Whenever you are out there in the middle of a lake, sea, or ocean for some fish hunting, you should be like a soldier – always ready and prepared to win the battle. Aside from your fishing rod, these are the 23 fishing accessories you should have in your tackle box to help you catch your target species. Otherwise, you may end up unprepared to catch a fish. In the end, you enjoy the day’s scenery.
If you want to avoid juggling your pocket to your bag of fishing accessories, a fishing tackle is a solution. However, it would help if you stocked it up with these essential fishing accessories.
- Extra Bait Or Lures
- Bobbers
- Sinkers
- Plastic worms
- Hard Baits
- Inline Spinners
- Weights
- Knife or Scissors
- Extra line
- Extra Hooks
Later in this article, we will help you understand why these accessories are essential, and we will give you other things that you should have in your tackle box. When packing for your next fishing trip, make sure that you get it right and keep track of the little things. Here are 23 important things to hold in your fishing tackle box so you can catch it and get on your boat without having to leave anything.
What Is A Tackle Box?
A fishing tackle refers to the set of tools that anglers use when fishing. It includes fishing lines, sinkers, floats, hooks, and even your rod and everything associated with it like its reels. For short, nearly all gear and equipment used for fishing belongs to fishing tackle, and fishermen put all these accessories in a box, hence, the name “Tackle Box.” The best part about having a tackle box is that its imperative costs nowadays in various fishing stores, so there’s no reason for you not to have one.
So, why is it essential to have a good tackle box? Usually, a fishing tackle box refers to a storage solution for the end tackle of a fisherman or certain items such as baits, lures, sinkers, and hooks that go into the water. Nowadays, you can also add other accessories for cutting, weighing, and even some snacks.
Over the years and years of buying more and more tackle and equipment without a good tackle box and planning well, your expected fishing day can turn into a nightmare of chaos. You will have a tangled mess of barbed hooks, leaders, and many other assorted things. For that reason alone, investing a few bucks and purchasing a good tackle box is very significant.
It’s time now to determine what kind of tackle box you need. You’ll probably see hundreds of different tackle boxes to choose from on your local fishing store’s shelves, but you can concentrate on two items. Look for a tackle box that will be the proper size first. Secondly, choose one with lots of compartments for various things, such as big lures down to the smallest teardrops for perch fishing. You won’t regret buying a tackle box that suits your need.
23 Fishing Accessories You Should Have In Your Tackle Box
Now that you have a better idea about a tackle box, let us now hop in on the things you can put in there. What are the essentials, gear, and fishing tools that you can store in it? Get ready for your next fishing trip with these 23 fishing accessories that you should have in your tackle box.
1.Extra Lures Or Baits
Lures are colorful and look like the normal diet of a fish. Live baits, on the other hand, can dangle and lure hungry fish. When the water is darker and colder, you may want to use bait. If the fish live in lighter, clearer, and warmer water, it may react better to colorful lures. Several kinds of lures and bait exist, and you have to choose depending on the water environment and the fish species.
For example, you can take some live baits, spoons, jigs, and even flies along your trip. Depending on the type of fish you are trying to catch, choose the best lure to carry. Still, it’s best to bring different kinds of lure and bait in your tackle box. This way, you can mix it up and brace yourself even in unknown waters.
2.Bobbers
If you have trouble catching fish, you can get help from bobbers. It will avoid getting trapped in plants by holding the bait above the bottom of the deck. Hence, it allows more time to capture those fish. Bobbers also make the bait float in the current, making it look like floating through the water like a normal bait and tricking the fish into coming over for a taste.
On windy days, bobbers are perfect for carrying out because it can eliminate the bounce in the bait from the waves. As the bobber can flat out the sink when it has a bite, they will also help you spot a nibble much easier. Still, the weather and water condition is unpredictable sometimes, so storing bobbers in your tackle box is best.
3.Sinkers
A hook and a worm are too light on their own to sink very far. To compensate for that, you’ll need to mount a weight or “sinker” to your fishing rig. On fishing expeditions, you will lose many sinkers, so it’s nice to have some extras on hand. Sinkers are traditionally from lead, but some states are starting to ban the use of lead sinkers for environmental reasons. Other sinker materials choices include brass, tungsten, steel, and bismuth.
