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Reading Time: 8 minutesLast Updated on January 16, 2026 by Paul Clayton
Table of Contents
Mystery Tackle Box vs Lucky Tackle Box? Best Option
Mystery Tackle Box and Lucky Tackle Box are popular with skilled and beginner anglers alike. These are the two main services if you’re also considering a surprise tackle box.
Key Takeaways
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- Entry-Level Parity: Both services offer a “Regular” starter box at $19.99, providing roughly $25 in retail value. This makes both brands equally accessible for beginners.
- Mid-Tier Value: Lucky Tackle Box’s XL plan ($29.99) is slightly more affordable than MTB’s Pro plan ($31.99) and typically includes one or two more items per box.
- Premium Strategy: * MTB Elite ($44.99): Focuses on high-end, premium, and name-brand lures.
- LTB Xtreme ($49.99): Focuses on sheer volume, often packing up to 12 different items in a single shipment.
- Shipping & Logistics: * MTB: Offers faster, more reliable shipping (3–6 days) but usually charges a shipping fee for standard monthly plans.
- LTB: Generally offers free shipping in the US but is widely noted for slower transit times (up to 10+ days).
- Educational Content: LTB distinguishes itself by including a “Lucky Monthly” magazine and video tutorials in every box, whereas MTB focuses on its entertaining “Dibble” digest and unique limited-edition lure colors.
- Species Customization: MTB offers a broader range of species-specific boxes (Walleye, Inshore Saltwater, etc.) that can be swapped at any time, while LTB is heavily focused on Bass and Multi-species.
In the thrilling world of fishing, a battle rages. Two titans vying for supremacy. A contest that leaves no room for mediocrity.
Which is the best option for the Mystery Tackle Box vs. the Lucky Tackle Box? This is not a question but a challenge thrown to the winds, a challenge that echoes in the hearts of every fishing enthusiast.
Will it be the Mystery Tackle Box, shrouded in enigma, promising treasures unknown? Or will it be the Lucky Tackle Box, bearer of fortune’s favor, provider of serendipitous finds? The answer lies ahead, hidden in the depths of this article. Let’s dive in!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Mystery Tackle Box and Lucky Tackle Box cost per month?
Both services offer entry-level “Regular” boxes starting at $19.99. For higher tiers, Mystery Tackle Box ranges from $31.99 to $44.99, while Lucky Tackle Box ranges from $29.99 to $49.99. Both companies offer significant discounts if you prepay for 3, 6, or 12 months.
Which subscription service is better for beginners?
Both are beginner-friendly, but Lucky Tackle Box has a slight edge for those who want to learn. Every LTB box includes a physical or digital magazine and access to video tutorials explaining exactly how to use the lures provided. Mystery Tackle Box is also great for beginners, especially with its specific “Beginner Series” box.
Do I get to choose what kind of fish I’m catching?
Yes. Mystery Tackle Box offers extensive customization, allowing you to choose between Bass, Walleye, Panfish & Trout, and Inshore Saltwater. Lucky Tackle Box focuses primarily on Bass and Multi-species (Bass, Panfish, and Catfish), making MTB the better choice for specialists.
Is shipping free for these boxes?
It depends on the service. Lucky Tackle Box typically offers free shipping on all U.S. subscriptions. Mystery Tackle Box usually charges a shipping fee (around $4.99) for month-to-month subscribers but offers free shipping if you prepay for a multi-month plan.
What happens if I don’t like a lure I receive?
Both MTB and LTB operate on a “surprise” model, meaning all sales are final and they do not offer refunds or returns for items you simply don’t like. However, both companies offer excellent customer service and will send a replacement if an item arrives damaged or is missing from your box.
Which one is better, though? Is there even a better option? Let’s find out!
What Are Mystery Tackle Boxes and Lucky Tackle Boxes?
(Prices will vary during seasons; pricing at the time of writing)
Mystery Tackle Box and Lucky Tackle Box are subscription services that send monthly tackle boxes. Each box includes fishing gear such as hooks, baits, fishing manuals, and other good stuff.
