Top Fishing Tackle Every Beginner Needs

🎣 1. Hooks (The Most Important Tackle)

Hooks come in many shapes and sizes. For beginners, the key is:

⭐ Always use small to medium-sized hooks

Small hooks catch both small and big fish — large hooks catch almost nothing.

✔️ Best hook sizes for beginners:

• Size 6–10 → Bluegill, crappie, perch

• Size 4–6 → Bass, trout

• Size 1–2 → Catfish

Recommended types:

• Baitholder hooks → worms, corn, dough

• Aberdeen hooks → minnows, panfish

• Circle hooks → catfish

Tip: Buy an assorted pack so you always have options.

🟢 2. Bobbers (Floats)

Bobbers help you see when a fish bites. They keep your bait suspended and prevent snags.

Best bobbers for beginners:

• Round red-and-white plastic bobbers

• Small 1" pencil floats for more sensitivity

Tip:

Use smaller bobbers — they cause less resistance and fish bite more.

🪙 3. Split Shot Sinkers (Small Weights)

Sinkers make your bait sink. Beginners should use:

✔️ Small split shot weights (#3, #4, #5 sizes)

Why?

• Easy to pinch on and off

• Perfect for worms and live bait

• Don’t make the line too heavy

Heavy sinkers reduce bites — start small.

🔗 4. Swivels

Swivels prevent your line from twisting, especially when using spinners or live bait.

Best for beginners:

• Size 10–12 barrel swivels

Use them when:

• Using lures that spin

• Fishing with minnows

• Adding leaders

They make your rig smoother and more tangle-free.

🧊 5. Leaders (Optional but Recommended)

A leader is a small section of strong or specialized line between your hook and main line.

Beginners should use:

• Fluorocarbon leaders (8–12 lb)

• Steel leaders only for toothy fish (pike)

Leaders help:

• Prevent breakage

• Reduce visibility

• Protect against rocks

Not required for panfish, but good for bass and catfish.

🧰 6. Tackle Box (Small & Simple)

Every beginner needs a small tackle box with compartments. It keeps your hooks, weights, and tools organized.

What size?

• Small 1–2 tray box (Plano 3600 size is perfect)

Should include:

• Hooks

• Sinkers

• Bobbers

• Swivels

• Lures

• Tools

Avoid large tackle boxes — they’re unnecessary for beginners.

🔪 7. Line Cutter or Fishing Scissors

You’ll cut line dozens of times when:

• Changing hooks

• Fixing tangles

• Re-tying knots

Use:

• Fishing line scissors

• Nail clippers (cheap and effective)

Don’t use teeth — it weakens mono line and is unsafe.

🤏 8. Pliers (For Hook Removal)

An absolute must-have.

Best type:

• Long-nose fishing pliers

Used to:

• Remove hooks safely

• Squeeze split shots

• Cut thick lines

• Avoid touching toothy fish

Keeps your hands safe and improves fish handling.

🎣 9. Basic Lures for Beginners

Even if you prefer bait, a few simple lures help you catch fish anywhere.

Top beginner lures:

• Soft plastic worms (5–6 inch)

• Small jig heads (1/16–1/8 oz)

• Spinnerbaits

• Inline spinners (Rooster Tail, Mepps)

These catch bass, trout, bluegill, and more.

🪱 10. Live Bait Holder

If using worms or minnows, bring:

• Worm box

• Small bait bucket

Live bait outfishes artificial lures on most beginner trips.

🔦 11. Extras Beginners Always Forget

These small items make a big difference:

• Small hand towel (for slime & dirt)

• Measuring tape (to follow size laws)

• Gloves (optional)

• Extra hooks

• Extra line

• Ziplock bags

• Sunscreen

• Bug spray

Fishing is more comfortable and enjoyable when you're prepared.

🪝 12. The Perfect Beginner Tackle Setup (Everything You Need)

If you want the SIMPLEST shopping list, here it is:

✔️ Must-Have Tackle

• Size 6–10 hooks

• 4–5 small split shots

• Small bobber

• Barrel swivels (size 10–12)

• Line cutter or scissors

• Long-nose pliers

• Small tackle box

✔️ Optional but Helpful

• Fluorocarbon leader

• Jig heads

• Soft plastic worms

• Spinner lures

• Live bait container

✔️ Rod & Line (for the full setup)

• 6'6" spinning rod

• 2500 reel

• 8 lb monofilament line

This entire setup can cost under $70 and will catch fish anywhere in the USA.

💡 13. Common Beginner Tackle Mistakes

❌ Buying too many lures

Start simple — avoid huge kits.

❌ Choosing big hooks

Fish ignore them.

❌ Heavy sinkers

They drown your bait and reduce bites.

❌ No pliers

Makes hook removal unsafe and stressful.

❌ Cheap tackle boxes