For many anglers, selecting, organizing and using fishing gear is almost as fun and interesting as actually catching fish. There are many kinds of fishing gear and tackle including bait and lures, fishing rigs, fishing rods and reels. To learn more about fishing equipment follow the links below.

How to Choose a Fishing Rod

Before you can choose a rod, you’ll want some idea of what you’re fishing for and what you’ll be fishing with.

FISHING RODS: BASICS

When you’re thinking about how to choose a fishing rod, it’s best to understand the different parts and characteristics that make up this important piece of fishing gear.

1. Starting from the bottom or butt-end of the rod moving up, the first thing you will encounter is the handle or grip, usually made from cork or foam. This is the business end of the shaft, where you will hold it when casting and retrieving.
2. Each fishing rod is a balance of flexibility and strength. Stronger rods can cast heavier lures, but won’t be as sensitive to gentle strikes from a fish, or may not flex enough to work well with lightweight line. Lighter rods may be very sensitive, but not strong enough to fight bigger fish.
3. Rods also come in a variety of lengths. Shorter rods provide more power for fighting a fish and are commonly used for trolling and big game fishing. Longer rods can cast farther — surf casting rods and fly rods are often quite long up to 14 feet. These rods dissemble into up to four pieces for easier transport. Most rods up to around 6 feet are one-piece.

SELECTING THE BEST FISHING ROD

Before you can choose a rod, you’ll want some idea of what you’re fishing for and what you’ll be fishing with. Spinning rods work well with lighter baits and lures and are good general purpose rods. Casting rods work well for tossing artificial baits, plugs, and jigs that are heavier.

A fishing rod can be made of fiberglass or graphite. Fiberglass is tougher and generally more flexible and can be less expensive. Graphite is lighter, stiffer, and more sensitive but easier to damage. Like many other pieces of fishing gear, it’s a trade off. The best fishing rods are the ones you are comfortable using.

Once you’ve picked a style and material, look for a rod that matches the weight of the lure or bait, and the size line you wish to use. Pick out a reel that fits the same description, and get ready to go fishing.

Types of Fishing Line

Fishing line provides the connection between you and the fish. From hook to rod, every motion, every tug, every drag-screaming run flows through the line to the angler.

FISHING LINE TYPES

MOST POPULAR TYPES OF FISHING LINE

Fishing line comes in several types but the two most commonly used are monofilament and braid. Monofilament is made from nylon and is one long continuous filament, whereas braided fishing line is made up of several super-strong, very thin fibers made from material similar to Kevlar braided together to form a line that is basically round in cross section.

MONOFILAMENT LINE

Advantages： Monofilament is the most popular type of fishing line and comes in a great variety of strengths and colors. Mono is less expensive than other lines, stretches to absorb shocks, is abrasion resistant, and uniformly round in cross section, which helps keep it neat on the spool. Monofilament is easy to tie knots in, but can suffer from “memory” where it loops in the shape of the spool. Mono comes in several shades, but clear and blue are popular because they disappear underwater and are very difficult for a fish to see.

Disadvantages： Monofilament is not as strong as braid for a given diameter, so higher pound test mono takes up more space on a spool. It’s also nylon, which means it breaks down over time when exposed to sunlight, so it’s important to respool with fresh line every year.

BRAID FISHING LINE

Advantages： Braid is very strong for a given diameter, often twice as strong as mono, so you can pack more line on a spool at a given pound test. That also means it sinks faster, casts farther, and trolls deeper than mono. Braid has no memory so loops and twists aren’t a problem. Braid doesn’t break down in sunlight, so you can keep it on the spool year after year. And it doesn’t stretch at all, so you can feel every bump of the bottom and nudge from a fish.

Disadvantages：Braid is very slippery so you have to use knots that can hold despite the low friction. Braid is so strong that difficult to cut — you have to carry nail clippers or very sharp scissors. And though it comes in several colors, it’s not see-through like mono. Most anglers use a leader when fishing with braid to help hide the line from the fish. It’s also less abrasion resistant than mono. And finally, braid has no stretch, which means there’s no give when a fish strikes, so using less drag is a good idea, and a bit more finesse when setting the hook helps as well.

