What Is Fishing Tackle?
Fishing tackle is simply fishing gear. It's the one sweeping term for any or all equipment you would use in fishing. Some simple examples of fishing tackle would be hooks, lines, sinkers, floats, rods, reels, baits, lures, spears, nets, gaffs, traps, waders and tackle boxes.
Fishing gear typically refers to commercial fishing where as fishing tackle, which really means the same, refers to recreational or sport fishing.
Sport Fishing Tackle
Sport fishing tackle refers to all of the equipment necessary for recreational fishing. Here is a look at some basic Sport Fishing Tackle:
Rods/Reels
There are four main types of rods and reels, so let's break them down.
- Spinning rods and reels have an open-faced reel that hangs below the rod. The guides on the rod are also facing down. This kind of spinning rod is very popular because it is perfect for general use. To cast, you "flip the bail" on the reel to disengage the line.
- Spincast or closed-faced rods and reels are the basic type of fishing rods that most beginner or young anglers start with. The reels have a covering over the spool and the line is fed out of the small hole up in the front. A trigger is used for the casting element but truth be told, most anglers upgrade and move away from this rod/reel as they progress.
- Baitcasting rods and reels are sort of a hybrid between spincast and spinning, but they work in a very different way. A trigger button is used in casting - sort of a similar function to spincast reel - but the angler has to "thumb the spool", which essentially means you stop the spin before the bait hits the water. Clearly, you don't want the line to tangle or experience any "backlash", as it is called. These rods and reels are good for bass fishing.
- Fly rods and reels are the oldest of the four types. You can still buy new ones and they are considered new fishing tackle, but it's the older of the four rods and reels. The method of casting is completely different as the angler uses the weight of the line, along with light lures known as flies. It's one of the best ways to catch salmon and trout.
Terminal Tackle
Terminal tackle refers to all of the other types of fishing gear, most notable hooks, bobbers, sinkers, leaders and many other items.
Here are the basics:
- Hooks:
- Fishing hooks are how you catch the fish. When the fish bites the bait and catches the hook, you reel it in. There are many different types of hook depending on where you fish and which type of fishing you are trying to catch. This is the most important element of your terminal tackle.
- Bobbers or Floats:
- This is a device that helps keep the bait float in the water at a certain depth. It keeps the bait suspended in the water and acts as an indicator to let you know when a fish has taken the bait.
- Sinkers:
- Sinkers are constructed of a dense metal made to various weights and are used to keep a bait on the bottom. When it comes to fishing and tackle strategies, this is important for catching specific species.
- Snaps, Swivels & Leaders:
- This is also a situation fishing and tackle tool, which is used for quick fishing bait and tackle changes. Swivels keep your lines from tangling, snaps help you change the bait quickly and leaders are a length of specialty fishing line attached to the main line. Leaders are usually used to either add a length of stronger line near the bait to prevent fish from biting through the line, or to add a length of transparent line that the fish cannot see as well.
Bait
Bait is one of the most important elements to catching a fish. Fishing bait is any substances that is use to attract (or catch) any fish. In many cases you would put it on the end of a hook. In other cases you would put it in a trap.
There are many types of artificial and natural baits.
Lures
A fishing lure is what is attached to the end of the fishing line. It is designed to move and disguise as prey of a fish, but in general, the idea is to catch the attention of fish (luring them in) and getting the fish to bite the hook.
There are many different types of lures, such as jigs, spoon lures, plugs, artificial flies, spinnerbaits, and swimbaits.
Tackle Storage
There are a couple of different ways to store tackle, but you have to keep in mind where you are heading out fishing.
If you are going to be fishing in a big boat on a lake, then a nice big tackle box is your perfect strategy. A tackle box might be big to carry around, but it has everything you need and in a boat, you have the space for it.
But a tackle box doesn't work if you are fishing down a small stream and all you have is your pockets. Fishing vests, small tackle bags, and pouches provide storage space that is easy to carry while fishing from shore.
