There you stand, in some big box retail store, looking at a wall of lures, gear, and tools you haven't seen before. At home sits an empty tackle box that aches for all the trappings of a seasoned fisherman, but you aren't sure how to begin feeding it. Luckily, there are some common things that should be in every tackle box. Here are five things to start stocking your tackle box, so you are ready for your next fishing trip.
You have heard that "hunters and anglers" are the real conservationist. This is true due to the Dingle Johnson Act. This places a 10% excise tax on all tackle, generating funds for state conservation agencies. The more licenses the state sells, the more Dingle Johnson funds they get. Besides being a legal requirement, buying and proudly having your fishing license makes you a direct partner with scientists, enforcement agents, and conservation groups to keep the fish populations alive and healthy.
Fishing gear can add up. Pliers, knives, and random tools are always needed while fishing. So why not carry something that allows you to be prepared for nearly anything? A good multitool should always be easily accessible in your toolbox. Have a stubborn hook that needs to come out of a fish's mouth? There are some pliers on a multitool. Need to cut a bunch of derelict fishing lines you got tangled up in? There's a knife blade on there as well. There are few scenarios that you can't fix with a good multitool. So bypass the one-off fishing gear and other space-consuming tools and get a good multitool instead.
Plastic worms, jigs, spinner baits, stick baits, and topwater plugs are just a few examples of fishing bait that can be used throughout the year and in different water conditions. Having these baits in your tacklebox and knowing how to fish them gives you the flexibility to be successful in any situation. They are all widely available, inexpensive, and will work for multiple species worldwide. A professional's tacklebox isn't complete without those lures.
A full complement of sinkers, lines, swivels, and hooks is a must-have for any respectable toolbox. These items are always in demand no matter what species, time of year, or location you are fishing. Therefore, having a full supply that you can draw from at a moment's notice is very helpful when you are a long way from the nearest bait shop.
Nothing will ruin fishing trips like needing some sort of low-grade medical care. A relatively simple first aid kit can solve many problems before they develop into trip sabotaging problems. When selecting them, have a strong bias toward simple ailments. Medicine for headaches, diarrhea, burns, and minor cuts is vital. The only major trauma item you should have is a tourniquet. Most large bandages and trauma-focused items in a first aid kit never get used. At the same time, their owners suffer in desperate need of something to help a headache.
No matter how well you outfit a tacklebox, you will need the expertise to properly use its contents when you get to the water. Unfortunately, you can't purchase that in neat packages at your local bait shop. Instead, you must acquire it by paying your dues on the water with sweat, blood, and tears. This process typically takes a lifetime, and even the most seasoned fishermen get surprised from time to time.
There simply is too much to know to learn in one lifetime. Luckily, there are ways to leverage the experience and craftsmanship of other, more experienced fishermen so you can learn faster. Finding a mentor to show you the way can be the most effective way to start building your fishing skill.
Yet how do you find a mentor or a fishing guide? One way is to visit The Wild HQ. The Wild HQ website helps customers find top-tier fishing guides and outfitters that offer the best outdoor experiences on the planet. They only partner with the best outfits in the industry so their customers can be confident they are booking a world-class experience for their next adventure.
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Brandon is a freelance writer that enjoys hunting and fishing across the world. He grew up fishing and hunting in southern Arkansas. He lives in east Texas in a small cabin with his wife and two dogs. You can contact him at bbsanders.com
