Bait refers to any lure attached to a hook used to attract fish; tackle refers to all fishing-related hardware including rods, reels, lines, bobbers, sinkers and lures.

Live baits may include worms, minnows, leeches and cut-up pieces of fish; while artificial lures come in an endless array of sizes and strategies. Some lures float or vibrate to imitate living prey.

Rod

Many different fishing rods exist, each designed for a specific use. Rods come in different lengths, actions, hardnesses and configurations depending on your target species of fish and the conditions in the fresh or saltwater situation.

Rods are usually classified by the ideal line weight or “test” they should manage, which should be clearly indicated on their blank. Selecting an appropriate rod for targeting species and conditions ensures your bait or lure is presented effectively, enabling you to feel bites more efficiently, set hooks effectively, and detect bites accurately.

Fishing lines come in various forms and materials, including monofilament, fluorocarbon, braided and fusion lines. Each fishing line typically exhibits its own characteristic when it comes to visibility or number of hooks (i.e. treble or single).

Reel

Reels are cylindrical devices attached to fishing rods used for spooling line and storing it. There are different kinds of reels used for fishing, including spinning, baitcasting and fly models. Spinning reels are ideal for casting lighter lures over larger line size with their large surface area; baitcasting models tend to cast lighter lures with smaller line diameter. Finally there are new finesse reels which allow users to handle smaller lures more effectively without backlashing issues.

Baitcasting reels utilize a rotating spool that holds line and allows users to cast it using either a thumb bar or lever on the side of the reel. Due to this needing an increased degree of skill for effective use, these are generally reserved for more experienced anglers. Shimano, Daiwa, Lew’s and Abu Garcia all provide quality baitcasting reels at various price ranges.

Line

The line that connects your fish hook to your rod and reel is an integral component of successful fishing, playing an essential role in its success. Care should be taken when selecting this line based on species targeted, conditions at your destination location and your personal fishing style.

Fishing line comes in various diameters and strengths that are generally listed on the front of its box. A higher pound test indicates a stronger line.

At fishing locations, there may be bins designed to collect monofilament lines; if not, please bring any unwanted line back to your tackle store for recycling. As uncollected monofilament line can entangle wildlife and pollute fresh and saltwater environments while potentially becoming choked up in other anglers’ gear and pose threats to children and pets, disposal should always be treated as waste management priority.

Hooks

Hooks are used for bait fishing (by holding artificial, processed, or live baits in place) or to support devices that represent prey for lure fishing (lure fishing). There is a wide selection of sizes, designs, and materials to choose from when picking out hooks to use when fishing for artificial prey (bait fishing).

An angler’s choice between live, dead and artificial bait depends on several factors including fishing conditions, species targeted and angler expertise. Bait options could range from slices or chunks of whole fish cut in strips or chunks to nightcrawlers or artificial dough; plastic worm bait or soft plastic lures such as stickbaits and spinnerbaits could also work effectively as lures.

Addition of bobbers or bite alarms may help detect strikes more accurately. These mechanical or electronic devices float in the water and dart about when fish tug on your line, or they bleep when an actual strike is detected.

Lures

Lures are artificial fish-catching devices made of various materials like wood, plastic, metal, cork, animal hair and string or tinsel – some even come equipped with lighting to help the lure stand out in murky or dark waters.

An effective lure’s action may take the form of a flutter, darting motion or slow, steady plop to imitate injured baitfish. Many lures can also be trolled deep along the bottom; others such as spoon lures (with no handle attached) work best in waters abundant with shad.

An artificial fly is designed to replicate all manner of fish prey such as insects, minnows and leeches. A spinnerbait resembles a spinner with flashy spinning on top. For a swimbait-type lure with tails that make it appear as though it’s swimming through water when drawn along, try these options out: spinnerbait; swimbait (soft plastic lure resembling real bait fish); spinnerbait.