After over 30 years of fishing, you get a pretty good idea of what works for you when it comes to your go-to fishing gear. While some of my choices have changed since I started fishing, others have stayed the same, especially when it comes to brands.
I have had first-hand experience with all of the gear that I recommend on this page and still use it to this day! When I decide to use another brand/product or add something new, I will update this list.
Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means that if you choose to make a purchase, I will earn a small commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you. Please understand that I have experience with all of these products, and I recommend them because they are good quality and make my time on the water that much more enjoyable and productive.
Penn Spinfisher V
The size that I use the most often for my inshore fishing is the 4500. This seems to be the best all-around size for my fishing needs.
This reel can handle anything from slot size reds and snook on the flats, to the big largemouth bass on the lake. I even once somehow manages to get a 65-pound tarpon to the boat with it before.
The thing that I like most about this reel (other than it’s watertight body and silky smooth retrieve), is the way it feels in my hands.
It’s slightly heavier than some other models, and while some find this a disadvantage, I actually think that it makes for a more balanced rod and reel.
For more information, including the current price, click here to see on Amazon.com
Ugly Stik Inshore Select Spinning Fishing Rod
For the price, you get a really good rod that’s comparable in quality to some of the more expensive rods being sold on the market today.
For instance, the Ugly Stik Inshore Select comes with one-piece stainless steel guides. This eliminates that plastic insert that commonly pops out after extended use on lesser quality rods.
While I do some freshwater fishing from time to time, most of my fishing is done on the saltwater flats. This means that my gear needs to be able to stand up to the harsh elements that saltwater brings with it. The Ugly Stik does just that!
For more information, including the current price, click here to see on Amazon.com
MadBite Aluminum Fishing Pliers
They will not only save you from getting bit by toothy fish such as sea trout but can also prevent you from getting poked by those pesky catfish.
I have been using Madbite fishing pliers every since I got a pair for Christmas a few years back and love them still. Up until then I just used a regular pair of needle nose pliers.
After a few trips with my Madbites, I soon realized how much easier they can make things for you while out on the water.
There are certainly more expensive fishing pliers on the market, but why spend more when you can get everything you need with a pair of Madbites?
They are made from aluminum, which will prevent them from corroding. They also include a braid cutter, split ring, and sleeve crimper.
For more information, including the current price, click here to see on Amazon.com
Gulp! Alive! Shrimp Fishing Bait
These things will catch most any type of fish, including snook, reds, flounder, and trout, to bass and even freshwater catfish.
Gulp is made of water-based resins and not plastic like all the other soft plastic baits. As soon as your bait hits the water it’s releasing its special scent.
They are also biodegradable, which is good for the environment, but bad if you don’t keep them moist. If these things sit in the open air for too long, they will begin to shrivel up and no longer be good.
Don’t worry though, unless you leave them out in the open for an extended period of time, you’ll be okay.
For more information, including the current price, click here to see on Amazon.com
Bubba Blade 7 Inch Tapered Fillet Knife
Bubba Blade has a bunch of different sizes and styles of fillet knives that they offer. However, my favorite is their 7-inch tapered knife.
After using lesser quality fillet knives year after year (they never lasted more than a year), I friend of mine introduced me to his Bubba Blade.
Right off the bat, the first thing that caught my eye was its handle! After holding it in my hands, I knew right then and there that I had to have one.
Besides its super comfortable ergonomic handle, it comes with a full tang stainless steel blade with a non-stick coating.
Let me just say that this thing handled the redfish that I had caught that day with no problem.
The next day I bought my first Bubba Blade and haven’t looked back since!
