A bobber, which is also known as a float, attaches directly to a fishing line and serves as a visual indicator of what's going on below the water. If it starts to sink below the surface, you know you've got a bite. The bobber can also be used to float a hook into a hard-to-reach spot, and also to ensure you have your bait suspended in the water at the desired depth.

Sinkers are chunks of metal -- usually molded lead -- that weigh down the bait and line to carry it under the water where fish are swimming. Most weigh less than an ounce, though heavier ones are available for serious anglers fishing in deeper water.

Forget worms! Who wants to pierce a wiggling earthworm when you can use a lure instead? These gizmos are a form of artificial bait specifically designed to attract fish based on their color, movement and the way they reflect light.

While live baits can only be used once, artificial alternatives are designed to be used again and again. One of the simplest options is the plastic worm, which is cheap enough for any angler and versatile enough for many different types of fishing. They come in different colors, lengths and designs, with one of the most obvious differences being the presence of a curly "tail" versus the lack of a tail altogether.

Needlenose pliers may seem like an odd tool to bring fishing, but they can come in handy at sea. These narrow-tipped pliers are the perfect device for removing a hook from the mouth of a fish you plan to release.

You can always spot the seasoned fisherman on a boat -- he's the one wearing sun protection. There's a reason bucket hats are so closely associated with fishing; the brim extends all the way around to protect not only the face, but also the neck and ears from the fierce sun exposure common in the sport.

You really can't be too cautious when it comes to sun protection out on the water. Since that happens to be where the fish are, smart anglers carry sunscreen and reapply frequently to protect their skin from damage.

Not all fish can be caught from the comfort of a pier or fishing boat. Some require you to wade into the water and cast a line. To protect yourself and stay dry and warm when fishing in a stream, consider donning waders -- rubber or PVC overalls that go over your clothes.

Sunglasses are just as important as hats and sunscreen when you're out on the water. Choose polarized lenses to reduce glare and minimize eye strain that comes from squinting through bright sun.

Nature isn't always kind to fishing lines, and trash, marine plants and other obstacles can leave your line hopelessly entangled. When this happens, a line cutter makes quick work of cutting away the tangled line so you can get back to fishing. Thanks to the toughness of modern braided lines, a knife or scissors won't always do the trick the way a line cutter will.

A good rod is one of the most important tools for any angler. Ranging from 2 to 20 feet in length, fishing rods are typically made from bamboo or fiberglass. Most recreational and competitive fishing is done using a rod, while commercial fishing operations often use nets where they are permitted by law.

Spinning reels are one of the most popular and versatile fishing reels available. Known as an open-face reel, the design makes it easy to add or change out lines as you work to reel in a big one.

Unlike spinning reels, spin-casting reels have a closed-face design. They are very popular with novice anglers because they are easy to control compared to other reels. The downside to this design is that it can be tricky to add extra line or change out a line when needed.

For maximum accuracy in casting a line, choose a bait-casting reel. This piece of fishing gear is necessary for catching big fish, but does require some practice if you want to use it properly.

Fly-casting reels are designed to create the smoothest drag, or tension on the line. Many are complex and more advanced than other reels, incorporating disc drag systems for maximum control and handling.

Tackle boxes keep all your fishing gear organized and portable. They come in both hard and soft-sided versions, and while hard ones are more traditional and waterproof, soft ones are easy to store and carry.

Many fisherman share a common habit -- adding a few extra pounds to any catch when describing it to their friends. A fish scale lets you prove how much a fish actually weighs, and can also help you determine whether you can keep the fish or must throw it back depending on local regulations.

Pulled in a whopper of a fish last Sunday? Prove it by placing it up against your fish ruler to get a true measurement of its length. You can get small, portable rulers or models that adhere to the side of your boat. And remember to throw back the little guys after you measure.

Dealing with wildlife and sharp hooks is no joke, and the last thing you want to do is suffer an injury out on the water or high up on a mountain at your favorite fishing lake. Come prepared with a first aid kit fully stocked to address common ailments.

OK you've caught a fish, now what? Sure, you could reach over the side of the boat and try to grab the slippery, fighting creature with your hands, but it's not necessarily the safest way to land your catch. Instead, use a net with a handle to avoid leaning too far over the side and reduce your risk of falling in or losing your catch.

Knives are endlessly useful for anglers. They can be used to cut some types of lines, fillet up a fresh catch or cut up bait.

An ice chest or cooler is a must when you're out on a boat, or even if you're fishing from the land. Not only can a cooler preserve your catch until you can get it home and fry it up, but it can also store drinks to keep you healthy and hydrated on your fishing trip.

