As well as a rod, reel, line and bait, you also need a range of accessories for your fishing trip.
Never go fishing without a disgorger – it will be essential if you need to get the hook out of a deep hooked fish.
If you are planning to float fish, you will need a range of fishing floats. Its a good idea to carry several patterns and sizes so you are prepared for any eventuality.
For rivers you will need running water patterns such as Stick, Balsas and Avons. For still water fishing you will need a range of bottom-only floats such as straight and bodied wagglers. If you are likely to fish for carp you may also want to buy some pellet wagglers.
Make sure you have a good range of sizes, taking different amounts of shot. In particular make sure you have some floats that can take plenty of shot, 4BB or more for river floats, and 2AAA or more for stillwater patterns so you can cope with strong flows on rivers, and are able to cast long distances, even in strong winds on stillwaters.
Shot is attached to the line to provide weight to partially sink a float, and can also be used to prevent a leger weight from sliding down the line.
You will need shot in a range of sizes, but the sizes most commonly used are SSG, AAA, BBB, Number 1, Number 4, Number 6 and Number 8.
Leger weights are attached to the line to allow a bait to be presented on or near the bed of a river or lake.
There are many types of leger weight, but the only one you need to begin with is a pear shaped weight incorporating a swivel. Obtain a selection of these in weights from .25 to 1 oz, (7 to 28 grams).
Swimfeeders are devices that take the place of leger weights and incorporate a means of getting free offerings of your hookbait or groundbait to the place where you are fishing.
Rod rests are used to put the rod in when it is not being held in the hand.
Plummets are small weighted devices incorporating either a strip of cork or a hinge to hold the hook while lowering the tackle into the swim to check the depth.
Float Rubbers’ and float adapters are used to attach a float to the main line.
Other useful items include Leger Stops, Beads, Silicon Tubing, Hair rig stops, Bait Bands and Baiting Needles