Whether you are just setting up your fishing tackle for the first time ever or just need to replenish a few things this article is for you. As I write this I am just starting to go through my tackle to see what I need to get for the upcoming fishing season.
I just want to give you a list of the necessities and “must-haves” that I tend to keep on hand for my tackle.
Hope you find this helpful with some of basic tackle that you need and some advice on when to use them.
Tackle Box
I know I know … This one seems pretty obvious but again I am trying to keep things simple even for someone starting off. Every angler needs a strong and durable tackle box to store your tackle like hooks, fishing line, sinkers, etc while fishing in an organized manner.
There are mainly two different types of tackle boxes in the market:
- A traditional hard metal or plastic box style
- A soft bag or backpack style
I am loyal to the traditional hard plastic body type of tackle boxes. My whole family uses them and I have grown up using them too. My dad’s tackle box is going on 20 years … now that is durable!.
I like to use the Plano – 2 tray style tackle box which is a good size to fit what I need for a single outing. Too big of a tackle box then it gets are to handle when fishing. However, I do tend to use a larger Plano – 3 tray tackle box only to store extra tackle at the cabin. Then I replenish my smaller tackle box from the larger one before heading out again the next day.
Extra Fishing Line
TRUST ME when I say that you will probably lose more line than you think when fishing. It might be because you got a bite from a monster that snapped your line or got hooked on a log or rock and you had to cut your line. Thus it is always a good idea to keep a spool of line in your tackle box in case you need to re-spool your reel.
I never leave home without a spool of Stren Monofilament Fishing line in my tackle box. The line will work well in freshwater and saltwater without deteriorating. It is provided in 4 different colours [Clear, Low Visibility Green, High Visibility Green, Blue] and a wide range of line strength [10 lb to 30lb] that would be more than enough for the average angler.
Hooks
No tackle box is complete without extra hooks available. Hooks can be damaged and lost in so many different ways when fishing.
In my case being on the West Coast, I love to fish primary saltwater with a focus going after Rockfish. Certain fish like Lingcod are able to cut through my line with their teeth. Not to mention the high probability that my hook can get snagged on something at the bottom of the seafloor or even damaged (a hook can become straightened out) during a big fight.
For my fishing showdowns, I like to use American Owner J Hooks. These type of hooks are very versatile. American Owner designed their J hooks to be heavy duty and will take the punishment that a large fish will inflict on your hook. Also, American Owner applies a corrosion resistant outer layer to prevent it from rusting due to saltwater.
Hooks, in general, come in many different sizes and knowing how to probably size your hook for the type of fish that you are fishing for will contribute to your fishing success.
Sinkers
If you were to just attach a bait or lure to your line directly it would be to light to have it sink to the bottom of the seafloor. Therefore, you will need to attach a weight (known as a sinker) to have your bait sink to the bottom of the seafloor.
Sinkers come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. It is best to not over think this as a beginner and to just get out there to start finishing. This is why I like using the 6oz two eye torpedo style sinkers.
If you are fishing in a lake where there is no tidal currents you can reduce the weight. Trying to cast a line with to much weight can potentially damage your rod.
Swivels Snap-Ons
Certain types of baits including live bait will twist in the water. This twisting in your fishing line can cause issues later on like tangling at the reel and can make your line weaker.
In order to reduce line twist anglers use swivels. These swivels allows your bait to free twist without twisting your main fishing line. Make sure to properly size your swivels to match or exceed the strength of your fishing line or your swiviel will become the weakest component of your fishing line.
Bait
Let me start off with saying that NOTHING beats live bait! Whether you are fishing from a dock, on a boat, or from shore try to catch some live bait. When I go fishing for bottom fish like Rockcod or Lingcod I will send half a day using mussels from the side of the dock to catch perch or shiners (small fish) and keep alive for the next day when I go fishing for cod.
Live bait will move in such a way that will attract larger predatory fish. That being said there will always be a need to use manufactured baits such as lures and swimbaits.
The best way to find out what type bait would work best would depend on the fish species you are fishing for and your fishing style. Purchase a kit that provides a wide range of different types of lure and soft baits for you to experiment with.