15 Things You Have In Your Tackle Box

15 Things You Have In Your Tackle Box

Fishing is a major part of many people’s camping equipment, and having a well-stocked tackle box can make the difference between fishing fun and fishing frustration. Here are 15 things that you shouldn’t leave home without.

1. Bait and lures

You’re not going to catch much without these two essentials, and it is important to pack extra supplies to make sure you don’t have to cut short your fishing session. A high-quality bait station, such as the Frabill Magnum Bait Station, can also be a good investment to keep your bait healthy throughout your trip.

It’s worth doing a little research to find out what fish you’re likely to catch in your chosen fishing spot so you can choose the best lures. Pack a few different colors and styles so you can experiment to see which ones are best when you get there. The lures you use will also depend on the conditions of the water, such as the current and the tide.

2. Extra hooks

You should always expect the unexpected on a fishing trip, and that’s why it’s always a good idea to pack some extra hooks. These will be invaluable if you need to fix a lure or your rig gets tangled on the rocks. Pack a selection of different styles and sizes so you’re ready for anything.

3. Extra line

It’s a fact that fishing lines break, whether it’s because they get caught on rocks or snapped by fish. This is why at least 20 yards of spare line is a must.

4. Extra rigs

Extra pre-tied setups can be really helpful when you’re out on the water, saving you time and effort. They’re also a great way of targeting certain fish without you having to experiment with what will work best.

5. Floats and sinkers

What you need exactly will depend on where you are fishing, but both sinkers and floats can be really helpful when it comes to making your fishing expedition a success.

6. Snaps and swivels

These are small pieces of tackle that can have a large number of different uses, from making it easy to tie complex rigs to improving your technique. Swivels are great for preventing line twist and can be useful for attaching hooks, lures, and sinkers to your rig.

7. A good knife

There are lots of great fishing knives out there, from the Kuuma Fillet Knife to the Rapala Angler’s Knife. If space is short, make sure that you have at least one good multi-purpose knife in your tackle box that can do everything from filleting to cutting lines.

8. Needle-nose pliers

Angler’s pliers, such as these Rapala Anglers Pliers, are worth their weight in gold when it comes to all sorts of situations that can arise during a fishing trip. They can be used for everything from tying strong knots to removing hooks from the fish that you catch.

9. Towel or rag

This is such a basic thing but one that so many anglers forget. A towel or rag can have a multitude of uses, including cleaning your hands or handling a particularly slippery fish.

10. Hook remover

This can be a really useful tool, especially if you’re a novice angler. It can help to avoid unpleasant encounters with the teeth of unhappy fish and prevent you from hurting the fish or yourself.

11. Hat and sunscreen

Whether you are fishing beside the water or on it, sunscreen and a hat are important if the weather is warm. Even if it is cloudy, you can still get sunburned, especially if you don’t have any shade and you’re spending a lot of time outdoors, so bring these two items to be prepared.

12. Bug spray

Whether you need this or not will depend on where you are fishing, but it is a must if you don’t want to be eaten alive on lakes and rivers in the summer in many areas.

13. First aid kit

Small injuries are not uncommon when you’re fishing, so a basic first aid kit is essential. You could buy a complete kit, such as a Medical Adventure Kit, or put together your own with bandages, alcohol pads, antiseptic ointment, and some gauze.

14. Polarized sunglasses

Polarized sunglasses are excellent for fishing on the water because they cut down on glare and allow you to see deeper beneath the surface.

15. Fish stringer

Unless you're fishing using a boat equipped with its own live well, you’ll benefit from a fish stringer. This will allow you to anchor your catches together and keep them alive during your fishing trip.