Bass fishing would be next to impossible without the proper accessories. Below is a complete, comprehensive list of 25 of the most irreplaceable bass fishing accessories on the market.
- Needle Nose Pliers
- Polarized Sunglasses
- Face Shield
- UV Protection Shirt
- Sunscreen
- Line Cutters
- Tackle Box
- Scale
- Ruler
- Fishing License
- Camera
- Rain Jacket
- Rod Sleeves
- Portable Charger
- Soft Plastic Baits
- Baitcasting Reel
- Spinning Reel
- Worm Hooks
- Crankbaits
- Topwater Baits
- Fishing Rod
- Fishing Line
- Jigs
- Worm Weights
- Waterproof case
Although the items on the list above are essential, there is much more than meets the eye when it comes to choosing which of these to purchase. Below is an in-depth report on what each accessory brings to the table for your bass fishing needs and how to decide between the never-ending purchasing options.
1. Needle Nose Pliers
Pliers are an absolute necessity when bass fishing. Extending the life of our sport by making sure to practice catch and release is sometimes impossible without a good pair of needle nose pliers. Unhooking a bass that has choked the bait or has multiple treble hooks deeply hooked can be tough without the right leverage. Using a pair of pliers to unhook the fish can mean the difference between life or death for the fish.
2. Polarized Sunglasses
A good pair of polarized sunglasses are essential to maintain the ability of seeing fish and objects underwater. They can also be extremely helpful during bedding season when bass are locked onto a bed and you have to be able to watch their every move in order to catch them.
3. Face Shield
A face shield can be used in many ways but one of the most popular uses is to wrap it around your face when fishing to protect from the sun’s harmful rays. This is especially useful if you’re not a big fan of sunscreen as this is a good replacement.
4. UV Protection Shirt
Continuing on in the sun protection category, a long-sleeved shirt can be paramount during a bright day. A protecting, yet light and breathable material is important and can protect your arms from the sun’s rays when they would normally remained exposed when wearing a regular shirt.
5. Suncreen
This may seem obvious but if you’re not into bogging yourself down with the items listed above, sunscreen could be a good option. The only downside is that you will have to re-apply multiple times during a long day of fishing which can take away precious opportunities to get a bite.
6. Line Cutters
This tool is especially helpful when attempting to cut braided line as most clippers won’t get the job done in a timely manner. Scissors can suffice in this situation but a good pair of line cutters will be small and easy to store.
7. Tackle Box
A tackle box or tackle bag is a must in nearly every fishing situation. You’ll need a reliable option for carrying all of your gear around and tackle boxes/bags are specifically made for fishing. Be sure to size your box or bag according to your specific trip.
8. Scale
This is one of those items that you’d much rather have and not need than need and not have. There’s been far too many stories of anglers who have caught record bass and haven’t had the proper means to record it.
9. Ruler
If for some reason a scale isn’t an option, you may want to look into getting a ruler so you can at least come to a educated conclusion as to how much a fish might weigh.
10. Camera
There’s no point in the two items above if you don’t have means by which to record it. Obviously most of us have a mobile device we can use to take pictures but it’s also amazing to have the ability to record the entire fish catch. This can be achieved relatively easily using an action camera such as a GoPro to film throughout the day.
11. Fishing License
A fishing license should be one of the first things you look into. Regulations vary by state so check on your state’s official website to ensure that you have the right information.
12. Rain Jacket
Fishing in the rain can still provide some excellent opportunities for some good bites but can be extremely miserable. Adding a rain jacket to your arsenal will prevent discomfort during pop-up showers and can keep you on the water longer even during the rain.
13. Rod Sleeves
Transferring your rods around is an age old dilemma but the recent introduction of rod sleeves into the bass fishing industry has made it much easier to store, transport, and protect our beloved rods.
14. Portable Charger
It’s highly unlikely that you’ll have a big power source when fishing so it may be smart to purchase a portable battery charger to charge your phone, camera, and other electronic devices. This tool is a must on long fishing days
15. Soft Plastic Baits
Let’s get to the fun stuff. The most consistent fishing catching tool in the world is without a doubt a soft plastic worm. It can be fished in a variety of different ways from bouncing it along the bottom, to buzzing the surface of the water. Be sure to have a few bags of these in different varieties prepared in your arsenal.
16. Baitcasting Reel
While a baitcaster may be hard to learn to use, once mastered, it is a tool unrivaled that can haul fish out of heavy cover and help make long casts. It’s also essential when power fishing.
17. Spinning Reel
A spinning reel is a better option if you are just getting into the sport or are fishing clear water with very limited cover. It’s great for using finesse techniques to catch highly pressured fish
18. Worm Hooks
Utilizing a worm hook to rig up your soft plastics discussed earlier is critical to ensure that you are presenting your baits in the best way for the fish to want to bite. It will also help to have the correct hook to make sure you land each fish you hook.
19. Crankbaits
Crankbaits aren’t a necessity but they are a proven bass catcher and help immensely if you are fishing deep water where you’ll need a bait to dive down to where the fish live.
20. Topwater Baits
Topwater plugs have been around forever and are one of the most tried and true methods of hooking into a big bass. A topwater bite is addicting and there are many varieties of these baits to use in almost all situations.
21. Fishing Rod
All of these items are useless without an actual rod to fight the fish with. Most rods are either of spinning or casting variety; spinning for a spinning reel, and casting for a a baitcaster. You’ll want to choose a heavier action rod for heavy lures and a lighter action rod for lighter lures.
22. Fishing Line
There’s a lot to fishing line but the first thing you need to know is that there are three main types; braid, monofilament, and flourocarbon. Light braid (30 pound or less) is best for spinning reels while heavy braid can be used on baitcasters. Monofilament can be used on both while flourocarbon is best on a baitcaster and is considered by many to be premium line.
23. Jigs
Jigs are one of the oldest lures in existence and are arguably the most versatile bait on the market. They can be skipped under docks, bounced along bottom, swam through grass, and much more. Be sure to use jigs with some kind of soft plastic trailer that you can thread onto the hook.
24. Worm Weights
Worm weights help when trying to bounce your soft plastic worm along the bottom. They come in two different varieties. Tungsten weights are premium and have increased sensitivity when fished. Lead weights are less pricey but also have a reputation of being less luxurious than tungsten.
25. Waterproof Case
A waterproof case would probably be a smart purchase when preparing to go out on the water. Far too many stories have been told of ruining important valuables due to them falling in the water or getting wet.
