If you are just getting into bass fishing, it can be hard to figure out exactly what you need. Of course you need a rod and reel. But then there is the line, which type? The hooks, how many and what size? The lures, don’t get me started on the lures! There must be a hundred thousand lures to choose from. Then you need sinkers, a weight tool, pliers, and many other tools. So what are the essential bass fishing items you need in your tackle box?
Lures
Source: mysterytacklebox.com
Jerkbaits
Jerkbaits are long, slender minnow shaped lures that you retrieve in a jerking method.
Source: secretweaponlures.com
Spinnerbaits
Spinnerbaits are great for working vegetation or covered areas. Try picking up one or two in black, white, or chartreuse.
Source: tackletour.com
Topwater
Topwater lures range from poppers which have a unique mouth shape to produce a popping sound when retrieved to buzzbaits which have a spinner on the body to produce sound. Other topwaters don’t produce sounds, like plugs. These lures sit on the top of the water, luring bass up to the surface.
Source: landbigfish.com
Crankbaits
These lures mimic tiny fish that bass love to eat. There are different types of crankbaits, some run just below the surface, while others run over 20 feet deep. Depending on the type of water you usually fish, that will determine which type of cranks you need.
Source: bestbassfishinglures.com
Soft Plastic Baits
These are some of the most versatile lures around. They can come in tons of different shapes like lizards, worms, frogs, mice, crawfish. There are dozens of colors to choose from and these baits are relatively inexpensive. Try out a few different color choices to see what works best. Some days one color may outdo another, so it’s good to have a few options.
Tools
Knife
A good knife is useful for many situations while out fishing. It’s especially important in case you unfortunately catch your line on something and need to cut the line.
Needle Nose Pliers
These pliers will come in handy when you have a tricky hook caught in a fish. Sometimes it’s easier to use the pliers to remove the hook.
Towel
It’s a good idea to carry a towel just to clean your hands, dry off a surface.
First Aid Kit
You don’t need a full-fledged first aid kit in your tacklebox, but having some neosporin, and bandaids will come in handy one day.
If you’re heading out for some bass fishing on Lake Okeechobee or the Central St. Johns River, you need to have a Waterproof Chart. We gather information from local fishing guides to include relevant fishing tips on every chart!