Fishing Gear & Equipment: Tackle Boxes, Fillet Knives, Nets & More

From your first day on the water to your hundredth, having the right fishing gear and equipment makes every trip better. Fleet Farm stocks the tackle boxes, fillet knives, landing nets, minnow buckets, planer boards, and fishing tools serious Midwest anglers depend on, all from trusted brands at prices that make sense. Whether you're rigging up for walleye, bass, or a weekend on the ice, we've got everything you need, in stock and ready to go.

Fishing Gear & Equipment Buying Guide

You've got the rods and the reels. Now it's time to make sure everything else is dialed in. The right fishing accessories don't just keep you organized, they keep you fishing. Here's what to look for across every category on this page.

Tackle Boxes & Tackle Bags

A good tackle box is the backbone of your fishing kit. The right one keeps your lures, terminal tackle, and rigging supplies sorted, protected, and accessible, even when conditions get rough.

Hard Tackle Boxes are the classic choice for anglers who want maximum protection for hooks, crankbaits, and small accessories. Look for boxes with adjustable dividers, secure latches, and stackable trays for flexible organization. 

Tackle Bags and Backpacks work better for anglers on the move, shoreline walkers, kayak fishermen, and tournament anglers who need quick access on the go.

What to Look For:

• Adjustable, removable dividers for flexible layout changes
• Waterproof or water-resistant base material for wet boat decks
• Secure top latches that stay closed when the box takes a knock
• Enough capacity for your full day's supply of terminal tackle and lures

Fillet Knives & Fish Cleaning

A sharp, properly sized fillet knife makes the difference between a clean fillet and a frustrating mess. Look for stainless steel blades for corrosion resistance, ergonomic handles for a secure grip with wet hands, and blade lengths matched to your target species (6" for panfish and trout, 9–12" for walleye, bass, and larger fish). Fish cleaning kits pair a fillet knife with a sharpener and protective sheath, making them a smart one-stop pick for stocking a new tackle bag.

Fishing Nets & Landing Nets

A good landing net protects both the fish and your hands at the end of a hard fight. Look for options like compact trout nets to large tournament-grade bass nets. Some brands offer a distinctive reach-and-stow design ideal for kayak anglers and bank fishermen.

What to Look For:

• Rubber or rubberized mesh to protect fish slime coats and reduce hook tangles
• Handle length appropriate for your fishing situation (shorter for ice, longer for boat or bank)
• Hoop size matched to your target species — walleye and bass require more hoop than panfish

Minnow Buckets & Bait Aerators

Live bait stays lively when it has oxygen and temperature control. Insulated minnow buckets slow temperature swings on hot summer days, and aeration systems keep baitfish and leeches active and healthy throughout the day. Look for buckets with secure swing lids that seal tightly to prevent spillage in the boat, and aeration systems with battery runtimes long enough to last a full day on the water.

Planer Boards

Planer boards let trollers spread multiple lines to cover more water, a critical technique for Midwest walleye and Great Lakes salmon fishing. We have inline boards and side-planer systems trusted by serious trollers on Lake Erie, Mille Lacs, and Green Bay. Look for boards with consistent release tension, high-visibility colors, and durable construction that holds up to season after season of use.

Downriggers & Downrigger Accessories

When you need to fish a precise depth for suspended walleye, trout, or salmon, a downrigger puts your presentation exactly where the fish are. Choose between manual and electric downriggers based on how much fishing depth you cover and how often you reset. Downrigger weights, release clips, and ball attachments are all available to keep your system dialed in throughout the season.

Fishing Tools

The small stuff matters. Quality fishing tools, hook removers, needle-nose pliers, line cutters, scale and measuring combos, and bait rigs, make you faster and more efficient on the water. Look for corrosion-resistant stainless steel construction, comfortable grips, and multi-function designs that reduce how much gear you're carrying in your vest or tackle bag.

Catfish Accessories

Catfish anglers have specific needs that general fishing gear doesn't always cover. Stink bait tubes, prepared bait holders, heavy-duty floats, and specialized terminal tackle are all part of a catfish angler's standard kit. Fleet Farm carries dedicated catfish accessories to keep you rigged up for flatheads, channel cats, and blues throughout the warm-water season.

Frequently Asked Questions: Fishing Gear & Equipment

What size tackle box do I need?

Start with a medium-sized box or bag with removable dividers so you can reorganize as your tackle collection grows. Most anglers eventually run a combination of a larger home storage system and a compact, grab-and-go bag for the water. Plano's lineup covers both ends of the spectrum well.

What's the best fillet knife for walleye and bass?

A 7.5" to 9" flexible stainless-steel fillet knife handles walleye and bass cleanly and efficiently. Rapala's electric and manual fillet knives are the standard in Midwest fish houses and on cleaning tables across the region for good reason, sharp, durable, and easy to maintain.

What size landing net do I need for bass and walleye?

A net with a 20–24" hoop diameter handles most bass and walleye comfortably. Frabill's mid-size landing nets hit that target range with rubber mesh that protects the fish and reduces hook tangling. If you're also targeting pike or salmon, size up to a 28–30" hoop.

Do I need a bait aerator for a short fishing trip?

For trips under two to three hours in cool conditions, a standard insulated minnow bucket often keeps bait healthy without supplemental aeration. For longer trips, warm weather, or large bait quantities, add a battery-powered aerator to keep your minnows and leeches lively and active all day.