The monthly boxes are mysterious or lucky because you receive new, hand-picked gear each time. Since your purchase history and boxes are tracked, it’s highly unlikely you will receive a duplicate product.
As some anglers online phrase it, the mystery or lucky boxes are the kind of Christmas gifts that come every month. You don’t know what you will get, and you also get the fishing tackle at a discounted price.
However, while Mystery Tackle Box and Lucky Tackle Box are similar, they differ in pricing, box contents, shipping policies, and packaging.
Mystery Tackle Box
Unmasking the enigma, the Mystery Tackle Box is a thrilling adventure designed for fishing enthusiasts worldwide. It is a box filled with tackle surprises, curated to satiate your fishing fantasies.
Like a treasure trove arriving at your doorstep every month, the Mystery Tackle Box provides a 
monthly tackle service with an assortment of unique fishing gear. Each box is meticulously crafted with an element of uncertainty, keeping you on your toes. So, dare to delve into the unknown, and let the Mystery Tackle Box be your guide in this enthralling journey through the waters!
First, let’s give an overview of Mystery Tackle Box, the older two. Mystery Tackle Box is one of the oldest, if not the oldest, services.
Mystery Tackle Box plans & pricing
Mystery Tackle Box has 3 plans plus the 3-month Beginner Series. The contents and pricing of these packages differ drastically. The key thing is that MTB (and also Lucky Tackle Box) doesn’t refund these items, though they do send replacement gear if something is missing or damaged.
A little side note – the box pricing for Mystery and Lucky Tackle Boxes is shown as of late January 2026.
Mystery Tackle Box (MTB) offers three main subscription tiers. While they often run promotions (like “$10 off your first box”), the standard breakdown is based on the number of items and the total retail value of the tackle included.
MTB Subscription Price Breakdown
| Tier | Monthly Price* | Retail Value | Items per Box | Best For… |
| Regular | $19.99 | $25.00+ | 4–6 | Beginners and casual weekend anglers. |
| Pro | $31.99 | $40.00+ | 6–8 | Frequent anglers are looking for more variety. |
| Elite | $44.99 | $60.00+ | 8–10 | Serious anglers want premium/large lures. |
*Prices are based on standard monthly renewals. Shipping is typically $4.99 for month-to-month plans, but is often free on multi-month (3, 6, or 12-month) prepayments.
Cost Savings: Prepayment Options
If you commit to a longer plan, the price per box drops significantly. Here is how the 12-month plans typically compare to the monthly rate:
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Regular 12-Month: Often drops to approx. $18/mo (includes free shipping).
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Pro 12-Month: Often drops to approx. $26/mo (includes free shipping).
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Elite 12-Month: Often drops to approx. $34/mo (includes free shipping).
Key Things to Know
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Species Customization: You can choose your target species (Bass, Panfish & Trout, Walleye, Inshore Saltwater, etc.) and change it at any time in your account settings.
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Freebies: Multi-month plans (especially 6- and 12-month) often include “bonus” items such as tackle kits, fishing beanies, or even spinning reels during seasonal promotions.
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Shipping: Standard shipping to the lower 48 states is $4.99 for monthly subscribers. If you prepay for a multi-month plan, shipping is generally free.
From this box, you only have the Bass and the Multi-species option, which includes bass, panfish, and catfish. With that said, the poorer species selection doesn’t necessarily mean that you won’t be able to use the included gear for other fish species.
Mystery Tackle Box shipping
MTB ships its boxes to the United States, Canada, and 
Mexico. The monthly subscription boxes ship for free in the US and Canada.
For other MTB items, such as fishing tackle and apparel, the shipping fee is $6.99 to Canada and the US, and free for orders over $59. MTB rods come with a $12 surcharge.
Some items are eligible for expedited shipping for a $9.99 fee.
Regarding shipping times, subscription boxes ship via UPS and generally arrive within 3-6 business days in the continental US (excluding Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico). Shipping to non-continental US destinations, Canada, and Mexico usually takes 2-3 weeks.
Mystery Tackle Box packaging
MTB’s packaging can be good and bad, depending on your preferences. The tackle mostly comes in sample packages rather than retail packages.
