Tackle Box Essentials
Going fishing on a boat is a rewarding way to spend a weekend afternoon or even an overnight sojourn with friends. But it’s important that you prepare yourself adequately. Once you’ve ensured that you’re ready and that your fishing boat is in good condition, you’ll want to turn your attention to your supplies. You should stock your tackle box with some essential items to ensure success when catching fish.
As your Florida fishing boat dealer, Bob Hewes Boats is here to help you out. Here are a few of the most essential items that you’ll want to store in your tackle box before you head out on your next angling adventure.
Lures, Bobbers & Sinkers
These three items are crucial to every fisher, but how many do you have and what types are they?
Lures
You’ll want to carry an array of different lure types to attract different sorts of fish. Carry minnow imitations, spinners, spoons and top-water lures. Even if you have a favorite lure to use or you prefer live bait, having some lures on hand never hurts!
Bobbers
Otherwise known as “floaters,” these lightweight little orbs are recognizable by their bright red-and-white appearance. While this plastic ball is the typical bobber, there are also slip bobbers that allow you to cast your hook more deeply into the water.
Sinkers
A weight is needed to draw down your hook and lure or bait because these items tend to float. Sinkers were traditionally made from lead, but this metal is extremely toxic to people and wildlife. Nowadays, you’ll find sinkers made from bismuth, steel and brass instead. Carry extras because these heavy little items readily sink and get lost a lot.
Pliers
A sharp pair of needle-nosed pliers is indispensable to the avid fisher. You can use them to pull a splinter out of your boat, remove the hook from a fish or tweak a wire or hook. Always keep a pair in your tackle box.
More Line
You never know when your line will become ensnared in an underwater obstacle or snapped by a big fish. Carry extra line suitable to the conditions in which you’re fishing. Heavy-duty line will be necessary if you’re heading off the Florida Coast into the Atlantic or the Gulf of Mexico. Lightweight lines are best for inland waterways like rivers and lakes.
Pro tip: if you need a quick and easy way to trim your line, toss a pair of nail clippers into your tackle box! This tiny item is perfect for cutting your line quickly and takes up very little space.
More Hooks
You’ll also need a good selection of hooks on hand for different types of fish. Make sure you have J hooks, French hooks and a variety of different sizes so you can be ready for anything.
First-Aid Kit
This one’s a no-brainer. Everyone who goes out into the wilderness should take great care to stock a first-aid kit with necessary medical supplies. Some suggestions on what to pack include bandages, waterproof medical tape, scissors, tweezers, gauze, antibiotic ointment, petroleum jelly, aloe vera, sunscreen, lip balm, calamine lotion, bug spray, painkillers and antacids.
If you need any maintenance assistance with your fishing boat, don’t hesitate to call our service department to make an appointment. With three locations in North Miami and one location in Pompano Beach, we’re here to serve you however we can. Browse our website or pay us a visit to check out our wide selection of new and used fishing boats for sale. We even provide financing options to ensure you get the fishing boat you want. Bob Hewes Boats proudly serves the cities of Miami and Fort Lauderdale, FL.