When you're gearing up for the start of fishing season, part of the fun is fitting out your fishing tackle box with all the essentials you might need. Even though you probably won’t forget to take hooks, bobbers, leaders, line and sinkers, you could forget some other critical item to you having a successful and enjoyable trip. These are a handful of items that are essential equipment for any angler.

Fishing Tackle Boxes - Pliers with a Needle Nose

These make a terrific addition to your fishing equipment. Pliers will allow you to quickly take the hooks out of your fish. You should select pliers with an integrated cutter; this is useful for cutting off the hook’s end prior to taking it out. They may also be used for crimping split shot as well as leaders on your line.

Knife

Pick a strong knife that can be used for many things. Choose an large, stainless steel blade. A partially serrated blade offers the most flexibility. It must also be durable enough to either clean or prepare the fish. Two good features to have on a fishing knife are a hook disgorger and a scaler.

File

You can use a file to sharpen both your knife and hooks, with some practice. Select a little triangular shaped file with varying levels of coarseness on both sides. You can also choose a whetstone, but using one properly takes some practice.

Toilet Roll

Let’s be frank – if you need to use the bathroom, nothing works nearly as well. You don’t actually have to take a complete roll with you. Roll off a decent amount of paper and place it inside a plastic bag. Don't scrimp on the quantity and consider tucking a few Kleenex or paper towels into your tackle box as well. If you need to construct a fire, these items are terrific kindling.

Fishing Tackle Boxes - Nail Clippers

Clippers normally come with a nail file which is also useful for making hooks sharp. Also, the clipper itself is a good way to cut the line.

Cigarette Lighter

This is a great item in case you need to quickly build a fire. Other uses include fixing damaged plastic worms and to stop a nylon rope from fraying.

Fishing Tackle Boxes - First Aid Box

The best option is to buy a small, pocket sized kit. The kit should include something to cleanse a wound, dress a wound, and/or kill the germs around a wound. An Ace® bandage and gauze pads are excellent to include. Be sure to carry aspirin or another analgesic as well. Finally, remember to take some sunscreen.

Bug Repellent

Nothing can ruin a trip faster than being swarmed by bugs, so be sure to take the appropriate repellent with you.

Easily Portable Snacks

Carry a granola snack or energy drink, for example. These make a nutritious lunch, along with a handful of nuts or raisins.

Now you can sit back, and focus on catching a whopper!