Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned angler, you may need a refresher on the best fishing supplies to bring on fishing trips. Staying updated on the latest tools and technology can help make your excursion successful, smooth and safe. From fishing reels and rods to life jackets and fishing line, you must have a variety of accessories to enhance your skills and work on getting your next big catch. Follow this checklist of must-have items from Tractor Supply to ensure your trip is a comfortable, relaxing one.
Fishing Rods and Reels
The most important item you must have for your fishing trip is a rod and reel – but with so many options, how do you know which one to choose? If you’re a beginner, there are many basic choices, with other options working better for more experienced anglers. The different types of rods and reels include:
- Spinning reels and rods: These are your most versatile fishing pole setup, coming in many sizes and styles that accommodate a variety of fishing types, from saltwater to freshwater fishing.
- Casting rods and baitcasting reels: These are better for catching larger-sized fish, or using heavier lures, working great for bass fishing and other large species.
You may be looking to experiment with other methods of fishing, such as fly or ice fishing. In this case, you must have a compatible rod and reel, with fly fishing rods made to be more flexible and lightweight, and ice fishing rods designed to be shorter for use in ice shelters.
While you can purchase rod and reel parts separately, making it easy to customize your setup, you can also find fishing rod and reel combos, which include both the rod and reel for convenience. Consider combos for both baitcasting and spinning rods and reels, as well as more specific types of fishing, including fly rod and reel and ice fishing rod and reel combos.
Baits, Lures and Tackle Storage
You won’t have much of a fishing trip without the right bait and lures, which entice fish to bite onto your hook. While you may hear baits and lures used interchangeably, they’re different and each is used for certain fishing applications.
What Is Bait?
Bait is probably what you envision when you think about fishing, where you attach the live worm to the hook and cast out. But bait can include much more than just worms – fish will also be attracted to crickets, larvae, frogs and other smaller-sized fish. These attach directly to hooks and may or may not be alive. Bait can be used in still or murky water, as well as cold or nighttime conditions, evoking the fishes’ senses and attracting them right where you want them.
What Are Lures?
Lures, on the other hand, are a little different, using artificial bait to entice fish. However, they’re made with durable materials, such as metal, plastic or rubber, so you can reuse them. These are usually designed to mimic the natural movements and behaviors of specific insects or fish, giving them a more realistic appearance and working to better trick fish into taking the bait.
Fishing lures can be used during clear, sunny weather, and they’re better for catch-and-release fishing, as hooks will typically catch onto the lip or jaw and won’t create much damage or harm. At the end of the day, don’t forget to store your baits, hooks and lures in a convenient tackle box.
Fishing Line
The type of fishing line you use is another important aspect to consider, as different kinds may work better for certain fishing applications. You don’t want to find that your line is snapping from trying to reel in too big of a fish. To avoid this, pay attention to the different types of fishing line and the kinds of fish you plan on catching. Line options include:
- Fluorocarbon: This is made with dense materials, offering abrasion resistance and a clear appearance underwater. It is fast sinking for use with sinking baits and lures.
- Braided: This is a thinner line made with a variety of polyethylene strands, from four to 16, offering high strength and reducing the chances of kinking when reeling back in.
- Monofilament: This is your traditional type of fishing line, featuring a single thread and made with nylon or other plastic materials. It is often recommended for beginners, as it is affordable and easy to learn on.
- Copolymer: This is similar to monofilament line, but it is made with more materials than just one type of plastic or nylon, providing enhanced durability and low stretch and memory.
Utility Tools
While out on your fishing trip, you may need a few tools, especially when dealing with hooks and fishing line. For starters, you should have a fishing knife to cut line, prepare bait or clean fish. You should also have a pair of pliers, which make it easy to remove hooks from fishes’ mouths and let you work with, detangle and cut line with ease.
Fishing nets are another tool you should consider for your arsenal, as these allow for convenient scooping of fish from the water. Use them to assist you in reeling large catches in, placing them underneath fish as they come out of the water so you can secure them if they become loose. Nets can also provide support to reduce pressure on fishing line.
Fishing Boat
Many fishers are just fine setting up camp at a spot along the shore. However, while not necessary, having a fishing boat lets you get out onto the water and try for your chance at a big catch, giving you the freedom to explore deeper waters and find a variety of fish species.
What’s more, fishing boats make your trip more comfortable and convenient, as they often come with special features, such as rod holders or navigation systems. Rod holders are great for long fishing days, saving your hands and arms from having to hold setups, and navigation systems keep you in the right direction without worry. If you’re looking to pick up fishing as a new activity for the whole family, having a boat can enhance everyone’s experience, letting everyone socialize, spend time with each other and appreciate the peaceful nature.
Fishing Boats
Fishing boats are designed smaller than traditional boats you would use to relax on the lake, allowing ample maneuverability on water and giving you enough open space to cast rods and handle catches. Boats can be made with or without a motor, meaning you may need added accessories, such as paddles, to get your setup moving. Find options with comfortable seating, featuring seat backs that are slightly elevated from the boat to enhance visibility. Or consider traditional boats with low, built-in seating.
Kayaks
Kayaks are longer, narrow vessels that propel forward with your own manpower, requiring you to use a double-sided paddle. To steer, you must switch the paddle from side to side and continue rowing to help them move forward or backward. These types of boats have enough space to fit one or two riders. Instead of riding on them, they’re designed so you sit inside, keeping you lower to the water’s surface.
Canoes
Canoes look similar to kayaks in that they’re built longer and narrower than traditional boats. But canoes come with different features that make gliding through water smoother, such as pointed ends. These boats are steered much in the same way kayaks are, but instead of using a double-sided paddle, you can suffice with a one-sided one. Be sure to switch paddles from side to side to continue rowing.
Life Jackets and Other Fishing Apparel
Another important tool to have on your next fishing trip is a suitable life jacket for everyone in your party. Life jackets allow you to stay afloat in case your boat tips, you fall out or simply just end up in the water. When shopping for a life jacket, be sure it’s a suitable size for the person wearing it. Young anglers will need a kids’ life vest, while older people require adult-sized jackets. You can also find options for pets, meaning everyone in your party can remain safe. Consider ones that are U.S. Coast Guard classified, which ensures the life jackets are ready and efficient.
Other fishing apparel to have on hand includes:
- Chest waders: These are designed as overalls, which go over legs and secure around shoulders, keeping legs dry when submerged in the water.
- Hip waders: These cover legs and secure via straps at the waist, offering less coverage than chest waders but still protecting legs from becoming wet.
- Wader pants: These are made as traditional pants with water-resistant capabilities, allowing you to get into the water with ease.
- Vests: These feature multiple pockets and compartments so you can store hooks, bait and other tackle, keeping them easily accessible.
- Wading boots: These feature durable, stable outsoles, giving you support and slip-resistance when standing in lakes, rivers or streams.
Find Fishing Tools and Accessories at Tractor Supply
We understand what those living Life Out Here need from their fishing gear and supplies, and our abundant products make it easy to find what you need. Whether you’re on the hunt for the perfect fishing boat so you can bring the whole family on your next trip, or a new rod and reel combo that’ll help you make the most of your experience, we have everything you require to get started. To learn more about what we offer, visit your local Tractor Supply store today or browse online.