OTHER TYPES OF FISHING LINE

Fluorocarbon Fishing Line：Fluorocarbon is often used as leader material. It’s completely invisible underwater and very abrasion resistant, making it the perfect complement to braid. There are now a few brands of fluorocarbon being sold as a main line.

Wire Fishing Line：Wire is another leader material that is used when fishing for toothy fish like mackerel and tuna. Wire comes in single strand and braided varieties. Wire also is popular for some types of trolling where reaching deep depths is important. This requires special hardened spools for the reels.

Fly Fishing Line：Fly line comes in particular weights. These don’t reference the breaking strength, but instead the heaviness of the line, which needs to match up with the fly rod. Fly line attaches to a leader called a tippet which comes in different breaking strengths.

FISHING WITH LEADERS

One of the best fishing line set-ups is using a leader - a short length of fishing line that attaches to the main line at one end, and the hook or lure at the other. Leaders can be made of a different material than the main line, or simply be a thicker, heavier version of the main line if, for example, increased abrasion resistance is required. Leaders allow you to improve your success hooking and keeping fish, without having to cast and retrieve an entire line made of the bigger, heavier material. This is especially important when using a wire leader.

1. The most important characteristic of all fishing line types is its breaking strength, the amount of force the line can hold before it parts. This is expressed as pound-test. So 10-lb test fishing line should hold 10 pounds before it breaks and 30-lb test holds 30 and so on.
2. Many things can weaken a line, including the knots you tie in it. It’s important to choose a line that is strong enough for your needs within a working margin. You should assume that even brand new line will provide less than 80% of its rated strength once you’ve tied a hook or lure to it.
3. Early fishing lines were braided natural materials like silk and therefore quite expensive, modern lines are made from synthetic materials like nylon, dacron, dyneema, and fluorocarbon.

How to Choose a Fishing Reel

A fishing reel is a mechanical device that holds and spools out fishing line. It has a brake to slow running fish, a handle to retrieve line and a bracket to fasten the fishing reel to the rod.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST FISHING REEL

1. Picking a reel starts with knowing what type of fish you’d like to catch.
2. Take a few moments in our Species Explorer if you haven’t already and try to get some idea of the size and species of fish common in your area.
3. Think about what sort of lures or bait you’ll be casting. In general, spinning reels work best for small lures and baits, while baitcasters favor heavier lures. After that, it’s mostly preference.

HOW TO MATCH THE REEL TO YOUR ROD

When you are shopping for a reel, you’ll notice that many brands have several reels with the same name that come in different sizes (for example a 100, 200, 400). This is usually based on the capacity of the spool, which dictates the overall size of the reel. Larger reels can also apply more drag force. If you plan on fishing for larger, stronger fish, you’ll need a bigger reel that can produce more drag force.

Spool capacity is given by length and the pound-test fishing line that it applies to. Stronger line has a greater diameter, so less line fits on a spool. For example, you might see a reel listed as 230/ 6lb., which means it can hold 230 yards of 6 pound test monofilament. See Fishing Line Types for more information about the types and strengths of fishing line.

You want to pick your reel so that it comfortably handles a fishing line of the same strength as recommended for your fishing rod.

Learn more about the different types of reels available in the market.

How to Choose a Fishing Hook

Learn more about fishing hook anatomy, fishing hook sizes, different types and how to sharpen a fish hook.

CHOOSING A HOOK

The most important characteristic of a fish hook is its size. If a hook is too big, a smaller fish won’t be able to get it in its mouth. You’ll feel the strike, but wind up with nothing. If a hook is too small, a larger fish might swallow it entirely. Deep hooking a fish is more traumatic for the fish, and makes it harder to practice catch and release successfully.

