Fishing Tackle & Equipment

This is a general guide to tackle and  equipment needed. There are many other items that are available but these are just the essentials.

This is a list of equipment that any angler, no matter what level they are should never be without when fishing :-

• Hook Remover - The number one item as far as I am concerned, either in the old style disgorger or surgical pliers (long handled ones preferably). Disgorger come in many different styles but the principle is the same. My choice is the Aluminium type as they are more robust than the plastic type. Make sure that before you start fishing the disgorger is at hand and is easily accessible. Mine is on a piece of elastic which i wear around my neck. I also have a pair of surgical pliers which are nipped shut to my coat pocket.
• Landing Net - I prefer to use a landing net for all my fishing. I always use a net bigger than the fish I intend fishing for at the time. Make sure that the mesh is fine and knotless. 
• Keepnets - If you intend keeping your fish whilst you are fishing to stop spooking your swim then these are a must. Always try to use a square type with fine knotless mesh. 12 foot in length are about the best.
  
• Unhooking Mat - Essential if your after bigger fish. These provide a good soft area for you to lay the fish on when unhooking. Try and buy one that is about an inch thick, this will ensure any sharp object will not poke through and damage the fish.
  
• Soft Cloth - Not only will this come handy when wiping your hands but a good wet cloth placed over the fish face helps them calm down when on the unhooking mat.
• Fish Antiseptic - A good fish antiseptic is one product I am never without. Not only is it good to use on your hook marks etc but you should always check the fish for other scrapes. Especially in the early part of the season where fish have damage from spawning. Remember look after your fish today for tomorrow's fishing.
• The Priest - If you are game fishing and intend to take some home for the table then a Priest is required to quickly and cleanly dispatch a fish. There are some good quality one's available in the market.
• Fishing Licence - Need I say more?
  

General fishing equipment :-

• Rods - There are literally hundreds of different rods on the market, and depending on what type of fishing you intend doing then the list is truly endless. If you are new to fishing then look at what you intend to fish for and then ask at your local tackle dealer and they will know what is best for you.
• Poles - Poles are great for fishing still or very slow moving waters. These are mainly used by match anglers but can be great fun on a heavy stocked water of small to medium sized fish. These are reel-less and have an elastic in the tip to which a length of line is attached. 
  
• Reels - Again there are literally hundreds on the market. It is best to buy a reel that suits your rod. It is amazing how much of a difference the correct setup will make to your fishing.
• Lines & Braid - Always fill you spool the the lip to ensure easy casting. Ask your tackle dealer which line would be best for the type of fish you are looking at. Monofilament is the standard but Flourocarbon and Braids are also now quite commonly used by specialist anglers.
  
• Hooks - Always try to use barbless hooks or nip the barb closed with a pair of pliers. Some waters insist on barbed hooks, so check before you go and fish. The size will again depend on the fish you want to catch.
• Leads - Fishing leads are required for ledger fishing. There are loads of makes available but most are very similar. When fishing in weedy water always use snag safe easy release clips. These will ensure that should you get snapped off the fish won't be carrying the lead around with it.
• Floats - If you intend to go float fishing then these are a must. Wagglers, Stick and Pole are all different types available and these are then in their hundreds of different sizes, shape, design, colour etc. It really depends on the water you are fishing.
• Shot - This is essential of you are float fishing. These a small, generally round pieces of lead with a slot cut in to them so they can be easily attached to line. They help get the line down quickly and make sure the float cocks correctly. Floats have shotting needs printed on them. Shot is also used when fishing with certain floating baits to keep them down in the water at a certain depth.
• Lures - These come in a multitude of colours, shapes and sizes. If you are going lure fishing, ask around to find out which type are the best. Tackle dealers will tell you which one's are selling best.
• Rod Rests - These are also very varied and again depending on what type of fishing you intend doing will depend on what type you require.
• Seats, Chairs or Boxes - Seating is one thing which is very much a personal thing. There are basic seats or chairs for almost all types of angling, these are generally folding for ease of transport and storage. Seat Boxes are generally plastic tackle boxes which double up as a seat.
• Rod Bags - This again is a personal thing, but try and avoid any that have zips as these can get clogged with mud and dirt.
• Clothing - Entirely up to you, but make sure it keeps you warm. Remember the weather can turn quickly.
• Footwear - Wellies, Wader, Boots or shoes entirely up to you.
• Umbrellas or Bivvies - Depending on the type of fishing you intend doing will depend on what you really need. However make sure you have something with you either for shade when it is sunny or cover when it is raining.

This is just a basic guide to the tackle you require. If you anything like me then when you enter a good tackle shop then you will be like a child in a sweet shop. Enjoy and happy shopping.