Tackle Box Essentials
Fishing is a fun and rewarding pastime, especially if you’ve got a sturdy fishing boat that can take you out to the middle of a placid lake where all the fish are biting. But you want to be prepared when you go out on the water, which is why having a well-stocked tackle box is important.
Yankee Boating Center, with two locations on Lake George, is your local fishing boat dealer. Here are some of the most important pieces of gear to carry in your tackle box so that you won’t want for anything when you’re out on the water.
Bobbers, Lures & Sinkers
These three components are standard-issue for most fishers. You’ve likely got several of each in your tackle box already, but if you’re new to the world of fishing, then you’ll want to ensure you’ve got a good selection of each item so you’re ready for anything.
Bobbers
Otherwise known as “floaters,” bobbers are lightweight items that attach to your line and let you know when a fish is bitting. The bobber sinks into the water when a fish latches on so you know that it’s time to reel it in. Plastic red-and-white bobbers are the classic choice, but they don’t permit your hook to sink very deep. A slip bobber is more adjustable so you can get your hook deeper into the water. If nothing else, a piece of cork with a stick poked through it will do in a pinch.
Lures
You need a way to draw your catches in and if you don’t have live bait, then lures are the answer. Choose a selection of different types of lures, from top-water lures to spinners to minnow imitations. Even if you’ve got a favorite lure, you’ll want to have a few other types on hand just in case.
Sinkers
Your lure and hook are extremely lightweight and not inclined to sink very deeply into the water. Small weights called sinkers are attached to the end of your line to draw the hook down where it needs to be. Lead was the traditional material for sinkers, but due to its toxicity to humans, fish and other wildlife, it’s been phased out in favor of bismuth, steel, brass and tungsten. Carry a lot of these, because you’re liable to lose one into the drink every so often.
Needle-Nosed Pliers
Every fisher worth their salt should have a good pair of needle-nosed pliers on hand at all times. You can use your pliers for so many purposes and they’re an inexpensive and compact tool to carry. Remove hooks from your fish, bend wires, remove splinters and more with your pair of pliers and make sure they’re always in your tackle box before you head out.
Extra Line
Fishing line is notorious for getting caught in things or being snapped by a particularly strong fish. You’re not always going to be able to salvage your line, so carry a few extra reels of line in your tackle box for good measure. Try to have different types of line on hand, since thin and clear lines are best for calm inland waterways, while thick line is best for choppier waters and bigger fish.
Spare Hooks
You never know when you’ll need a different type of hook to snare a certain fish. Carry several types of hooks with you in different sizes and styles. J-hooks and French hooks are two good types to have on hand.
Line Cutter
You know how your line can catch in things? Carry something to cut your line quickly, like a pair of nail clippers. A small pocket knife or multitool is another good option and more universally useful for other purposes.
First-Aid Kit
Like many outdoor activities, fishing can cause you injury, and you may also feel sickly on the water. A well-stocked first-aid kit will ensure that you’re prepared for every eventuality. Some items to include:
- Bandages
- Waterproof medical tape
- Gauze pads
- Nail clippers
- Tweezers
- Bug spray
- Sunscreen
- Petroleum jelly
- Painkillers
- Antacids
- Aloe vera
- Antibacterial ointment
We hope this guide helps you to prepare your tackle box so that you’re ready for anything. Searching for the perfect fishing boat? Check out our full selection of new and used fishing boats for sale at our two Lake George, NY, locations by browsing our website. Yankee Boating Center proudly serves the city of Clayton, NY.