by Dave Graybill, May 01, 2003
The Essential Tackle Box
By Dave Graybill
I have a checklist in my head that I run through when I am preparing to go fishing. As you might imagine, I have accumulated quite a selection of tackle to fish the various lakes and streams of our region. I try to be sure that the items on my checklist are in my tackle box or in the boat before I hit the road.
I have gone through the process of organizing my gear to make this easier. You know, a box for trout fishing, a box for bass and spiny ray fishing, a box for salmon fishing, etc. It never fails though, that if I try to stick to my system, something that I need is left behind. Every experienced angler has tried his or her version of this process, and if anyone out there has the system down to perfection let me know!
After getting so many questions about what works well on this lake or that, or how to set up for bank fishing or trolling for silvers, I have decided that a master list of basic tackle would be of help.
What should an angler have in his arsenal to be prepared for most of the fishing available to us here in North Central Washington? I know people who have moved here from different parts of the country, and they know what worked in Wisconsin isn’t going to be the best for fishing for the types of species available to us here.
This master list is a mix of gear that can be used fishing from shore or from a boat. It does, in my opinion, contain the most important lures, plugs and other hardware that are required to fish for just about everything that swims in our lakes and streams. I have not included many of the specialty items that an angler should have for fishing for salmon and steelhead, though. This is another ballgame, and if members would like to see such a list when the salmon season on our rivers really gets rolling later this summer, I will prepare a list at that time.
For the beginning of summer and the lake fishing, here is a list that should be of interest. I know that many of you will already have much of what is listed here, but there may be some things that aren’t in your box. All of the items are things that I use regularly, and wouldn’t leave home without them. You will notice that I have even included a price for these items. These are the prices I found at Hooked on Toys in Wenatchee, and may not be the price you will find at your local tackle store or through a catalog. They are presented so you can have a ballpark figure for the cost of the items. It should also be noted that the prices would vary in the case of lures and spinners, depending on the size or model of the lure.
The List
Hooks sinkers, lines, etc. (Many items come in packages)
Gamakatsu Hooks: both bait style and eggs style in size #10 & #12-- $2.49 each.
Line: Stren Magnathin or Extra Strength in 6-pound test--$9.99 or $8.49 each for a 330-yard spool.
Removable Split Shot sinkers: size #5—69 cents each.
Egg style sinkers: size #9—69 cents each.
Cannon Ball style sinkers: 2 oz. to 6 oz.—39 to 69 cents each. ( a few of each)
Sinker Slides: 89 cents each.
DuoLock Clips: $2.19 each.
Swivels (black): size #10 and #12 each.
Bobbers: $1.19 each/Bubbles (for casting): 50 cents each.
Power Bait: comes in a variety of flavors, $2.89 each.
Clippers: 50 cents each.
Flash Lites (for trolling): $4.89 each.
Things to go on the end of your line:
All of the lures listed come in different sizes and colors. In some cases I list preferred size.
F-4 Flatfish--$3.89 each.
#7 Floating Rapala--$5.69 each.
Wedding Ring Spinner--$1.39 each.
Rooster Tail Spinner-- $1.79 each.
Kastmaster Spoon--$3.29 each.
Needlefish Spoon--$2.99 each.
Krocodile Spoon--$3.79 each.
Blue Fox Vibrax Spinner: $2.49 each.
Mepps Spinner: $2.89 each.
Super Duper: $2.49 each.
Jigs (crappie/bluegill): 39 cents each.
As I mentioned earlier, this list includes items that I use regularly, but certainly doesn’t include everything that I have in my tackle arsenal.
In the case where I mention a lure, spinner or plug, it doesn’t include the specific patterns that I prefer. I often mention them, though. For example, the #7 Floating Rapala that is on the list. I have at least five different patterns of this floating model of Rapala, and often in the size above and below the #7. In the Special Reports and in the feature articles I will mention the color of pattern that worked on a particular trip at a particular lake. I will also try to give advice on how to rig or tie up certain types of tackle that you will find on this list as well.
Every angler will have a favorite lure. Perhaps it is something that was used in childhood, or on a special trip that made all the difference. Most of the tackle listed here I have used over many years in many different situations on a lot of different water.
I carry this variety with me because on any particular day one color of Rapala may work better than another, or may not work at all, and I wind up using something completely different.
It helps to have "depth" in your tackle box, but I don’t buy "Magic Minnows—As Seen on TV". I will buy something new that is recommended to me, and sometimes will pick something up just because it looks intriguing.
I hope this gives you a basis for a well-rounded tackle box. There may be some things here that you have tried without success and some that you haven’t tried at all.
If you see something here that is conspicuous by its absence, let me know. I’ll share it other members, too.
