What Is Important To Keep in a Tackle Box?

A tackle box is a man’s toolbox for fishing. Everybody’s tackle box is going to have different items. The contents also change depending on the fish you want to catch. But just like a toolbox, there’ll be a few essential items in every tackle box. We’re here to highlight those and anything else that you may need! Let’s get started!

     1. Lures and plastic worms

Like many fishermen, we’re also big fans of using live bait. But it’s important that you’ve got some plastic worms and a couple of lures in your arsenal to help you in case things don’t work out. 

For instance, if you’re bass fishing, it’s an excellent idea to have some plastic worms in your tackle box. Some people have this superstitious belief that a few colors do better than others. So if you ever feel the same, it might be a good idea to keep going with those colors to test, and try and increase the number of bites. Plastic worms are available in a variety of shapes and sizes — worms with long tails are the easiest to use! 

Secondly, most medium-to-large-sized fish like munching on minnows. So, it is suggested that you keep some lures that look like swimming minnows. Other options are spinners and spoons, top water lures, etc. The type of lure you’ll end up using is almost always a personal preference based on experience.

     2. Extra line

It’s possible to get your fishing line stuck beneath a log or bitten by a large monster fish. In fact, it’s almost always guaranteed that you’ll have it crooked, stuck or tangled at some point. Instead of having to go back to the shore, it’s a good idea to have an extra line in your tackle box. 

When you’re fishing in rough conditions, you’ll need a heavy and durable fishing line to reduce the chances of snapping. If the water is crystal clear, you’ll need stealth to work for you so a thin, clear line would do. 

     3. Extra hooks

We’re fine going with the usual J-hooks but some folks prefer the French ones. Whichever one you end up choosing, you need to have extra ones in your tackle box. Make sure you’ve got multiple hooks of different sizes. The smallest hooks are labeled as number 32 and go all the way up to the largest ones at 19/0. 

     4. Sinkers and bobbers

Your bait and hook are usually not heavy enough to sink down to the bottom of the water body by themselves. This is where sinkers come in. They’re usually made up of lead but some states are beginning to outlaw their use for environmental reasons. The other possible options would be brass, steel or tungsten.

Bobbers are a sort of floatation device that you attach to your line and leave on the surface. As soon as a fish catches the bait, the floater will sink inside or at least move. That’ll be your cue to secure your catch! 

     5. Needle nose pliers

You’ll need them to take the hooks out of the fish once you catch them. 

     6. All-purpose knife

When your fishing line gets stuck, your best bet is to cut it. This is where a knife comes in.  

     7. Basic first aid kit

When you’re fishing, you are constantly dealing with sharp hooks. So, it only makes sense that you’re careful and prepared. Make sure you’ve got a basic first aid kit with some painkillers, bandages, antiseptic and sunscreen.

The Bottom Line

All you need is a little foresight and you’ll never forget any of the important items on your next fishing trip! Make sure to go through this list and check the items off on the go.