| Fishing is a sport that requires you to be | | | | when casting. They will sit at the top of the |
| prepared. Sure, you can grab any sort of | | | | water. Small is a better way to go and make |
| stick, attach a rope to it and TRY to catch | | | | sure it is just enough weight to keep the |
| something. But, in today's wide world of | | | | bait from dragging. |
| products, you can do so much better and | | | | |
| become that much more successful at fishing. | | | | Hooks. You'll need to choose the right size |
| There are several things that you'll need and | | | | for the job at hand. When using live bait, |
| that's what we will talk about here. | | | | buy sizes from six to ten. For bullhead or |
| | | | catfish, you'll need larger hooks. For catch |
| First, what is fishing tackle? This is the | | | | and release fishing, look for fish hook barbs |
| equipment you'll need to get your bait out | | | | that can be flattened. To choose look for the |
| there. You don't need to spend a fortune on | | | | size that is about the right size for the |
| it, but what you should do is get the right | | | | mouth of the fish you are trying to catch. |
| products for your needs instead. | | | | Too large and you won't get a bite and too |
| | | | small will leave you with the hook in its |
| The Rod And The Reel | | | | belly. |
| | | | |
| The most fundamental product that you need is | | | | Sinkers are next. These are weights that come |
| the rod and reel. For a beginner, go with a | | | | in a wide assortment. They are used to keep |
| lightweight choice that has a spinner reel on | | | | your line from floating under the water. |
| it. You can even purchase them together. As | | | | Split shot sinkers are tiny and they are by |
| for length, go for about six feet for the | | | | far the most popular. But, some weights can |
| adults and four to five for your child. | | | | get up to a pound in weight. Make sure that |
| | | | they are lead free though when you purchase |
| Next on the list is fishing line. It is also | | | | them. |
| called filament. You'll need to know which | | | | |
| weight to get. This is called the pound test. | | | | Leaders. These are small metal pieces with an |
| The larger the pound test number is, the | | | | eye on one end and a pin catch on the other. |
| stronger the line is. Depending on the type | | | | The pin is used to slip a hook or lure onto |
| of fish you are after, you'll need to choose | | | | it. You'll then thread the line through the |
| the line that is about the weight of the | | | | eye and knot it. They are helpful when it |
| fish. For a small, light rod, go with up to | | | | comes to changing hooks and lures. You may |
| six pound test. If you are using a large | | | | want to consider them when you are after |
| sized spinning reel, go with a stronger line. | | | | muskellunge, walleye, or northern pike as |
| For bait casting reels, go with six to thirty | | | | they'll keep the fish from biting through |
| pound test. The most popular options are the | | | | your line. |
| eight to sixteen. Don't always think that | | | | |
| heavier is better though as many of the fish | | | | Swivels are used instead to attach hooks and |
| will be able to see the line and won't go | | | | lures without a leader. There is an eye on |
| near it. | | | | one end and a pin clip on the other. The same |
| | | | process is done as with a leader except that |
| Also in your equipment, you'll need a fishing | | | | the pin clip opens much like a safety pin. |
| net. This will help you to catch your bait | | | | They protect your line from tangling as your |
| and can help you bring the fish in. | | | | bait moves in the water. |
| | | | |
| Options In Bait | | | | In your tackle box, fill it with several very |
| | | | important things. For example, you'll need a |
| There are many options in bait that you'll | | | | good quality fishing knife. This will help |
| need in that tackle box. First, we'll talk | | | | you do many things from cutting tangled line |
| about which live choices you have. Go with | | | | to cleaning your catch. Also, make sure to |
| earthworms to start. You can dig your own or | | | | have a pair of needle nose pliers in there to |
| get them from the bait shop. You can go with | | | | help you remove hooks safely. It is wise to |
| mealworms or grubs as well. Depending on the | | | | have a first aid kit on hand as well and make |
| type of fish you are after, you are likely to | | | | sure it includes antibacterial lotion. In |
| have a type of bait to use to catch them. Ask | | | | fact, the tackle box itself should be |
| your local anglers for information about | | | | organized with all of your gear and kept |
| which seem to work the best for your area. | | | | clean. Some will even come with the |
| | | | artificial bait you may need. |
| There are several other products that you | | | | |
| will find that you'll need in the way of | | | | The best place to find all that you need in |
| tackle. Here are some of them and what they | | | | fishing tackle is through the web. You'll |
| are good for. | | | | find some of the best products here. Not sure |
| | | | what to purchase? Ask a local professional to |
| Bobbers. These are floats that you'll attach | | | | help you to know what works well in your |
| to your line to dangle your bait in front of | | | | area. This can lead to some excellent fishing |
| the fish. They give you some extra weight | | | | experiences. |