Go into any bait and tackle shop and you’ll be astounded by the sheer amount of selection that is available. Do you really need all of this stuff? Depending on the type of fish you are looking for the answer is both yes and no. The key is finding the right mix of equipment that is essential. Not only will you save money, but you will be able to enjoy a higher success rate on your fishing trips. Let’s go over the essential fishing equipment that you really can’t do without.
1. A quality rod.
Buy a cheap rod and you’ll probably regret it, especially if you are going after bigger fish. Your main investment should be in a really good rod that will last for several seasons. The material is completely up to you, but most prefer a composite rod that will hold up to the stress of a big fish, but not completely overwhelm the smaller species. Check out these quality rods: Fly Fishing Rods, Freshwater Rods, Saltwater Rods, and even Vintage Rods.
2. A great reel.
If you have ever hooked a fish only to end up helpless snared in loose line and knots, you know how important a good real can be. A great reel however will never let you down. You may need to test quite a few before you find the one that fits your technique the best. Again, this is an area where it is ok to spend a little more money, since you’ll be ending up with a reel that will last for several years. Check out these quality reels: Saltwater Reels, Freshwater Reels, Fly Fishing Reels, and even Vintage Reels.
3. Colorful lures that mimic nature.
While you can spend loads of money stocking up on all of the latest lures, it is often the old standbys that will outperform them. Look for lures that are bright and do a good job of mimicking either real bait or a real insect. The brighter the better, especially if you are going after fish that prefer deep waters. Check out these quality lures: Fly Fishing Flies, Freshwater Lures, Saltwater Lures, Big Game Lures, and even Vintage Lures
4. Get the right bait.
This will depend largely on the type of fish you are seeking and it pays to do your research before you head out. At the end of the day however, you can pretty much guarantee that a freshwater fish will be happy to get a nightcrawler. Worms may not be expensive but they do get the job done, especially when compared to the more expensive bait that never seems to work.
5. A good net.
No matter how good you are, you’ll still need to have a good net at your disposal. Look for one with a smaller weave so that you can use it for any kind of fish and make sure that it can hold a heavier fish as well. If you’re noticing a few rips or tears in your net, get it replaced before you end up missing out on the catch of a lifetime.
6. A GPS system.
A fish finder with a GPS system can help you determine the terrain at the bottom of a lake and point out where you will be most likely to find the kind of fish that you are looking for.
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