Fishing Gear
Gear that our Pack has used for our fishing program or feels pretty good about recommending for new anglers. Lots of options out there for fishing equipment. Our Pack will have equipment for your child to use at Pack events. You really only need to buy your own equipment if fishing is something your family wants to do beyond our Pack activities or your child just wants their own gear to fish with.
Fishing
The Zebco 202 with Telescopic Rod is a pretty perfect scouting rod. Its cheap (meaning if you lose, not end of the world), it collapses down really well for storage and it can catch a fish!
A slightly more expensive combo, but more durable than the 202. The Zebco 33 with a rod that collapses down is pretty nice for hiking.
The kids really had a fun time casting and catching with Backyard Bass. We will continue to use this at future events, but I put it here in case someone wants a set for home.
B&M's Black Widow Cane Poles are an easy choice for younger anglers. With no reel, it really is about using the length of the rod to place the hook in a good spot. This rod collapses down and is super-light making it easy to transport. 10 feet is the right size for kids.
Flambeau makes a lot of small and cheap tackle boxes that will work fine and we use them for our Pack Tackle boxes.
For Hiking, I like this KastKing tackle box because it is super small and customizable. Some of the sections are large enough to accomodate a spool of fishing line and needle nose pliers which are a must-have for your fishing kit.
~6lb Test fishing line
6lb Test fishing line is likely going to be all that you need for your tackle box. You can catch much larger fish than 6lbs with this line.
I always have a spool in my tackle box.
To help cast further, especially when fishing with a only a hook, we attach weights to the line. Keeping a couple size options in your tackle box is a good idea.
Our Pack prefers to fish with barbless hooks. By practicing catch-and-release, we ensure that other kids are able to experience fishing. Barbless hooks reduce the damage done to a fish's mouth when caught and is much safer for the Scout.
Needlenose pliers are almost as important as hooks! Able to help attach weights, cut fishing line, etc.
