Saltwater fishing? Here’s what you’ll need

By Joe Kent - Correspondent
Published January 30, 2007

Monday, few fishermen were on the water and no reports were received. Par for this time of year, fish were taking a break and many bait camps joined them.

This presents an opportunity to continue with the questions recently received. Today, we will focus on Mike Stanberry’s request for information on supplying a tackle box for saltwater fishing. Stanberry recently was transferred here from Kansas and is interested in getting acquainted with our Galveston area fishing. He needs some help collecting an inventory of tackle. His in-laws have a weekend cottage on Bolivar Peninsula and read the Reel Report frequently.

This is not an easily answered question, because we need to know more about what type of fishing you prefer (artificials vs. live bait) and where you fish. For now, let’s assume you are going to be fishing the surf or reefs in East Bay.

Since you are new to saltwater fishing, we will focus on tackle needed for fishing with live bait and cut bait and list the minimum inventory to get you started.

Start with a large tackle box, one made of material that will not rust or corrode.

Now, let’s pick the hook assortment. My preference is treble hooks; a variety ranging from size 4 to 10 should be a good start, along with a number of single hooks of varying sizes between No. 2 and No. 6.

Other items include a variety of barrel swivels, slip weights ranging in size from 1?8-ounce to 1?2-ounce, leader line of at least 20 pounds, popping corks, needle nose pliers, a fingernail clipper — not for the nails, but to cut mono-line — and a small can of lubricant, such as WD-40 or other lightweight oil.

I strongly urge you to take this list to a local sporting goods store, tackle or bait shop or any other business that offers a good variety of tackle. There, you should find someone who can offer assistance in choosing the right items.

To get your catch in the Reel Report, phone Capt. Joe Kent at 409-683-5273 or send an e-mail to reel.report(at)galvnews.com. There’s no charge for this service.