FISHING TACKLE

• FLOATS AND BOBBERS
• HOOKS AND HOOK RIGS
• SWIVELS AND RINGS
• WEIGHTS AND SINKERS

Fishing tackle refers to any fishing equipment that an angler might use for the purpose of luring fish, and includes everything from salmon eggs, glow yarn, grubs, hooks, spinners, jigs, dodgers, sinkers, floaters, scalers, line clippers, pliers, fishing line, and lures… and the list goes on.

Over the years fishing tackle has become quite specialized so that anglers have many options when filling their tackle box. Rod holders that mount to boats, bells that clip to rod tips alerting the angler when a fish has picked up his or her bait, trolling spreaders designed to prevent trolling tangles, and creel bags that keep fish cool and fresh, are just a few of the conveniences the modern day angler can purchase.

When filling your tackle box it is important to know what type of fishing you intend to do, as well as the type of fish you are trying to lure. Do your homework! Does the water where you intend to fish have less visibility, requiring shinier and flashier lures? Are you fishing at a depth which may require heavier sinkers? What is the best lure (or bait) for the type of fish you intend to catch? And how long and what strength fishing line do you need to use for the type of fishing you intend to do? These are some basic questions an amateur angler may want to ask. That said, the first place you need to start when filling your tackle box is with the fishing line.

Fishing line is measured by its diameter, yardage per roll, test poundage (which refers to the weight of the fish you are trying to catch), and material. The material that your line is made from will determine its overall strength and translucency once in the water, as well as its stiffness, its sensitivity, and the amount of water it will absorb. The most common type of fishing line material is monofilament, but line may be made from any number of materials including nylon, polyethylene, and polyester.

As with both rod and reel, a good place to start when you are purchasing fishing line is with the weight of the fish you are trying to catch. This weight will ultimately determine your fishing line’s breaking strength. Though the experienced fisherman (or woman) can stretch the limits of manufacturers recommended pound tests (weight) there are other factors that may weaken your line such as cuts, scuffs, scrapes, and water absorption.

When looking for line keep in mind, casting ability, diameter, translucency, limpness, breaking strength, knot strength, sensitivity, and abrasion resistance should all be factored in.

Hooks by themselves are designed to hold bait and to “hook” fish. A hook can be connected to the fishing line by a “leader.” A leader is a line (usually a few feet long) that is designed with a swivel on one end and locking snap for the hook on the other. In fly fishing the leader line is much thinner, which helps disguise the fisherman”s much thicker fly fishing line, allowing the “fly” to appear as if it’s free floating. Leaders made with thicker line, which can be made from wire, are generally used in ocean fishing and prevent toothy fish from being able to bite through standard fishing line.

Finding the right hook with so many choices can be confusing to the novice fisherman. Again, we go back to knowing what you are fishing for and where you intend to fish. Manufacturers will list hooks in four categories: all purpose, fly fishing, fresh water fishing, and salt water fishing. Within each category you will find hooks that are specific to size, strength, or bite, for the “type” of fish within that category. Each hook is designed to hold bait, as well as securely hooking the fish; however, the experienced fisherman may be just as concerned with a larger bite area, the color of the hook, fast and easy attachment, break points, corrosion resistance, and conformity to tournament or state regulations.

Fishing line, lures, and hooks, should be the first items in your tackle box. A deserving fillet knife, a hook remover, and a pair of skinning pliers might be the next. Once you get started you may need a bigger tackle box!

No matter what type of fishing type you need we have what you’re looking for. If you have additional questions contact us at , visit us at TheOutdoorWorld.com, or call our experienced staff Monday—Friday, 8AM-5pm (PT) at 1-888-344-9500.