Northwest Fishing Reports

Yeah. That's where I'm at. Middle of I-5, roundabouts the Lakewood area. Bet you can still find some of my hooks lying on the side of the freeway. So I'm starting all over. I received my tacklebox a couple years back from my father when he passed. It was filled with YEARS of things he accumulated. I know I need the extra line, hooks, bobbers, pliers, line cutters, but I can't seem to find the weights that my father used to have. They were bigguns and I have only found super small ones. I'm also looking for tips on anything else that I would need. And before anyone tells me I need first aid kits or anything like that, I already have those and have them on my person whenever I go out. Survivalist I can do. Shopping for crap, I cannot. I been to Walmart (which made me laugh), Sportsman's Warehouse (Which made me dizzy), and Cabela's (which made me scared.) so any tips that y'all might have would be helpful for a little lady like myself. Yes. I totally went there... tell me what I should have with me and throw out some dream stuff that I might want to think about.

I am trout/salmon fishing. I am mainly fishing off docks and shores, but will eventually move towards wading into the water.

Not looking for specifics, looking for basics and some nice accessories to have.

Thanks!

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Like was just mentioned, good to have an idea of how you want to trout fish, but at least for the basics you will want a few egg sinkers. (sliding sinker size of an oblong pea) swivels, 2 types of hooks. Egg style hook for power bait if you are going to go that route.
Also some "bait" hooks. this is a hook with a little longer shaft. Use it with a worm under a bobber. That brings me to bobber/floats. A couple of those. I like a good size bobber when fishing suspended worms. The old school red/white bobber, but I go the size of a golf ball.
Pick up some inline spinners. Vibrax is a nice brand, in a variety of colors. You can't go wrong with using a Kastmaster either. That is an awesome lure in many places. There is a variety of choices in the Kastmaster. One thing to remember in my opinion is if you aren't sure on which size lure to get.... go with the smaller of the two. You can chuck a very small Kastmaster farther than you will think.
A spool of leader as well. If you are fishing 6lb test for planter trout, go with a 4lb leader, etc. Also,, nice to have a hemostat for hook removal.

I'm not much of a fan of power bait fishing, or power eggs, or "Power" whatever, but obviously it does well for planter trout.
I really enjoy a worm under a bobber in the morning or the evening. If it was a bright sunny day, I'd prob. suggest soaking the "Power" stuff on the bottom.
Have fun out there!

I would suggest a separate tackle box for each type of fishing gear, which is what I do.

Also, you might want to pick your favorite (fresh/trout or salt/salmon) and ask people to give suggestions for that type first. A net, again different for each, would be a good place to start.

It's great to see another woman get into fishing.

Gotta luv that nickname! Good luck.

I have a couple, even a few, tackle boxes you can have. Old to excellent to never used.

I suppose having two tackle boxes makes sense. I already have one. I'm looking more for basic gear one should have. It's funny because I used to know exactly what I'm looking for but didn't know what the heck it was till I got to the fishing store. They were all thingamabobbers. I plan to do more trout fishing then anything. For salmon fishing, I'm gonna want to fly fish but that's a whole nother animal that requires a bit more research of poles and reels. Lets stick with trout fishing on this subject. And I'm looki g for the essentials. I can imagine there's a lot more out there to fill my box with (rim shot for those who aren't PC. Yes. She actually said fill her box haha!) but I'm a minimalist. Oh and I prefer not to use the power baits. I was raised on worms and when crabbing bacon, spam, and guts of various previously living seafood so lets keep the bait out since I drop by and grab worms from the fridge anyway.

DavidA wrote:I would suggest a separate tackle box for each type of fishing gear, which is what I do.

Also, you might want to pick your favorite (fresh/trout or salt/salmon) and ask people to give suggestions for that type first. A net, again different for each, would be a good place to start.

It's great to see another woman get into fishing.

Gotta luv that nickname! Good luck.

I have to agree that a separate tackle box for each species is the way to go or you could go the "tray" route with one box with removable trays. That way you can just pick the trays with the species specific tackle. I used to just move a few things like the scales and ruler between the boxes before I go, then after forgetting to move them a couple times I eventually broke down and bought duplicates.
After many years of buying tackle boxes I have to suggest "Plano" tackle boxes. They seem to hold up best.

One thing I want to suggest is a roll of waterproof medical tape. I always seem to find a need for it . Also the essentials like needle-nose pliers, some toenail clippers or a small pair of side cutters from the hardware store, a decent knife.
Oh one other thing. Get the fishing knot app for your smart phone. I always enjoy tying different knots.
Good luck!!

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Thanks y'all!

I didn't take the time to read through gfakkema's post, I don't have the time lol
BUT make sure you have some Dick Nite Spoons! They are deadly for trout, and litterally anything else you can think to fish for. I've caught everything from planter trout to salmon/steelhead, perch to shad on them. If I were only going to get one dick nite, it was be:
Size #1
Color: 50/50
If you ask anyone in a tackle shop they will know exactly what your talking about.

After the 5050 my other go toes would be "nickleback frog" "Nickle ChartreuseHeads" and "hot pink and pearl" all #1 size

Another good all around piece of gear to have are spinners such as Blue Fox Vibrax Spinners or Rooster Tails. There's lots of choices. Pick some colors you like, and match the size to the size of fish your catching. Little planter trout? Go with a small spinner (size 0 to 3). Going after salmon, bump up the size (size 3 to 6)

And then like everyone else has said. Egg sinkers or bullet sinkers. Whichever sizes you prefer. Egg hooks and bait hooks. Maybe even octopus hooks. Bobbers. You'll want to get a pack of beads, at least to protect your knots from your weights. If you really want to get into it you can get a pack of beads different sizes and colors, and create some of your own rigs. It's pretty fun! Don't forget the swivels as well. For most applications snap swivels will get you through.

As you can tell by walking into a tackle shop... There's endless options, and everyone has their own opinion.
I noticed in your other thread you'd be fishing American. I highly suggest you stop by Bills Boat House and talk the them. Mikes a really great guy and I know he would be more than happy to help you out, explain and show you the essentials you'll need and want.

Hope this helped! From one girl to another, all you have to do is ask, and there's lots of people that will be willing to step up and help you out. The fishing world is full of really great people!