Fishing is fun if you manage to catch fish. Sadly, most people give up on their would-be hobby prematurely because they can’t seem to land a catch. As much as we would like to attribute this to a lack of talent, failure in fishing is more about not having the right equipment for the job. For this reason, it’s wise to only consider yourself inept if you have a well-equipped arsenal and know the right fishing spots but still can’t manage a catch. Read on for some of the most important tools to have in your fishing tackle:
Table of Contents
#1. Baitcasting Reel
Baitcasting reels are crucial for catching large fish in places where ordinary line spinning reels can’t work. A proper baitcasting setup gives you the freedom to manage your lure and place it in the exact place you want. Make sure to do in-depth online research if you want to find the best baitcasting reel for your fishing technique. You might want to get some advice from an angling expert before settling for a product.
#2. Extra lines
Of the basic fishing items — the fishing line — is perhaps the tool with the shortest average lifespan of all. It will almost certainly get tangled or break at some point, though this has a lot to do with the fish you’re targeting and where you go fishing. In rough conditions where there is a higher chance of snapping, a heavier, stronger line should be chosen. In a clear lake, a thinner, easier-to-handle line will do, but it’s worthwhile carrying a variety of lines in case the conditions change.
#3. Sinker
A traditional lightweight hook and worm bait may not sink as deeply as you wish, making it necessary to have a sinker in your arsenal. Sinkers are pretty easy to lose, though, so make sure to carry a few spare ones. For the eco-conscious, there are sinkers made out of materials other than lead, which is popular for its weight. Some of the options include bismuth, tungsten, steel, and brass make up.
#4. A variety of hooks
It doesn’t matter what you fancy, traditional J-hooks or French hooks; you’ve got to have a decent spectrum of hooks in your tackle or critically limit yourself on the sizes of fish you can catch. A hook designed for a 100-pound fish won’t catch trout, and vice versa.
#5. Sunscreen
Staying out in the scorching summer heat for long hours is unsafe for your skin, and you should always carry extra sunscreen on you. If you are fishing on a boat, you can always erect a hood to provide shade from the sun’s rays, while trees and bushes are a perfect hideout if you are fishing along river banks.
#5. Line cutters
Lines tend to get entangled in water weeds, and you will often have to part ways with your hook by cutting off the snugged portion. There isn’t a specific fishing line cutter; any sharp object does the trick. However, a pocket knife, which should be part of your fishing package, is your best option. A line cutter also comes in handy when measuring extra lines.
#6.Nose pliers
How do you unhook a caught fish? A pair of nose pliers are the best tool for the job. A hook is too sharp and using nose pliers to unhook caught fish reduces the risk of getting your fingers jabbed.
#7.Carry adequate bait
To start you off, ensure you have plenty of fishing worms in your fishing box. Most people tend to underestimate a fish’s cunning appetite, and they may clear off your worm box before you catch any.
Alternatively, you can use fish lures in place of worms. You don’t need a boxful of lures as there cannot be consumed. Lures are designed to imitate specific water invertebrates that are preyed upon by fish. Using them increases the chances of landing a wide variety of fish, including those that do not eat worms. There are hundreds of varieties of lures available in the market, and it pays to have a sizable variety just in case the fish in your area outsmarts your efforts.
Another alternative to the live worm is plastic worms, which are ideal for bass fishing. An advantage of plastic worms over live worms is that it comes in different colors. Anglers believe that using baits of different colors increases the chance of the bait being taken. When it comes to artificial worm options, long-tailed worms are the most preferred choice.
#8. A stringer
Any fishing pro knows how fast fish decompose when left in the sun before being cleaned. Let’s say you have a great day fishing, and you manage to hook dozens of fish; how are you supposed to keep them fresh? You can use a stringer, where you string your catch and keep them underwater to avoid drying. Stringing is the best option if you don’t have a freezer.
#9. First aid kit
It’s natural to get hooked once in a while, and you must be prepared for such emergencies by having a first aid kit. Fishing is a wild activity, and accidents are bound to happen. For instance, fishing by the creek in summer can expose you to snake and spider bites.
#10. Insect repellent
Flies tend to be more aggressive in spring and early summer, and if you don’t want to go home more bruised than the fish, you should consider having an insect repellant in your fishing box at all times.
#11. Bobbers
Sometimes known as floaters, bobbers can come in handy for you in many ways. Firstly, it will help you determine if you have caught a fish, as it sinks when that happens. It also keeps the bait floating along with the current, lulling the fish into believing that the bait is swimming and tricking it into rushing in for a bite. Bobbers are a great addition to any effective fishing tackle, especially on a windy day when there is a need to eliminate the wave-induced bounce in the bait.
Endnote
What you include in your little fishing tackle is a decision you have to make yourself. However, if you are new to fishing and simply want to head out with the bare minimums, the above tools deserve a place in your arsenal.