Use our Species Explorer to figure out what sort of species of fish are common near you and how big they might be to help pick out a hook that’s an appropriate size.

FISHING HOOK ANATOMY

The Point：The point of a fish hook is the sharp end that penetrates the mouth of a fish.

The Barb：The barb is the projection extending backwards from the point that keeps the fish from unhooking.

The Eye： The eye is where you connect the hook to the line or lure.

The Bend, Shank, and Gap：The bend is the curve in the hook. The shank is the connection between the bend and the eye. The gap is the distance between the point of the hook and the shank.

FISHING HOOK SIZES

Regardless of the types of fishing hooks you’re planning to use, one of the most important considerations before tying a hook to the line is size.

Fishing hook sizes are generally referred to by a number from the smallest (size 32) to the largest (size 19/0). For hook sizes from 32 to 1, the larger the number, the smaller the hook.

For fish hook sizes from 1/0 (called a one aught) to 19/0, the larger the number the larger the hook.

SHARPENING A FISH HOOK

A sharp hook penetrates more easily, making it easier to set the hook. There are many fishing hook sharpening tools on the market. The important thing is to have one and use it between fishing trips to keep hooks performing well.

How to Choose the Best Fishing Tackle

Whether you are just learning how to fish or want to catch a few more fish, there are several things to consider when deciding on the type of fishing tackle you want to use.

Walking into a tackle shop or even the fishing department of your local outdoor or sporting goods store can be an exciting experience when learning how to fish – new things and so many choices! You'll see that there are literally dozens of types of bait and lures to choose from. Meanwhile, your mind is buzzing with questions. What is fishing tackle? What kind of bait do I need? Should I purchase fishing lures? What on earth is a jig?

Whether you are just learning how to fish or want to catch a few more fish, there are several things to consider when deciding on the type of fishing tackle you want to use. The following chart lists the most common types of fishing tackle and lures used infreshwater (FW) and saltwater (SW) fishing. Please check first with your state to get more information about fishing rules and regulations.

In addition to the types of fishing lures listed above, there are also a variety of artificial versions of organic fishing bait to choose from. From worms and crayfish to grasshoppers and minnows, you can usually find plastic forms of organic bait at most fishing tackle shops. At the other end of that spectrum are technological advances like vibrating lures, which use motors controlled by microprocessors to create sound-producing vibrations to attract fish.

So whether you want to go “old school” or embrace the latest technology, you should be able to easily find bait and other tackle for your fishing needs now that some of the mystery of the lingo has been revealed.

HOW TO GET STARTED FISHING

These are some of the things you will need for a successful day on the water. You just need a few supplies to get started. Follow along as Take Me Fishing walks you through the essential gear you will need for a fishing adventure. You'll find everything you need at your local sporting goods store or fishing tackle shop. While you're in the store, make sure to ask about a fishing license.

Tackle Boxes and Tools

Now that you’ve got your rod, reel, and a collection of hooks and lures, you’ll need somewhere to store the parts you aren’t using so you can find them quickly and easily.

A tackle box or bag is a great way to start. And we’ll also talk about a few more items you might want handy.

Tackle Boxes and Bags：Tackle boxes have lots of different compartments for sorting all your hooks, lures, bobbers, swivels, snaps, jig heads and so on. Modular boxes that allow you to set the size of each compartment are very popular, as are tackle bags, which hold several of such boxes, plus have room for fishing pliers, fillet knives, and other fishing gear.

Fishing Pliers and Scissors： A good pair of pliers incorporates several tools to do everything from cut wire to tighten knots and remove hooks. Also, a good pair of fishing scissors is another indispensable tool for cutting line and bait. All fishing pliers combine jaws for gripping and blades for cutting.

Hook Remover：Hook-removal tools make the job quick and safe and should be in your tackle box. With toothy fish, removing the hook with your hands or even a pair of pliers can be dangerous. When releasing a fish, it is best to remove the hook without even taking the fish out of the water.

