Going fishing this summer? Make sure you’ve got the following items on your list.
Fishing Pole/Rod
Before you go fishing, you will need to purchase the right rod. There are a few things to keep in mind when selecting a fishing pole. Firstly, the length of the rod is the distance from the tip to the very bottom of the butt, which can range from four to fourteen feet. Shorter rods cast shorter distances. They work best with light lures and give you more leeway when it comes to moving the rod to reel in a fish, so they may be appropriate for larger fish. They’re also ideal for trolling. Longer rods, on the other hand, cast further distances. They’re used in fly fishing and with heavier lures.
Rods also have weights, which are based on the weight of the lure the rod can cast. Other things to consider include the action of the rod. Light action rods bend closer to the butt of the rod, while heavy action rods bend closer to the top. Rods are made of fiberglass, graphite, or a combination of the two. Choose a material that’s well-suited to what you want to do.
Reel
Next, choose the reel. Spinning reels are ideal for beginners. They give you less control over the rod but offer a greater success rate when it comes to casting. They’re also less likely to tangle. Casting reels are another option. They give you more control over the cast, and you will have to use your thumbs to ensure accuracy. As a result, they’re more difficult to use.
Tackle Box
Your tackle box is where you keep all your fishing gear, including fishing line, lures, hooks, and jigs. Tackle boxes come in a huge array of sizes and shapes. You’ll want to choose the one that has plenty of space for all the gear you currently own, and a bit of extra room for growth.
Inside your tackle box, you should have:
- Fishing Line: The fishing line is responsible for connecting the lure or bait to the rod as well as the reel. It’s cast or thrown out at varying distances. Fishing line that is made of a single, continuous piece of filament is called monofilament. Other types include thermal filament, which includes small, bonded fibers, and braided.
- Hooks: Hooks come in all different shapes and sizes—enough to confuse even seasoned fisherman. Some common types include jig hooks, weedless hooks, circle hooks, saltwater hooks, Aberdeen hooks, treble hooks, and double hooks.
- Leaders: Fishing leaders are attached to the end of your main fishing line. You will tie your rigs or lures to the leader. There are two types of leaders: standard monofilament and fluorocarbon monofilament.
- Lures: Choose a lure according to the type of fish you hope to catch. Remember that the lure is incredibly important as it’s the tool that will ultimately bring the fish to you. Some elements to consider include movement, vibration, flash, and color.
Other Items
Consider bringing the following with you on your next fishing trip: live bait, a compass and map, water bottles, net, a knife, towels, and pliers.
