In this article series we are looking at fishing gear which is universally essential no matter what kind of fishing you are doing.
So far we've talked about fishing rods, reels and lines so now it's time to discuss lures and baits.
The kind of bait you use to catch fish can vary tremendously.
For example, we can use artificial fly's to catch trout or salmon or worms, prawns, small baitfish, crab, squid, metal lures, poppers, jigs for various other species, the list goes on and on.
The only main distinction you must know is that bait can either be real or artificial.
It's a specific choice which depends on what your trying to catch but you should go for the best quality bait you can get.
Make sure that your hooks and sinker combination plus your chosen bait all match the fish you are trying to catch.
Local knowledge is often the best advice you can get in this department, even more so than books.
By using good quality bait or lures and presenting them well to fish you'll be giving yourself the best chance of catching them.
A small pair of pliers are extremely useful for a number of different jobs.
They can used to cut excess line after your fishing knots are complete and to remove hooks from fish without risking your fingers being bitten.
It's best to go for pliers which have a long thin nose as this will make it easiest to remove hooks which have been swallowed by the fish or are lodged in the throat.
Finally you're going to need the appropriate clothing.
Waders are normally essential for fly fishing where you need to get into the streams and rivers.
They are made of rubber and you can purchase thigh waders which are the most popular or fully body waders which are normally more popular with salmon fisherman.
Depending on the climate pay special attention to any waterproofing requirements your clothing should have.