Some people have asked me about fishing tackle products I use. So here’s what you’ll find in one of my tackle boxes, depending on the season or where and what I’m fishing for.
I personally use each of these products and I am happy to endorse them. Naturally, I can’t make guarantees. Only that they have worked for me.
Some of these fishing products are in the “budget range.” Others are little dearer. Most often this is due to quality. Some products can be substituted reasonably well. Others cannot.
In my own experience, cheap copies nearly always let you down. This is particularly true with fishing rods and reels, fishing lines and soft plastic lures.
Skip To Topic: Rods & Reels, The Environment: Spring 2018 Protection , Soft Plastic Lures, Berley & Attractants, Videos, General Fishing Tackle,
Rods & Reels
I’m a huge Shimano fan. If you’ve used a cheaper rod or reel in the past then you’ll be amazed at just how different a Shimano feels. They are sensitive to fish tapping, without compromising on strength. You can actually feel the difference.
You’re going to pay a little more than you’d pay at a discount chain store. But you’re getting a more durable product. The guides are well made and less prone to loosening. Which cheaper rods often do after a few casts. Even the Shimano entry level reels have braking technology found on their more expensive models.
SHIMANO RAIDER SURF RODS
From Flathead to Mulloway right through to Whiting - these are a popular rod with a great action.
Raider series the surf models still feature full-length cork grips, Fuji alu-oxide guides and are built on a 24 Ton Torquay brand graphite blank.
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Shimano Eclipse 8 foot Rod and Reel combo with Hyperloop Reel
The Shimano Hyperloop 6000 Fishing Reel comes with line, ready to fish. It's great value, with Shimano quality and the reel includes features found on models more than twice the price.
The 802GP Rod, at 8 feet long (a little over 2.4 metres), is a good all around rod. Suitable for freshwater rivers and lakes, saltwater, piers, estuaries and light beach fishing.
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The Environment: Spring 2018 Protection
These products are designed to protect you, while fishing, from the elements. While we often think about the wind, wet and cold it’s really easy to overlook the sun.
As somebody who is fair skinned, this has been a major issue for me. As a younger person I was often sunburned and in later life, it has led to many procedures to remove different kinds of skin cancers. Burned off, cut out and a mild form of “chemo” skin cream. So far I’ve not had a melanoma, but the minor ones are certainly concerning enough for me. I’ve had three types, BCC, SCC and Bowens. Not the worst, but many of them. See this link for how to check for yourself and here for the types to watch for.
So, hat’s, sunglasses, face covering, sunscreen, sleeved shirts etc are all vital parts of your tackle kit and should not be overlooked.
Fish Friendly Sunscreen SPF 50
You know you need to wear sunscreen. But most sunscreens act as fish repellents.
DRI gives you SPF 50 protection and it doesn't repel the fish. So - you can protect your skin from harmful UV exposure while reeling in the big ones.
- DRI Touch Application – Not Greasy
- Contains Aloe Vera and Vitamin E
- Complies with Australian Standards AS/NZS 2604:2012
- Made in Australia
- Choose from 75ml Tube or 400ml Bottle
- SPF 50 Protection against both UVA and UVB rays
- 4 Hours Water Resistant
- Fish Friendly - won't repel fish
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Multi Scarf Sun Protector
Solar protection for your face and neck. You see a lot of people out there fishing in the sun with these on now. At least the smart ones.
Protect your skin, don't risk it. I wish I'd had something like this available when I was younger.
Offers some protection from the wind, too. So it comes in handy in summer hot winds and some protection from winter cold winds.
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Spotters Sunglasses – Fury Black Frame
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Soft Plastic Lures
Chasebaits Flick Prawn Lure
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Berkley Gulp Fishing Lures
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Berley & Attractants
Simply put, the effectiveness of berley and attractants cannot be underestimated. It’s how experienced anglers often draw large numbers of fish closer to them. Boat, beach, pier or estuary.
Berley and attractants, for a modest investment, are more likely to have a bigger impact on your fishing trips than more expensive and often overpriced “accessories” will.
The use of attractants has now become common in fishing tournaments. For good reason. They work.
I don’t leave home without either. Neither should you.
Squidgy S Factor Scent (35ml Tube)
When I first purchased a tube of this scent I admit I was cynical. Decades using fishing tackle have made me wary of manufacturers claims.
I was wrong. It really does work. Incredibly well.
The manufacturer states it causes a "feeding frenzy." I have experienced this first hand. The only caveat being there must be fish there when you're using it. In other words, when fish are present they have consistently, non-stop, smashed my line. On other occasions, it's been quiet.
I have found the best way is to be using a berley to bring the fish in. Then S-Factor on my lures or bait.If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission
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Metal Berley Bomb Cage – Large
Allows you to distribute pilchards or other bait (prawns, shells, berley pellets) directly beneath your location. Whether you be on a boat, a pier or the shore.
Fish are drawn to berley. So this brings them to your location. It makes more sense than casting around and relying on "luck." If there's fish there then they're likely to be attracted to it. Including schools of baitfish, which in turn attract predatory fish.
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Videos
General Fishing Tackle
Jarvis Walker 3 Rod Boat Rod Holder System
Nice, easy to install rod holder system for boats - and fishing trolleys. Works well, comes with built-in pliers and knife holder.
This is the product used in our DIY Fishing Trolley Project.
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Jarvis Walker Pre Made Fishing Rigs
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