I got my first fishing rod when I was only 10, but it wasn’t until my late 20’s that fishing became actually my thing. I used to go fishing with my parents every Sunday morning, but back then I thought of it as a ritual that gave me nothing but a chance to throw a few fish back in the water. Today fishing is my idea of a well-spent weekend; the perfect way to unwind and drink a beer or two with my friends while sharing interesting experiences. But, it’s not all “keep calm”. Trust me, fishing CAN get pretty nasty at times. I’ve experienced more mishaps than you could possibly imagine and ninety percent of the time, it was because of the equipment, or better said, because of the equipment I didn’t have. Believe it or not, it’s not just about mastering the long cast – not carrying with you some seemingly unimportant fishing equipment can get you in a lot of trouble, especially if you’re a beginner.
In my first “solo” fishing years I always opted for the “less is better” life motto that surprisingly or not, brought me nothing but disaster. But after a few misadventures, I realized I had to actually spend some money and fill up my tackle box with the needed fishing tools – this is when I actually started understanding the importance of fishing equipment. Today, I can proudly say that I know what a well-equipped tackle box should contain. So, for every beginner out there, these are the essentials: a quality rod, some extra lines and hooks, plastic worms, bobbers or floaters and a few sinkers. Don’t forget to have with you a couple of lures that will help you attract the fish and a standard monofilament or a fluorocarbon leader fishing line. The leader fishing line will give you extra protection against the sharp edges of rocks, reefs or shell-covered pylons, so don’t forget to equip your box with it.
Of course, no tackle box should go without a small first aid kit, a knife, a pair of scissors and every fisher girl’s favorite, sunscreen. All of this means that when you go fishing, you should be seriously prepared. Even if you’re a newbie and you’ve never caught a fish in your life, having a tackle box filled with the proper fishing equipment pieces will make you feel more prepared, safer, and of course, cooler.
Sport fishing isn’t meant to be complicated, it should actually bring enjoyment to those who love doing it. But just like basketball is nothing without a ball, fishing is nothing without the right equipment, so yes, we anglers get really passionate when we talk about our fishing equipment. It’s true that without all of these pieces your chill day by the sea can turn into a real misadventure, so don’t let a poorly prepared tackle box stop you from pursuing your angling aspirations.
