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Top 10 Must-Have Fishing Accessories for Beginners
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Let's say you've only ever been fishing with family when you were a kid. You understand the idea of casting and bait, but you've never gotten ready to go yourself.
There's a lot of stuff you need. That's why they invented tackle boxes, they're like makeup boxes but with fishing supplies.
Like when you watch your partner do their makeup, it seems like they're done, only they pull out one more thing.
That's what it's going to seem like with this fishing accessories guide. But we promise we didn't include anything that wasn't necessary or helpful.
Most of these options are low cost too, so it may seem like a lot, but it doesn't add up that high.
Let's get started filling your tackle box below.
Fishing Accessories
Obviously, you're going to need a pole before you go out. The pole will be the most expensive thing you take fishing unless you buy a boat.
There are tons of online guides about what the best rod is and how to choose yours. We recommend going to a store in person to feel out their size and weight.
Everyone likes something different.
Accessory #1: Hooks
You're going to need something sharp to catch your fish with, otherwise, this whole thing doesn't work.
You have more choices for fish hooks than you think. There's the kind with three barbs arranged circularly, and the one barb hook.
Additionally, hooks come in different sizes or strengths. Some hooks are meant to catch 100-pound fish. Those are different than the ones you use to catch a 15 pounder.
Most retailers carry a kit that has different sizes and choices for hooks.
Accessory #2: Lines
You're going to need something to string your pole with and attach your hook to. Like hooks, fishing line comes in different strengths.
The thinner the line, the less weight it can hold. The cost for different types of lines ranges higher than most other accessories on this list.
Accessory #3: Bait
There's a disagreement about bait. They make so many types of plastic worms and literary things that sometimes we forget about live bait.
The best thing to use is whatever seems to be working that day. That means having baits available to you, but a small container of worms as well.
You don't need a ton of either - just enough to catch however many you'd like to catch, plus about 2. You never know what's going to accidentally pull your bait.
Accessory #4: Lures
Now we can talk about our favorite part, lures. They used to be standard, all look the same. People would look for small versions of fish or something shiny.
Now, we're seeing people getting smarter by buying custom fishing lures. You can buy them based off what you like, or what the specific fish likes.
There are an almost infinite amount of lures. You can have classic guitar picks like lures or ones that look like fish.
Other lures are spinners or weights, which add some appeal right on your actual hook.
Accessory #5 and #6: Pliers and Scissors
The other two things you'll need to put all the above things together are these tools. The needle nose pliers help you attach the bait and lure to your hook.
Not to mention getting your hook out of your brand new catch! Which can be tricky, depending on the way the fish bit.
The scissors can help you de-tangle or pull more line to put on your rod. Neither are something you want to find yourself without.
Trying to bite off your line? Not dentist approved.
Accessory #7: A First Aid Kit
It happens to everyone, even pros. You accidentally nick yourself with a pocket knife or the hook. You see a little blood and think nothing of it, wipe it off on your pants.
But those pants probably have some of the dirty water on them, if not dust or fish guts. It's better to throw on some Neosporin (or Neosporin band-aids) to be safe.
Accessory #8 Bobbers
Weights and bobbers are another set of things you need to put on your line. Well, technically you don't need to - unless you want to catch fish.
There are a few types of bobbers. You have the classic ones you tie on, but also slip bobbers. Slip bobbers "slip" up and down the line so you can change where your bait hangs.
Line weights are like little heavy metal balls that pop onto your line. They change how far down your bait and hook go in the water.
In a pinch, you can use something else floaty for a bobber. A styrofoam peanut works, as does a wine cork.
It depends on how much money you want to spend and how fancy you want your line to look on top of the water. Don't make it too shiny, you don't need any birds diving at it!
Accessory #9: Sun Protection
Yes, we went there. You need something to protect yourself from the sun. Sunscreen is best, but at least a pair of sunglasses and a big hat if you're not into sunscreen.
You want to be happy you went fishing when you wake up the next morning, not cursing your red and itchy self.
Accessory #10: Stringer
Want to hang that fish you just caught out in the water to keep it fresh? Grab a stringer and secure it.
Some people prefer it to a cooler, others don't. It's all opinion.
Your Tackle Box
What you choose to bring with you ultimately comes down to the kind of fish you're aiming to catch. You can't get away without a lure, a hook, and some bait - but it's good to come prepared with extra fishing accessories.
Don't feel like you have to buy everything at once. A good tackle box grows over time, along with your skill.
Want to learn what kind of bait or lure is right for you? Click here.