MTB claims on its FAQ page that 90% of its subscribers prefer a greater variety of baits over full-size retail boxes. Small sample packages allow MTB to save space and ship more items to you, but they may contain more plastic, and some people may dislike how they look and feel.
This may not be critical for you, but it should be remembered.
Lucky Tackle Box
Lucky Tackle Box doesn’t differ from MTB that much. That said, due to noticeable differences in pricing and gear, you may prefer LTB to MTB.
Lucky Tackle Box plans& pricing
Lucky Tackle Box offers three plans: Regular, XL, and Tournament. As of late January 2026, no beginner box services were offered, but this isn’t too critical since LTB’s key product is surprise boxes, just like MTB.
Lucky Tackle Box (LTB) has a similar structure to Mystery Tackle Box but often differentiates itself by including extras like their “Lucky Monthly” magazine and access to proprietary video tutorials.
| Subscription Tier | Monthly Price | Retail Value | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | $19.99 | $25.00+ | 5–6 baits, magazine, & video tips |
| XL | $29.99 | $40.00+ | 7–8 baits, magazine, & $5 gift card |
| Xtreme | $49.99 | $75.00+ | 10-12 items, premium lures, & stickers |
Key Differences for Lucky Tackle Box
Shipping: LTB typically offers Free Shipping on all U.S. subscriptions, whereas MTB usually charges for shipping on its base monthly plan.
Educational Content: Every LTB box comes with a digital or physical “Lucky Monthly” magazine that explains how to use the included lures.
The “XL” Tier: LTB’s mid-tier (XL) is often cited as having a higher item count than MTB’s mid-tier (Pro), though the brands’ item counts vary monthly.
Prices shown are standard monthly rates. Discounts are often available for 3, 6, and 12-month prepayments. Refer to their website for further details.
Lucky Tackle Box shipping
While LTB boxes are more cost-efficient, shipping is better with MTB.
LTB ships subscription boxes only within the US, Puerto Rico, and Canada.
Also, free shipping is only available within the US, while shipping to Canada costs $5. If you are in Canada, those $5 could be a deal-breaker.
LTB also has slower shipping times: 3-10 business days for continental US addresses and up to 14 business days for Canada, Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico.
Lucky Tackle Box packaging
As for packaging, LTB appears to be a little better than MTB, though this will depend on your needs and preferences. LTB seems to include fewer sample packages in its boxes, which, though not necessarily an advantage, may be beneficial for some people.
Comparison Tables For Each
Mystery Tackle Box (MTB) Pricing 2026
| Plan Tier | Monthly Cost | Retail Value | Item Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | $19.99 | $25.00+ | 4–6 items |
| Pro | $31.99 | $40.00+ | 6–8 items |
| Elite | $44.99 | $60.00+ | 8–10 items |
Lucky Tackle Box (LTB) Pricing 2026
| Plan Tier | Monthly Cost | Retail Value | Item Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | $19.99 | $25.00+ | 5–6 items |
| XL | $29.99 | $40.00+ | 7–8 items |
| Xtreme | $49.99 | $75.00+ | 10–12 items |
Comparison Summary
Price Parity: Both start at $19.99 for their entry-level boxes, making it easy for beginners to jump in.
The Mid-Tier Gap: LTB’s XL box ($29.99) is slightly cheaper than MTB’s Pro box ($31.99) and typically promises one extra item.
Premium Options: MTB’s Elite ($44.99) focuses on high-end, name-brand lures, while LTB’s Xtreme ($49.99) focuses on sheer volume, offering up to 12 items.
This video has been included to clarify the topic. Credit goes to Fishing With YakPak
Final Thoughts
Choosing between the two depends on whether you value quality and speed or quantity and education:
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Choose Mystery Tackle Box for a premium, “Christmas morning” experience with fast shipping, high-quality branding, and access to specific species like Walleye or Trout. It is the more reliable service for those who want their gear quickly and professionally packaged.
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Choose Lucky Tackle Box if you are a beginner looking to build a massive tackle collection quickly. You get more physical items for your money and better educational resources (magazines/videos) to help you learn how to use them, provided you don’t mind waiting a bit longer for delivery.
