Fishing is an excellent recreational activity and one of the best ways to spend free time with friends or family. However, before you head out to a lake, river or even to sea, you will need to purchase some gears and accessories.
For those that are new to fishing, this aspect of the process can be quite overwhelming especially because you have limited knowledge of the things to buy. One smart move is to check the Pro Fishing Gear Reviews Website for such information.
Below you will find a list of most of the supplies you will need to purchase. This way, you will know the things to add to your cart when you visit a fishing accessories website or a regular brick and mortar shop.
Rod and Reel: Rods are flexible slender poles typically made from graphite or fiberglass material. It is used for casting the line further into the water. Generally, fishing rods are meant to be strong and durable, responsive and flexible. Ideally, a rod is expected to be around 11.8 inches long, but the size may vary based on age and experience of the user. Your choice here depends largely on the type of fish you are targeting
The reel is attached to a rod and it helps you to wind the line and draw your catch in. Reels are expected to be lightweight and convenient to handle. There are various types and your choice depends on the type of fishing you will be doing.
Fishing Line: This is another must-have gear. Most reels usually come with a roll or two of line. However, it is advisable that you bring extras too. It isn’t uncommon for lines to break or get tangled as your fish. An extra line will come in handy in such situations. Lines typically have different weights, strength, cast ability, visibility, and elasticity depending on the type of fish you intend to catch. You can read this article as a guide for choosing the right line.
Hooks: You will also need to stock up on some hooks as well. They are several types and sizes and you will need to buy an assortment of options if you want to catch fish of varying sizes. Hook sizes range from 32 which is the smallest size to 19/0 which is the largest.
Bait: The Bait is attached to the end of a line and it attracts fish. Live bait is the most recommended option although different fishes may be attracted to various types of food which means other bait options might be required as well. Minnow and worms are the most commonly used live baits for freshwater fishes.
Lures: A lure is an artificial bait made to mimic live baits. Most anglers carry different types of plastic lures in their tackle box to be used when they run out of live bait. The type of fish you are targeting as well as fishing conditions determine the kind of lure to be used. For example, a light-colored lure is ideal for fishing in clear waters on bright sunny days. Conversely, the dark-colored ones are typically recommended for angling in murky waters or on dark days. Similarly, plastic lures are more effective for catching bass.
Bobbers or floaters: Floaters help to keep your bait as close to the surface as possible. It also shows you when a fish bites your bait which is the signal to start reeling in a catch. Traditional boobers are made from cork with a stick that is tied to the line.
Sinkers: Your kit is incomplete without a sinker. A sinker is required to stabilize your hook and baits since they are lightweight. They are traditionally made from lead but there are also steel, bismuth, tungsten, and brass sinkers as well. Weights may also vary depending on how deep you want your hook to sink. It is recommended that you carry extra sinkers since you are likely to lose them especially if you will be fishing for a long time.
Swivels: Lures and baits tend to make lines spin until it gets tangled and twisted. One simple way to prevent this is to use a connecting tool called a swivel that goes between the line and bait. This makes the bait spin freely without affecting the line. They are inexpensive so you should get good quality ones.
Needle Nose Pliers and a Line cutter: While these are not directly required for angling, they are vital accessories you should always carry with you always. A needle nose plier is useful for removing hooks from your catch easily. A line cutter is also required for setting up a new line. A sharp handy knife is a possible alternative to a line cutter.
Tacklebox: A tackle box is a small box where you can keep all your fishing accessories like hooks, sinkers, and so on. It’s a simple way to keep all your gear organized and easy to carry. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes. A small box that can fit in a bag is perfect for simple bank fishing. You might need a bigger box if you intend to do some pro-level angling.
Conclusion
Other notable but non-compulsory mentions include a medical kit box or first aid box to treat small injuries, sunglasses and sun sprays. Having the right gear is not only essential for your angling success, but it will also affect how much you will enjoy the experience. Hence, you should ensure that you stock up on good quality accessories before your trip.
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