While feeder fishing chairs are gaining popularity among anglers, the seatbox continues to be the top choice for pole fishing, particularly at greater distances. With so many options available, what is the best fishing seatbox currently on the market?
An ideal seatbox allows users to fish in natural venues without platforms, offering various drawers and trays to accommodate all the gear needed for a complete session, including an essential tackle box for every angler. Additionally, keepnets and pole rests can be easily attached, ensuring the creation of the ultimate fishing station!
Best fishing seatboxes at a glance
Seatboxes come in a range of prices influenced by various factors, such as weight, storage capacity, and the number of available attachments or accessories. Consequently, anglers have several aspects to ponder when selecting a seatbox. Thankfully, a seatbox doesn’t need to be a frequent purchase, as contemporary models are robust and durable, and can last many years. My pick of them are listed below.
How we tested the best seatboxes
These seatboxes were tested by experienced members of the Angling times team. We asked the leading manufacturers to send in their flagship boxes for us to test on the bank, or in our office. The team also extensively use some of the boxes in the article, in their own personal fishing and have done for a few years now such is their quality!
We have analysed all the main aspects of the seatboxes such as weight, comfort, storage space and compatibility with accessories to help you make the right choice.
They have been used and abused every week on the bank to ensure they are as good as we say they are, so you don't waste time and effort buying something that is not fit for purpose! Out in all conditions and seasons, we have only included the boxes that are worth your time! Find out how we test our gear, HERE.
Owning the previous flagship seatbox, the Preston Absolute Carbon, I can confirm just how robust and comfortable the range is and the new Preston Absolute Station looks to have improved both aesthetically and technically on a seatbox design I thought Preston had already mastered.
The new Hydro formed frame is stunning, it gives a unique appearance that the seat is almost floating and helps reduce some of the weight.
The other benefit of the frame not having a support to the rear and the new locking clips, means you can slide the stacker system out from the back whilst eliminating the chance of it getting stuck. The box isn't the lightest at 14kg, but something this strong never will be.
The Station comes with three drawer units, whilst the Mag-Lok system gives the ability to remove them completely from the frame really easily. This allows you the flexibility to build and adjust the height to suit whatever your requirement may be, great if you're a taller or shorter angler.
The Absolute Station comes with 36mm legs with a 30mm inner, all the legs are extendable and all come with screw caps as opposed to just the front legs that we are used to seeing.
The box is ridiculously sturdy when the legs are fully extended, removing the need for a platform when sitting out in the water. If you do want to fish from a platform, the footplate fully removes in seconds via two clips, a real positive.
YOU CAN SEE MARK'S FULL REVIEW ON YOUTUBE HERE...
Pros
- The Mag-Lock clips keep the trays secure
- Hydroformed aluminium frame is very strong whilst reducing weight
Cons
- Footplate locking pin can be fiddly at times when trying to locate
Featuring Mag-Lok clips, footplate locking plungers and soft-touch handwheels, the Preston Innovations Inception Station box is available in either white, graphite or a limited edition blue frame.
The deep compartmented side drawer unit is perfect for accessories, while the deep side drawer with removable dividers can be used for hook-length boxes, pole winders or any larger accessories.
An empty, shallow tray between the drawers and the pole seat is again perfect for storing pole rigs. The cassette under the frame includes a 26mm tray and lid. The box comes with six telescopic legs for fine adjustments.
Pros
- Reliable box from a company with a great seatbox pedigree.
- Designed to accommodate popular Preston accessories.
Cons
- Comes with minimal pole rig storage as standard.
The Daiwa D500 seatbox is an excellent choice for anglers seeking a durable and adaptable seatbox. Crafted from a blend of aluminium and steel, it strikes a balance between being lightweight and robust.
It is incredibly sturdy when setup and thanks to the extendable legs, you can gain quite a bit of height when it is full extended which makes it great for steep banks or when out need to wade out and setup in the water.
This seatbox is equipped with 36mm telescopic legs secured by 180-degree rotating locking handwheels, ensuring extra stability and ease of use with wet or cold hands. I
t also includes an integrated retractable footplate for added comfort. The fully interchangeable 'stack system' features easy-click layers, allowing you to customise your seatbox to meet your preferences. Additionally, the 'ridge/recess' compression seal keeps your gear dry, even in damp conditions to prevent your terminal tackle and rigs rusting or being damaged by moisture!
The Daiwa D500 seatbox is supplied with a shallow side drawer, adjustable dividers, a deep drawer, three 40mm spacer units, a pole seat, and a shoulder strap.
Pros
- Outstanding weatherproofing on trays and drawers.
- Shallow trays will hold loads of rigs while taking up little space.
Cons
- The popular deep-side drawer isn't included but can be purchased separately.
An advancement on Matrix’s best-selling S36. The new Matrix XR36 Pro sports not only eye-catching aesthetics, but many innovative design improvements. The main frame now has non-marking leg clamps, and utilises a unique one-piece super-strong tubular hydro-formed frame. The footplate has a textured top and non-slip plastic slides with a single hand release mechanism.
