Fishing, Hunting, & Trapping

There are few better ways to spend a beautiful summer morning or day than out fishing. The birds are chirping, the air is fresh, and the water is as smooth as glass.

If you fish alone, the solitude can be refreshing. If you fish with friends, it’s a great time to catch up or reminisce.

Fishing is an easy sport for anyone to take up and doesn’t require a lot of walking. You can purchase or make supplies in any budget, and you can fish from a shoreline or a boat.

There are many different varieties of fish to fish for, and your gear will vary based on what you seek. But every tackle box should contain a few basic necessities.

1. Fishing Line

Fishing Line | Tackle Box Necessities for Every Fisherman

Fishing lines are notorious for breaking and getting tangled. You’ll want to keep plenty of extras on hand so that you don’t spend your entire day fighting with what you’ve got.

Nothing ruins a great day of fishing faster than running out of fishing line.

The thickness of the line you choose depends on the type of fish and the conditions that you’re fishing in. Large fish in rough conditions call for thicker line. Smaller fish in a clear lake require a thin, clear line.

2. A Variety of Hooks

A Variety of Hooks | Tackle Box Necessities for Every Fisherman

You never know exactly what kind or size of fish you will come across, and you’ll want to be ready with hooks in several sizes. You may want to try out J-hooks and French hooks to see which you prefer.

3. Bobbers/Floaters

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Bobbers, also called Floaters, help you identify when a fish is biting. They float on the water until a fish pulls them down.

You can go simple and use a cork, or upgrade to plastic bobbers that clip onto the line. Slip bobbers are a great choice for fishing in deeper water.

4. Sinkers

Sinkers | Tackle Box Necessities for Every Fisherman

The weight of your hook and bait are not significant enough to sink down to where the fish are likely to bite. Adding weight or sinker to your line will help with that.

You’ll want to have several with you each time you head out fishing, as they are easy to lose.

5. A Bag of Plastic Worms

Live bait is best, but throwing a package of plastic worms into your tackle box is a good idea. You always want to have options and extra supplies.

6. Lures

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A hook and worm are enough to catch a fish, but there are no shortages of lures on the market as well. Lures are designed to attract fish using movement.

You may want to try a few out and experiment with what works in different conditions.

7. Needle Nose Pliers

Needle Nose Pliers | Tackle Box Necessities for Every Fisherman

You’ll want these for removing hooks – from the fish and sometimes from yourself, too.

8. Simple First Aid Kit

Fishing is not a terribly dangerous sport, so a comprehensive first aid kit is not necessary. But if you find yourself out on the water or away from help, you’ll want to be able to treat minor scrapes and cuts.

Some Band-Aids, ointment, bandages, medical tape, and small scissors should be sufficient. The most common injuries in fishing are a hook in your finger or some scrapes from falling.

9. Sunscreen and a Hat

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Fishing does require a lot of time outside, often in the bright summer sun. Protect yourself with sunscreen and a hat. Keep both in your tackle box so you don’t forget them when leaving the house early in the morning.