Buy Fishing Tackle
There are endless places to buy fishing tackle, from the internet to the local stores, but make sure you know what you're getting into. Here are some tips to get you started:
3 Beginner Tips To Buy Fishing Tackle
- Shop Around
Just as you would with anything else, shop around for the best prices. With so many retailers of fishing equipment, it's best to hunt around for the best deals. When you buy fishing tackle, the same rod or reel can cost nearly double from one place to the next, so make sure you are spending your money wisely.
- Determine What You Can Buy Online
Shopping online has been all the craze in the fishing game because it gives you even more outlets to shop. But keep in mind that there are certain things that are better bough in the store versus online.
If you're buying a rod, you probably want to check the action and see if you like the feel. It's better to buy in the store.
Some online stores don't have very good photos that show the details and proper color of their products, so purchasing a new lure or a color that you have never used before might be a little risky. You may think that you are purchasing one color, but the image was dark and the product looks different when it arrives.
If you're restocking bait and lures that you have already used, then have a look at the online shops and Ebay and see if you can find a good price. Usually, prices are cheaper online but be sure to keep the cost of shipping in mind. You can usually lower overall shipping costs by ordering everything at once instead of paying to ship several small packages.
Another option is to check your local tackle supplier to see the tackle in person, and then compare prices later online. That lets you see and hold the product in the store, but you might be able to save money if you purchase it online.
- Know What Fish You're Fishing For
One of the most important elements to know when you buy fishing tackle is to know which fish you plan to target. There are different types of hooks, reels and baits used for different fish, so make sure you buy the right one for the fish you are targeting.
How To Get Free Fishing Tackle
While most people think that the only way to get new fishing tackle is to buy it, the truth is you can go a long way on the free route. Here are some tips to getting free tackle:
5 Tips To Luring In Free Fishing Tackle
- Attend Fishing Shows
They are always giving away samples, demos and free tackle. Even if they aren't completely free, you'll get great deals.
- Pick Up After The Lazy Ones
If you find a local lake or stream that is popular for fishing, check it out when the water levels are low and you're bound to find some lures. Just clean them up, add new hooks if they are rusty, and you're good to go.
- Website Giveaways
Scour the internet for free giveaways, bonuses for registering or any other deals. Freebies lure customers in so many companies and websites offer them.
- Staff Discount
This is more for the experts, but if you get good at fishing, join a company or a pro-staff and you'll find some freebies. They'll likely get you to promote their products in exchange for the freebies and discounts.
- Earn Rewards
If you do all your shopping at one place, find one that offers rewards. As you shop you can either get free gear or points that you can redeem for freebies.
Specific Fishing Tackle
When you are hunting for a specific fish, you have to plan out the right gear for the species or you'll come up empty-handed. There are countless types of fishing rods, reels, line, lures, bait and terminal tackle. It's imperative that you have the right equipment for the job. Here are some quick tips that will help you select the appropriate tackle:
Species
- Size
- Use a heavy rod and line for large fish and a lighter rod and line for smaller fish.
- Teeth
- You will need to use tougher line or a leader when catch fish that have teeth
- Strength
- Some fish are stronger than others of the same size and require heavier tackle to fight them.
Location
- Cover
- Fish like to live in places with a lot of cover such as fallen trees, stumps, docks, weeds, and rocks. Use heavier line than normal when fishing in these areas so you can pull the fish out of the cover quickly and not break your line if it does get caught up.
- Water Clarity
- You can get away with heavy or opaque line in murky water, but you may have to use lighter transparent line in clear water so that the fish can't see the line.
- Depth
- Lighter lines and heavier weights will help you get your bait down to deeper depths.
- Casting
- Use a long fishing if you need to cast far in order to reach the prime fishing spot. Light limp fishing line will also help.
Bait & Lures
- Weight
- Use heavier rods for casting heavy baits and lures, and light rods with light line for casting small baits and lures.
- Presentation
- There are rods that are designed to help you fish specific baits and lures a certain way. They are usually a lot better for the specific presentation than an all-purpose fishing rod. It's similar to how golfers have clubs that are designed for putting, driving, or to hit the ball out of a sand trap.
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