Simply put, fishing tackle is the equipment you use to get fish bait into the water, dangling in front of the fish. It's not necessary to have a lot of tackle if you are just taking up the sport of fishing, but you do need basic and proper tackle. If you are a beginner, it's best to keep tackle to a minimum until you hone your skills. When you have more experience, you may want to invest in more advanced tackle.
Your Rod and Reel
You can purchase a rod and reel at your local fishing store. It's best to buy a lightweight rod because it will be easier for you to tell when you have a bite. Spinner reels are best for beginners. You can often purchase a rod and reel as a single unit. If you don't want to buy a rod and reel until you've tried out the sport, you might be able to borrow one from a family member or friend. An adult fishing rod should be about 6 feet long. A child's rod will be 4 to 5 feet long.
All About Fishing Line
Also called filament, fishing line comes in a wide range of sizes or strengths, which are referred to as "pound-test." The larger the pound-test, the stronger the fishing line. For instance, 8 pound-test is not as strong as 10 pound-test. The trick here is to match your line's pound-test to your rod and reel, to the bait you plan to use, and to the species of fish that you're hoping to catch. Small, lightweight rods that use spin casting or spinning reels will use a line that is up to 6 pound-test. If you have a large spinning reel, be sure to use a stronger pound-test line. Bait casting reels use a heavier line that can run anywhere from 6 to 30 pound-test. However, 8 to 16 pound-test is the most popular size of fishing line. Keep in mind that if your line is too heavy, you won't get as many bites or strikes, because the fish can see the line. If you're a beginner, or if you're using line for kids' rods, 8 pound-test is recommended.
To Net Or Not To Net
It isn't an absolute necessity but a fishing net can come in handy when you're landing a fish. Nets are also useful for keeping kids busy when they tire of fishing. They can catch frogs, minnows and tadpoles, and discover a whole new world.
Bait Basics
A number of different kinds of bait are available, both live and artificial. Earthworms, also known as night crawlers, are great for beginners. Instead of buying a dozen, take a flashlight out into the yard after dark when there's dew on the grass, and pick your own, or dig them out of your compost heap. Place them in a plastic container with some soil and store them in the refrigerator over night. Be sure to punch holes in the lid of the container and make sure the top is secure. Other types of baits include mealworms, kernel corn, grubs and bread balls.
Understanding Bobbers
Bobbers are floats that attach to your fishing line to dangle the bait in front of the fish. They also provide extra weight when casting. After you've cast your line, the bobber sits on the water surface. When it dips into the water, you know you have a bite. With bobbers, smaller is usually better. Use a bobber with just enough weight to keep your bait from dragging it underwater. The more sensitive the bobber, the easier it is for you to tell if you have a bite. Pencil style bobbers are the most sensitive. However, round bobbers are the easiest to cast. Slip bobbers can be adjusted quickly and easily to allow you to fish at different depths, and they're easy to cast. They come in both pencil and round styles, and are perfect for beginners and children.
Hooked On Hooks
As you might have guessed, fishhooks come in a wide variety of sizes and styles. If you are planning to use live bait, it's best to buy a variety pack that includes hooks in sizes ranging from #6 to #10. Fishing for bullhead or catfish? You will need larger hooks. Planning to catch and release? Fish hook barbs should be flattened. This gives you more of a challenge, and inflicts less pain and injury on the fish. Flattening barbs reduces the number of fish that die from wounds or from swallowing the hook. A good rule of thumb to keep this from happening is to use hooks that are compatible with the size of the fish's mouth that you are hoping to catch. If the hook is too small, it is easily swallowed, and if it's too large the fish won't take the bait.
The Lowdown On Sinkers
Sinkers, or weights as they're sometimes called, come in a variety of sizes and are used to keep your line from floating on the water surface where it will be highly visible to fish. Split shot sinkers range in size from minuscule to about the size of the end of a pencil, and are the smallest type of weights. Sinkers range from split shot to weights of a pound or more. The most popular and frequently used sinkers are split shot, and they are the best weights for beginners and children. When you purchase sinkers, be sure they are lead-free in order to protect the environment and wildlife species.
Qualities Of Leaders
Fishing leaders are fine pieces of metal with an eye on one end and a small easy-to-use pin catch on the other. You open this pin to slip a hook or lure onto it. The fishing line is threaded through the eye and knotted. Leaders aren't necessary for beginners or children, but are recommended for ease of changing hooks and lures. Leaders are also used when fishing for game fish such as northern pike, muskellunge and walleye. The metal leaders stop these toothy fish from biting through your line.
How To Use Swivels
Instead of attaching leaders, hooks and lures to the fishing line, many anglers use a small device called a snap swivel. There is an eye on one end and a pin clip on the other. The fishing line is threaded through the eye and fastened securely with a fishing knot. The pin clip opens much the same as a safety pin and the hook, lure or leader is slipped onto it and the clip pin is closed. Snap swivels protect your line from tangling as your bait moves and spins through the water. Snap swivels allow you to change bait or leaders quickly without cutting and re-tying your fishing line.
Your Fishing Knife
A fishing knife comes in handy if you have to cut snagged or tangled line. It is also used for scaling and cleaning fish. If kids are fishing, give them nail clippers to cut their line.
Needle Nose Pliers
These are good for removing the hook when the fish swallows it.
First Aid Kit
You'll want to pack some bandages, peroxide and anti-bacterial ointment in your tackle box to treat cuts and scrapes.
Tackle Box
A tackle box is used for organizing and storing bobbers, hooks, line, lures, leaders and other small items you will need for a successful fishing experience. Boxes that open from the top and have two trays are great for beginners, children and casual anglers. Tackle boxes often come equipped with a small amount of tackle such as hooks, bobbers, sinkers and artificial worms.
Ready To Go Fishing
Now that you have your rod, reel and tackle, you are ready to head out to the old fishing hole. Find a nice shady spot on the bank of a creek, pond or stream, or on the side of a lake and relax while you wait for that first nibble or strike.
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