Essential Fishing Equipment & Accessories for Australia

Good tackle organisation saves time on the water and protects your investment in lures and terminal tackle. Hard plastic tackle boxes with adjustable dividers are the traditional choice — they are durable, water-resistant or waterproof (depending on the specific seal and rating) and easy to organise. Look for boxes with secure latches and a tight seal if you fish from a boat or kayak where gear may get wet. Soft tackle bags with multiple compartments are popular for shore-based anglers who need to carry gear over distance — they are lighter and more comfortable to carry than a hard box. Soft plastic lure wallets keep soft plastics organised and protected from UV light, which degrades the material over time. For serious lure anglers, a modular system of small tackle trays that fit into a larger bag or box offers the best combination of organisation and portability. Whatever system you choose, keep your tackle organised by species, technique or lure type so you can find what you need quickly.

A quality landing net is essential for safely landing and releasing fish, particularly when fishing from a kayak, a high bank or a boat with a high freeboard. Key considerations: Net size — match the net size to your target species. A small 40cm diameter net is adequate for bream and whiting; a larger 60–70cm net is needed for barramundi, snapper and other larger species. Net material — rubber-coated mesh is the best choice for catch-and-release fishing, as it is gentler on fish scales and slime coat than traditional knotted nylon mesh. Knotted nylon mesh is more durable and better for fish you intend to keep. Handle length — a longer handle (1.5–2m) is useful for fishing from high banks or a boat with high sides. Telescoping handles offer a good compromise between portability and reach. For kayak fishing, a compact folding net that can be clipped to the kayak is a practical choice.

A good pair of fishing pliers is one of the most useful tools you can carry. They are used for removing hooks from fish (especially important for toothy species like barramundi and mackerel), crimping leaders, cutting braid and wire, and a range of other tasks. Look for pliers with a long-nose design for reaching deep-hooked fish, a built-in line cutter capable of cutting braid cleanly, and a corrosion-resistant construction (stainless steel or aluminium) for saltwater use. Many fishing pliers include a split ring tool for changing hooks on lures — a useful feature for lure anglers. A lanyard or holster keeps your pliers accessible and prevents them going overboard. For anglers who target large, toothy species, a pair of long-handled dehooking pliers or a purpose-built dehooker is a safer option than reaching into the fish's mouth.

Fishing line should be inspected regularly and replaced when damaged, degraded or UV-affected — old line loses strength and increases the risk of losing fish. The three main types of fishing line are monofilament, fluorocarbon and braid (see the Rods & Reels guide for a detailed comparison). For most Australian recreational fishing, a quality braid main line with a monofilament or fluorocarbon leader is the most versatile setup. When choosing line weight, match the breaking strain to your rod's rated line range and your target species — using line that is too heavy for your rod reduces casting distance and sensitivity; using line that is too light increases the risk of break-offs on large fish. Replace your main line at least once a season, or more frequently if you fish regularly or notice any damage, kinking or colour fading. Always check the last metre or two of your leader for abrasion after each session, particularly if you have been fishing around rocks, oysters or timber.

Hook selection is one of the most important and most overlooked aspects of fishing. The main hook types used in Australian fishing are: J-hooks — the traditional hook shape, available in a huge range of sizes and patterns. Circle hooks — designed to hook fish in the corner of the mouth, reducing gut-hooking and improving survival rates for released fish. Circle hooks are now mandatory for some species and fishing methods in certain Australian states — check your local regulations. Treble hooks — three-pointed hooks used on most hard-body lures and some soft plastics. Offset worm hooks — used for rigging soft plastic lures weedless. Hook size is expressed in a numbering system that can be confusing — sizes increase from 1 to larger numbers (e.g. 1, 2, 4, 6) for ordinary numbered hooks — note that with ordinary numbered hooks, larger numbers mean smaller hooks; with aught sizes (1/0, 2/0 etc.), larger numbers mean larger hooks. for smaller hooks, and from 1/0 upward for larger hooks (e.g. 1/0, 2/0, 4/0, 6/0). Always match hook size to the bait or lure you are using and the size of the fish you are targeting. Keep hooks sharp — a sharp hook penetrates more easily and results in fewer missed strikes.

Portable lights are useful for a range of fishing situations — rigging tackle in the dark before dawn, night fishing for species that are more active after dark (bream, flathead, squid), and attracting baitfish and squid with submersible lights — effectiveness can vary. Headlamps are the most practical general-purpose fishing light — they keep your hands free for rigging and handling fish. Look for a headlamp with a red light mode, which preserves your night vision and is less likely to spook fish in shallow water. Submersible LED fishing lights (green or white) attract plankton, which in turn attracts baitfish and squid — they are popular for night fishing from jetties, pontoons and boats. Clip-on rod tip lights are used to detect bites when bait fishing in the dark. For boat fishing, a quality LED torch with a long beam is useful for navigating in the dark and locating markers.

Rod holders keep your rods secure and accessible while fishing and protect them during transport. For boat fishing, flush-mount rod holders installed in the gunwale are the standard choice — they hold rods at a fixed angle and are suitable for trolling and bait fishing. Adjustable rod holders allow you to change the angle and direction of the rod, which is useful for fishing multiple lines at different angles. For kayak fishing, purpose-built kayak rod holders that mount to the kayak's rail or flush-mount system are available from most kayak fishing accessory brands. For shore-based fishing, a sand spike (a pointed tube pushed into the sand or ground) holds your rod while you wait for a bite. Portable rod racks for the back of a ute or 4WD protect rods during transport and keep them organised — a worthwhile investment if you regularly transport multiple rods.