as the Plano Freshwater Kit, and I had to assemble the Blackpak Pro. I’ve been very impressed with the performance and versatility of this crate. As a bank and kayak angler, I think it’s a great investment to keep your gear organized and protected.
Rating: 8 / 10
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Comes preassembled Trusted brand Comes with useful accessories Durable Easy one-handed access Excellent organization
Cons:
The Verdict: Plano GoNow Fishing Crate Review
The Plano GoNow 30L Freshwater Fish Kit has earned a permanent spot in the back of my truck and kayaks. It’s well built (and designed), durable, holds everything I need, and protects my valuable fishing gear from the elements. It’s heavy to carry over long distances, and the weight can be a problem in kayaks with low weight capacity. I strongly recommend this fishing crate to most anglers who prioritize organization and durability. Whether you want to keep your gear organized in the garage or in your vehicle, the Plano GoNow 30L Fish Kit is worth every penny.
Overall Rating: 8.75 / 10
Plano GoNow Fishing Crate (30L Freshwater Fish Kit) Ratings
Assembly, Rigging and Initial Setup: 9/10 On-the-Water Organization and Storage Performance: 9/10 Durability, Materials and Build Quality: 9/10 Value and Price-to-Performance: 8/10 Overall: 8.75/10
Well built, durable, and highly organized, the Plano GoNow 30L Fish Kit is a strong choice for bank and kayak anglers despite being bulky and pricey.
