Other Fishing Tackle

Let's Catch Fish

• Types of Tackle  • Other Tackle  • Natural Baits  • Prepared Baits  • Lures

Related Information

• Fishing Fundamentals  • Fishing Resources

Fish Hooks
Fishhooks come in a variety of sizes and styles. When you fish with natural or live bait, a package with an assortment of hooks ranging from sizes No. 6 through No. 10 is suitable. However, when you fish for catfish or bullheads, larger hooks are needed.

The barbs on the hooks can be bent down if you intend to release your catch. This will make your fishing more challenging and reduce fish mortality.

Fishing Line
Fishing line comes in a variety of sizes, or strengths, called pound-test. For example, ten pound-test lines are stronger than four pound-test. You must match the pound-test line to the size of rod and reel, the bait you're using, and the fish you are fishing for. For example, small ultra light spincasting and spinning reels can use up to six pound-test lines. Larger spinning reels can use stronger line. Bait casting reels can use from 6- to 30-pound line, but 8- to 16-pound-test lines are most common. Using heavier line than necessary may reduce the number of bites or strikes you get, because heavy line is more visible in water.

To connect your line to your hook you need to learn to tie fishing knots. Although dozens of fishing knots are used you only need to learn two or three good knots for most fishing. Here's how to tie three common knots:

The palomar and improved clinch knots are used by many anglers for attaching hooks and lures. They are both very strong knots.

The loop knot is used for minnow type baits and diving lures. The loop attached to the lure allows the lure to move more freely.

Sinkers
Sinkers range in size from split shot the size of a BB to weights of a pound or more. BB-size split shot to 1/4-ounce sinkers are most common. Sinkers allow you to cast your bait and help take it down to the bottom.

Bobbers
Bobbers are used to keep your bait at the depth you want it. They also help you to know when you have a strike. Use a bobber that's just large enough to keep your bait from dragging it under the water. Pencil style bobbers are more sensitive than round ones. Because of this it is easier to tell if a fish is biting. Round bobbers are easier to cast Slip bobbers can be easily adjusted to allow you to fish at different depths. Their main advantage is that they are easy to cast. They come in both round and pencil styles.

Many bobbers attach to fishing line with a spring clip and move up or down the line easily, depending on how deep you want to fish your bait.

Tackle Box
A tackle box is useful for storing hooks, sinkers, bobbers, lures, and other things you need for fishing. A small, top-opening box with two trays is a good first box.

Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
A personal flotation device, also known as a life jacket, should be part of your essential fishing gear. You should always wear one if you are fishing near deep or fast moving water. When you are fishing from a boat, you must always wear a PFD. If you choose a PFD with pockets, you can also use it as a fishing vest to hold your tackle.

Other Accessories
Other equipment anglers find useful includes a container for live bait, snaps and swivels, a line clipper, long-nose pliers with wire cutters, a hook disgorger for removing fish hooks, a fish scaler, and a stringer or ice chest to keep your fish fresh. In addition, you should always have your first aid kit with you.

This information provided by Future Fisherman Foundation