Tackle box essentials?

[fishin-fool]

Well, what type of fish are you going to be targeting and what kind of water?

I'm mainly interested in catching Bass. But at the moment I would settle for panfish and/or crappie. Since I don't have a boat I'm forced to fish small lakes and ponds as well as streams like Elkhorn Creek. I fished the two lakes at KDFWR headquarters the other day but did not have any luck (but I was mainly practicing my baitcaster).

Based on your suggestions I think I'm on the right track. I use Gamakatsu EWG's for texas rigging. However, I need to have some of each size. I've got plenty of jig heads of varying colors and sizes. I'll get a few pictures up of my tackle box here in a minute to see what you guys think. Thanks again.

[artcarney_agr]

I looked up that Falcon terminal organizer you mentioned. I definitely need to get one of those!

Best one I've ever bought - I never go fishing without it. I keep a few Aberdeen hooks in it as well, and a few split shot for when I take along some crickets or minnows.

[fishin-fool]

http://s638.photobucket.com/albums/u...nosam/Fishing/

There are a few pictures of some of my stuff. You can see I have the usual, serrated scissors for braid, forceps, a flashlight, leatherman tool, needle nose pliers in two sizes, my worm binder, liqua bait locker, and plano boxes (as you can see, i have a lot of spinners). I have a towel in the back pocket and I keep random stuff like some powerbait, etc. in the side pockets. That's not everything but you get the idea of what I have (and don't!).

[dac244]

I would add a decent pair of polarized sun glasses.

[MagikSmallie]

Let's keep it to fishing.

As far as I'm concerned this does relate to fishing. A pistol is as important to my boat supply list as a life jacket!

[fishin-fool]

As far as I'm concerned this does relate to fishing. A pistol is as important to my boat supply list as a life jacket!

Good for you.

[HURRICANEBOB]

As far as I'm concerned this does relate to fishing. A pistol is as important to my boat supply list as a life jacket!

Especially if the life jacket is made of Kevlar and bullet proof.

[DJD]

http://s638.photobucket.com/albums/u...nosam/Fishing/

There are a few pictures of some of my stuff. You can see I have the usual, serrated scissors for braid, forceps, a flashlight, leatherman tool, needle nose pliers in two sizes, my worm binder, liqua bait locker, and plano boxes (as you can see, i have a lot of spinners). I have a towel in the back pocket and I keep random stuff like some powerbait, etc. in the side pockets. That's not everything but you get the idea of what I have (and don't!).

Looks like a great start!! One thing I would add is a ziplock bag. I use mine when kayaking. It takes almost no space and can save your phone or wallet from getting wet.

As you know you can go with the most basic equipment and have fun. One thing I know for sure is I don't go creek walking or boating without something to cut line with or pliers. Like someone said in a previous post a good multi-tool is perfect for that.

[MetalFish513]

Just about everything everyone has mentioned is all good stuff. The only thing I didn't see mentioned that I try to never leave home without is a water thermometer. Fish behave differently depending on water temperature so it's a pretty handy tool to guide you in the right direction as far as location, depth, and presentation. I personally just use a little fish tank thermometer I picked up at the pet store for $5. A pool thermometer will also work but the fish tank one is a lot smaller and fits in the tackle box better.

[fishin-fool]

Just about everything everyone has mentioned is all good stuff. The only thing I didn't see mentioned that I try to never leave home without is a water thermometer. Fish behave differently depending on water temperature so it's a pretty handy tool to guide you in the right direction as far as location, depth, and presentation. I personally just use a little fish tank thermometer I picked up at the pet store for $5. A pool thermometer will also work but the fish tank one is a lot smaller and fits in the tackle box better.

Good idea! I may have one of those around here from my saltwater aquarium days.

[smljaw]

Good list going. I didn't see Reel Magic in there. I love that stuff... Also, did anyone include TP or wet wipes? Good to have those on board, too!

[MetalFish513]

Another thing I forgot to mention in my last post is a fishing log. It might not be something you actually keep in the tackle box but it's something definitely worth keeping. Get a little notepad and record the fish you catch (species, size, bait or lure used, date, season, weather conditions at the time of the catch, water conditions, temperatures, location, depth, etc...). You'll find over the years that a pattern will develop and make it easier on you in future outings to know where to find fish and what baits or lures to use. I've been doing this for 3 years now and my fishing gets better and better each year because I have a guideline to go by so I'm spending less time trying to figure out the pattern and more time catching fish.