When you’re gearing up for the start of fishing season, part of the fun is fitting out your fishing tackle box with all the essentials you might need. Even though you probably won’t forget to take bobbers, line, sinkers, leaders, and hooks, you might forget an essential item, the lack of which can ruin your outing. Let’s look at the “must have’s” for your fishing trip.
Fishing Tackle Boxes – Needle Nose Pliers
These make a terrific addition to your fishing equipment. This lets you easily pull the hook out of the fish’s mouth. You should select pliers with an integrated cutter; this is useful for cutting off the hook’s end prior to taking it out. They are also terrific for crimping split shot as well as leaders onto your line.
Knife
You’ll want a powerful knife that can be utilized for an assortment of things. A stainless steel blade is essential, along with a fairly large blade. A partially serrated blade offers the most flexibility. It should also be rugged enough to fillet or clean a fish. Two excellent accessories found on a quality knife are a hook disgorger and a scaler.
File
A file can aid you in maintaining a sharp edge on your hooks, and with some practice, your knife as well. You’ll want a little file shaped like a triangle with an varying coarse exteriors on each side. You can also choose a whetstone, but using one properly takes some practice.
Toilet Roll
Simply put, should you need to use some, there’s just no substitute. You don’t actually have to take a complete roll with you. Roll off a decent amount of paper and place it inside a plastic bag. But make sure to take enough—and while you’re add it, throw in some Kleenexes or paper towels. If you need to construct a fire, these items are terrific kindling.
Fishing Tackle Boxes – Nail Clippers
Many nail clippers already come with their own file which can be used for sharpening hooks. Also, the clipper itself is a good way to cut the line.
Lighter
This is a great item in case you need to quickly build a fire. You also can use the lighter to seal the ends of nylon rope to prevent fraying or to repair damaged plastic worms.
Fishing Tackle Boxes – First Aid Equipment
The best option is to buy a small, pocket sized kit. Be sure it minimally contains bandages, a way to cleanse a wound and antibiotic ointment. An Ace® bandage and gauze pads are a suitable choice. Make sure to carry pain-killers such as aspirin. Finally, don’t forget the sunscreen.
Insect Repellent
Nothing can ruin a trip faster than being swarmed by bugs, so be sure to take the appropriate repellent with you.
Travel-Size Snacks
Take something like granola bars or something for quick energy. They are nutritious, just as raisins or nuts are.
Now you can relax and think about getting your picture taken with that huge fish you’re going to catch!
