Gear Checklist
1. Fishing License or a fishing buddy with one. Family members or friends 16 years of age and older need a fishing license. A license can be bought through an issuing agent or online at HuntFish.PA.gov.
2. Fishing Rod and Reel - Spincasting is great for beginners.
3. Line on the Reel - Check it for twists, nicks or knots. Change the line if necessary Use 6-pound test as a good all around size.
- Knotes on Knots - (in English -- en Espanol)
Videos from TMF - Arbor Knot
- Improved Clinch Knot
- Surgeon's Knot
- Uni Knot
- 3-Way Rig
4. Tackle Box with lots of hooks, sinkers, bobbers and any other lures you can find. Many sporting goods stores now sell tackle boxes already stocked with these items.
5. Live bait such as red worms, nightcrawlers, maggots, mealworms and grasshoppers. Bait can be bought at a local bait shop. Bait can also be found in your garden! Dig around the plants to find your own worms.
- Supermarket Baits - (in English -- en Espanol)
- Basic freshwater baits [TMF]
- How to hook bait [TMF]
6. Lucky fishing hat and vest
7. Waders if you have them. Old sneakers if you do not.
8. Rain gear (just in case).
9. Plenty of drinking water, especially on hot days.
10. Other essentials such as snacks, insect repellent, sunscreen
Some of the fact sheets are courtesy of our friends at TakeMeFishing.org [TMF], be sure to visit their site for much more fishing and boating information.
Fishing Tackle Loaner Program
Need to borrow a rod, reel or other fishing equipment? Find Fishing Tackle Loaner locations near you.
Know the Regulations
Follow the Fish and Boat Commission Summary Book for regulations on tackle, equipment and bait.
