List of Fishing Equipment | A Basic Fishing Gear Checklist

All professional anglers know what exactly they should take into fishing. And that is why this very article is not for professionals but only beginners who just have thought about start fishing and looking for something that will tell them everything about the fishing gears.

So without any further ado, let’s get down to it.

Basic Fishing Gear List

I have enumerated everything one beginner angler needs to know about essential fishing gears. Check out below.

Fishing Rod

I know I don’t have to talk about this but I should since I am assuming you are a complete newbie in this fishing arena. So forgive me for being a bit lame.

Rods are slender pole which is both highly durable and flexible. They are made a lot of materials but popular materials are graphite and fiberglass. Rod made with these materials will allow you to cast deeper and further.

As I said earlier, fishing rods are durable. This is only when you choose the right rod for the right kind of fish species. If you use a small fish rod to catch a big one, ending up breaking the rod is no surprise.
(Take a look at top-rated ultralight spinning rods and best casting rods)

If you not being able to figure out which rod you should choose then go for the one with medium strength. Medium strength fishing rod will allow you to angle different fish species and is responsive which will enable you to feel quickly once a fish bites.

Fishing Reel

A fishing reel is a thing that will be attached with the rod in order to help you draw and wind your line. Reels are perfect for fishing from the shore, boat, pier, etc. They are usually very lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to handle. There are also some different types of reels for different needs. ( Click here to check on some of the best saltwater baitcasters and best walleye fishing reels)

Fishing line

Obviously, you are going to need a fishing line. One or two rolls of the fishing line might come with the reel but it would be very wise if you carry extra line roll with you. Sometimes the line gets tangled up in the reel which leaves no solution except taking out the entire roll of the line from the reel.

Similarly, to the rod and reels, there are also different types of line for different fish species.  These lines differ in strength, castability, visibility, color, elasticity, and weights. Doesn’t matter which kind of fish you are after, you should choose a line that is strong enough to hold on to the fish and the fish won’t be able to trace.

If you are a newbie there is a high chance that you don’t know how to spool line on the reel, I have a guide on that, click here.

Fishing lures

What comes after the line? Hook it is. You have to be very careful in choosing the hooks otherwise, you will pass the entire fishing trip waiting for the fish to bite.

Actually, picking a hook is very simple. Pick a bigger hook if you are going to catch bigger fish and choose small for small fish.

Bait

Bait is what we add to the end of the hook to in order to catch a fish. And the best bait would be live bait. Which bait you would attach that also depends on the fish. For example, you can attract chicken lovers by making the best fish fry, make sense?

There is two widely used bait which most fish species like, worms and minnows. And others are marshmallows, hotdog bits, grubs, corn, smooshed bread, etc.

You can easily get live bait just by digging into your backyard. Or you can also get it from the local bait shop.

Lure

Lures are artificial baits which mimic the real fish to attract the predators in the water. Professional anglers keep fishing lures in their tackle box and when they run out of actual bait, they use these.

Non-moving plastic lures work effectively. Some anglers use fishing lures even when they have real bait stored, it enables them to catch big fishes easily in different weather conditions.

For example, in bright days and in clean water light-colored lures works fine. On the other hand, in cloudy days and in murky water dark lures works great. There are some two-tones plastic lures which have a bright tail and dark head, these lures are also great for cloudy water.

Bobbers

Bobbers are also known as floaters, these are widely used because they will immediately let you know when fish is playing with your bait. Whenever you will see the bobber sinking or moving quickly, that means either fish is playing with bait or already stuck.

Floaters come in two different types. Traditional bobbers are made of cork and have a stick. And now mostly used bobber is round red with a white plastic one. These bobbers are very easy to use.

Make sure you never choose a large bobber. What’s wrong with them is, since they are large they won’t make any noticeable movement when fish gives small bites. Pick small and responsive bobber.

Sinkers

Line and hook are very lightweight which is why most of the time they don’t sink properly and that’s where sinkers come into play. Though traditional sinkers are made of lead newer sinkers are very much environment-friendly.

There are different types of sinkers. Their weight is what makes the main difference. You have to choose the weight according to how deeper you want your hook to be. There are some small rounded sinkers too which could be clipped on or off easily. Sinkers also help in casting the line far.

Swivels

Sometimes lures and baits spins which twists the line and a swivel is the solution. It works as a connector between the hook and the line and that is why the hook can spin or move properly. Most of the times hook spins when you attach a live bait into it.

They are very helpful and also very inexpensive, so you can carry a couple of high-quality swivels easily.

Needle Nose Plier

Needle nose pliers are very helpful for taking hooks out from the fish mouth you just have caught. Who wants to risk their hand trying to take off the hook with bare hands, sharp teeth of the fish and hook both can harm.

Line cutter

As the name suggests, the line cutter is for cutting the line. Lines are super sturdy and you are going to need a line cutter in order to set up a new line. Most professional anglers use stainless steel line cutter, so you can go for like the same one.

Tackle box

This one is very Important, though most newbie angler doesn’t feel like using one. The tackle box is what will keep all your small items such as pliers, bait, lures, hook, etc. well-organized.

Conclusion

Do not forget to check out best crabbing traps in the market if you love crabbing.

That is all the basic fishing gears that every angler will need if you think I missed out something comment down below in the comment section. Good luck!!!