| With the rising costs of fishing charters and fuel | | | | - Sinkers - Torpedoes, sliding eggs, split-shot, |
| prices, I like to make every fishing trip as | | | | lead-heads and other lead weights are used for |
| productive as possible. Anglers can better their | | | | both dropper-loop and artificial swim-bait fishing |
| chances of having a successful outing if they bring | | | | - Lures - Jigs and Irons made of ceramic or |
| the appropriate gear and equipment to tackle the | | | | metal, in several variations and colors for surface |
| many scenarios that a saltwater angler may | | | | and bottom yo-yo jigging. Plastic and rubber |
| encounter while offshore or at the local islands. | | | | artificial baits, including swim-baits and scented |
| Depending on the destination and targeted fish | | | | grubs, crabs and shrimps |
| species, I carry one of two tackle boxes that I | | | | - Accessories - Pliers, knives, hook sharpeners, |
| have assembled with specific terminal tackle and | | | | sunscreen and motion sickness pills, along with |
| accessories, designed to serve two totally | | | | other medical remedies |
| different purposes. | | | | Long Range Tackle Box: |
| When fishing on trips of three days or less, I | | | | - Hooks - Both circle and j-hooks, from size #1-11 |
| normally carry my local tackle box, which is a soft | | | | O, with a good assortment of ringed, laser |
| backpack style bag, complete with tackle trays | | | | sharpened bait hooks. I prefer the bronze color |
| and several pouches or compartments for my | | | | over the silver, and am beginning to experiment |
| tools, spools of line, suntan lotion and whatever | | | | with the red hooks, with favorable results. |
| else I might need to access while on the deck. | | | | - Lines - Bulk spools of commonly used |
| Soft tackle boxes are becoming popular, as they | | | | monofilament fishing line classes, typically |
| are very affordable, lightweight, easily accessible | | | | 30lb.-80lb. test line. I also carry several shots of |
| and they take up very little space, which is | | | | heavier lb. test fluorocarbon, for my top shot and |
| valuable on small private boats. Most | | | | leader, as well as some braided wire. Most of my |
| manufacturers provide a wide selection of | | | | long range fishing reels are spooled with spectra |
| shoulder strap and backpack type soft tackle | | | | backing, so I find it unnecessary to bring too |
| boxes. | | | | much fishing line. |
| When fishing for longer durations, I bring out the | | | | - Sinkers - I normally separate my weights from |
| heavy box. This is a custom wooden box that | | | | my tackle box and carry them separately. The |
| takes two people to carry and when sitting on | | | | reason being, I take a whole range of lead |
| the deck, serves as my personal tackle station, | | | | weights with me on longer trips and they can |
| complete with bait and lure rigging supplies, rod | | | | weigh my box down substantially. |
| holders and a wide range of other goodies. Pull-out | | | | - Lures - Jigs, lures, feathers and artificial baits |
| and sliding trays, deep compartments and a | | | | take up most of the space in my long range |
| hanging jig locker highlight this tackle box. I also | | | | tackle box. These include surface lures, yo-yo jigs |
| incorporate soft tackle-packs within this box that | | | | and knife jigs for deep water jigging, plastic and |
| are filled with trolling feathers, jigs and skirts. | | | | rubber swim-baits, bombs and trolling lures. |
| Having witnessed, as well as been a part in, some | | | | - Accessories - Pliers, crimps, knives, hook |
| unbelievable and amazing scenes and bites while | | | | sharpeners, scales, bait catchers, ties and trolling |
| fishing offshore waters, I try my best to stock | | | | straps are some essentials that you will most |
| this box before every multi-day fishing adventure. | | | | likely need. |
| Local Tackle Box: | | | | Old salts, including captains and experienced |
| - Hooks - Both circle and j-hooks in sizes ranging | | | | anglers, will tell you that being prepared on the |
| up to 6/O, with plenty of extras in the sizes that | | | | open water is essential to having a safe and |
| match the bait I anticipate fishing with. Colors will | | | | enjoyable trip. Anglers should take the necessary |
| include silver, bronze and red. Favorites include | | | | preparations when planning their local and long |
| Owner®, Gamakatsu® and Mustad® | | | | range fishing trips and this begins with the right |
| - Lines - Single shot spools of mono fishing lines, | | | | selection of terminal tackle, gear and accessories, |
| as well as braided spectra lines. Mono and | | | | as well the as the proper maintenance of your |
| fluorocarbon wind-on leaders | | | | fishing rod and reels. |