| With the rising costs of fishing charters and fuel | | | | - Sinkers - Torpedoes, sliding eggs, split-shot, |
| prices, I like to make every fishing trip as productive | | | | lead-heads and other lead weights are used for both |
| as possible. Anglers can better their chances of | | | | dropper-loop and artificial swim-bait fishing |
| having a successful outing if they bring the | | | | - Lures - Jigs and Irons made of ceramic or metal, in |
| appropriate gear and equipment to tackle the many | | | | several variations and colors for surface and bottom |
| scenarios that a saltwater angler may encounter | | | | yo-yo jigging. Plastic and rubber artificial baits, including |
| while offshore or at the local islands. Depending on | | | | swim-baits and scented grubs, crabs and shrimps |
| the destination and targeted fish species, I carry one | | | | - Accessories - Pliers, knives, hook sharpeners, |
| of two tackle boxes that I have assembled with | | | | sunscreen and motion sickness pills, along with other |
| specific terminal tackle and accessories, designed to | | | | medical remedies |
| serve two totally different purposes. | | | | Long Range Tackle Box: |
| When fishing on trips of three days or less, I normally | | | | - Hooks - Both circle and j-hooks, from size #1-11/O, |
| carry my local tackle box, which is a soft backpack | | | | with a good assortment of ringed, laser sharpened |
| style bag, complete with tackle trays and several | | | | bait hooks. I prefer the bronze color over the silver, |
| pouches or compartments for my tools, spools of | | | | and am beginning to experiment with the red hooks, |
| line, suntan lotion and whatever else I might need to | | | | with favorable results. |
| access while on the deck. Soft tackle boxes are | | | | - Lines - Bulk spools of commonly used monofilament |
| becoming popular, as they are very affordable, | | | | fishing line classes, typically 30lb.-80lb. test line. I also |
| lightweight, easily accessible and they take up very | | | | carry several shots of heavier lb. test fluorocarbon, |
| little space, which is valuable on small private boats. | | | | for my top shot and leader, as well as some braided |
| Most manufacturers provide a wide selection of | | | | wire. Most of my long range fishing reels are spooled |
| shoulder strap and backpack type soft tackle boxes. | | | | with spectra backing, so I find it unnecessary to bring |
| When fishing for longer durations, I bring out the | | | | too much fishing line. |
| heavy box. This is a custom wooden box that takes | | | | - Sinkers - I normally separate my weights from my |
| two people to carry and when sitting on the deck, | | | | tackle box and carry them separately. The reason |
| serves as my personal tackle station, complete with | | | | being, I take a whole range of lead weights with me |
| bait and lure rigging supplies, rod holders and a wide | | | | on longer trips and they can weigh my box down |
| range of other goodies. Pull-out and sliding trays, | | | | substantially. |
| deep compartments and a hanging jig locker highlight | | | | - Lures - Jigs, lures, feathers and artificial baits take |
| this tackle box. I also incorporate soft tackle-packs | | | | up most of the space in my long range tackle box. |
| within this box that are filled with trolling feathers, | | | | These include surface lures, yo-yo jigs and knife jigs |
| jigs and skirts. Having witnessed, as well as been a | | | | for deep water jigging, plastic and rubber swim-baits, |
| part in, some unbelievable and amazing scenes and | | | | bombs and trolling lures. |
| bites while fishing offshore waters, I try my best to | | | | - Accessories - Pliers, crimps, knives, hook |
| stock this box before every multi-day fishing | | | | sharpeners, scales, bait catchers, ties and trolling |
| adventure. | | | | straps are some essentials that you will most likely |
| Local Tackle Box: | | | | need. |
| - Hooks - Both circle and j-hooks in sizes ranging up | | | | Old salts, including captains and experienced anglers, |
| to 6/O, with plenty of extras in the sizes that match | | | | will tell you that being prepared on the open water is |
| the bait I anticipate fishing with. Colors will include | | | | essential to having a safe and enjoyable trip. Anglers |
| silver, bronze and red. Favorites include Owner(R), | | | | should take the necessary preparations when planning |
| Gamakatsu(R) and Mustad(R) | | | | their local and long range fishing trips and this begins |
| - Lines - Single shot spools of mono fishing lines, as | | | | with the right selection of terminal tackle, gear and |
| well as braided spectra lines. Mono and fluorocarbon | | | | accessories, as well the as the proper maintenance |
| wind-on leaders | | | | of your fishing rod and reels. |