The box comes with one shallow tray, a deep drawer unit and a transport lid. The 36mm non-slip extending legs are fully anodised, and include screw threads for off-box attachments. The seatbox height is fully adjustable via easy-to use large rubber handwheels, while a built-in spirit level will help to take out the guesswork of setting it up level on any terrain. It comes in a choice of two arresting colour schemes – Lime or Shadow.
Pros
- Very sturdy seatbox, with built in spirit level.
- Lovely design.
Cons
- The box is quite heavy.
A modern twist on one of Matrix's beloved classics, the all new Matrix S36 Pro is an evolution of a well established seatbox. Available in vibrant Lime or timeless Black, it showcases a sleek, minimalist backplate and revamped frame cover panels. However, it’s not just about aesthetics; this seatbox is designed to endure, upholding Matrix’s reputation for durability and dependability.
The S36 Pro has a robust plastic footplate cover and enhanced footplate locking mechanism ensure a solid foundation on any bank. The anti-slip 36mm extending legs, complete with threaded caps, provide excellent grip and easy attachment for accessories. Adjustments are a breeze even with cold fingers with the larger handwheels, while the improved stacking unit runners facilitate a smooth, customised storage solution.
It’s four-point fixing, removable padded shoulder strap makes transport comfortable. Storage remain unchanged with a deep drawer unit, shallow tray, and a transport lid as standard, offering plenty of room for all your essential tackle. Weighing in at a sturdy 18.5kg, it remains manageable for those seeking stability without unnecessary weight. The S36 Pro achieves the ideal balance between portability and performance, making it the perfect choice for match anglers and pleasure anglers alike.
Pros
- Sleek new look
- Easy storage expansion
- Compatable with previous generations
Cons
- May be too heavy for some users
Best seatbox for durability
www.total-fishing-tackle.com
The Matrix S25 seatbox offers a contemporary twist on a classic design, available in two striking colours: lime and black.
Featuring a sleek new minimal backplate and frame cover panels, the S25 is crafted for both style and functionality. Its footplate is constructed from a robust textured plastic and includes a new spring pin locking mechanism.
The 25mm extending legs are anodized with a textured anti-slip finish and come equipped with threaded caps. Enhanced handwheels, along with improved stacking unit runners and mechanisms, further elevate its usability. Additionally, the seatbox is fitted with a 4-point fixing removable padded shoulder strap, a deep drawer unit, a shallow tray, and a convenient transport lid.
Weighing 16kg, the S25 measures 540mm in length and 721mm in width.
Pros
- Storage system back compatible with previous models
- Easily used with or without footplate
Cons
- Maybe a little heavy if you're prioritising weight
Best seatbox for comfort
www.total-fishing-tackle.com
The Matrix F25 seatbox is an excellent choice for anglers seeking a lightweight yet robust option. Constructed from a lightweight aluminum H-frame, it is easy to transport. The seatbox features a removable padded strap for comfortable carrying. Fitted with a swivelling seat that is removable. It's a great option for those anglers that would benefit from having a back rest. It's a chair and seatbox in one.
With its striking lime frame and black footplate, the F25 has a stylish appearance. The innovative non-scratch sliding footplate locking mechanism guarantees that the footplate remains securely in place. Additionally, the seatbox is equipped with six 25mm tele-adjustable round legs, allowing for adjustments that create a stable platform on various terrains. Swivel mud feet provide added stability on uneven surfaces, and each leg includes thread leg caps for attaching accessories.
The F25 is designed with the popular Matrix drawer units, featuring one deep drawer and one 90mm tray unit. The snag-free fittings throughout ensure that your gear remains safe and secure.
Pros
- Removable swivel seat with back rest offering exceptional comfort and back support
- Compatible with other matrix seatbox storage.
Cons
- A lacks a shallow side draw that can be purchased seperately
Best Lightweight Seatbox
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An excellent choice for anglers seeking a lightweight yet sturdy option. The MAP H36 seatbox is ideal for commercial venues where carrying excessive gear isn’t necessary. Featuring a straightforward square frame design, the H36 offers a solid and dependable platform. Its 36mm legs enhance stability, while the fully waterproof PU moulded pole seat rests on its own aluminium support frame. This clever design ensures that your trays won't bear your weight when you take a seat.
The sliding footplate is entirely adjustable and can be easily removed if desired. The legs are telescopic and equipped with threaded screw inserts for added accessories. Additionally, the large diameter swivel mud feet ensure the seatbox remains stable on any terrain.
Included with the H36 are a shallow drawer unit, a deep drawer unit, and a padded carry strap. The drawer units are sectioned and feature water-resistant seals for added protection.
Pros
- Lightweight for a box of its build quality.
- 36mm leg stability with a compact frame.
Cons
- Larger or taller anglers might find the seat and footplate a bit small.
Best budget seatbox
www.total-fishing-tackle.com
The Nytro SLS36 Feeder Station is an excellent choice for anglers seeking a comfortable and versatile seat box, equipped with numerous features suitable for both pole and feeder fishing. One of the standout attributes of the Nytro SLS36 is its comfort. The padded seat, combined with adjustable legs, allows users to find an optimal seating position, even on uneven terrain. This is particularly beneficial for anglers who spend extended periods by the water.