Landing Nets： The size of the landing net should match the size of the fish that you are aiming to land. Look for a fishing net with a wide hoop, double-walled aluminum handle, and deep net. Fishing nets with rubber mesh help protect the fish's slime coat and scales if it will be released after landing.

Gaffs： If you're planning on keeping a fish, nothing puts it in the box faster than a gaff. Fishing gaffs come in various hook sizes and handle lengths; the best fishing gaffs have a tapered aluminum handle, non-slip grips and a triangular point. A short gaff is effective for handling big fish close to the boat, while longer gaffs are good for reaching out and grabbing a smaller fish. A gaff should only be used when you plan to keep a fish.

Lip Grippers：While lip grippers aren't the best tool for landing a fish, they work well for holding and releasing the fish without putting your fingers in its gills or mouth. Look for a lip gripper that is constructed out of non-corrosive aluminum or stainless steel. Many lip grippers also have a fish scale incorporated into the handle.

Livewells, Baitwells, and Aerators： You can use a bucket, but there are also dedicated portable livewells and baitwells on the market that can help keep your bait or catch fresher. Add an aerator for maximum zip to your baits.

Waders and Vests： Waders let you get closer to the fish. Insulated waders are a must if you fish in cold lakes or streams. A fishing vest can help keep you organized and everything within reach if you don’t have the luxury of keeping your tackle bag or the rest of your fishing gear handy.

Fish Finder： Fish finders are sonar devices that help you locate fish. Usually mounted on your boat, these screens range from a few inches across, up to the size of a small computer monitor. These show the water column vertically, giving you a picture of the bottom, and marking fish within the column, so you know what depth at which to fish.

Fishing Weights, Bobbers and Sinkers

Learn about the different types of fishing weights, bobbers, sinkers and swivels, and how to use them properly for a successful catch.

FISHING WEIGHTS AND SINKERS

Weights and sinkers are usually made of lead, and can be as small as a BB size or as heavy as a few ounces. The tiny BB shaped ones are called split-shot. They have a groove in the middle that you can slide your line into and then you pinch the weight shut. The soft lead will deform in your fingers or you can use your fishing pliers to really crimp it down. Oftentimes just a single split shot will provide all the weight you need to get a bait to the bottom.

Other types of sinkers include cones for rigging with a worm hook carolina style, inline or egg sinkers, which you can thread your line though to make bottom rigs, or pyramid sinkers, which are heavier and used in surf fishing.

Some anglers now use tungsten fishing weights instead of lead. It’s nice and dense like lead and virtually indestructible, but more expensive.

BOBBERS AND FLOATS

Fishing bobbers attach to your line and keep it on the surface until a fish strikes. You can set the depth of your baited hook by attaching the bobber that much higher up the line. The bait will be suspended at that depth. When a fish strikes, the bobber goes under, giving you a visual clue that it’s time to set the hook.

Floats are more streamlined fishing bobbers and tend to be more sensitive. A specialized bobber called a popping cork is used when fishing for redfish and speckled trout. It’s a bobber on a short piece of wire between two beads. When the angler pulls back sharply, the cork pops on the surface, making a sound similar to baitfish feeding, which attracts the redfish and trout.

SNAPS AND SWIVELS

Swivels are used to join two parts of your line so that the far end can spin freely. This keeps it from twisting and causing problems on the spool. Snaps are swivels with a closure on one end that locks securely. If you tie a snap to the end of your main line, you can quickly attach hooks that have been snelled to a leader with a loop at the end. Or if you tie a swivel, or three-way swivel to the end of your line, you can quickly attach leaders with a snap at the end for trolling lures or baits. Some lures dance and spin so much that they call for swivels in order to move freely.

TERMINAL TACKLE

Terminal tackle is a catch-all term for fishing weights and swivels and everything else you might tie to your fishing line that isn’t a hook or lure. This includes weights to help sink your fishing line, bobbers, and floats that make it float, and snaps and swivels, which make connections easier and keep your line from twisting into a snarled mess. We’ll deal with weights first.