Fishing is a great way to spend some time outdoors whether you’re alone or with someone. It would be a lot better if you have the right fishing gear. The idea of waiting for hours waiting for a fish to take the bait may be boring to some but it’s in fact a good way to relax or bond with your spouse, son or daughter, grandchild, or a friend. The thrill of catching fish makes fishing an even more interesting outdoor adventure that you certainly should consider it the next time you want to be one with nature.
Of course, simply going to the nearest fishing spot and trying to catch fish is not enough. You need the right fishing gear to make your first fishing adventure a successful and memorable one.
Basic Fishing Gear
Rod and Reel
You want your fishing rod to be sturdy, portable, and cheap. It should also be suitable for various fishing methods such as kayak fishing, trolling, and fishing on a pier. Ideally, you’d want your first rod and reel to be capable of every fishing technique but there are some that are made specifically for long-distance casting.
If you’re a newbie on a budget, you can go for a rod and reel combo that can be folded down for easier carrying and storage, and can be used for as many fishing techniques as possible.
Fishing Line
First thing you must understand is that there is no specific fishing line that’s best for every method or technique. To choose your first fishing line, you must know about tensile strength, diameter, and length. These are the three most important factors in choosing the right line for you.
Additionally, there are three main kinds of fishing lines. There’s the monofilament, which is best used for fish weighing 1 lb to as much as 25 lbs. This is often recommended for newbie anglers because of its affordability, flexibility, and ease in applying different knot styles.
The braided fishing line is used mainly for deep sea and saltwater fishing. Its strength and durability also makes it the perfect fishing line for catching heavy fish.
When you’re planning on going fly-fishing, the fluorocarbon fishing line is the right one for you. It’s virtually invisible making it the perfect fishing line to use in clear water.
Fishing Hooks
Your choice of fishing hook depends on the kind of fish you’re aiming to catch. In general, though, beginners should go for circle hooks. It’s easier to remove from the fish because it stays hooked on the fish’s mouth and does not end up in the stomach.
The best move is to purchase different kinds of hooks so you’ll have what’s needed depending on the fishing location.
Sinkers
A sinker, as its name implies, helps keep your fishing hook submerged deep under water. Traditional sinkers are made of lead, which a number of states have already banned due to its harmful effects to the environment. Look for sinkers made of tungsten, brass, or steel.
Needle Nose Pliers
You’ll need the right pair of pliers for removing the hooks. Find one that is made of quality stainless steel or aircraft grade aluminum. Stay clear of fishing pliers made from cheap materials as they will rust or bend easy.
Baits
You’ll have a hard time catching fish if you don’t have anything to bait them with. You can always dig up the ground and gather earthworms for live bait but if you rather not, there are artificial lures you can use.
Bobbers
Also known as floaters, bobbers are essentially there to tell you when you have a bite. When the bobber sinks, that’s a sign that you have a fish caught in your line. You need to start reeling it in as soon as the bobber sinks.
Clippers
Fishing clippers are used for cutting the line or removing knots. Some clippers have pins on one end for cleaning hookeyes.
Tackle Box
If you want to look the part, it’s not enough to simply have a fishing rod or wear a fisherman hat. You should have your own tackle box where you can put all your fishing tackle.
Other Items You Need When Fishing
Sun protection
We often focus on the fishing gear and the techniques that we forget how important it is to protect ourselves while in the great outdoors. You’d be standing or sitting under the sun for long periods so keep your skin healthy by applying sunscreen.
Aside from sunscreen, you should also wear something, such as a flap hat or a bucket hat, to protect your face and neck from the sun while a good pair of sunglasses will protect your eyes.
A fishing umbrella will offer more protection from the sun, particularly from harmful UVA and UVB rays.
The items listed here are just the basic fishing gear you need to have as you start your fishing adventures. As you get better, you can spend on fishing gear made specifically for experienced anglers.
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