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10 Must Have Fishing Tackle Items – Most Useful Tools for Fishing

tackle box

Fishing is a very basic sport that allows you to get outside and enjoy nature and the outdoors. But for being so basic and simple, there is quite a lot of necessary gear and accessories that go along with it. So how do you know if you have everything that you need when it comes to fishing tackle? Luckily for you, we have compiled a list of ten of the most useful pieces of fishing tackle that every angle needs to have in their tackle box!

1. Extra Lures and Bait

extra Lures and Bait

Your lures and bait are how you attract and catch fish. They are also the gear that you will most likely go through the quickest. Everything from plastics, jigs, crankbaits, to live bait should be in your arsenal (depending on the species of fish you are after) but you should also remember to bring plenty of extras. It is also important to bring different kinds of lures and baits with you, that way you can easily switch it up and be prepared if the fish are being picky eaters. 

F4F Lure Pick:

TRUSCEND Fishing Lures for Bass & Trout

2. Bobbers

fishing bobber

Even if you don’t regularly fish with a bobber, it is always a good idea to have some with you. If you find yourself struggling to catch fish or keep getting your bait caught on the water’s bottom, you can attach a bobber to keep your bait above the bottom of the floor. Bobbers can also help your bait float along with a current, making it look much more natural and enticing fish to come closer. And of course, they make for a great way to help kids and beginners start fishing as they are easy to use and see!

F4F Bobber Pick:

Junxi Fishing Bobbers (Set of 16)

3. Weights

Weights for fishing line

Keeping a variety of weights in your tackle box can be invaluable. There are many times when you will need to weigh down your bait or lure in order to get it to the correct depth or cast it the right distance. This can help you catch bigger fish that like to hide deep under the surface, and having a variety of baits will allow you to customize your set up depending on the style of fishing and the species that you are after. 

F4F Weights Pick:

50 pc. Weight Pack

4. Scissors

Calcutta Outdoors 5 inch Steel Braid Fishing Scissors

Having something to cut your fishing line is necessary for a tackle box. A simple pair of scissors can be used, or you can even bring along a pocket knife or nail clippers. This will save you plenty of time and trouble trying to cut your line using something else, and it will always be there when you need it. 

F4F Fishing Scissors Pick:

Boomerang Tool Company SNIP Fishing Line Cutters

5. Extra Fishing Line

fishing line

You should never head out fishing without some extra fishing line. You never really know how much fishing line you will need or go through, so it is important to be able to replace it when necessary. The line also can easily get tangled, cut, or have knots and have to be changed out. Always keep a spare spool of fishing line in your tackle box in case you might need it!

F4F Fishing Line Pick

KastKing SuperPower Braided Fishing Line

6. Plenty of Hooks

fishing hooks

Besides your bait and fishing line, hooks are the one thing that you will probably run through the fastest. You will want to bring along plenty of different sized hooks, that way you are ready to catch any species or any size of fish that you need to. You should also bring along the correct style of hook depending on the bait or lure that you will be using. 

F4F Fishing Hooks Pick

Drasry Fishing Hooks Set

7. Flashlight

Flashlight for fishing

A lot of the best fishing is usually found first thing in the morning, right before dark, or at night. This means having a light source like a flashlight can prove to be invaluable. A small flashlight in your box can help you quickly tie on or secure the bait to your hook and keep you fishing when the fish are biting. 

F4F Fishing Flashlight Pick

VOLADOR DF10 Dive Light

8. Hat and/or Sunglasses

hat for fishing

If you are fishing during the day, you may want to consider bringing items to help you combat the sun. A good hat and some sunglasses can make fishing much more enjoyable. It can also help you to be more effective, as a pair of polarized sunglasses can cut back on glare from the sun and allow you to see much better in the water. Don’t forget some sunscreen as well!

9. Fishing License

checking fishing license

This one might seem a little obvious, but it is quite literally one of the most important things that you should have with you when you go fishing. Fishing without the proper license can land you a big fine to pay, and ruin and future fishing that you might want to do. Keep your fishing license somewhere safe in your tackle box that way you don’t have to worry about forgetting it anytime you hit the water. Click to find your state.

10. Scale and/or Ruler

fish scale portable

While many anglers just enjoy fishing for the fun of it, others like to document their catch and try to improve on what they have done before. Bringing a small scale or a rule can help you find the weight or length of the fish you catch, and allow you to try and improve your record every time you go fishing. If you ever want to know how big your catch is, consider bringing one or both of these items. 

F4F Fishing Scale Ruler Combo Pick

Fishfun Fish Scale w/Ruler

Final Thoughts

While this is in no way a complete list of every piece of fishing gear that you should bring with you, these are ten items that we feel are very important and should be brought along no matter the situation. Does your list have similar items? Is there anything you would add? By bringing the proper gear, you can ensure that you are always ready no matter what the fishing conditions might throw at you!

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