What Are the Four Basic Types of Fishing Tackle?

Ever stood in the fishing section of a store, staring at all the gear and feeling lost? We've all been there. Maybe you're planning your first fishing trip, wanting to teach your kids how to fish, or just getting back into it after years away. With rows of rods, piles of lures, and more gadgets than you can count, it's hard to know what you actually need.

But don't worry - fishing gear is much simpler than it looks. Once you know the four basic types of tackle every angler uses, you'll be able to walk into any fishing store and pick out exactly what you need. Let's break it down together.

The First Type of Fishing Tackle: Rods

A fishing rod is your main tool for casting your line out into the water. But not all fishing rods are the same; they come in different styles and sizes, designed for different types of fishing.

Let's talk about the main kinds of rods:

• Casting Rods: These have guides (the loops the fishing line goes through) on top of the rod and are used with casting reels. They're good for precision and letting you place your bait exactly where you want it.
• Spinning Rods: Easy to use, with guides underneath the rod. They work well with lighter baits and lures.
• Fly Fishing Rods: These are specialized for fly fishing, where you ‘cast’ a nearly weightless lure called a fly. They are longer and more flexible.

The Second Type of Fishing Tackle: Reels

A reel is a part of your fishing rod that holds the line. It lets you throw the line out and reel in fish. There are different kinds for different kinds of fishing.

Let’s skim through the main types of reels:

• Spinning Reels: These are beginner-friendly and hang beneath the spinning rod. They're great for lightweight lures and can be cast at impressive distances.
• Baitcasting Reels: These sit atop casting rods and offer more control and accuracy but require a bit more skill to use without tangling the line.
• Fly Reels: These are used with fly rods for fly fishing, designed to hold the line and provide smooth, resistance-free casting.

The Third Type of Fishing Tackle: Hooks

A hook is a metal piece that catches the fish when it takes the bait. If your hook isn't good, the fish could take the bait without getting caught.

Let's briefly touch on the common types of hooks:

• Single Hooks: These have one point and are excellent for catch-and-release fishing due to minimal damage to fish.
• Double Hooks: With two points, these are often used in lures and offer better chances of hooking a fish.
• Treble Hooks: These have three points and provide the highest hooking power, commonly found on many types of artificial lures.

The Fourth Type of Fishing Tackle: Lines

A fishing line is the strong, thin cord that ties your rod and reel to your hook and bait, and then to the fish you catch. It needs to be tough to pull in a fish but also thin so the fish won't get scared away.

There are three main types of lines that you’ll encounter:

• Monofilament: Often referred to as 'mono', this line is flexible and stretchy, making it forgiving when a fish strikes. It's also the most buoyant, which can be useful for topwater lures and baits.
• Braided: Braided lines are known for their strength and durability, offering a thinner diameter per pound test than monofilament. They have almost no stretch, which provides excellent sensitivity to feel what's happening underwater.
• Fluorocarbon: This line is valued for its near invisibility underwater, as it doesn't refract light like other lines. It's also denser, so it sinks faster, making it ideal for getting lures deep down quickly.

Secondary Fishing Tackle: Sinkers, Floats, and Baits

While the rod, reel, hook, and line form the fundamental quartet of fishing tackle, there are a few more players that often enter the stage—sinkers, floats, and lures. These items may not make up the core kit, but their roles in fishing tactics and techniques are vital.

Sinkers:

A sinker is a weight used to force the bait or lure to sink more rapidly into the water, increasing the distance it can be cast. The right sinker can mean the difference between hovering your bait in the perfect spot within the water column or on the bottom.

Floats (or Bobbers):

Floats keep your bait at a predetermined depth and provide a visual signal when fish are nibbling at the bait. They come in handy when you want to suspend your bait at a level where the fish are feeding, especially in waters with a lot of weeds or bottom debris.

Baits:

Bait is essential for fishing because it attracts fish by mimicking their natural prey with its look and movement. There's a variety of baits to match your target – worms are great for bass, while dough balls might be better for catfish. Nowadays, there are also smart baits that turn on by themselves and work underwater up to 300 meters. They can even move like real fish and make sounds to get the attention of bigger fish. These features help you catch more and bigger fish.

How to Select Your Basic Fishing Tackle

Whether you're casting lines in freshwater lakes or braving the waves of the ocean, your tackle needs to match the environment. From resisting corrosion in saltwater to targeting specific species, here's a quick rundown to help you get set up for your next fishing trip with ease:

1. Freshwater vs. Saltwater:

The location of your fishing exploits drastically changes the type of tackle you'll need.

2. Match Tackle to Fish Species:

Each species of fish has different behaviors, preferences, and habitats, which calls for specific tackle:

3. Fishing Gear for Every Condition:

When selecting fishing tackle, environmental factors play a crucial role. Different conditions often require different fishing gear to maximize effectiveness and adaptability.

4. Pick Your Fishing Gear for Your Skill and Comfort Level:

If you're new to fishing or a seasoned pro, having the right gear makes all the difference.

Start Fishing Today with These Basic Tackles

Just choose a good rod and reel, add some hooks, lines, and baits, and you're good to go fishing. Don't sweat over having the perfect gear right away. You'll figure out what you need as you go. Cast your line into the water, and have fun. You can always pick up more gear later on!