Things to Bring Along on Your Next Fishing Trip

Fishing is a beloved pastime for many people. Fans of fishing are often passionate about the sport, and that passion has inspired many novices to try their hand at becoming anglers.

Though there is no way to guarantee you will catch a fish the first time out, you are likely to have some fun, especially if you head out to the nearest fishing hole with a fully stocked tackle box. While even first-timers know to bring a fishing pole and some bait along on their trips, there are some additional items to add to a tackle box that might not seem so practical until after your trip.

THE EXTRAS
When planning a fishing trip, it never hurts to bring along some extra supplies. Many a maiden fishing trip has been cut short when fishermen realize they did not pack enough line or hooks. Fishing line has a tendency to break, even if you aren’t expecting to reel in many fish. Fishing line can break in the mouth of a fish or on items in the water, so you will almost certainly need some extra line. If your fishing hole is known for difficult conditions, pack some heavier and more durable line that’s less likely to snap. When conditions are more serene, a thin, less visible line should suffice.

You should also expect to lose a few hooks on your trip, so pack extra hooks of various sizes. Hooks come in many sizes because fish come in many varieties. You’ll want to have various hooks in your tackle box to handle whichever fish seem to be biting on the day of your trip. When buying your hooks, speak with a store representative and let them know which area you plan to visit. They’re likely to know which fish you’re likely to encounter, and they can help you choose the appropriate hooks. Just remember to bring extras to account for the ones you’re likely to lose.

BOBBERS
Few things are as exciting when fishing as that first bite from a fish. That’s especially the case for first-timers, many of whom are hooked the moment that first fish begins to tug on their lines. Bobbers are the items you attach to your fishing line that let you know when fish are taking a bite on your line. Bobbers come in various shapes, but many people are familiar with the red and white round bobbers, which can be easily attached to your line.

Round bobbers limit how deep you can cast your line. If you’re looking to cast a line deep, slip bobbers allow you to do just that because they can be slid up and down your line. However, slip bobbers are more difficult to attach to your line than round bobbers, something first-timers might want to keep in mind. 

LURES

Lures come in many varieties, and these are intended to attract fish on those days when nothing seems to be biting. Lures may help first-timers get their feet wet and catch their first fish. That’s especially true when using lures that look like minnows, a popular snack for many fish. 

FAKE WORMS
 First-timers might be a little skittish using live bait, so some fake plastic worms might be the best fit when embarking on a first fishing trip. Plastic worms come in various sizes and shapes, and after your initial trip you might decide you want to move on to live bait. But fake bait on the first time is nothing to be ashamed of, and many items mimic the look and even the movement patterns of live bait. If you catch a few fish, you might just swear by plastic bait for the rest of your fishing career. 

PLIERS
Unexpected issues often arise when fishing for the first time, and one such issue is what to do when you have caught your first fish. Many first-timers do not expect to catch a fish their first time out, but don’t be so hard on yourself. Expect to catch a fish and bring along a pair of pliers in anticipation of that first catch. Pliers take the hook out of the fish once it’s been caught, so bring along a pair and expect to use them.

When fishing with live night crawlers, here’s a little tip that will save you from dirtying up your boat –  place a handful of crawlers (dirt and all ) in a small dish of water and add a few ice cubes. When you need a fresh crawler, it will be clean, your hands will stay clean and so will the floor of your boat.