As you plan for the emerging fishing season, part of the enjoyment comes from setting up our your tackle box with the things you’ll need to catch a whopper. Even though you probably won’t forget to take leaders, hooks, line, bobbers, and sinkers, you could fail to pack everything you need, which could spell disaster for your otherwise fun and relaxing venture. Here are a few things you absolutely must remember to add to your tackle box.

Fishing Tackle Boxes – Pliers with a Needle Nose

The first main item you should carry are needle nose pliers. This tool makes it easy to remove hooks from fish. You should select pliers with an integrated cutter; this is useful for cutting off the hook’s end prior to taking it out. Needle nose pliers are also good for crimping split shot and leaders onto your line.

Knife

You’ll want a powerful knife that can be utilized for an assortment of things. I’d recommend a pretty large blade made of stainless steel. A partially serrated blade offers the most flexibility. Cleaning and preparing the fish is another reason why the blade must be sturdy. A couple of excellent additions to have on a quality knife are a hook remover and a scaler.

File

A file will help keep hooks sharp and, with a bit of practice, keep your knife sharp. A small triangular file works well. It’s best if the abrasiveness of the file isn’t the same on both sides. A whetstone is another option, but these are best left to more advanced fisherman.

Toilet Roll

Simply put, should you need to use some, there’s just no substitute. An entire roll of paper isn’t required. Unwind a good amount and seal it in a plastic bag. But make sure to take enough—and while you’re add it, throw in some Kleenexes or paper towels. If you need to construct a fire, these items are terrific kindling.

Fishing Tackle Boxes – Fingernail Clipper

This tool often comes with a built-in file that’s good for sharpening hooks. Use the clipper itself for clipping line.

Cigarette Lighter

Should you need to make a fire for some reason, this is an essential tool to have. Other uses include fixing damaged plastic worms and to stop a nylon rope from fraying.

Fishing Tackle Boxes – Emergency Kit

A travel sized kit is best. Any first-aid kit must at least have bandages, an antibiotic, and something to clean out a wound. An Ace® bandage and gauze pads are a suitable choice. You should also carry a pain-killer such as Tylenol. Finally, don’t forget the sunscreen.

Bug Spray

Getting eaten up by bugs and insects is a sure-fire way to have a miserable outing, so make sure your tackle box includes some bug spray to keep those pests far, far away.

Compact Snacks

Take something like granola bars or something for quick energy. They are part of a good, healthy lunch—and so are raisins and nuts.

Now you can sit back, and focus on catching a whopper!

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