Get Your Tackle Box Ready: Fishing Season Prep Essentials

Get Your Tackle Box Ready: Fishing Season Prep Essentials

Before you cast your first line of the season, let’s make sure your tackle box is as ready as you are. Whether you’re heading to your favourite lake in Alberta or trying new waters in your hometown, being organized before getting out on the water makes all the difference.
So grab your gear—we’re packing your tackle box with all the must-haves for a smooth and successful fishing trip!

The Essentials Checklist

Here’s what every angler should have before hitting the water:

  • Rod & Reel: Match your setup to your target species—lightweight for trout, medium for walleye.
  • Fishing Line: Replace that old, frayed line! Monofilament is great for beginners, while braided lines hold up to tough fighters.
  • Hooks & Sinkers: A mix of sizes keeps you ready for whatever bites.
  • Floats/Bobbers: Help spot nibbles when fishing near the surface.
  • Pliers & Clippers: Handy for hook removal and line trimming.
  • Tackle Box Organizer: Keeps your gear in check. A tidy box is a happy box.
  • Sunscreen & Bug Spray: Stay protected from more than just the fish.
  • A Lucky Hat: Block the sun in style with our Bite Me Trucker Mesh Cap or Bite Me Ball Cap. Functional, fierce, and fishing-approved.
  • Snacks & Drinks: Jerky, trail mix, maybe even a sandwich—but don’t forget to chill a couple of cold beers. Because nothing says “great day on the water” like a good catch and a better brew or water for the non-beer drinkers. 
  • Fishing Licence: Make sure it’s valid for your province or state—we don’t want to visit you in jail instead of at the dock.
  • Life jacket or PFD (Personal Floatation Device)

Start Strong with Our Ultimate Combos

Not sure where to begin? Lucky Bug has done the work for you! These Ultimate Starter Kits are curated by our staff and packed with proven winners. Perfect for beginners, weekend warriors, or anyone upgrading their gear.

🎯 Ultimate Combos – Top 8 Staff Picks for Trout

Catch more trout with our top-rated trout lures. This kit includes the best of the best to cover all kinds of water and trout moods.

🐟 Ultimate Combos – Staff Picks for Walleye/Pickerel

ailored for walleye (or pickerel, depending where you're fishing), this combo has everything you need to bring in dinner.

🧊 More Ultimate Combos

From pike to panfish to ice fishing, we've got a combo for every target and season.

Before You Go...

  • Check your local fishing regulations - different spots have different rules.
  • Look at the weather forecast - your future self (and your socks) will appreciate it.
  • Let someone know where you’re headed - we love a good adventure, but we don’t want to have to send out a search party.
  • Pack an extra hoodie - it gets chilly out there, especially when you're landing lunkers.

Helpful hints when using our Bingo Bugs:

As you gear up for the upcoming fishing season, here are three key tips to help you make the most of your time on the water with Bingo Bugs. First, try slow trolling or a stop-and-go retrieve to mimic a struggling baitfish—this triggers more strikes from curious trout. Second, match the size and pattern of your Bingo Bug to the local hatch or forage species for better results. Finally, when trolling, fish them with a fly rod and fluorocarbon leader to enhance presentation and reduce visibility in clear water. These small adjustments can make a big difference and help you land more fish this season!

Bingo Bugs are designed to be fished on their own, no bait or gang trolls required. Leaders should be long - we recommend 60”. Tie the leader directly to the clip (snap hook) supplied with the bug, to allow the lure to vibrate and move freely, and attach the leader to the mainline via a small ball chain swivel (ball chain swivels tend to keep the leader from twisting as much as other swivels). Since Bingo Bugs are so lightweight, they do require the use of weights for casting or trolling. Carry multiple sizes and adjust the amount of weight to match the speed and depth you want to fish.

Click here for more Bingo Bug tips

Fishing season is here, and it’s time to make every cast count. With a stocked tackle box, a cold drink, and Lucky Bug lures by your side, you’re all set for an unforgettable day on the water.

Want more tips, recipes, and fishing inspo? Follow us on Instagram or Facebook and check out the rest of our blog!

Tight lines from all of us at Lucky Bug!

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