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Learning how to fish is an exciting adventure that people of all ages and experience levels can enjoy. It doesn’t take a lot of equipment or planning to have a successful trip, but some essentials can help ensure your experience as a beginner fisherman is enjoyable.
If you’re ready to get your start in the hobby but don’t know where to start, we are here to help. Read on to see all the essentials you will need to purchase before heading out on your next fishing adventure.
Fishing Rod & Reel
The first piece of equipment any successful fisherman needs is a quality rod and reel. A good rod and reel will last you for years to come, so make sure to do some in-depth research and find one that you like and has the functions you will need.
There are tons of different types of rods and reels on the market, so it can be overwhelming if you do not know what you are looking for. To ensure you are buying the correct one, you will need to know what type of fishing you plan on doing.
Saltwater and freshwater fishing require different rods and reels, so it’s important to have a solid understanding of your fishing plans before making this purchase.
Once you have found the perfect rod, you are ready to prepare it for the upcoming fishing trip.
Tackle
The type of fishing you are planning to do will greatly influence what tackle you need. Tackle is another word for the equipment needed to prepare your rod and reel.
Hooks, weights, bobbers, lures, and leaders are just some of the many items to consider when setting up your rod and reel.
Line
Once you have selected your rod and reel, you will need to choose the line to go on it. While this may seem like a simple purchase, there are actually a lot of factors you need to consider to ensure you are selecting the correct line for your fishing trip.
There are many types of fishing lines, so the buying process can be a lot if you do not know what to look for. The first thing to consider is where you will be fishing and what types of fish you plan to catch. A heavier line will be required if you are fishing for larger fish, whereas a lighter line would be best if you are fishing for smaller fish.
Browse through all of your options, and don’t be afraid to talk to people familiar with the hobby. They can help you get the proper equipment for your area.
Bait
Choosing the proper bait can truly make or break your fishing trip. Do some research prior to leaving to see which types of bait have had the most success in the location you are planning to go to. You may need to purchase live bait, frozen bait, or even a variety of artificial lures to increase your chances of landing a fish.
If you choose to use live bait for your fishing adventures, pack EcoFlow’s Solar Generator. These devices are easy to set up wherever you plan on fishing and will help ensure your portable refrigerator is fully powered to keep your bait alive throughout your trip. This simple addition will ensure you don’t ever have to cut your trip short, so make sure to include it in your packing list.
Backup Power
If you plan to fish at your campsite, packing a backup power source is a must. The EcoFlow RIVER 2 Series Solar Generators like the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max + 160W Solar Panel can easily take your campsite to the next level and help make your next fishing trip a breeze.
With these backup power sources, you can ensure that all of your bait remains alive and also use them to power up some lights to ensure those early morning or late nights of fishing are well-lit.
Trolling Motor
Trolling motors are a must-have for serious anglers fishing offshore.
A trolling motor is a small electric motor that enables you to maneuver your boat precisely and quietly so you don’t scare away a potential catch!
Most trolling motors run off of a specialised 12V battery designed for marine use.
For example, EcoFlow’s 12V 100Ah Lithium Trolling Motor Battery offers fast solar panel charging* and 6,000 cycles (charges/discharges) before its capacity decreases to +/- 80%.
Speaking of solar, you can stay SunSmart and charge your phone at the same time with EcoFlow Power Hat.
Navigation System
One of the greatest adventures of fishing is to find hot spots where the bite never slows down. It can take a lot of trial and error, but once you find that great spot, you are going to want to make sure you have a way of logging it for future visits.
With a navigation system, you can log the coordinates of your new favourite fishing spot to ensure you have a way to return for your next trip. Navigation systems are also a great safety precaution and can help guide you back to your starting location if you ever get lost.
Are you planning to fish off a boat? This increases your need for a reliable navigation system. Without one installed, finding your way back to where you started can be very hard, so make sure this item tops your packing list.
Tackle Box
Carrying around all of your tackle without a place to keep it is not only annoying but can also be dangerous. Hooks and weights can be sharp and will easily cause harm if they are not properly stored for your trip. Find a simple tackle box with organisers to store all of your tackle items to ensure you won’t have any unwelcome surprises during your fishing trip.
Pliers & Knife
Regardless of whether you plan to keep the fish or are enjoying some catch-and-release, you will need a way to remove the hook from the fish’s mouth safely. Sometimes, this will be easy and won’t require the help of any tools. Other times, removing the hook on your own may be difficult.
A good set of pliers will be your best friend in these types of situations and can make it easy to remove a set hook. In worst-case scenarios, a knife may come in handy to cut the line, but do your best to avoid this at all costs.
You can also use your knife to cut up bait or when setting up your rod and reel. These helpful tools are necessary and will guarantee your trip goes off without a hitch.
Gloves
A good pair of gloves will go a very long way on any fishing trip. Certain fish can be difficult to unhook with your bare hands or may even be dangerous to touch directly to your skin. With a thick pair of fishing gloves, you can rest easy knowing that your hands are protected and that you will have a solid hold on the fish to get them unhooked easily.
Gloves will also be handy when handling your bait, so make sure to always have this essential item with you when you go on a fishing trip.
Live Well & Cooler
Fishing with live bait is common, but you will need to pack some extra essentials to keep it. Investing in a good live well is the best way to keep your bait alive throughout the entire trip and will increase your chances of landing some great fish.
If you plan to keep your catches to cook later, you will also need to pack a cooler with sufficient ice to prevent them from spoiling. The EcoFlow Glacier Portable Refrigerator is also a great option, ensuring your fish is preserved and fresh until you are ready to cook.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re new to the sport of fishing, you must stock up on all of the basic essentials needed to be successful. Invest in a rod and real that is best suited for the type of fishing you will be doing, and then do the research to see what tackle and tools would be best for you to add to your collection. You don’t need much to get started, but you can work on growing your collection as you get more experienced.
Final Thoughts
Getting prepped for your first fishing trip can be incredibly exciting, though it is important to be prepared for whatever may come your way. This list of essentials for beginner fishermen is an excellent starting point and is guaranteed to prepare you for a successful trip right off the bat.
Want to ensure your fishing trip goes off without a hitch? Take a look at EcoFlow’s Solar Generators and learn how they can take your experience to the next level.
*Requires a Solar Charge Controller (Not Included)