What You Need in Your Fishing Tackle Box

Fishing is one of the best pastime activities you can consider this summer or any other season. It is cheap yet immensely satisfying and fulfilling. But just like camping, backpacking, hunting, or any other outdoor venture, your success depends on your preparedness. Missing an essential item when you get to your fishing spot is a big blow. Therefore, you need to ensure that you have everything you could need in your tackle box.

Of course, a fishing rod and a spooled fishing reel are quite impossible to forget; they are not enough for a successful fishing escapade. A lot of other items need adding to your gear. And that’s the essence of owning an equipped tackle box.

So, what should your tackle box contain?

 

10 Basic Items to Include in Your Fishing Tackle Box

For the record, the contents of a tackle box vary from one person to another. The variation is dependent on various parameters, including your skills and the type of fish you intend to target, among others. However, some essentials remain the same—and that is what we made this article for.

Now, consider the following checklist;

 

1. Extra Lines

We know that you already have a line on your reel. But more often than not, that line will get twisted, tangled, or broken. While this is sad, sometimes you cannot avoid it. It could also be due to a hook on a monster fish that rips off your line. Or sometimes a line too old to last you an entire day.

But sometimes it is not a case of a damaged line. Instead, you could be venturing into waters you are unfamiliar with, and you end up discovering that the line in your reel is not the right size for the fish. Bigger fish require heavier lines, and the reverse is true.

So, you will need to purchase two or more spools of line to cushion you from such unfortunate events. If you do not add any lines to your tackle box, the chances are that you will abort your mission prematurely. Carry a braided line as well as other types of fishing lines.

 

2. An Assortment of Lures and Baits

Baits and lures are arguably the most important part of your fishing gear. It is impossible to do without them. So, you must carry lures and bait and ensure they are the right ones.

Your lures will depend on the type of fish available and what you intend to catch. Besides, you have to know the type of water in your destination and determine if you have the right lures and baits for the water. A variety of both live baits and artificial baits will do well for you as that will conveniently enable you to switch from one type of bait to another.

 

3. Bobbers

Call them bobbers or floaters; these fishing essentials will help you determine if there is a bite on your line. The bobber sinks when a fish bites, and that is an indication that you need to reel in your line. The feeling is always both tense and promising.

And on bobbers, you always have choices. The first and the most popular are the round and plastic ones. They conveniently clip on your line for secure attachment. However, their main limitation is that they limit how deep you can cast your line.

The second options are slip bobbers. Its main advantage is that you can conveniently slide it up and down the line. They take more time to rig. But if you are a deep fan of deep-sea fishing, they are always worth it.

 

4. Extra Hooks

You always have your expectations when you set out to go fishing. But sometimes, expectations differ from reality, and that’s perfectly normal. Stock a variety of extra hooks so that you are ready for any fish. The extra hooks should be of different types and sizes to provide convenience and versatility.

 

5. Sinkers

If you have tried some fishing before, you realize that a hook and bait alone will not sink to the right levels. So, you need to attach a metallic weight or a sinker to your line to make it get to the right levels. While conventional sinkers are made of lead, this trend will probably stop.

Many states continue to ban lead sinkers based on environmental reasons. So, you will soon begin to find brass, steel, bismuth, and tungsten sinkers.

 

6. Knife, Nail Clippers, Or A Line Cutter

A whole day or weekend of fishing can be full of unexpected occurrences. However, one of the things you have to get ready for are complex snags that will probably require you to snip your line. Carry any of the mentioned items.

 

7. A First Aid Kid

Of course, it is unlikely that you will get any serious medical emergencies. But chances of a hook ripping your skin or getting into your thumb will probably pop up. Or, you could end up with a fall and a bruised knee or elbow. You could also fall ill.

A small first aid kit will keep you going till you get back home.

 

8. Needle Nose Clippers

If you are expecting a catch, you must also expect to get the hooks out of your fish. So, carry along needle nose clippers. Unfortunately, or fortunately, you will need them to get the hooks out of your body.

 

9. A Fishing License

Do you plan to venture into restricted waters? If so, always remember to carry your fishing license lest you get in trouble with the authorities.

 

10. Carry Some Swivels

Line twists can be frustrating and a big letdown. When one occurs, you will find that swivels have many uses, and one of them is to keep your line untwisted. You will often find packs in swivel shops. One pack should be sufficient for a weekend trip.

 

Final Words

Fishing requires the right technical skills and prowess. But without a little foresight, your mission could fail even before you cast your reel. Do not forget to include any of the above items in your tackle box before you set off for the exciting adventure.

While this process is often time-consuming, it is always worth the time.