subject: Fishing tackle [print this page] Fishing tackle Fishing tackle
To a beginner, fishing tackle is a blanket term that refers to any equipment used in angling. It includes fishing rods, reels, lines, swivels weights, hooks lures, floats and many, many other items.
The fishing tackle on the market today is the product of hundreds of years of man's attempts to outsmart fish. Considering the effort that has gone into developing fishing tackle, it's perhaps surprising that the fish still manage to stay one step ahead so much of the time.
With such a range of equipment available, it can be very hard to know what fishing tackle to buy. Below are a few pointers to help you make that choice.
A spinning rod used with a fixed spool reel is perhaps best for beginners. Relatively light weight but still durable, it is easy to cast and retrieve. It's more forgiving and if you are new to fishing, you'll enjoy the experience a lot more if you avoid spending all day trying to untangle your line.
Beginners should perhaps steer clear of buying a multiplier reel - the spool of line spins as it is cast and can prove difficult to control. If you are new to fishing, these reels are probably not for you.
There are many specialist rods and reels out there for different types of coarse and sea fishing. Perhaps the best way to work out what you need to buy is to visit the place where you think you might eventually be fishing. Look at what sort of equipment other people are using. Don't be afraid to engage an angler in conversation - most will he happy to chat to you and pass on the benefit of their knowledge and experience.
You could also employ the services of a fishing guide who'll be able to tell you the best tackle to buy.
Arguably the most difficult fishing technique (but also perhaps the most rewarding) to acquire is that of fly fishing. In fly fishing, it is actually the weight of the line which determines the distance that the fly can be cast. This is quite difficult to control, but provides the most wonderful, pinpoint accuracy when properly executed.
There are many fly fishing instructors out there - to begin with lessons are a great idea - and as most instructors will supply everything you need, you won't need to buy anything until you have at least tried the sport to see if you like it.
Given the sheer amount of fishing tackle that is available, it is perhaps wise to remember that even though man has been devising new ways to outsmart fish for hundreds, if not thousands of years, there is still a lot more fishing tackle sold than there are fish caught. At the end of the day - until you have the advanced knowledge and skills to be able to notice the difference - buy something sturdy and cheap that will allow to to have fun and learn by your mistakes.