4.Plastic worms
Even if you are a big fan of using live bait, getting a package of plastic worms in your tackle box is always a good thing, especially if you’re bass fishing. Plastic worms come in several sizes and colors. It is possibly best to use worms with long tails. Some fishermen believe that the number of bites they get from target fish species increases because of those colors of plastic worms. It’s probably a superstitious belief, but if you’ve had luck with a plastic worm of a certain color, you might want to continue using it.
5.Hardbaits
From crankbaits, jerk baits, lipless cranks, to top waters – store hard baits in your tackle box so you have more options in case of emergency. However, don’t overdo it as you will only need a few. Start by looking with a topwater, such as a popper or walking bait, a crank or stick bait of shallow depth, and a deep diver.
6.Inline Spinners
The spinner, a lure using a spinning blade to create flash and thump that mimics a baitfish, is an alternative to the hard lure. Inline spinners are utterly deadly and come in sizes that are small enough for panfish, all the way to giant pike and musky sizes. There should be no tackle box without one or two spinners, at least.
7.Weights
When you want to hold the line down and go deeper into the water, keep a couple of weights in your tackle box. This fishing accessory will help you capture the bigger fish below the surface that like to live deep.
8.Knife Or Scissors
It is certainly important to have anything to cut the thread. When fishing, carrying a sharp blade will always come in handy, whether you want to take a pocket knife, scissors, or something else. You never know when it’s going to be useful for you.
9.Extra Fishing Lines
Storing this tool is an absolute must! You never really know how many lines you’re going to use or when you need to substitute it for it. The line gets tangled easily, but it can also be in poor condition because of a fish or have knots. The fishing line is just old sometimes and needs to be changed. Also, the type of line you want to carry along depends on the setting you are going to fish. For rough waters and calm waters, do have a spool of fishing line handy, and you will never have to worry about running out of line again.
10.Extra Hooks
Some anglers use and lose hooks regularly, and it will happen to you, too. So, you’re going to want to pack hooks of different sizes that are sufficient to catch bass, walleye, or even shark. To decide what hooks you want to carry along with it, look at the bait and lures you have in your tackle box. For example, circle hooks are perfect for live baits. On the other hand, siwash hooks are perfect for using artificial lures.
With several hooks, stock your tackle box so that you’re ready for any fish. You can also stick to the conventional J-hook, but many fishers who trust French hooks more. In the end, it all depends on your preference.
11.Swivels
Swivels are perfect for stopping line twisting, tying advanced rigs such as the Carolina rig or three-way rig. Moreover, they can even come with a snap on one end, giving a novice fisherman a breeze to change baits. Take a couple of packs, and you will be shocked by all their uses.
12.Snacks
While waiting, fishers also get hungry! Be sure to have some snacks in your tackle box that give you energy and won’t be easy to ruin. Even if you don’t touch them for a month, beef jerky or trail mix are perfect alternatives to keep inside your tackle box that will remain healthy. Just make sure to be aware of the snacks’ expiration dates.
13.Flashlight
While many people prefer to fish during the day, when the water is quiet, and many fish are on the prowl, such as catfish, it can be night time. Fish can get scared away by too big and bright a light, but you still need to see what’s going on around you. An inconspicuous flashlight will help you navigate around the boat and help locate hidden fish around the lake.
14.Needle Nose Pliers
After you catch them, needle nose pliers are needed to take the hooks out of the fish. Often they’re required to get the hooks out of you too.
15.Line cutter
Often you’re going to get a snag you can’t get out of, and your only choice is to cut the thread. While a pocket knife will get the job done, simply using nail clippers effectively cut the fishing line. It’s faster than using a knife, smaller, and is more effective.
16.Fishing Scales Or Ruler
Many casual anglers would like to catch a fish, take a photo, and then throw it back. However, others like to record, particularly in contests. Keep a scale and ruler on you if you want to know your caught fish species’ exact measurements. It will help you make the perfect picture captions.
