You’ve got your rod and reel, as well as a few lures, what else do you need to go fishing? There are quite a few items you may have overlooked, or not known you needed. We will go over some common fishing tackle items you should keep in your tackle box, just in case. We will explain what they do and why you need them. Different fishing scenarios call for different setups, so you always want to be prepared.
Fishing Hooks
How do you pick a fishing hook? Is it by looks, shape, size? Maybe brand? There are specially designed hooks for every type of fishing and lure. If you plan to rig a worm, you’ll need a worm hook. A plastic frog hook will have a spring wire on it where you can attach the frog’s nose, keeping it from moving around. The weedless wacky worm hook is popular for bass fishing. It allows you to fish through vegetation with less risk of getting caught on something. Bait holder hooks have extra barbs on the shaft, helping keep your bait in place. A common gamefish hook is the circle hook. The barb comes further in, almost forming a circle. This prevents gut hooking the fish. Check out the image below to familiarize yourself with the different parts of the hook.
Weights
Depending on the type of lure you are using and the action you want it to have, you may need to add some weights. Sinkers come in different sizes and shapes. For flounder fishing, where you want your bait to stay at the ocean floor, you will need a large, heavy sinker. Sinkers can be bullet shaped, triangular, circular, tear drop. There are also bank, diamond, dipset, split shot sinkers. Pyramid shaped sinkers are best for digging into the sea floor. Some sinkers can be easily attached to the line like split shot, which just pinch onto the line. Others like the bullet need to be thread onto the line before the hook and lure are attached. Casting sinkers can be added afterward, tied onto any area of the line.
Swivels
You have likely come across these if you browse the fishing department of your local sporting goods store or tackle shop. These small metal pieces may seem unnecessary, but they serve their purpose. Swivels help keep your line from twisting. They can also help stop your weight from moving along the line when creating certain rigs. They’re also used if you want to attach a leader to your line. Leaders are made of wire, fluorocarbon, or monofilament. Leaders will prevent your line from being cut easily by a fish.
No matter where you fish, Waterproof Charts has you covered. From fishing Biscayne Bay in Florida, the shores off Charleston, or deep sea fishing around Massachusetts, there is a fishing chart for you. We talk to local fishing charter guides to provide you with the best fishing insights on every fishing chart we offer. You’re getting insider information that not many others have access to. So grab your new fishing tackle, Waterproof Chart, and get out on the water.