fishing8.jpgWith the rising costs of fishing charters and fuel prices, I like to make every fishing trip as productive as possible. Anglers can better their chances of having a successful outing if they bring the appropriate gear and equipment to tackle the many scenarios that a saltwater angler may encounter while offshore or at the local islands. Depending on the destination and targeted fish species, I carry one of two tackle boxes that I have assembled with specific terminal tackle and accessories, designed to serve two totally different purposes.

When fishing on trips of three days or less, I normally carry my local tackle box, which is a soft backpack style bag, complete with tackle trays and several pouches or compartments for my tools, spools of line, suntan lotion and whatever else I might need to access while on the deck. Soft tackle boxes are becoming popular, as they are very affordable, lightweight, easily accessible and they take up very little space, which is valuable on small private boats. Most manufacturers provide a wide selection of shoulder strap and backpack type soft tackle boxes.

When fishing for longer durations, I bring out the heavy box. This is a custom wooden box that takes two people to carry and when sitting on the deck, serves as my personal tackle station, complete with bait and lure rigging supplies, rod holders and a wide range of other goodies. Pull-out and sliding trays, deep compartments and a hanging jig locker highlight this tackle box. I also incorporate soft tackle-packs within this box that are filled with trolling feathers, jigs and skirts. Having witnessed, as well as been a part in, some unbelievable and amazing scenes and bites while fishing offshore waters, I try my best to stock this box before every multi-day fishing adventure.

Local Tackle Box:

* Hooks - Both circle and j-hooks in sizes ranging up to 6/O, with plenty of extras in the sizes that match the bait I anticipate fishing with. Colors will include silver, bronze and red. Favorites include Owner®, Gamakatsu® and Mustad®

* Lines - Single shot spools of mono fishing lines, as well as braided spectra lines. Mono and fluorocarbon wind-on leaders

* Sinkers - Torpedoes, sliding eggs, split-shot, lead-heads and other lead weights are used for both dropper-loop and artificial swim-bait fishing

* Lures - Jigs and Irons made of ceramic or metal, in several variations and colors for surface and bottom yo-yo jigging. Plastic and rubber artificial baits, including swim-baits and scented grubs, crabs and shrimps

* Accessories - Pliers, knives, hook sharpeners, sunscreen and motion sickness pills, along with other medical remedies

Long Range Tackle Box:

* Hooks - Both circle and j-hooks, from size #1-11/O, with a good assortment of ringed, laser sharpened bait hooks. I prefer the bronze color over the silver, and am beginning to experiment with the red hooks, with favorable results.

* Lines - Bulk spools of commonly used monofilament fishing line classes, typically 30lb.-80lb. test line. I also carry several shots of heavier lb. test fluorocarbon, for my top shot and leader, as well as some braided wire. Most of my long range fishing reels are spooled with spectra backing, so I find it unnecessary to bring too much fishing line.

* Sinkers - I normally separate my weights from my tackle box and carry them separately. The reason being, I take a whole range of lead weights with me on longer trips and they can weigh my box down substantially.

* Lures - Jigs, lures, feathers and artificial baits take up most of the space in my long range tackle box. These include surface lures, yo-yo jigs and knife jigs for deep water jigging, plastic and rubber swim-baits, bombs and trolling lures.

* Accessories - Pliers, crimps, knives, hook sharpeners, scales, bait catchers, ties and trolling straps are some essentials that you will most likely need.

Old salts, including captains and experienced anglers, will tell you that being prepared on the open water is essential to having a safe and enjoyable trip. Anglers should take the necessary preparations when planning their local and long range fishing trips and this begins with the right selection of terminal tackle, gear and accessories, as well the as the proper maintenance of your fishing rod and reels.

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