Tip # 5 Use Basic Freshwater Tackle

As a beginner there is no reason to have to buy expensive tackle box items. Look for items that are budget friendly, ones that you aren’t afraid to lose. By using cheaper tackle you can be braver while fishing. To keep my tackle protected I keep mine tackle inside a plastic tackle box. Plastic won’t rust like metal tackle boxes.
Let’s talk about what to put in your first freshwater tackle box. Below is a list of the basic tackle you should have as a beginner to freshwater fishing.
1. FISHING LINE
Fishing line is cable-like material which is the physical link between you and the fish. The type of line is very important to anglers because it can make or break a day out fishing. Likewise choosing between which type of fishing line can be confusing, since there are so many types. Such as monofilament, fluorocarbon, braided and others.
To lessen confusion, beginners to freshwater fishing should use the monofilament line type. This type is cheaper and has a versatile tensile strength for freshwater fishing.
After you know the type of line and next you need to choose a pound weight rating. This rating refers to the strength of the line. Another way to think about it is, this is the amount of weight required to snap the line.
For a novice we recommend a monofilament line with a pound weight of 8 or 10 pounds. This set up is ideal for freshwater fishing.
2. BOBBERS
Some anglers call these floats, you use a bobber to suspend your bait or lure at a particular depth underwater. Another use of it is to help you know when a fish strikes. The smaller a bobber the better. As long as it is big enough to have the bait/lure moving underwater and you can notice the slightest nibble.
While a round bobber is easier to cast, a pencil-style bobber is easier to see a fish strike. Both are good options for a beginner, so choose which feature is more important to you.
3. SINKERS
Sinkers are exactly what the word sounds like. It’s a weight that attaches to the line, to help make far casts and will sink the bait or lure underwater. Classic sinkers have lead inside them and are poisonous, while new materials are tin or tungsten.
You will find several types of sinkers, which will differ based on size and weight. From ¼ ounce split shot sinkers about the size of a BB up to 5-pound cannonball sinkers.
The key to using sinkers is getting the weight right for the area you are fishing. Too little weight means your bait or lure won’t sink to the depth you want. Whereas a super heavy weight will sink a bait or lure to the bottom. This can startle nearby fish, making them swim as far from you as possible!
As a beginner keep a variety of small to medium sized sinkers in your tackle box. This way you can make quick switches.
4. HOOKS
This is a curved piece of wire with a sharp “barb” at the pointed end of the curve. It is the barb that hooks into the fish when it bites the bait or the lure. At the top of the hook is a round eye to attach the fishing line. You will find hooks that come in many shapes and sizes, each designed for different uses.
For beginners, it is best to use a small single hook. Try one that is either a size 6 or 7, these are a great choice.

5. BAITS
Baits are either live food or an artificial substance. You use the bait to attract the fish and tempt them to bite. Live baits include worms, grasshoppers, minnows or locusts. Whereas artificial baits are unnatural substances (man-made) with scents to attract fish to bite. Examples of these include “Power Bait” or imitation salmon eggs.
For a beginner to freshwater fishing, start with worms or minnows. These are small live baits that are easy to hook and attract a variety of fish. Otherwise if you aren’t comfortable with live bait, try a green or rainbow colored power bait. These two colors are perfect for novice anglers.
6. LURES
A lure is a man-made fishing bait designed to attract a fish’s attention. It uses movement, color, vibration or reflection to attract the fish. To give a fisherman a better chance many lures have one or more hooks per lure.
Keep in mind that expensive lures suck to lose, which translates into timid fishing as a newbie. It’s better to start with inexpensive minnow plug or spinner. A minnow plug is a carved lure that resembles a minnow, it’s simple and effective.
Conversely, a spinner lure is a metal shaft with shiny spinning blade. One thing to remember about a shiny spinners, if you fish during peak sun they give off a lot of reflection. As a result shiny lures can blind and confuse fish which can scare them off. Try to find a matted silver lure if you fish in sunny locales.
7. SNAPS
Snaps are small freshwater tackle devices that function like a safety pin. To use one, you tie it to the line to provide you quick attachment or release of hooks, rigs and lures.