Tackle Box Essentials

With warm weather on the horizon and plenty of sunny days ahead, it’s time to start thinking about getting your fishing boat ready for the water. Whether you’re headed to nearby Snake River or further afield, you’ll want to make sure you’ve adequately prepared for the journey. This includes keeping a well-stocked tackle box full of all the items you might need while you’re out on the water.

RVs and Boats For Less, located in Chubbuck, is your Idaho fishing boat dealer. We’ve gathered up some of the top items you’ll want to ensure are in your tackle box before you head out in your fishing boat this summer!

Bobbers, Lures & Sinkers

These are three items which you’ll want to have plenty of on your fishing boat. You never know when one might get lost or you might need a different style for a certain kind of fish.

Bobbers or floaters are generally those little red-and-white balls that float on the surface of the water, then dip to let you know you’ve got a fish on your hook. A piece of cork with a stick in it will also do in a pinch.

Lures are used in place of live bait and can come in minnow imitations, spinners and spoons, among other designs. It’s possible you have a lure that you favor for most purposes, but it’s still good to try other types of lures out to see what works best for the body of water you’re in and the fish you’re trying to catch.

Sinkers are small weights that help to draw your hook and lure deeper into the water. These items are often too lightweight to sink of their own accord. Traditionally, sinkers were manufactured out of lead, but this metal is extremely toxic for fish and people, so metals like steel, brass, bismuth and tungsten are used today.

Extra Line

Your line can easily become snagged or tangled around an underwater log or other obstacle. A big fish may also snap it in two if it pulls too hard. Keep extra line on hand so you can try again. Heavy-duty line is good for choppy ocean waters, while thin and clear line is best for calmer waterways.

More Hooks

You should also pack a selection of extra hooks in your tackle box, since you may need different styles in order to catch different types of fish. Carry some J hooks, some french hooks and a wide array of sizes so that you’re ready to swap out your hook when necessary.

Line Cutter & Pliers

You’ll need something with which to cut your line, and a pair of nail clippers can do the trick easily. These are inexpensive and compact, so toss a pair in your tackle box. You will also need a sharp pair of needle-nosed pliers to remove hooks from fish, among other things. You might be able to find both of these items in a small handheld multitool or you may just have them separately. Either way, toss them both in your box.

First-Aid Kit

Finally, you have to take care of yourself on the water, too! Make sure you pack yourself a well-stocked first-aid kit to address any injuries or illnesses that may arise when you’re out on the lake. Some recommendations for medical supplies include bandages, gauze, waterproof medical tape, a pair of tweezers, antibiotic cream, ointment, petroleum jelly, sunscreen, bug spray, aloe vera and calamine lotion, along with painkillers and antacids. Obviously, if something major happens, you’ll need to reach out for help, but these items should prove useful in most circumstances.

Still in search of the perfect fishing boat? Stop by to see us at our location in Chubbuck, ID, today to take a look at our vast array of new and used fishing boats for sale. RVs and Boats For Less proudly serves our customers in Idaho Falls and Pocatello, ID.