Small items, such as snaps , swivels, spare split rings, replacement treble hooks, panfish hooks, split shot bags, bobbers, bobber stops, clip-on spinner blades, and small blade lures (such as Mepps spinners, etc.) are kept in the top tray in my tackle box. It is a good idea to keep the small things in easily accessed storage sections of the tackle box so that they can be seen well and cold fingers can get to them.
Snaps – Snaps are used to attach lures and other items to your line. They are also used, at times, as a quick, safe way to attach a leader to the main line. The snap is not a fishing necessity, but is used as a time saving device when frequent lure changes are anticipated. Use large snaps; the fish don’t mind at all. Be sure the snaps have a latching bend at the tip of the snap to prevent opening or pulling apart under pressure.
Swivels – Swivels are sometimes required to stop line twist with lures that roll or turn a lot. A swivel with an integral snap (see snap swivels, below) is used when frequent connections/ disconnections are made. When infrequent changes are expected, a swivel alone is chosen.
Snap Swivels – A snap swivel is a combination piece of hardware for use where both features are desired chosen.
Replacement Treble Hooks – Always have spare lure hooks to replace those that become damaged. Sizes 2, 4, 6, and 8 cover nearly all lure needs. Size 2 is the largest, 8 the smallest. Most lures take sizes 4 or 6 chosen.
Bait Hooks – Used for live bait normally (shiners, salamanders, crayfish), these are basic hooks in sizes 1/ 0 to 4/ 0. The size depends on the bait being used. Weedless models are used when in areas of significant snags, such as brush and grass.
Split Shots/ Weights – Weights are used to hold lures and baits down under the water. The easiest types to use are the split shots , because they are easily installed and removed. The basic size for all-round use is a #3 or #4 split shot. If you need more weight, simply add another shot. You must determine the sizes that fit your needs. Sizes range from BB-size to as much as ½ ounce.
Split Rings – These are found on most lures as the hook-holding device and on the nose of lures serving as the line tie point. Split rings occasionally rust or become stretched and should be replaced. Always replace hook-holding split rings with those of the same size to prevent affecting the lure action.
Clip-On Spinner Blades – These hardware items allow us to modify a standard jig to a form of spinner lure or small spinnerbait. At times, the flash the blade, or possibly the vibration it gives off, seems to help attract inactive, sluggish fish to the lure.
Bobbers – Always use foam. Wood is expensive and adds no value. Plastics crack and leak. For large fish applications, such as bass or pike, oval, or football, shaped bobbers in 3-4 inch lengths are fine. Different colors help identify individual bobbers when fishing with multiple lines. Slip or sliding-style bobbers work very well when using a commercial ‘bobber stop’ device.
Small blade lures – Used for panfish, primarily; but are often very effective for smallmouth bass, especially in the moving water of streams and rivers. Examples are the Mepps spinners. Use with medium-to-light spinning tackle and 8-12-pound test lines. Swap the treble hook for a single weedless hook around areas of snags.
Normally configured with the blade in-line with the lure body, resulting in a tendency to roll and twist the line. A bead chain keel sinker (try Cabelas catalog) 6-inches in front of the lure, or a good ball-bearing swivel, helps prevent twist.
These are just a few of the tackle box essentials that one should have to make sure that when they go out to catch fish, they catch fish!
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