Whether you’re a new or veteran fisher, having the right equipment is the key to a successful fishing trip. In this post, we’ll break down some of the most important items to have with you. Read on to discover 10 pieces of fishing equipment and their uses.

1. Fishing License

Pretty much every state in the US requires adults to have a fishing license before being able to fish legally. In Idaho, everyone 14 or older is considered an adult and will need their own license. When you get your license, you should also take a moment to look up the fishing regulations pertinent to your area. For example, salmon fishing in Idaho requires an additional permit, and no one is allowed to take home sturgeon.

2. Plastic Tackle Box

Every aspiring fisher needs a tackle box to hold their equipment. This is where you’ll store your lures, pliers, and extra line, so you have everything you need in one place. The best tackle boxes have several layers of plastic compartments that expand when you open the box. This design makes everything very easy to access. A handle or strap for carrying is also a good idea.

3. Fishing Pole

A fishing pole is, of course, essential for fishing. It consists of three parts: rod, reel, and line. If you’re new to the hobby, you can visit a sporting goods store and ask for a recommendation based on what you’re looking to catch. However, below is a quick breakdown of the different types of fishing rods you might consider:

Spinning Rod

Spinning rods are very popular for beginners. They have long casts and tend to be more affordable than other types of rods. You can identify a spinning rod by the reel, which hangs below the rod.

Spin-Caster Rod

Spin-caster rods are also excellent rods for beginners. The main difference is they don’t have as long of a cast as other rods, but they don’t tangle as easily. If you’re going fishing with kids, spin-casters are a good way to go.

Bait-Caster Rod

The bait-caster is a bit more finicky than the previous two rods on our list. With this option, you’ll notice that the reel sits on top of the rod. Bait-casters are ideal for catching heavy fish, but they are harder to use for beginners.

Fly-Caster Rod

Fly-casters are for fly fishing, which is a special kind of fishing technique that uses super lightweight lures and line. You don’t want to attempt fly fishing without a good understanding of how it works. Furthermore, since you have to wave the rod around in a large figure-eight motion, it’s also not ideal for fishing in groups.

4. Metal Hooks

You’ll want plenty of spare hooks with you when you go fishing. It’s easy to lose a hook when your line gets caught or if a fish breaks your line. Boxes of hooks are easy to find in any sporting goods store, and they tend to be very affordable.

5. First Aid Kit

Speaking of hooks, it’s also pretty common to accidentally injure yourself with a fishing hook. Scrapes and bruises are also common if you’re fishing from the edge of a body of water. A basic first aid kit should have ointment, cotton swabs, gauze, plastic tweezers, anti-bacterial wipes, and bandages. It’s also not a bad idea to bring some bug repellant and sunscreen.

6. Metal Sinkers

Many types of lures are too lightweight to sink on their own. You’ll need to add a couple of metal sinkers to your line to get it to drop low enough in the water. Keep in mind that there are several different kinds of sinkers to consider. Some are the type you tie onto your line, while others, such as split-shot sinkers, are lead weights that you simply clamp onto your line and remove later.

7. Line Swivels

One of the most frustrating fishing scenarios is having your line twist up. Fortunately, you can prevent your line from twisting by using line swivels, which allow sections of your line to swivel on their own. These tools aren’t necessary for every type of rig, but they’re good to have on hand.

8. Brightly Colored Bobbers

Bobbers are one of the most recognizable pieces of fishing equipment. When you attach a bobber to your line, the bobber floats at the water level while your hook dangles below it. When a fish bites your line, the bobber will pop underwater. This lets you know when you should start reeling in the fish. Bobbers come in all shapes and sizes, so make sure to have a variety on hand.

9. Lures and Baits

You could easily write a book about the different kinds of lures for fishing, but we don’t have the space for that here. Instead, we’ll break down just four of the basic types of lures you should have with you on any fishing trip:

• Hard baits: These look like tiny bait fish. Bring one topwater, one shallow crank, and one deep diver.
• Spinners: These mimic the movement of bait fish. Bring one or two different sizes.
• Plastic worms: These look like worms and grubs. Bring one or two different sizes and colors.
• Jigs: These also mimic the movement of bait fish. Combine these with special rod movement.

The key with any fish is to try and mimic whatever it normally eats. Some fish hunt other fish, while some prefer to eat worms and grubs, so the variety in lures and baits accommodates these differences.

10. Pliers and Line Cutter

The final items on our list of 10 pieces of fishing equipment and their uses are pliers and a line cutter. Ideally, you’ll want a specialized tool that does both. However, two separate pieces of equipment work. Just ensure the pliers are needle-nosed, so you can grip small pieces of wire and line. Also, fingernail clippers are an effective and inexpensive way to cut lines.

Learn To Fish With a Hells Canyon Tour

Are you looking to learn more about fishing and would like to visit one of the most unique fishing spots in the country? You should consider a Hells Canyon fishing tour with River Adventures. Our experts aren’t just tour guides; they know the ins and outs of the Hells Canyon aquatic environment, including the best fishing spots and techniques. Come test out your fishing skills (and equipment!) in one of the most pristine natural environments in the US. Our guides will make sure you have a photo-worthy fishing trip!