Additionally, the Nytro SLS36 offers ample storage space. With two side drawers and a deep central drawer, it provides sufficient room for all necessary tackle, catering to those who require extensive gear. The versatility of the Nytro SLS36 is another notable feature. Its sliding footplate and adjustable legs facilitate easy adaptation to various fishing scenarios, making it ideal for anglers who frequent diverse locations.
Lastly, the Nytro SLS36 is designed for convenience in transport. The padded shoulder strap ensures easy carrying, even when the box is fully loaded, which is essential for anglers who may need to traverse long distances to reach their fishing spots.
Pros
- Comfortable cushion provides comfort during the longest sessions
- Ample storage
Cons
- Doesn't have under seat storage
What to look for in a fishing seatbox
There are two key factors when it comes to selecting a seatbox - comfort and storage. On the comfort front, boxes with adjustable legs will ensure you are sitting level and those with 36mm legs give you the most rigid and secure base on which to sit. However, a box is only as stable as the clamps and mechanisms that secure those legs, so take a close look at these.
Boxes with legs allow you to add on accessories such as side trays, feeder arms and keepnet arms to make your fishing easier too. If you prefer a more relaxed approach to your angling, a fishing chair might be more suitable in terms of comfort and ease of use!
In terms of storage, modern boxes have less overall capacity than traditional seatboxes, so you have to keep the smaller items that you need close to hand in your seatbox and bulkier items such as reels and feeders in separate bags and boxes in your carryall.
Most boxes are sold as a basic system, with extra trays and drawers available separately. Some boxes also have under-frame 'stacks' that can be removed for wading, lifting into vehicles or up banks. The trays in these stacks can be swapped around depending on where the angler is fishing.
Glossary
Footplate: An area where you place your feet when sitting, ensuring they are level and at the correct height – which is especially important when fishing a pole.
Rig/winder tray: A shallow unit designed for storing ready-made pole rigs on winders of various sizes.
Side tray: A table-like device that fits onto your seatbox legs, allowing you to keep bait and other items within easy reach while fishing.
Accessories: Devices or gadgets that attach to your seatbox legs and serve a particular function.
Keepnet arm: An accessory designed to secure a keepnet to your box Feeder arm: A way of attaching your rod rest to your seatbox and providing a place to position your rod when float or feeder fishing.
Tool bar: A multi-purpose accessory that normally fits across the front two legs of a seatbox, primarily designed for holding multiple keepnets, but might also take pole socks, tulips, or rod rests.
Spray bar/pole support/gentlemen's rest: An elongated foam-covered bar that goes across the front of a seatbox and is used to help take the weight of a pole, keep it still in wind or hold a pole float steady in flowing water.
D36/D25: An abbreviation of seatbox leg diameters in millimetres. A D36 leg box will have round profile legs of 36mm diameter, while a D25 will have 25mm diameter round legs.
Stacker: Many framed seatboxes have a removable stacker that fits under the frame, designed to carry pole rigs. Consisting of the same trays that fit above the frame and under the seat, the lidded storage can be removed from the box.
Wheel kit: A set of wheels or handles that attach to your seatbox to turn it into a trolley.
<strong>Seatbox FAQs</strong>
Do I need legs on my seatbox?
If the venues you are planning on fishing have uneven banks, buying a seatbox with adjustable legs is essential. Old fashioned boxes never used to have legs as standard, but anglers were soon purchasing attachments to add them. Even on fairly even ground, they make the whole experience a lot more comfortable.
Will I need a footplate with my seatbox?
Most boxes on the market these days are supplied with a footplate. For pole fishing, this allows the angler to sit in the correct position for speed and comfort. Most footplates can be locked in or removed entirely if you prefer not to use them.
What tackle can you store in a seatbox?
This question entirely depends on what product you buy, but most seatboxes will have storage drawers and compartments for all your end tackle items. Some will include deeper storage areas that can hold reels, baits and other products too. However, most anglers keep these larger items in a separate holdall.
How much should you spend on a seatbox?
Seatboxes vary massively in price, so how much you spend really depends on what extras you are looking for. Expensive boxes will allow you to make all kinds of moderations via attachments, so you end up with the ultimate fishing station with everything to hand. If you just want something to store tackle and sit on when you go fishing, however, you really don't need to spend a fortune and a budget fishing seatbox will meet your needs.
Can you get seatboxes with chairs or back support?
Yes. There are several brands on the market that have made chair seatboxes. These are primarily aimed at feeder anglers which may spend a long time in a different position to pole and float anglers watching the rod tip.
How do you setup a seatbox?
For ultimate comfort and to reduce the risk of backache, set your seatbox level. With your feet flat on the footplate and knees at 90 degrees, your thighs should be level and parallel to the ground. Some have in-built spirit levels to help you get them completely level!
Author Jonathan Longden, is an experienced angler. With over 20 years experience in the tackle trade specialising in match and coarse fishing he has an extensive practical knowledge of the latest equipment and the specific needs of anglers. He currently occupies the role of commercial content writer at Angling Times.