To determine the best type of tackle, you must first determine what kind of fish you want to catch and what water conditions you are likely to encounter.

A very popular species is crappie. Tackle types range from the old standby cane or bamboo pole, to lightweight spinning gear. Crappie aren’t all that particular, so it’s the water you intend to fish that will help you decide on spinning tackle with lures or a cane pole and bobber to catch your supper.

Then there is bass fishing. You’ve seen those TV programs with mega dollar contests for the biggest or the most bass caught in a day. Most of those anglers are using plug casting or spin casting tackle. Whichever you feel most comfortable with will do fine as long as you are using bait that is natural looking, and mimics the current diet of the bass.

How about a little salmon fishing? Here you have an even larger choice of tackle. You could use surf casting rods 8 or 10 feet long at the mouth of most any river in Oregon or Washington. Upstream a bit you may choose to fish from a boat and may want to use bait casting or heavy spin casting tackle. Upstream a bit more and you are in the area of those who consider fly-casting the ultimate in the fishing experience. They will all work just fine; the decision is up to you.

So, plan your trip and take the tackle you are most comfortable using for the conditions and fish species you will encounter. Have fun and safe casting.