Some people have asked me about the 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.
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.
Ideal for freshwater but is also possible to offer a slight lather in saltwater.
Mask oils and odours on your hands that may detract fish.
Finish a fishing session with clean, fresh-smelling hands.
Remove human scents and artificial toxins from your hands. Your bait and kit stay clean, attracting more fish and more aggressive strikes.
Eliminate the age-old problem of cross-contaminating all of your stuff with the smell of fish guts.
Ultimately, increases your chances of catching more fish, particularly when the bite is a little timid.
Aniseed Fisherman’s soap should become a core part of your kit. It is effective, inexpensive and has plenty of benefits when used prior to fishing and after a day on the water. Get your 3 pack now and freshen up. Aniseed fisherman’s soap for sale now.
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 Eclipse 8 foot Rod and Reel combo with Hyperloop Reel
Berkley Gulp sandworms, for example, are one of my favourite baits. I’ve fished them with success in both salt and freshwater. Generally, I don’t “spin” or “retrieve” them, but let them soak with a couple on a paternoster rig.
I use the same technique on the shrimp (prawns.)
Most people will enjoy using the jerks, shads and more traditional “soft plastics” that are cast, jiggled, jerked and retrieved in a more “traditional” soft plastic method.
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 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.
Dave spends most of his time split between fishing, working on Getfished and on boating and kayak fishing. After 30+ years as a programmer spending more time as a fisho has allowed him to grow his passion for the hobby.
Running Getfished has meant Dave's been able to share some of the places he loves to fish at. As well as some of his favourite tackle and gear.
