Fishing is an activity that can quickly get you hooked (excuse the pun). It’s a rewarding experience for first-time anglers, especially if you’ve made your first big catch. Whether a beginner or a seasoned angler, you need fishing gear to put yourself on the right fishing path. So if you’re gearing up for your fishing trip, be sure to include these essentials:
1. Tackle
When talking about tackle, there are three words that you will often hear – weights, floats, and hooks.
Weights are designed for providing more casting distance. They also keep your bait under water. For beginners, basic split shot weights are recommended because they can be easily installed and they are inexpensive.
Floats are also popular among first-time anglers. They are also referred to as strike indicators or bobbers. The floats ensure your bait stays on the bottom of the lake. You’ll know if the fish eats your bait as the float will bob below the surface.
Hooks, especially snelled ones, with a pre-tied leader attached to a swivel snap. Depending on the manufacturer, hooks can be long-lasting and durable.
2. Rod & Reel
The rule of thumb in choosing rods and reels is to select this gear based on your fishing style. For first-time anglers, be sure to keep everything simple. A rod and reel that you can use for lure fishing and bait fishing is the best way to go. For beginners, a rod for 8lb to 20lb line will suffice as it enables you to catch various species, which can be found in rivers and lakes. Look for rods and reels that are durable and reasonably priced, so you don’t have to keep on buying the same gear each season.
3. Live Bait
The live bait you choose will depend greatly on where you are fishing. The nightcrawler may be the most effective live bait you can purchase in one area, whereas in another location locals will recommend shrimp.
You can also choose live shiners as they are suitable for predatory fish. Live bait should be hooked through the back and be sure that you cast it gently. When a good-sized fish bites the bait, the float (if thats what you are using) will go under water.
4. Lures
If you’re bored with bait fishing, experimenting with lures will give you a new challenge. There are many lure colors, styles and manufacturers to consider. The most common are soft plastics, topwater lures, and spinnerbaits.
Spoons are a classic among anglers of all sorts, and as effective nowadays as they ever were. They use flash and movement similar to a baitfish to attract bites, and due to their effectiveness and simple, longlasting design, should be a staple in any tackle box. Simply cast out and retrieve at various speeds.
Soft plastics are designed for various species and can often be used in the same way as live baits. All you need to do is to cast soft plastics out and allow it to sink to the bottom.
Topwater lures have many different types and are ideal for first-time anglers because it’s easy to use. When you cast it out, wait for the water to calm down. You can start reeling once the lures hit the surface. When retrieving the lure, you can add twitches, pauses or change the speed.
Spinnerbaits are deemed the most effective type of lure. You can use them for water with lower visibility. The spinning causes the water to vibrate, which makes it easier for you to locate the bait.
5. Line
You can choose from many different diameters and materials. Larger diameter lines are much stronger than the ones with a smaller diameter. If you’re looking for strong lines without the thickness, go for braided lines. Braided fishing line may be more expensive than other types but have gained huge popularity in recent years for a reason. Fluorocarbon lines, on the other hand, are abrasion resistant while the monofilament is stretchable and buoyant. Red fishing line is supposedly hard for fish to spot, and may be worth trying out for species that spook easily such as snook.
Finally, you need a good bag to keep your fishing essentials organized. Choose a shoulder bag that’s big enough to accommodate all of your fishing items.
Visit our online store for your fishing needs.
