I want to share with you three essential categories of terminal tackle that every angler should have in their boat. Every angler knows things don’t always go as planned when you’re out on the water. That’s why preparation is critical to success in angling. These items will make you more successful on the water and help you adapt to any fishing situation you may encounter.
Terminal Tackle: Line Leaders
I often fish with a braid to fluorocarbon leader, so having an ample supply of leader material is crucial. To keep my fluorocarbon organized and easily accessible, I use a small Tupperware container. I have fluorocarbon lines from 4 lb to 30 lb inside this container. This simple and inexpensive method allows me to grab the desired line quickly without any hassle.
Additionally, I use Daiwa line wraps to keep the line neat and tangle-free. With this setup, I always know where my fluorocarbon is, and it’s protected from the sun and other elements. Having a dedicated box for fluorocarbon in a specific spot in the boat ensures I’m always prepared when the situation calls for it.
Heavier Line for Tooth Critters
Having heavier line options is manditory if you enjoy fishing for toothy critters like pike or musky.
Depending on the situation, I carry fluorocarbon lines ranging from 40- to 150 pound test. I also carry different types of wire, specifically single-strand stainless wire. This wire is easy to work with and perfect for musky or pike fishing. I have wire options ranging from 69 lb to 174 lb, which cover a variety of fishing scenarios. Another overlooked material is titanium.
While Terminator may not produce it anymore, other manufacturers make single-strand titanium. This material offers more action to your bait compared to wire. I carry titanium lines ranging from 15 pound to 50 pound, which allows for a finesse presentation when fishing for northern pike or using smaller baits.
Terminal Tackle Hooks: A Variety for Every Situation
Hooks are a crucial component of any angler’s tackle box. Fish can get caught in the net, roll, tangle, or straighten treble hooks. That’s why it’s essential to have a variety of hooks on hand. When selecting hooks, consider the lures you use and choose the appropriate hook sizes.
I have a box dedicated to hooks, which includes small hooks for crankbaits, Shad Raps, and X-Raps. I also have a box with dress trebles for added flair. For musky fishing, where cutting hooks is expected, I have a selection ranging from the tiniest to 10/0 hooks. This variety ensures I can quickly replace a damaged hook and return to fishing with my favorite lure.
A Compact Terminal Tackle Box for Any Situation
In addition to line leaders and hooks, having a compact tackle box with a variety of terminal tackle is essential for any angler. This tackle box allows you to combat just about any fishing situation. The compartments in this box are designed to prevent items from rolling around and getting damaged. Here are some of the items I carry in this tackle box:
1 Snaps: Different sizes of snaps are essential for Musky fishing. They allow for more action on crankbaits and provide convenience when changing lures without retying.
2 Ball Bearing Swivels: VMC makes excellent ball bearing swivels in various sizes, ranging from medium-sized ones with a 110-pound capacity to larger ones with a 350-pound capacity. These swivels are great for preventing line twists and ensuring smooth lure action.
3 Cross-Lock Snaps: Standard cross-lock snaps are versatile and valuable in many fishing situations. Having multiple sizes of these snaps allows you to adapt to different conditions.
4 Three-Way Swivels: If you do a lot of trolling, having three-way swivels in your tackle box is a must. They enable you to set up different trolling rigs and increase your chances of success.
5 Roller Swivels: Bigger roller swivels are ideal for heavy-duty fishing, especially when targeting larger fish species. They provide smooth rotation and prevent line twists.
6 Split Rings: Having a variety of split rings in different sizes is essential for replacing damaged or worn-out split rings on your lures. This ensures that your lures stay securely attached to your line.
7 Hitchhikers: Hitchhikers are great for soft plastics and provide extra security when fishing with these baits.
8 Snap Weights: If you need to get your bait deeper or prevent line twists using inline spinners, snap weights are a handy tool. These weights can be easily attached to your line and adjusted as needed.
Having a compact tackle box with all these terminal tackle options ensures you’re ready to fix anything wrong while fishing. It also allows you to adapt to any situation on the water. Whether it’s a damaged hook, a need for a different line leader, or a change in fishing technique, having a collection of terminal tackle like this will keep you fishing and increase your chances of success.
In conclusion, preparation is critical to success in angling. By having the right terminal tackle in your boat, you can be confident that you’re ready for any situation on the water. Line leaders, heavier lines, various hooks, and a compact tackle box with essential terminal tackle items are crucial for every angler. So, stock up on these items and be prepared for your next fishing adventure.
