Whether it’s a one-time trip or an annual journey, fishing is a day trip that you have to plan out. If you’re looking to catch a boatload of fish, you need the right fishing gear for the job. Before you roll out with a rod and reel, there are some things you want to consider when it comes to the best fishing gear for you.
Think about the types of fish you plan on catching, the location, and the season. Start by thinking about the types of fish you plan on catching.
- Are you targeting bottom feeders like catfish?
- Are you going after larger ocean dwellers like swordfish?
- What kind of fish will you be catching, and what’s the best gear for it?
As you’re making your decision, think about how you plan to use your fishing gear.
- Do you plan on using live bait?
- Will you use artificial lures while bass fishing?
- Do you want a rod that is effective in shallow water or deep water conditions?
According to experts at Neptonics, planning your fishing excursion and picking out the right fishing gear before your trip will help ensure that your trip goes smoothly and that you don’t come home empty-handed.
Type of gear you need
One of the most important decisions you have to make on your trip is what kind of fishing rod you want. There are 3 basic kinds of fishing rods:
- spinning,
- baitcasting and
- fly rods.
The great thing about fishing rods is that there are a variety of different styles and actions designed for any fishing environment. One example of this would be Tarpon rods. These aren’t designed for cold weather, and they can break easily if used when it’s below 40 degrees. If you plan to fish in the winter, you need to look for a rod specifically built for that condition.
Listen Up
Your next step is to find a good quality pair of earbuds for your trip. If you’re going to be on the water for hours on end, your ears need to be comfortable as well. A good pair of earbuds will help keep the wind and water out while also offering a higher quality sound so that you can stay focused on reeling in the big one.
Budget
This is probably the most important thing to consider when shopping for the new tackle. Figure out how much money you have budgeted to be able to go out and do some fishing and stick with it. You can always buy another lure or rod that will improve your chances of catching something bigger, but if you plan to take the family out for a quick trip, then stick with that plan.
Super Tip: Finding the best fishing gear starts with you. While there are many online and offline sports fishing stores, the best place to start is with you. When we say you, we mean your personal needs, requirements and personal tastes. If you are a beginner angler, basic and affordable gear will serve you well. However, if you are a serious fisherman or fish for a living, then the best gear will be at a higher price point. But it’s not just the quality of the product that counts, but the quality of experience it brings you as well.
Quality
You may not realize it, but there are some major differences between low-quality and high-quality fishing gear. The biggest one is durability. High-quality rods and reels tend to be more durable than the cheaper ones on the market. This means that they’ll hold up better over time and give you a longer lifespan. The more expensive ones also tend to be better materials like aluminum and stainless steel. These materials are far more sturdy than the cheap plastic ones you would find in a bargain bin. This will also help them last much longer.
Consult widely
This brings us to our fourth and final buying tip, which is identifying exactly what you need in terms of gear and ensuring that you only get it. And this is where guidance from people who have been there before will help. Whether it’s on forums or chat rooms or simply getting advice from friends and fellow anglers, doing this will ensure that you avoid the learning curve associated with figuring out what to get, only to find that you don’t need it after all.
You may also want to try looking at reviews made by experts and reading through trade magazines such as Sports Afield and Field & Stream. In doing so, you’ll find plenty of valuable insights as to what other anglers think about various types of fishing gear before making a purchase decision yourself.
