Fishing has come a long way from the simple cane pole and hook, line and sinker of yesteryear. Today, sophisticated equipment constructed of modern materials makes fishing a more exact and productive outdoor sport. Different types and sizes of fishing equipment are now available, designed specifically to address the various forms of fishing that anglers now engage in.
Gear
The rod and reel are the primary gear used for fishing. The fishing rod is usually made of a long tapering pole of fiberglass or graphite with eyelets along its length that act as guides for the fishing line. A handle of cork or tough foam on the end of the pole has hardware that holds a fishing reel. The fishing reel consists of a self-contained mechanism that turns a spool to retrieve fishing line. Several types of rods and reels--including spinning, spin casting, bait casting and flyfishing reels--are available.
Types
These various forms of fishing equipment accommodate different types of fishing. Some, such as flyfishing rods, reels and line are specifically designed to delicately present small, lightweight lures called flies to waiting fish and require a high level of skill to operate. Others are easier to use and more utilitarian, such as spinning reels that can catch everything from sunfish or catfish to striped bass or redfish. Still others, such as bait casting equipment, provide a high level of casting accuracy and plenty of power when landing a big fish.
Tackle
The term "tackle" refers to anything that an angler attaches to fishing gear. Fishing line, hooks, sinkers, swivels, bobbers and other items used for fishing are all considered tackle. Anglers often store these items in a container with multiple compartments, referred to as a tackle box.
Artificial Lures
Many anglers enjoy the thrill of catching fish on lures. These artificial baits consist of metal, plastic or wood forms fitted with hooks and adorned in various colors and patterns to entice fish to strike. Some resemble natural prey items that trigger a feeding response, while others generate an attack from game fish. Still others resemble nothing in nature, but game fish respond to them. Flyfishing flies, spoons, spinners, crank baits and soft plastic worms are just a few of the many and varied types of lures angler use to catch fish.
Shapes and Sizes
Because game fish range in shape and size, depending on the species, so does fishing gear. To catch bluegills, a small and sensitive ultralight rod and reel works well. For marlin, an angler will need a strong, heavy-duty trolling rod and a large casting reel with lots of line capacity. Tackle also comes in different shapes and sizes to accommodate different types of fishing. For example, hooks can range from very small ones for catching bait fish or bream, to very large for tuna or billfish.
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