An Introduction to Fishing Equipment

Fishing equipment is the tackle and gear used by anglers to make their fishing adventures more comfortable, safe and efficient. There is a huge amount of gear available in the current fishing market. Different brands have higher quality fishing gear as well as different functions. Selecting gear that is suitable will have an overall impact on both your outdoors experience and performance. Purchasing cheap low-quality gear may impact your fishing in negative ways. The cheap line can snap easier under pressure and cheap hooks may bend on distort after catching fish Which would make them non-reusable. Although, some fishing gear is extremely overpriced so finding a middle ground between the two is recommended. Within this article, we will discuss various equipment, their importance and suitability.

What equipment is best for you

Depending on the style of fishing you participate in will alter what equipment you select. For example, fly fishermen will require artificial fly lures and tippet compared to a saltwater bottom feeder fisherman needing a two hook flapper rig and a shock leader. The purpose and species being target will influence your choice of equipment. As well as the terrain, you will be fishing, the temperatures and the weather.

Hooks

There are a massive variety of hooks available for fishermen. Breaking the hooks down into two subcategories. Barbed and barbless. Depending on the style of fishing you may choose to use a barbed hook. A barb helps to keep a fish on the hook when it is caught. This is the most common hook style used. Although, some fishermen believe it will harm the fish using barbed hooks. Therefore, they prefer to use non-barbed hooks. Non-barbed hooks may be harder to fish with and in some scenarios provide more of a challenge for anglers. Some fisheries may prevent the use of barbed hooks so it is best to ask before fishing with them at any local destinations as rules vary in different areas

There are other various hooks such as treble hooks found on most saltwater spinners. Jigging hooks, used for jigging. Circle hooks, a circular shaped hook with a sharp tip. Etc.

Line

Depending on the weight of the fish you are fishing for will alter your line choice. It is best to purchase a line that can withstand the top weight of the species you are targeting. If you fail to do so the line may snap due to the pressure and strain of the weight. Fly lines are made up of multiple types of line to improve overall casting and fishing performance. Beach casters have a special type of line attached to the end of their standard line. This line is called a shock leader. Shock leaders are primarily used for stopping the standard line snapping under the weight of the cast.

Weights

There are different weights for different forms of fishing. Beach casting uses large lead weights with prongs on them stopping them from moving within the water. Bait fishing in rivers or lakes use much smaller weights as there is generally not as much current or flow within freshwater areas

Floats

Floats come in various forms. Course fishing contains lengthy floats for identifying if a coarse fish has taken the bait. Both salt and fresh water fishermen can float fish. When the float goes underneath the water anglers will strike into it. Floats are mainly used for strike indicators.

Setups and Rigs

Once again, the type of fishing you are doing will change the setups and rigs that you will use. A rig is an arrangement of items used for fishing. It can be assembled of one or more lines, hooks, sinkers, bobbers, swivels, lures, beads, and other fishing tackle. A rig might be held by a rod, by hand, or attached to a boat or pier

Here is an example of how to set up a carp rig:

1. Lay the hook length (line) along the shank of the hook and feed through the eye.

2. Wrap the hook length 6 - 8 times around the shank of the hook leaving a hair length for the boilie. (boilies are discussed within our previous carp article)

3. Feed the hook length back through the eye of the hook.

4. Tighten down to complete the knotless knot.

Here are two highly recommended rigs for bass:

● Carolina Rigs are Sliding Sinker Rigs created specifically as bass fishing rigs with a weedless hook and a soft plastic worm.

● The Texas Rig is one of the most popular bass fishing rigs.

Tools

There are a wide variety of tools available to pick and choose from. I recommend a device for removing fish hooks such as pliers for all types of fishing. Many fishermen will carry clippers to snip excess line. The reason they do not use their teeth as most line can chip or damage your tooth’s enamel. Other tools such as knot tyers, rod stands, bite alarms etc. can be found in various sizes and forms.

Clothing and travel bags

Anglers can get specifically designed fishing travel bags. They normally are made of high-quality waterproof material. Many fishermen will carry bag slings and chest packs to have quick access to their gear.

Accessories

Here is a quick rundown of useful fishing accessories:

Fly fishing fly drying patch. These are made from Amadou, a spongy material derived from a natural tree fungus. This material is extremely effective at drying flies.

Spent Line Wrangler: This allows an angler to easily coil and control the waste fishing line that’s created while fishing. It’s the spent-line-wrangler that allows anglers to coil spent line, then holds it together in their pocket until it’s ready to be trashed

Carp Slingshot: This allows anglers to shoot bait out in areas they wish to fish.

Conclusion

Overall, there is a wide variety of fishing equipment available for anglers. Having such a diverse range of gear makes fishing fun as there are so many options to choose from. Selecting the correct gear is essential for success on any fishing adventure.

By Daniel ONeill.