17.Extra Hat And Sunglasses
Some individuals do not keep these things in their tackle box, which later leads to regret. Sunshine means a perfect fishing trip. It also conveys water, which reflects the rays of the sun on your face. Sunglasses will help keep your eyes out of the light, providing a better image of the lake and where the fish could hideout. Just in case you need it, hold a spare pair of glasses and an old hat.
18.Fishing License
It should be obvious your fishing license with you all the time while you are fishing. Without carrying one, you will pay a hefty fine for fishing without a license in some states. In your tackle box, keep your fishing license so that you don’t have to worry about misplacing it every time.
19.Insect Repellent
Wherever you go fishing, you will need an insect repellent. It is essential every single time around. So, make sure to keep it in your tackle box so that you never forget to bring it with you. This way, you can avoid having more insect bites.
20.Medicine
Being out in the rough water on a boat can be tough for many individuals. Be sure to stock up on medication for motion sickness and plain old Advil. Headaches aren’t going to disappear just because you have fun, we all know that. Gum and mints can help to alleviate a queasy stomach and even assist with motion sickness.
21.Small First Aid Kit
Hopefully, when you are fishing, you will not have any big medical emergencies. However, there are likely to be minor injuries, including getting a hook stuck in your thumb or falling and getting scraped up. It is nice to have a small first aid kit on hand for these kinds of items. Only throw in some band-aids, Neosporin, a few small bandages, and some medical tape that’s waterproof. It should take care of most of the injuries associated with fishing.
22.Sunscreen
You’re going to need sunscreen, much like insect repellent. When you fish, you’ll be out in the sun all day long. Slather on some sunscreen to save your face from feeling like an old catcher’s mitt and avoid skin cancer. So, keep it in your tackle box, and you will be reminded to put it on when you pick it up.
23.Fish Finders Or Depth Finders
Do you want to catch some cool fish? Then you have to invest in finders of high-quality fish and finders of profundity. Each of them makes your fishing trip a great advantage and gives you the courage to catch larger fish than you’ve ever expected. Keep in your tackle box these bad boys and make every fishing trip the best one yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wherever you go fishing, never forget to fill your tackle box with essential fishing accessories. It will help you get ready for whatever challenges you will face when hunting for your target fish species. So, do yourself a favor and store the essential fishing accessories you should have in your tackle box. We guarantee you; it will make your fishing excursion a lot easier.
How much do tackle boxes cost?
Nowadays, you can buy a standard tackle box with good quality for as low as $20. It is enough for most beginner anglers who are looking to gain more experience. Still, the cost of buying tackle boxes depends on the materials used, size, and durability of the item. As always, quality should be your top priority when purchasing tackle boxes. Make sure that the frame and handle are durable and can carry various materials. Most of all, it should be waterproof.
Why is it called a tackle box?
A fishing tackle refers to a collection of instruments used by anglers while fishing. It involves fishing lines, sinkers, floats, hooks, and even your rod, including its reels, and everything connected with it. In short, almost all gear and equipment used for fishing belongs to fishing tackle, and fishermen place all these accessories in a box, thus the term “Tackle Box.” The best part of getting a tackle box is that it nowadays costs imperatively in different fishing shops, so there is no excuse not to have one.
Why should I have in my tackle box for fishing?
A fishing tackle box refers to a storage solution for a fisherman’s final tackle or certain objects that enter the water, such as baits, lures, sinkers, and hooks. You may also incorporate other accessories to cut, measure, and even some snacks nowadays. You must have a fishing tackle to get more convenience in carrying all your fishing accessories.
What Is The Ideal Size Of A Fishing Tackle Box?
The ideal size of a fishing tackle box is about 18 x 9.5 x 11 inches. This size is enough for you to store essential fishing accessories. Moreover, it can also provide plenty of space without being too cumbersome.
Conclusion
If you think that your tackle box is getting messy with all the stuff you have, here are some ways to store it well. Adding the necessities to your box means that you do not have to remember to prepare them and are still ready for a great fishing day. You should stock up your fishing tackle box and wait for the “catch and go” fishing style. Tackle boxes are durable and can accommodate all the essentials of a great fishing trip. If your objective is to catch some big fish, you need to be ready.