"Must Have" Tackle

[DarkAisling]

#1 son's birthday is coming up pretty quick, and he'll be turning 16. I probably shouldn't be asking this here, as he's a member of the forum (though I don't think he reads it). As I will no longer buy him electronics, or anything related to electronics, for gifts I thought I might get him a bunch of fishing gear (mostly tackle).

So, what "must haves" should I be shopping for? My tackle is stuff that was passed on to us from other people, stuff I bought on sale, and stuff I thought looked cool, so there isn't any rhyme or reason to most of it.

[huntsfurfish]

Rod, reel and line are essentials.

What do you guys fish for the most(trout, walleye, perch, pike)?

Also do you fish from shore or out of a boat?

[AlbertaAngler]

Can't be too specific without knowing what kind of fishing he's into but here's a couple of mine. I don't do any fishing without my lanyard with my line cutter, knot hook (for helping with wind knots) and jig eye buster. Pliers are another must have. My number one nice to have is a tackle "binder" that I got from Cabelas, it is the same size as the plano 3700's but is a binder that zips closed. In the binder there are a number if different leaves for storing items. The sleaves have a see through panel so it is easy to flip through and find what you need. http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=null-cat600036_TGP&id=0036308120691a&navCount=0&podId=0 036308&parentId=cat600036&masterpathid=&navAction= push&catalogCode=UJ&rid=&parentType=index&indexId= cat601233&cmCat=netcon&cm_ven=netcon&cm_cat=Google &cm_pla=cabelas%20tackle%20binder&cm_ite=netcon&ha sJS=true

Maybe Bass Pro has something similar?

[nicemustang]

Without knowing fishing specifics, 5 of diamonds in multiple sizes. Best lure out there.

[huntsfurfish]

Non species specific items:


Hook sharpener-file or stone.

Stainless steel needlenose pliers.

Clippers

Rod holder for still fishing.

Fishing log-to keep track of your outings.

Camera to record fish of a lifetime

[huntsfurfish]

For trout:

A selection of small spinners, I prefer Panther Martins in 1/16 oz- 1/4 oz
colors: silver, gold blades body color: any but black/yellow one of my favs.

Not a lot of people use jigs for trout but they work great.
1/32 oz to 1/4 oz. - prefer smaller hooks for trout then I do for walleye.
Colors: white, black brown. Prefer natural colors but sometimes Chartreuse or orange. Twister tails should be smaller sizes of the same colors listed. Can use power baits on them as well.

Flatfish in boat for trolling works well sizes: f4 - f7 in natural colors work best for me.

Torpedo floats and a fly assortment.

[DarkAisling]

Lots of great info . . . thanks!

I'm into trout. I don't want to limit the son, though. A nice selection for trout would be good, but it would be nice if he had some options and a little variety in his tackle box so he can pursue other fish.

We typically fish from shore, but I've recently purchased a canoe that we'll be fishing from too. I'll be getting a trolling motor for that before next summer. Also, he may have a kayak (might not be a fishing kayak) coming his way if he does well in grade 11.

[viral_override]

well I think:

jigs, plastic swimtails
a rapala
couple of bobbers
5 of diamonds
pickerel rig or two
pack of bell weights
and for the trout...small spinners, those little yellow marshmellows and single snelled hooks on leader lines (for the earth worms)

[huntsfurfish]

Your welcome

For pike:

A selection of spoons would be a good start. 3" - 5" to get you started.

Colors could be: 5 of diamonds-yellow black, red and white(dardevle)(sp)
Silver, Gold.

Some 12" steel leaders or titanium(better dont kink) leaders.

For lots a fun a surface bait or 2 like a zara spook or frog. Lots of fun to catch pike on topwater.

Somewhere down the line a crankbait or two 5 - 7" in silver or gold

Long needlenose pliers are needed as well(very sharp teeth).

That should get him started to be able to tackle pike.

[Wulfespirit]

It's hard to go wrong with a couple of small little cleos and a selection of powerbait if he'll be spending alot of time on trout.

[fluxcore]

-mouth spreader
-jig eye buster
-hook sharpener
-steel leader
-pliers (needlenose)

After that its just personal preference

[Cal]

Originally Posted by fluxcore

-mouth spreader
-jig eye buster
-hook sharpene
After that its just personal preference

X2 on those three, the mouth spreader is only needed for pike and the odd walleye. Besides that I always keep a small swiss army knife or multi tool and nail clippers in every tackle box. A fillet knife as a good gift if he doesnt have one and will last a lifetime if well cared for, I prefer the rapala ones. If you are fishing without needlenose pliers get some of those as well.

For lures rapalas make the best gifts, no matter how many you have you can always use one more if someone else is buying lol

[huntsfurfish]

Fly rod and reel+line(rigged for as little as $80.00)?
chest waders
belly boat
flippers
flies
leaders.

and dont get me started on walleye(specialty).

[DarkAisling]

Thanks! Just did a bunch of shopping The boy is going to have better gear than we do.

[-JR-]

Drivers lience !

[DarkAisling]

LOL . . . the driver's license is his father and step-mom's job.