Fishing is a sport that can be enjoyed year-round. While some people take to the ice in the winter, summertime is a favorite among most pole gatherers to grab their gear and head to the ocean. But without the right tools, fishermen would be sitting ducks on a boat, surrounded by fishy fiends who swim past with laughter.
Aside from your typical necessities: a rod and reel, fishing lures, hooks, nets, sinkers, lines and tackleboxes, check out our list of unique fishing essentials before you head out to sea. Don’t forget your fishing vest and hat to complete the ensemble.
Berkley Jumbo Fishing Cart
Everything you will ever need for your fishing trip can be stored in this fishing cart. Well, 200 pounds of fishing gear, at least. The collapsible design of the cart makes it easy to store and the secure fabric liner is sturdy enough to hold all of your gear. The Berkley Jumbo Fishing cart also has a nifty compact cutting board with storage for a bait bucket and knife.
Available for $249.99 at Bass Pro Shops.
Bucktail Jigs
Some fisherman will tell you that the bucktail jig is the most versatile lure ever invented, and they should know as they carry dozens of jigs in their arsenal. The design and material used on a bucktail jig (deer hair for the tail to create fluid movement in the water) and a durable head, allows for alluring moves to entice the fish to come hither.
Available in a variety of colors, weights and sizes, bucktail jigs only cost a few dollars and are available at pro shops and sporting goods stores.
Gulp! Artificial Bait
Catching fish with a simple hook and worm is a thing of the past. Fisherman today use artificial bait that not only looks like the real thing, it smells (and apparently tastes) like it too. Different types of fish, shrimp, worms and other critters are used to attract your catch with a strong scent. They are able to be used several times by submerging in liquid, which brings them back to life.
The scented bait is available at Bass Pro Shops and at www.berkley-fishing.com and range from $5 to $60.
Fishing Pliers
A versatile tool for cutting lines, unhooking catches and bending wire, fishing pliers is an essential tool for every saltwater fisherman. Made of aluminum or steel, the needle nose tip of the pliers make extracting and cutting a sharp an easy breeze.
These Rapala 6-1/2″ fisherman’s pliers are available for $9.99 at Cabela’s.
