Best Fishing Pliers: 6 Pairs Compared by Material and Cutters
KastKing and Piscifun fishing pliers side by side: aluminum, titanium or stainless steel, carbide or scissor cutters, split ring nose, length, weight and sheath.
Fishing Gear
Fishing gear works best as a matched setup: the rod, reel and line should suit your technique, the water you fish and the species you are after. This section covers rods, reels, line, lures and baits, hooks and terminal tackle, tackle storage, fishing tools, fish finders and apparel and protection. Our guides help beginners and experienced anglers compare gear using manufacturer specifications. Fishing licenses, seasons and size limits are set by state and local agencies, so always check the current regulations where you fish. Start with our overview guides: Bass Fishing Gear Guide for Beginners, Beginner Fishing Gear Checklist, Freshwater vs Saltwater Gear: What Changes, Kayak Fishing Gear Checklist and Trout Fishing Gear Guide: Spinning and Fly Setups.
Types of Fish Finders: Sonar, GPS Units and Transducer Mounts
How fish finders differ by sonar type, built-in GPS and mapping features, and the ways a transducer mounts on a boat.
Rod Power and Action Explained
Power is how much a rod resists bending; action is where it bends. Here is how both affect casting, hooksets and fighting fish.
Spinning vs Baitcasting Reels
Spinning reels are easier and handle light lures; baitcasters offer control with heavier line and lures. Here is how to choose.
Mono vs Fluorocarbon vs Braided Line
Each line type has a personality: mono stretches, fluorocarbon sinks and resists abrasion, braid is thin with no stretch. Here is how to choose.
Fishing Hook Sizes and Types Explained
Hook sizing runs in two directions, which confuses many anglers. Here is how sizes work and which hook types suit which baits and fish.
Freshwater vs Saltwater Gear: What Changes
Saltwater is hard on gear and fish are often stronger. Here is what to change in rods, reels, line and tackle, and how to care for it.
Essential Fishing Tools: Pliers, Grips, Cutters and Nets
A few good tools make unhooking, landing and releasing fish quicker and safer. Here is what to carry and how to choose it.
Trout Fishing Gear Guide: Spinning and Fly Setups
Trout fishing calls for light tackle. Here is what you need for spinning and fly setups.
Telescopic and Travel Fishing Rods: Pros and Cons
Packable rods make it easy to fish anywhere. Here is how telescopic and multi-piece travel rods compare.