Essential Fishing Equipment, The Basics

Fishing is addiction, ask those who sit across the waters for extended periods of time, with no sign of fatigue or distress. For them fishing is a therapy, keeping them happy, calm and focused. As it is, fishing is a sport that requires patience, practice and flair. It's a highly productive hobby if you couple it up with instinct, intuition and experience.

An experienced angler would inspire you how fulfilled is the feeling when you finally have your catch, with reference to his assimilation about water and weather. But besides common sense there is another elementary aspect that can keep your fishing drive going for long and may be for life. And that is the right rig, a set of equipment, matching the conditions and related fishing factors.

So let us roll on to the checklist for your next fishing trip, this will be a source of value information for beginners and a review for seasoned anglers:

1. Fishing rod
2. Hook
3. Line
4. Reel
5. Float/bobber
6. Sinker
7. Lure

Now we'll discuss the purpose each serves.

Fishing rod: Latest fishing rods are made to allow the angler to the feel the fish bite. The shaft is called blank. Typically it is made of fiberglass, graphite or other various materials, depending on its action and your liking.

Hook: Hooks are of many types and shapes. For eg. Octopus hook, Long shank hook, Circle hook pattern, Ganging hook, Southern and tuna hook - Hooks typically help an angler to use the bait, so it can stay on it longer. Depending on fish, hooks are chosen from small to bigger with reference to fish sizes.

Line: "New super lines" made of monofilament are favorite of anglers. In yesteryears anything from cotton string, to nylon threads were applied. New super lines are available in flexible and abrasion resistant types, they are used on the basis of line you are fishing in and again also on the size of fish you are planning.

Reel: Reels are available in four choices- closed face spinning, open face spinning, bait casting and fly-fishing reel. The size of the reel is dependent on the weight of the fishing line. You can also choose them with your own technique and intuition.

Float/bobber: The purpose of float is to insert the bait at whatever level the angler wants it inside the water and then to let him feel that the fish has struck. Hence, to be prepared to strike and set the hook.

Sinker: The function of sinker is to offer and hang the bait at a specific depth under water. Its various types include ball, barrel, bean, split shot, snapper lead, tear drop, star and spoon.

Lure/flies: Lures are artificial, colorful plastic or metal shapes; that draw fish attention by stimulating look or challenging their recognition instincts. To fool them as if these are their natural prey.

The precise blend of bait with equipment takes experience and as you get polished in various conditions and fish types these skills will grow instinctively. Hope you found this article interesting, and next time you fish, you'll fish better.