Fishing is both fun and relaxing. It allows you to get away from the stress for just a short time, while you commune with nature. People find that when they come back from a short fishing break, they are more refreshed, and ready to take on whatever the world may throw at them. If you are ready to experience fishing, you will need some equipment.
First, you need to know that when you visit a tackle shop, you will be overwhelmed by the variety of equipment that is available. Take a deep breath and clear your head. There is actually very little that you need. You don’t need everything in the store, and you certainly don’t need the most expensive equipment either.
Start with the bare minimum. You will discover other equipment that you need if and when your fishing interest advances. Some people are content to fish with their basic equipment for their whole lives. Others want to get into more competitive fishing. Start with a basic rod and reel.
If you are a beginner, you should strongly consider purchasing a packaged spinning rod and spinning reel. This is your least expensive option, and it will get you started. As you get better at fishing, you will discover that you want or need a different type of rod/reel. If you do buy a separate rod and reel, realize that close-faced spinner reels are best for children and beginners. For an adult, choose a six foot rod. For children, choose a four foot rod.
You will need fishing line for your rod and reel. Fishing line comes in varying sizes and strengths. If you are purchasing a packaged rod and reel, the line should be included. But depending on what you are fishing for, you may want additional line. Look at the weight pound test of the line. Eight pound test means that it is suitable for catching an eight pound fish. Consider the average weight of the fish that you plan to catch. Don’t buy heavy weight line if it is not called for – you wont be able to catch smaller fish with heavy line. Eight pound test line is recommended for beginners.
A fishing net is optional, but it does make it easier to bring your catch to the shore once you’ve reeled it in most of the way. Nothing is more heart-breaking to a fisherman than to reel a big catch in, have it almost on shore, only to see the fish wiggle off the hook or have the line break at the last second! With fishing net, however, you can reel the fish in to just under the surface, and then scoop the net under him!
Bobbers are also called floats, floaters, and corks. A bobber sits on top of the water, and when a fish nibbles the bait, you will see the bobber wiggle. When the fish grabs the bait and runs, the bobber will be jerked underwater. Bobbers are recommended for beginners and children.
You will need hooks in varying sizes. The size of the hook you use depends on the size of the fish you are trying to catch – not on the size of the bait. The size of the bait also depends on the size of the fish you are trying to catch. Hooks range in numbers, from six to ten, with ten being the largest. If the hook you are using is too small, the fish will swallow the hook. If it is too large, the fish wont even be tempted to bite on your bait.
Sinkers, also known as weights, are also needed. These make it possible to fish below the surface of the water. They range in size and weight, and you really must consider the depth that you want to fish at, the water that you are fishing in, and the fish that you hope to catch to choose the proper weight. Make sure that you only use lead free sinkers.
Leaders are very useful. These are metal clips with an eye on one end and a clip on the other. You open the clip to put the hook or lure on the leader. The leader is then attached to the fishing line, or to another leader. Often, people will fix up numerous rigs to take with them, and easily change them out with the use of leaders. A rig is a smaller piece of fishing line that is already fixed up with bait, lures, and weights. Swivels may also be used.
You definitely need a fishing knife, which will be used to cut tangled lines and such. They can also be used to clean the fish that you catch. Needle nose pliers are essential, as this makes it easier to remove hooks from the fishes mouthes. You will need a tackle box to put all of your small equipment in, and you should also consider a small first aid kit and insect repellent.
HEY ! I’m Nil (Founder of OnlineDrifts.com), Digital Marketer, Affiliate Marketer and a blogger writing about blogging tips, SEO, Tech Tips etc.