A bite indicator, or strike indicator, is any device designed to let you know when you have a fish on your line. They can range from mechanical to electrical, and include things like simple floats, quiver tips for rods or even bite alarms that emit a noise when a fish is hooked.

Go truly old-school in your next angling adventure with some spear fishing. Spears are similar to harpoons, but are designed to be used while you're actually in the water, and most spears don't utilize any lines, while harpoons often do.

A stringer is designed to keep multiple fish alive, but contained, after they've been caught. It generally consists of a heavy line or chain that can be threaded through the gills so the fish can be suspended in the water, but can't swim away.

Fish finders or sounders use sonar to spot fish below the surface of the water. Though they are largely accurate, things like deep water, debris or other underwater obstacles can lead anglers on a wild fish chase.

Sure, you can cast a line from the shore or the end of a pier, but if you want to catch a whopper, you need to get out into deeper water. Fishing boats generally have the controls under a canopy in the middle of the vessel, leaving plenty of room around the edges for eager anglers.

Jig is another name for the lures used to attract fish. Many consist of sinker and hook combos, and are typically covered with a soft "body" to appeal to a variety of fish species.

A spinner bait is a very common lure which consists of metal blades that spin like a propeller in the water. They can be used to attract a variety of fish, but usually offer major appeal to predatory fish species.

Bass worms generally range from 2 to 4 inches in length. These plastic worms are scented with a fragrance that bass love, and come in different colors and sizes for use in different types of conditions.

Think of a boilie as a ball of bait. They generally consist of a hardened paste made from fish, milk eggs and a variety of other ingredients, and are a popular choice of bait for catching carp.

A circle hook has a rounder shape than the traditional "J" hook. This means it's more likely to catch the fish around the lip than to end up in the creature's gut, making circle hooks a safer choice for catch-and-release fishing.

A hair rig is a piece of tackle that offsets the bait from the hook. This type of gear can hook fish too smart to fall for a traditional baited hook, and can often catch them unaware as they go for a piece of seemingly safe bait.

When you're out on the water, it's almost inevitable that some water will make its way onto your boat. You can cross your fingers and hope your bilge pump does its job, or invest in a cheap bailer -- or bailing bucket -- to get that water back into the sea and out of your vessel.

A plug is any hard-bodied lure painted to resemble a fish. Also known as crankbait, these lures typically have at least two hooks, and come in many different designs to attract a variety of species.

Spoon lures get their name because they are metallic and concave like a dinner spoon. They have a hook on the end to lure a catch, and their concave surface reflects light to capture the eye of a fish.

A popper is a type of fishing lure with a concave head and hollow body. When dragged through the water on the end of a line, it creates bubbles and splashes that help attract fish.

Minnow are a popular food source for many fish, so it's no surprise that bait manufacturers have created an entire category of lures designed to resemble the thin, silvery fish. Their narrow shape means they are easy to swallow, which makes it easier to firmly hook a fish so you can reel it in.

Along with a rod and reel, a good line is one of the most important pieces of fishing gear. Threaded through the rod and controlled by a reel, a line complete with a hook and bait is sure to help you land a fish.

Barbed hooks feature the traditional "J" shape, but have a sharp triangular shape at the pointed end of the hook. This barb helps hold a fish in place and prevent it from getting away, but does require a bit of extra care to avoid cutting your fingers.

Fishing is rife with threats to your hands -- from sharp hooks and knives to strong fishing line that can rub, cut or pinch fingers. Gloves cam protect your hands from these hazards and others lurking deep below the surface of the water.

Fishing provides an opportunity to get back to nature -- which often means bonding with every annoying insect in the area. A good quality insect spray can keep flies and mosquitoes away and let you focus on fishing.

Rod holders include both wearable versions, which keep your hands free while you fish, and non-wearable varieties -- which include storage, rack and trolling systems.

Barbless hooks have a traditional "J" shape, but lack the triangle of metal at the pointed end of the hook. This means they do less damage to the fish, making them perfect for catch-and-release outings.

Fish traps offer a hands-off approach to fishing. You simply set the trap and go back later to see if you've scored a catch. They range from primitive models made from sticks or chicken wire to more advanced designs like lobster traps and crab pots.

Like a spear, a harpoon is a long, pointed stick used to catch fish. Unlike a spear, it's typically used from a boat, and incorporates a line at the end to offer anglers from play when pulling in the fish.

Swivels are simple pieces of fishing hardware that connect a hook to a line. They feature a pivoting joint, which helps prevent the line from twisting or tangling.

Worms are the ultimate in old-fashioned bait, and are still widely used by today's anglers. They're free, if you're willing to catch your own, and the way they wiggle in the water is sure to help you land a catch.