Reels

Choosing a reel can be the most important decesion a fishermen or woman can make in the proces of buying gear and tackle. This piece of your arsenal is the main component that will land your fish and make a good day into a great one. There are many things you have to think about before purchasing a reel. What am I going to use it for? what fish will I be targeting with it? What reels do I already have? What line will I be using with it? Where am I going to use it? How much do I want to spend? Here are a few reels that can be used on three quarter days to 3 days: one quick note please stay away from spinners on a charter, you have more control and feeling with conventionals.

Shimano
Torium - 16,20,30
Speedmaster IV
Calcutta 700S
TR Charter Specials

Penn
International Baitcasters
Senator and Senator 112H 3/0 Special
49L,140L,500L

Rods

There are so many options out there for you in this category. You can definately still use some of the questions above to narow your choices down. If you already have a reel, you made things that much easier. when purchasing a rod for the reel, the number one thing is to be sure that the setup is balanced. Not all rods are made for every reel. If you are using a reel that holds heavy line be sure to purchase a stiffer rod, the same rule applies with a a reel that holds light line, buy a rod that has more play to it. Here are few manufactures that you can look into:

Calstar
Seeker
Shimano
Penn
Daiwa

Hooks

This is one aspect of terminal tackle, without the hook there is no fishing. Hooks come in a variety of sizes and types. Depending on the situation you are in will determine the size of the hook the bigger the bait the bigger the hook, the smaller the bait smaller the hook. If your tackle box is stocked with a variety of hooks, you should be prepared for almost anything.

Suggestions: Owner, Gorilla, Mustad

Size #2 Strips of squid and small anchovies

Size #4 hooks used for catching smaller fish and using baits such as mussels, ghost shrimp or smllpieces of squid.

1/0, 2/0 or 3/0 live bait hooks - anchovies, sardines or even live squid

5/0 or 6/0 for mackarel or larger baits

Weights

Weights or Sinkers also fall under the term Terminl Tackle. Also known as "lead" keeps your line either in place or slows down the motion of the live bait being used. Weights come in a variety of sizes and types also depending on the situation you are in. If you are fishing off the pier you will want to use a pyramid weight so that it digs into the ground and does not allow the current to push your bait around. Egg Sinkers ar good for flyllining live baits or sliding sinker setups. Torpedo weights are probably the most versatile can be used with a dropper loop set, sliding sinker as well as at the pier. Rubber Core sinkers are good when flylining live bait and constantly changing the weight. Sizes of the weight can also determine how successful you are. If you are closer to shore and fishing shallow waters a lighter weight should be used. If you are fishing deeper waters and close to other anglers a heavier weight is reccomended so that you can get down to the deeper depths and so that the current doesnt tangle your line with others Knowing the situation you will be in will prevent you from having to lug around heavy weights.

Artificial Baits

Some of these baits include, mega baits, plastics and crocodile jigs. There is nothing like casting out an artificial bait and feeling a fish hit it in mid retrieval. When deciding on which baits to purchase be sure to call the landing or ask your local tackle shop which baits and colors are "hot".

Whats in your box.....

For the first-timer, with little to no experience, this can be really tough if you aren't sure what to buy, and you don't want to waste time and money buying the wrong tackle. The information below is intended to take the guesswork out of this task, and give you a step by step guide for putting together your first saltwater tackle box.

To begin, a tackle box is a container that organizes and stores your tackle - hooks, sinkers, swivels and other devices used throughout the fishing day. While the best supply of tackle boxes and fishing gear can be found at tackle stores, most of these items can also be found at your local sporting good store or Walmart. The following list outlines all of the essential items you will need to purchase for your tackle box:

*Tackle box -1 level (a multilevel box can be purchased as your learn more about different techniques and the tackle that goes along with it.)

*Sinkers - depending on what species you are targeting will determine the weight and type you will need (rockfishing = torpedo sinkers 4-16oz)

*Live Bait Hooks - come in a variety of sizes. The most widely used sizes on a day trip are 1/0 hooks and 2/0 hooks. A selection of hook sizes is always good to have.

*Swivels - Used to attach two lines together

*Dikes - used to cut away excess line.

*Long Nose Pliers- used to remove hooks from fish caught

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*Extra Line - Just in case you need to reline your reel.

This list is just intended to give you a start. With each trip to you take, you will learn more about what you need to add to your tackle box. When you are building your first box, just purchase the necessities; try not to over buy. You do not want to weigh down your tackle box with unnecessary tackle. If you still have questions on what to purchase please feel free to email Pacific Fisherman.com