What to Put in a Freshwater Tackle Box: The Ultimate Fishing Guide

1. Extra Hooks

There are different kinds and sizes of fishing hooks and each of which is used for various types of fish. The smallest hook is numbered 32 while the largest one is 19/0. The traditional hook is the J-hook, but many fishers also use the French hook.

It is important that the tackle box contains hooks of different sizes since you can’t use a 120-pound catfish hook for a river trout.

2. Extra Line

When you go fishing, there’s a high chance that your fishing line breaks or gets tangled. You may also need a more durable line for fishing in difficult conditions to prevent snapping.

When fishing in shallow water, a thin fishing line will do. It is always good to bring some extra lines in your freshwater tackle box so that you can have a good deal on where you fish and what kind of fish you are going to catch.

3. Sinkers

The hook and worm are not enough to sink very deeply. You will need a so-called sinker to add weight.

The sinker is usually made of lead, but it is already being banned in some states due to environmental reasons. Other materials that sinkers are made of are tungsten, brass, bismuth, and steel. It is easy to lose sinkers when fishing, so it is convenient to bring extra inside your tackle box.

4. Floaters

Floaters or bobbers are usually round, red-and-white plastic that sinks when a fish bites into the worm. Nevertheless, there are other kinds of floaters aside from the round red-and-white ones.

Both help you to know when to reel in your catch, and they can easily be clipped onto the line. However, the disadvantage is it limits you on how deep you can cast your fishing line.

On the other hand, a slip bobber needs to be rigged through the line which takes time and effort, but it is worth it. With a slip bobber, you can cast your hook deeper into the water.

The oldest and most practical kind of floater is a piece of cork with a stick. You can simply tie into your fishing line, and you’re ready for fishing.

5. Plastic Worms

While live bait is preferred by most fishers, bringing a pack of plastic worms inside the tackle box is always good especially when you go bass fishing. It comes in different colors and sizes, but the easiest to use are the worms with long tails.

There is a superstition that a specific color increases your luck for successful bites. Some fishers believe that if you’ve had many bites with a specific color of a plastic worm, it is a lucky charm and you probably want to keep using it.

6. Needle Nose Pliers

This tool is used to take the hook out of the fish mouth after you catch them. Therefore, it would be convenient to include one inside the tackle box.

7. First Aid Kit

You won’t have to bring an extensive first aid kit. A small bag that contains bandages, band-aids, medical tape, and Neosporin will do. Sometimes, small injuries happen so it is good that you always bring a first aid kit in your tackle box.

8. Line Cutter

There are times when your line gets tangled or get a snag that is hard to remove, and your only choice is to cut it. To do such, you need a pocket knife or a pair of nail clippers. The latter does the job more conveniently and efficiently than a pocket knife.

9. Sunscreen

When you go fishing, you are probably going to be under the sun all day. In order to protect your skin from the harsh UV rays and prevent your face from looking so dull, apply some sunscreen. Admit it; you will probably forget about putting some before you leave the house, so keeping a sunscreen inside your tackle box will remind you to put it on.

10. License and I.D. Guide

Always bring your license with you to avoid fine and inconvenience. Also, the I.D. guide enables you to brag about the type of fish you are catching.