You're going to need something to put on the end of your line to attract the fish. The materials you need to do this are called tackle.

A couple of light sinkers. These help you cast the line farther from shore; normally they're used with live bait.

Some hooks (different sizes).

Split shot-made of lead (like weights), but lighter.

Lures (two or three, including the daredevil).

Small bobber. Used with bait, it floats on the water and is pulled down when a fish takes the bait to tell you that you need to reel the fish in.

Extra line.

Knife or nail clipper for cutting line.

Filet knife.

Snap swivels. Once attached to line, these let you switch tackle without retying your line.

Stringer to put your catch on.

Tip

We've found that the best place to keep your tackle (except the bobber and knife) is in one or two small 35mm film containers or a small Tupperware container with a tight-fitting lid. Forget about the larger tackle boxes. You don't need them-they take up a lot of space and are just extra weight.

The type of tackle you choose will depend mostly on the type of fish in the area you've chosen for your excursion. Don't be embarrassed to ask locals what's biting; try to use the bait and lures they're using.

Besides the basic setup just described (and as an alternative to skewering a live worm on a hook), there are many, varied types of tackle available. The selection at the fishing store may seem overwhelming: You will probably find fluorescent squiggly, wiggly things packed in baggies, hooks of many sizes and descriptions, and a multitude of metal varieties covered with all sorts of enamel paint jobs. The dizzying array of artificial lures available can be confusing, but focusing on a few basic types and their variations will enhance your angling experience. Every angler eventually ends up with a few favorites.

Tip

There is no need to get squeamish about putting a worm on a hook. Done right, it's fast and simple. Take the worm in your fingers. Starting with one end, slide the worm over the full length of the hook, past the jagged part known as the barb. Drape a little of the leftover worm over the end of the hook. When placed this way, the worm will not fall off the hook when you cast into the water.

Of course, you can simply use worms, but the advantage of artificial lures, especially in the backcountry, is that you don't have to worry about how to get worms or, more importantly, having to carry yet another container with all your gear. If you do go this route-that is, by obtaining worms at a bait shop close to the trailhead-you'll have to babysit them throughout your journey. Worms are heat sensitive, and the container you carry them in will need to be perforated to allow air to circulate in the container. Dead worms don't work as bait and they stink like, well, you fill in the blank. Digging for worms in the woods is usually an exercise in futility. And you'll have to truck along a shovel or use a garden spade to try and pull it off.