Fishing Gear – Handy Fishing Tools You Won’t Leave Home

Fishing Gear - Handy Fishing Tools You Won't Leave Home Without

A fisherman carries a lot of gear besides that rod and tackle. The reasons aren't hard to find, since a good angler has to work with sharp hooks and stubborn fish. A toolkit that makes those things easier to manage leaves more time for fishing. Who wouldn't want that?

A pair of pliers is a basic element of that toolkit. But the average household needlenose item just won't cut the mustard. Fishing pliers are specially designed to make hook shaping and removal and the hundred other things they're used for a simple job. Many offer tungsten carbide cutters that'll never wear out. They're also specially treated to resist corrosion much better than the average home pliers.  Read more... (505 words, estimated 2:01 mins reading time)

Fishing Gear – Fishing Rod Buyer’s Guidelines

The basic rule of thumb for buying a fishing rod is to match the rod to the type of fishing you intend to do most often. But how do you go about that?

For the average lake trout a standard rod of about 6 feet will do fine. In an area near the shore where there are lots of trees, something highly responsive is a good idea. Control really counts in circumstances like these. A flexible rod, a little on the shorter side that supports at least 10 lb line is great.  Read more... (499 words, estimated 2:0 mins reading time)

Fishing Gear – Fishing Rod Basics

Fishing is an ancient practice and rod designs go back centuries. But the modern sport fishing rod has evolved considerably away from its ancestors. Far from a simple bamboo stick with a piece of twine made from long plants, it is now a modern marvel.

Most contemporary fishing rods are made from fiberglass or graphite, though boron composites and even titanium are used in some. Bamboo is even still used in some really high-end rods. Both fiberglass and graphite are lightweight, highly flexible and yet can stand up to considerable strain. When a 15 lb bucketmouth bass is on the line it needs to take some punishment.  Read more... (482 words, estimated 1:56 mins reading time)

Fishing Gear – Fishing Reel Types

Sometimes it seems as if there are as many designs of fishing reel as there are species of fish. But all fall somewhere into one of a few basic categories.

Spincasting reels are the most basic. They hold the line and feeding mechanism hidden inside a container that resembles a rocket ship capsule from the 1960s. The cone section has a small hole through which the line feeds. This design helps prevent tangling or, as it's known to the pros, "a bird's nest" or 'backlash'. On the end of the reel nearest the angler there's a small thumb button that makes it easy to release or brake the line while casting.  Read more... (553 words, estimated 2:13 mins reading time)

Fishing Gear – Fishing Reel Buying Guidelines

Which fishing reel to buy will hinge, not surprisingly, on a number of factors: cost, reliability, favorite brand and other factors. But the most important and basic criterion will remain application. The reel has to work well for what it was designed to do.

Experience level plays a part. A spincasting reel is recommended for novices. A spinning reel will be better for a wider variety of levels and circumstances. A baitcasting reel is recommended only for those who have a bit more experience.

One of the oldest divisions among the reels is the type of spooling mechanism used.  Read more... (653 words, estimated 2:37 mins reading time)

Fishing Gear – Fishing Knives for Every Purpose

Ever been out on the boat and suddenly find you didn't bring the right knife? Sure, we all have. There are a half-dozen different types that are darn near indispensable. When it comes to fishing, a general purpose knife alone just doesn't, as the saying goes, cut it.

The first addition to the toolkit might be that multi-purpose Swiss knife you dreamed about as a boy. Sure, all the gadgets on board look cool, but they also serve a variety of needs that always come up when you're outdoors fishing.  Read more... (502 words, estimated 2:00 mins reading time)