Gear Up for Family Fishing

TF&G Staff Report

ASK ANY FISHERMAN about their most treasured fishing moments and most will share childhood memories at the beach, at a lake, or on a pier with their family.

Sure, they’re proud to show you their bull redfish, tarpon or big catfish photos, but family fishing time is next-level special.

Although any time with the family at the beach, on a pier, or on the water is fun, it’s really fun when you catch fish.

And a big part of that is having the right gear.

We have put together a list of gear that will help families maximize their precious time together and lead to more family fish photos to share on social media.

Monofilament Cast Net

Cast nets can save anglers lots of money in catching live bait and cut bait for storing. They are also lots of fun, and it’s a skill kids can easily be taught. This net comes with a ⅜-inch mesh size, environmentally friendly weights, and is designed to open easily and sink quickly.

That means more mullet, mud minnows, or shad for the bait bucket.

Folding Net

Nets are a necessity for family fishing, and this is a great one for shore and wade-fishing. This one measures 13 inches by 10 inches by 23 inches opened and 14 inches. collapsed

It’s nine-inches deep so it’s not going to hold an alligator gar or bull redfish, but it’s more than adequate for most of the catfish, perch and croakers caught on family fishing trips.

Spincast Combos

Spincast combos are an important part of family fishing, especially for younger children or inexperienced anglers who rarely get on the water.

These two Proton spincast combos are built around distinctive, extra tough, stainless steel reel bodies. These South Bend classics come in two rod lengths and actions with a 20- or 40-size reel.

The five-foot, six-inch rod has reel size 20; action, medium; lure weight, 3/16 to 1/2 ounce.

The seven-foot rod has reel size 40; action, medium-heavy; lure weight, ½ to 3 ounces.

Tackle Box Kits

These tackle boxes come with everything you need to get started fishing. One-, two-, and three-tray kits are loaded with hooks, lures, bobbers, and other tackle necessities. The deluxe tackle kit is one big tray with 137 pieces to get you going. These are a “can’t miss” for family fishing.

Waterproof Duffel

The Calcutta Keeper Dry Duffel bag offers all the functionality of a regular duffel, but with the added feature of being 100 percent waterproof to protect your valuables from the elements. It’s a great place to keep cell phones, wallets, purses, and other valuables while the family is fishing.

It is lightweight and made of 840D TPU material, so it is abrasion-resistant and durable. The external mesh pocket provides easy access for small items and allows you to keep wet and dry gear separate. The duffel has four strong webbing loops on the sides to allow you to attach it to vehicles, boats, etc.

Pack coolers

The pack series of coolers are easy and comfortable to carry. Instead of lugging out a heavy plastic cooler for a short surf fishing trip, this is a comfortable and affordable option.

Built with a no-sweat design, your drinks and ice will stay cold thanks to thick insulation. It’s welded with a waterproof inner liner so water will stay on the inside to prevent it from leaking through. Strong woven nylon carrying straps and handles make for convenient transport. Whether you plan a day on the beach, a road trip, tailgating, or to visit your favorite fishing spot, the pack cooler is there to keep your beverages cold.

Just Add Bait Combos (Ready2Fish)

As the name implies, these spinning combos are rigged up and ready to go. Just add bait, and it’s casting time.

As an added cool bonus, there’s a Ready2Fish flyfishing combo that’s a great and affordable option to get started in the fun and challenging pursuit of flyfishing.

Bream Poles

Whether you’re catching bream off the dock at your favorite lake or catching croakers, these extendable poles are lots of fun.

Think of a factory-made cane pole that extends up to 16 feet in four sections with the Crappie Stalker Bream Pole. For kids that can’t cast, these are a perfect choice.

Pier & Surf Combos

These factory-matched Sea Striker combos pair the right rod with the right reel, so you don’t have to. The rods feature comfortable foam grips, and the ball bearing reel system provides smooth operation. The graphite spool comes filled with a high-visibility monofilament line. A twist-free line roller reduces line twists, which is a big help on a family fishing day.

The seven-foot rod has medium-light action; reel size, 50; line weight, 10- to 25-pound; lure weight,1/2- to 2-ounces, in two pieces.

The eight-foot rod has medium action; reel size, 50; line weight, 10- to 25-pounds.

Surf, Pier and Beach Cart

Easily haul all of your fishing gear or beach gear to the water’s edge. This versatile cart features seven durable PVC rod and accessory holders and has the capability to hold up to a 54 quart. cooler. Galvanized steel construction with a tough powder-coat finish protects the cart from the elements. 11-inch by 4-inch pneumatic wheels allow for easy rolling.

Deluxe Sand Spike 

A sand spike rod holder is a crucial component of family bank fishing trips. This is truly a deluxe sand spike and accessory holder. The PVC head features a built-in bait cup, knife holder, and cutting board. The sharply angled aluminum stake allows easy entry into the sand.

Crab Net

Crabbing Supplies Deluxe Crab Net with Harness, 12-ounce Crab Line Weight 48 pounds Crab Line (Danielson)

Crabbing is tons of fun, and blue crabs are superabundant along the Gulf Coast. These supplies will give you all you need but the bait, for a successful crab boil ingredient-catching operation.

Crabbing is also a great way to keep kids’ attention focused during surf and bay beach fishing trips. On top of that, crabs can be great bait for redfish, black drum, and sheepsheads.

Memories created on the water can give young people a wholesome pursuit they can enjoy for their entire lives. Even if they end up playing pro football or baseball, the fun would only last into their 30s. However, some 100-year-olds still fish.

No doubt those centenarians still smile when they think back to those early, fun family fishing expeditions. Make the memories extra memorable with the right gear, not only to go fishing, but to help your family actually catch fish.

 

Calcuttaoutdoors.com offers one-stop family fishing shopping with multiple brands ranging across numerous affordable price ranges.

In just a single order, you can get geared up for summer fishing, whether you hit the lake, surf, or somewhere in between.

Also, if you need virtually any kind of other fishing gear, whether it’s expert-level bass gear from Matzuo, or pelagic offshore terminal tackle, it’s also available and easy to find at calcuttaoutdoors.com.

 

 

—story by TF&G Staff

 

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