Learn the Lingo
Rod
You use this long stick to catch fish. Usually made of fiberglass, graphite or composite materials and are made for different types of fishing. Most rods can hold a reel and have rings (or guides) for threading fishing line.
Closed-Faced Reel
The reel is the part of a fishing rod that holds and spools the fishing line. Closed-faced reels are also called spincast reels. The spool of fishing line is inside the housing, and a button releases the line to cast. When fishing with a closed-faced reel, you hold the rod with the reel and lines up toward the sky.
Open-Faced Reel
Open-faced reels are also called spinning reels. With an open-faced reel there is no housing and you can see the spool of line. You flip a metal loop, called the bail, to release the line when casting. You hold the rod with the reel down when fishing.
Line
It’s the clear “string” used for fishing. Nylon monofilament line is the most popular. Other lines are made of different materials, and FLY LINE is made of a colorful plastic coating on a core, and often tapered (changing diameter) for fly fishing.
Bait
The live or artificial item you put on a hook to catch a fish. You can hook worms, insects, cut bait (fish), chicken livers, corn kernels, or dough balls just to name a few. You can also use artificial bait bought from any sporting good store. The shinier the better!
Lure
This is bait when it is artificial which is included with hooks. They come as flies, hard plastic or wood lures, soft plastic imitations, lead-head lures (jigs), bladed lures, spinners, spinnerbaits and many others.
Hook
What the fish bite when they are attracted by your bait or lure. Hooks are usually "J" shaped with an opening or "eye" at one end to tie the line and have a point at the other end to catch the fish. Other hooks have more points and different shapes.
Sinker
A weight used to drop the fishing line lower into the water to catch bottom-feeding fish.
Float/Bobber
Usually plastic or styrofoam object attached to your fishing line to let you know when you have hooked a fish. The fish is hooked when the float “bobs” in the water.
Tackle Box
A box or bag with special compartments and features to hold fishing gear.
