Fishing is a wonderful way to be in one with nature, unwind, and bond with family or friends for every season. It’s extra exciting especially if it’s your first time to do it. Whether you go freshwater, saltwater, canoe, shore, or ice fishing, and whether it’s trout, walleye, salmon, catfish, bass, crappie, or other fish, it’s a great experience to catch your first as a beginner. This activity promotes bonding, good for your body and mind, and a fun stress reliever, so ask your buddy to teach you how.

It can be overwhelming on your part as a starter when you see and shop for fishing gear. Worry not because here’s a beginner’s guide to essential fishing gears.

Fishing Rod and Reel

One of the most essential fishing gears to have are the fishing rod and reel. Rods are the flexible, durable poles (ideally about 11.8 inches in length) of different types, that allows you to cast the fishing line deeper in the water. Reels are lightweight, easy to handle, usually spinning that’s attached to your rod to wind your line and draw your catch. Get the Best Fishing Rod and Reel perfect for beginners.

Fishing Line

Another basic gear you should have in fishing is a line. Fishing lines come in different weight and strengths, from heavier and stronger to thinner and clearer ones, depending on environmental factors and the kind of fish you’re after. They might already be included with your reel, but it’s better to bring extras in cases they break or get tangled up. As a beginner, you should go for Monofilament Fishing Lines.

Line Cutter

Since fishing lines are made to be durable and sturdy, you will be needing a line cutter or clipper to cut it or set up a new line. A knife or nail cutter will do, but if you want to invest in a more reliable Line Cutter early on, it’s much better to do so.

Fishing Hooks

Fishing Hooks are one of the essential fishing gears you shouldn’t miss. They hook or catch fish by poking their mouth or other body parts when try to bite your bait. Hooks can vary in types such as circle, treble, single (start with this one), and double, and in sizes ranging from number 32 (the smallest) to 19/0 (the largest). They usually come with weights or sinkers, especially for beginners.

Sinkers

The weight of the sinkers will help sink your baits or lures in the water and will stabilize your fishing line so you can swing away from the shore. Better use non-toxic materials such as brass or Steel Sinkers which are safer than lead.

Bobbers

These plastic Bobbers or floaters, that comes in different colors and shapes, help keep your bait close to the surface, know when the fish is biting, a signal to finally reel and catch it.

Baits

Baits will attract the fish to bite and lucky enough reel your first catch. You can use live baits such as worms, crickets, minnows, and nightcrawlers, or tiny foods such as marshmallows, small bread, corn, hotdog bits, or grubs. Many find the live ones better so you may dig up worms from your backyard, or buy some from a local bait shop.

Lures

Fishing Lures are part of the essentials, that are basically made of plastic and serve as artificial baits or an alternative in case you run out of them. They come in different colors and shapes depending on the water conditions, weather, and the kind of fish available in the area.

Pliers

You may want to bring or invest in pliers or Stainless Steel Needle Nose Pliers to be exact, which is useful in removing the hook from your catch. This tool will save you from getting yourself hurt from the sharp end of the hook.

Tackle Box

Since you’re a beginner, you should properly store and organize your fishing gears so it’s easy for you to know which is which and which to use. Tackle Box is a perfect place for your hooks, lures, sinkers, pliers, and other gears.

Bucket

A bucket is handy on your fishing trip for keeping your fish and bait.

Ice Chest

If you plan to keep your fish catch either for later cooking or bringing them home, then bring a reliable Portable Cooler Ice Chest for proper storage.

Sunglasses

You’ll be outside all day, so your eyes will be prone to harmful elements, which can make it a bit difficult to see things around while fishing. Bring a perfect pair of Polarized Sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, glare, and water splashes.

Sunscreen / Hat / Protective Clothing

Speaking of protective gear, you should use sunscreen, wear a hat and protective clothing because you’re going to be exposed all day long outside.

Fishing License

There are different sets of fishing rules and regulations in every state. So, make sure you get one depending on the guidelines HERE.

First Aid Kit

Just in case you get injured from getting poked or scraped, at least you’re ready to treat it. Bringing a handy First Aid Kit packed with bandages, micropore, antibacterial solution, band-aids, and more is essential for this activity.

Fishing is a great way to bond with your loved ones, get off from the city, relax, and breathe nature’s fresh air, and it’s better to start doing it now.