Fishing Tackle Boxes in the UK: A Few Essential Supplies to Carry

As you plan for the emerging fishing season, part of the enjoyment comes from setting up our your tackle box with the things you’ll need to catch a whopper. While you may remember to bring leaders, hooks, line, bobbers, and sinkers, you could fail to pack everything you need, which could spell disaster for your otherwise fun and relaxing venture. These are a handful of items that are essential equipment for any angler.

Fishing Tackle Boxes - Pliers with a Needle Nose

The first main item you should carry are needle nose pliers. This tool makes it easy to remove hooks from fish. You should select pliers with an integrated cutter; this is useful for cutting off the hook’s end prior to taking it out. Needle nose pliers can also be helpful for crimping leaders and split shot onto your line.

Knife

You’ll want a powerful knife that can be utilized for an assortment of things. A blade made of stainless steel is crucial, together with a moderately big blade. A partially serrated blade offers the most flexibility. It should also be rugged enough to fillet or clean a fish. Two excellent accessories found on a quality knife are a hook remover and a scaler.

File

You can use a file to sharpen both your knife and hooks, with some practice. You’ll want a little file shaped like a triangle with an varying coarse exteriors on each side. A whetstone is another option, but these are best left to more advanced fisherman.

Toilet Roll

Simply put, should you need to use some, there’s just no substitute. An entire roll of paper isn’t required. Unwind a good amount and seal it in a plastic bag. But make sure to take enough—and while you’re add it, throw in some Kleenexes or paper towels. If a fire is needed on the trip, these items all burn quite well.

Fishing Tackle Boxes - Nail Clippers

Clippers normally come with a nail file which is also useful for making hooks sharp. Also, the clipper itself is a good way to cut the line.

Lighter

This is a great item in case you need to quickly build a fire. Lighters can also be used to melt a plastic worm back together or repair the end of a nylon rope (to avoid fraying).

Fishing Tackle Boxes - First Aid Equipment

The best option is to buy a small, pocket sized kit. At the least, the kit must have antibiotic spray or ointment, and something to dress and clean the wound. An Ace® bandage and gauze pads are excellent to include. Be certain to take aspirin or some other analgesic with you. Finally, remember to take some sunscreen.

Insect Repellent

There's nothing worse than being bothered by insects, so be sure to carry an effective brand of insect repellent that will work on the types of insects you expect to encounter.

Compact Food

Take something like granola bars or something for quick energy. Nuts and raisins can also make for a nourishing lunch.

Once you're set with all this gear, you can concentrate on landing that trophy specimen!