Hooks, Rigs & Terminal Tackle

What terminal tackle do you need for sea fishing?

Terminal tackle takes more punishment at sea than in fresh water. Salt attacks weak metal, while big fish, heavy weights and strong currents test every connection. That is why corrosion resistance and adequate strength are the key things to look for in hooks, swivels and snaps.

The hook range includes circle and J hooks for bait fishing, assist and inline single hooks for jigs and pilks, and treble hooks for hardbaits and topwater lures. A circle hook usually sets in the corner of the fish's mouth without a hard strike, which also makes releasing the fish easier.

Swivels and connections hold the whole set-up together. Heavy duty and ball bearing swivels prevent line twist when trolling and pilking, while snaps, clips and split rings make changing a lure or hook quick and simple.

In weights you will find bottom and surfcasting sinkers for fishing from the shore and from a boat, as well as jigging weights for taking a bait or lure deep. Ready-made sea rigs, such as bottom fishing and cod rigs and sabiki and mackerel rigs, are ready to fish straight from the packet. If you prefer to tie your own, the rigging components section has crimps, beads and glow and attractor parts that add visibility in low light and deep water.

Keep your terminal tackle sorted in a tackle box and rinse it in fresh water after each trip. Replace any rusty hook or swivel straight away, because at sea the weakest link tends to fail just when a big fish is on the line.