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Beginner Fishing Gear – Everything a Novice Angler Needs to Know

Beginner Fishing Gear- Everything a Novice Angler Needs to Know
Written by Immanuel Baranov
Last Update: July 24, 2023

Taking out time to fish during your leisure can be an effective way to enjoy quality time with friends and family. You can make a big catch for tonight’s dinner, all it requires is just your willingness to give it a shot, and soon enough you get addicted to the process.  Before taking on the decision of starting here is a list of some items you will need to get along with in your tackle box.

Anglers that are familiar with the use of hooks often come with a tackle toolbox that has enough fishing equipment. Although all the boxes are known to have common fishing tools, away from the traditional reels and fishing rods. In this article, we share 95% of the tool you can possess within your arsenal as an angler.

Beginner Fishing Gear

We explained all you need to know about fishing equipment in the below detailed. From the reel to the rod to other smaller tackle items like lines, sinkers, baits, lures, cutters, and swivels. All of these types of equipment are not expensive and are very much obtainable in your local store.

1. Fishing Rod

These are poles that are constructed from graphite and fiberglass materials, and these materials are very flexible and yet durable enough to create room to cast the fishing lines deep in the water.

You should choose the rod depending on the nature of fishing you intend to embark on, although it is very advisable to use a fishing rod with moderate strength if you are new to the game. This will help different angle type of fishes and create enough responses to help you observe whenever there is a bite on your bait and the right time to remove the hook.

2. Fishing Reel

The reel is directly attached to the rod. The reel assists in winding up the line and coiling in the catch. It is quite affordable, lightweight, and pretty easily to handle.  It is equipment you can easily use to fish from the shore, in a boat or pier.

3. Fishing Line

Fishing line is one of the most significant fishing equipment that can’t be sidelined. Most reels are designed to come with a single roll or double roll, but it is important always to bring in extra line –as often than normal your fishing line can get tangled and get broken along the process.  Fishing lines are categorized by their level of visibility, elasticity, and cast-ability.

4. Bait

A bait is anything you add to the end of the line, primarily to entice fishes. Although different fishes can be attracted to different types of food, but using a live bait can be more effective than nonliving bait. The most common and effective types of bait are minnows and worms. While other affordable options include corn, grubs, smooched breed marshmallows, hotdog, and corn.

5. Lures

Lures are designed to attract fishes. They are also known as artificial baits. Lures are used to capture the attention of other predators. This can serve the purpose of a bait. It is ideal to use a lure that is bright-colored on a sunny day and a dark-colored lure on a cloudy day

6. Bobbers

This is further known as floaters. Its primary aim is to keep the bait close enough on the surface; this will let you know when a fish is interested in the bait. Whenever there is a bite, the bait sinks down, signifying a call to action. This significant and unique role makes the bobber an important part of the fishing tool arsenal.

7. Sinkers

The sinker is yet another vital fishing equipment. You will be required to attach one on your fishing reel so that your line will be stabilized as the bait tend to sink deeper into the water. This fishing equipment is made from lead, and only a few are environmentally friendly. Examples are the tungsten, brass, bismuth, and steel. They are also produced in a variety of sizes, weights, and shapes. It all depends on how far you intend to travel.

8. Swivels

The use of lures and bait can twist up the line you use. Swivel is the connecting tool that exits between the bait and the line. Its primary function is to allow the latter to move and spin freely like a live bait with any possible effect on the line. Fishing tools have a loop that basically serves on each end and helps to attach different baits, lures, and lines.

9. Needle Nose Pliers

The needle nose plier is one of the most useful tools used to take out the hook from a catch. It helps to prevent the hand from been hurt with the hook or teeth of the fish. Although any needle nose plier can serve, but investing an angled tip or bent tip stainless steel needle nose will be a better option.

10. Line Cutter

The line cutter is used to get out of a snag or cut across a new line. It is advisable to go for portable cutters that will fit inside the tackle box. An alternative to this is the use of a sharp handy knife, which can be used to cut your bait into smaller sizes.

11. Sunglasses

The use of fishing sunglasses is very important when fishing during the day, as glare from the water surface can affect the eyes and make it difficult to spot out the position of the game. Sunglasses are used to shield the eyes from UV rays, which may be harmful to the eyes if exposed to excessively.

12. First Aid Kit

Unforeseen circumstances like an accident can occur during a fishing adventure, which can lead to injuries that may require the application of first aid. Get a small box where you store your medical tape, bandages antibacterial ointment, other first-aid materials and all you might need for both fishing and boating injuries.

13. Sunscreen

If you intend to fish all day in the sun, then the use of sunscreen to protect the sink will be a viable option. Get a small-sized sunscreen tube that can easily fit into the tackle box and always remember to apply this all over your skin whenever you go out fishing.

14. Tackle Box

The tackle box is one of the essential equipment you will need to store the sinkers, hooks, pliers, lures and other small fishing tools. It helps to keep everything safe, organized, and easy to transport. The boxes are designed in different shapes and sizes, which depends solely on the size and type of fish you intend hunting. A small tackle box is suitable for fishing by the side of the shore.

Listed above are some of the essential beginner fishing gear you can use to get a big catch once you set out for fishing. You can also carry a fishing headlamp for fishing at night or in the early morning hours.The great news is; a continual usage of these tools will lead to mastery and help you maximize your effort by rewarding it with a great catch. At this point, you might not need advanced fishing tools like underwater cameras, fishing drones, or fish finders. But you’ll need them with time as you mature. We will love to hear from your experience with any of the above equipment; kindly leave a comment in the box below and share your personal view.

About the author

Immanuel Baranov

My life is pretty much defined by my avid outdoor activities. I’m generally obsessed with fishing, skiing and occasional hunting and whitewater paddling. I’ve been active since my early years. I inherited my passion for fishing from my father who made frequent family trips to the banks of Sacramento River. Growing up, I did a lot of fishing in the vicinity. Now that I have two sons, our weekends are full of fishing activities. I would say, you need good spots where you can go out a lot for the thing you love. I had the privilege to grow up near numerous water bodies and I’m proud to say that I made good use of them. It’s also great to do something with kids that helps them learn patience, endurance and preciseness.

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