Go Fishing With Basic Equipment For A Tackle Box

A Guide to Tackle Box Supplies

A good fishing trip begins with the right basic equipment.

No matter whether you're a seasoned pro or just beginning you need some basic equipment in your tackle box.

Lures and bait will vary depending on where you are fishing and what you are fishing for, but there are some supplies that every tackle box should have.

One of the first rules is to have duplicates of almost everything. The joy of the sport is that sometimes the fish wins and steals your lure, and leader and line.

Start with a solid light-weight tackle box. A piano style box is compact but opens open to display a number of trays and compartments that allow you to store and retrieve all your gear efficiently.

Fishing Gear That Should be Included in Every Tackle Box

A good selection of lures.

There are thousands of brands and varieties to choose from. Daiwa, Mepps, Blue Fox, Panther Martin and Thompson are some of the best known manufacturers.

Check with friends and your local sporting good store for suggestions on what types of lures work well for catching the fish in your area, but don't be afraid to add in some extras. It's fun to experiment.

While fishing lures have been around for centuries, today's models are developed with the latest in fishing science. Each  lure is designed to mimic something a fish would attack as food.

There are two major types of lures. Surface lures run on top of the water. Spoons have a fish like shape and run below the surface.

Some models spin in the water, others have small feathers attached and others are colored to resemble how the light would hit prey in the water.

The lures are outfitted with one, two, three or barbless hooks.

The names themselves are fun. Blackfury, Pixie, Red Ripper and Aquaman.  It's a great feeling to open up a tackle box and find row upon row of shiny lures.

Dont forget a good selection of hooks. Sometime a small hook loaded with bait is as effective as the most high tech lure.

Swivels and leaders

Swivels and leaders attach to your fishing line and then to your lure or hook. They have a

snap type opening making it easy to change lures. Most are gold or silver and come in a variety of sizes.

Bobbers

As the name suggests, bobbers attach to the line with the with the lure or hook and bait below. Where the bobber is on the line determines how far your tackle will be below the surface. Traditionally they have been red and white ball. Newer models are cylindrical and threaded by the line. They are also known as floaters. Bobbers indicate that you have a fish on the line by bobbing up and down.

Weights

Weights are usually small, pliable metal balls that wrap around the line. They provide more distance when casting with light tackle, and make slight lures sink below the surface easier. Weights are also known as sinkers.

Extra Line

If you're losing a lot of line because it's getting snagged on rocks or the fish are breaking it you may need to switch to a heavier line. Lines are rated by weight. For example there is 8 lb. test, 10 lb. test, 20 lb test and so on.

Extra Reel(s) Loaded with Line

Nothing can ruin a fishing trip quite like a reel that breaks or line that has become so snarled in the reel it would take some time to fix. That's why it's important to have at least one extra in the tackle box. Just take off the old reel, and snap the new one on to your fishing road. You're back in business.

Bait

Store live bait in a separate sealed container inside the tackle box or check out the sporting goods store for a good selection of synthetic bait. Many of the new high tech baits work well.

 

 

A Great Tackle Box

Essential Fishing Equipment

A Good Fishing Knife

Don't skimp on quality here. The knife will be used to gut and filet the catch and should be razor sharp. Choose a model that feels comfortable in your hand with at least a six inch blade. You can use a shorter knife if you are catching smaller varieties of fish. Purchase a knife that comes with a protective case.

Needle Nose Plyers

These are an essential in any tackle box. They are used to pull the hook or lure out of the the fish's mouth. Many species have very sharp teeth and you don't want your hands too close to the mouth. Needle nose plyers can also be used to open and close the clasps on swivels as you change lures and to press the weights around the line so they sit securely.

Nail Clippers

Nail clippers are handy for clipping the line. (or a broken fingernail)

 

Additional Tackle Box Supplies

Sunscreen

Pack plenty of sunscreen lotion. The sun's rays  can have a stronger impact when they are reflected off water.

Bug Spray

Nothing ruins a good fishing trip like being incessantly bitten by mosquitos or other bugs. It's not bad in windy conditions, but if you are in a damp, sheltered area the critters can be merciless. You and also consider a bug net that fits over you face.

First Aid Kit

There are a lot of sharp tools involved in fishing and it's easy to get a nick or cut. Pack a simple first aid kit with antiseptic, gauze, waterproof surgical tape and bandages.

That's the list of basic equipment for a tackle box. All you need now is a rod, license,  your favorite fishing hat and you are ready to tackle the fish. Whether you are an experienced angler, or a new fisherman you are ready to hit the creeks and rivers.

Cooler

Use it to keep your live bait fresh and your drinks cold.

You don't have to spend a fortune. You can get a great cooler for under fifty dollars.

Good fishing.