Most fishing tackle questions seem to be about beginning fishing. People new to fishing have little knowledge of what is needed. This applies to people who rarely or have not fished in a long time. What rod and reel to buy is the first question.
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Then the choice of hooks, sinkers, and lures is daunting to an inexperienced angler. Look at the article as a checklist for starting. There are a few items every angler needs and a few optional. Beginner anglers make mistakes buying the wrong equipment often. Learn about the common mistakes made by inexperienced anglers.
Fishing Tackle Everyone Needs
The right rod and reel are number one on the list. A spinning outfit is better for the beginner. They are easy to use compared to other rods and reels. Since the other types need learned skills to use without problems. Spinning combos have a matched rod and reel. Also, many come with the right line for a beginner.
The rod, reel, and line all work together so they need to match up or be balanced. An unbalanced rod set-up leads to problems casting and fighting the fish. Plus causes damage to the equipment.
The hooks, sinkers, and lures are terminal tackle. Losing the terminal tackle is common when fishing. These items get caught in rocks, weeds, and trees under the water. The line breaks trying to pull them free. It is part of fishing so extra hooks, sinkers, and lures are needed. These items are cheap only costing a few bucks each per pack.
Lures vary in price but many fall into the 5-10 dollar range. Besides, a small box is needed to carry the terminal tackle. A five-dollar Plano box works fine. You do not need a fancy tackle box.
Rod and Reel Combos Fishing Tackle
This is the most important part of the tackle. The choice made here affects the fishing more than other items. A good rod and reel lasts longer and performs better. Combos come in many sizes and price ranges.
These are affordable combos with good reels and rods combined. A medium-power is best for all-around fishing or uses light power for fish weighing a few pounds or less.
Pflueger President Reel and Bass Pro Rod Combo
The reel by itself is about the same price. This is a great starter combo for anyone. The 7-foot medium-power combo will handle the bass, catfish, and most other freshwater fish. The reel contains 10 bearings making it smooth and adding durability. Bass Pro is a company specializing in outdoor equipment. This combo will provide years of enjoyment for an angler.
Best reel and overall combo, click the header for price.
Lew’s American Hero Camo Speed Spin Combo
This combo is a good deal for anglers seeking to keep costs down. The 7-foot medium power rod will handle the majority of freshwater fish. It will cast farther than the shorter combos. The reel has more bearings making it smooth and durable. This combo will outperform many combos for a few more bucks. It is one of the best values in a combo.
2nd best combo, click the header for price.
Ugly Stik GX2 Combo
A long-time combo on the market. Beginners buy this rod a lot. It is affordable and balanced. The 30 or 35-size reels are better for beginners. The 6 1/2 foot rod will give a little more distance to casts. The shorter rod is for tight places fishing on a stream. You need 10-12 feet of clear space to cast a 6-foot rod.
Most affordable combo, click the header for price.
Terminal Fishing Tackle
The combo is chosen so now you need hooks, sinkers, and lures. Depending on the combo you chose. There are 20-40 dollars left in the $100 budget. The choice of lure fishing or live bait guides the selection of the terminal tackle. The following kits have a selection of hooks, sinkers, and lures. In fishing ponds or lakes, you will need bobbers. The bass lure kit is great to start bass fishing. The other two are hooks and sinkers.
Shakespeare Bass Kit
Want to try bass fishing? This kit has a few of the best lures for bass. The crankbait is for reaction bites on warmer days. The little spinners catch bass and panfish, plus they are highly productive in stained water. The soft plastics get into the thick cover like weeds and brush piles so you can yank a bass out of hiding.
For a low-cost kit to start bass fishing, click the header for price.
Eagle Claw Kit
Anglers choosing to relax and fish live bait have this option. The kit has sinkers, hooks, bobbers, and a few other items. The bobbers are for lake and pond fishing to keep the bait up off the bottom. The selection of hooks lets anglers try which hook is best for their fishing style. The box is nice for a beginner also. Add more tackle as it is used or you want a lure or two.
Good kit for pond or lake live bait fishing, click the header for price.
Hooks kits available at Bass Pro
These kits contain the commonly used bait hook sizes. Anglers fishing for several species will need more hooks sizes. The average angler has 4-5 sizes and 3-4 types of hooks. These kits give you a good start on bait hooks. You can add other types and sizes after learning what you need through experience.
Bait hooks selection for beginners, click the header for price.
Bass Pro Sinker Kits
Sinkers get lost and need replacing. A pack of different sizes and types is always handy. The split shot works with bobbers or stream fishing. Use the cone and egg sinkers with bass rigs or slip rigs on live bait. The casting sinkers get out a little farther for deeper water.
Kits with sinkers for many situations, click the header for price.
Summary Fishing Tackle
The tackle in the article is good for novice or beginner to get fishing. The rods and reels will last several years or longer with proper care. The small kits of terminal tackle are cost-effective with good selections. The choice is yours since you know how and what you plan to fish for in waterways and species. The items will cost about $100 in total. Buying a rod and all the kits are less than $150 or you can stay down to about $80.
John McIntyre