Armory

Ugly Stik rod, 5 to 7 ft

StarterPrice range: payday · $30–100

Think of an Ugly Stik like the AK-47 of fishing rods: cheap, reliable, and damn near indestructible. You could probably run it over with your truck and it’d still cast.

G. Loomis rod

LuxuryPrice range: earned it · $100+

If you’re aura farming, Gloomis rods are precision weapons. Light, sensitive, but with enough backbone to haul in big boys from the depths. Ideal if you wanna treat yourself and feel every twitch or tap without sacrificing durability.

St. Croix Avid Trek travel rod, 7 ft 6 in

LuxuryPrice range: earned it · $100+

Light, sensitive, but with enough backbone to haul in big boys from the depths. Ideal if you wanna treat yourself and feel every twitch or tap without sacrificing durability.

Quantum Cabo PT 50 reel

LuxuryPrice range: earned it · $100+

Quantum reel

LuxuryPrice range: earned it · $100+

Quantum reels bring premium drag systems and silky smooth retrieves. Think of it like equipping a legendary drop in your loadout.

Quantum Smoke Inshore 50 reel

LuxuryPrice range: earned it · $100+

Quantum reels bring premium drag systems and silky smooth retrieves. Think of it like equipping a legendary drop in your loadout.

Shimano Sedona reel, size 2500 to 3000

StarterPrice range: payday · $30–100

Reliable, smooth, and doesn’t cost half your rent. Shimano Sedona reels are like a trusty quest reward: nothing flashy, but built to handle wear and tear without jamming up while on the grind.

Quantum Cabo CB4000 reel

LuxuryPrice range: earned it · $100+

PowerPro braid, 15 to 20 lb

StarterPrice range: payday · $30–100

Great for strength and sensitivity. You’ll feel every bump and snag, plus it’s tough enough to fish thick weeds (not the type you smoke) or wrestle fish out of heavy cover.

Seaguar Blue Label fluorocarbon bite leader, 50 lb

StarterPrice range: lunch money · $10–30

Seaguar Blue Label fluorocarbon leader, 15 lb

StarterPrice range: lunch money · $10–30

Seaguar Blue Label fluorocarbon leader, 6 lb

StarterPrice range: lunch money · $10–30

Seaguar InvizX 8 lb fluorocarbon

StarterPrice range: lunch money · $10–30

Killer for clear water and wary fish. Nearly invisible underwater and super abrasion-⁠resistant.

SpiderWire Stealth braid, 50 lb

StarterPrice range: payday · $30–100

Trilene 8 lb monofilament

StarterPrice range: pocket change · under $10

Classic, affordable, and still versatile. Perfect if you’re finessing smaller setups in fresh water. Replace seasonally if you’re fishing hard to combat the line memory.

Trilene Big Game monofilament, 20 lb

StarterPrice range: pocket change · under $10

Trilene XL monofilament, 4 lb

StarterPrice range: pocket change · under $10

Eagle Claw hooks: sizes 1 to 3, plus 4/0 to 5/0 offset

StarterPrice range: pocket change · under $10

Eagle Claw or Gamakatsu is generally my hook of choice.

Gamakatsu hooks: sizes 1 to 3, plus 4/0 to 5/0 offset

StarterPrice range: lunch money · $10–30

Don’t overcomplicate it. Keep 6-8 hooks total. Bent or rusted? Chuck it. Fish don’t bite when your gear’s cursed.

Barrel swivel assortment, #10 to #1

StarterPrice range: lunch money · $10–30

Bobbers: classic red-and-white snap-ons or small foam slips

StarterPrice range: lunch money · $10–30

Only if you’re fishing bait – like chicken. Keep it simple. Wrap ’em twice when tying in the bobber or that boy is a liability.

Circle hook assortment, #1 to 8/0

StarterPrice range: pocket change · under $10

Snap swivels (optional)

StarterPrice range: pocket change · under $10

You might not need them yet but you’ll figure it out as you go.

Weights: assorted split shot, a few egg or bullet sinkers

StarterPrice range: pocket change · under $10

Want your line to stay in place against current? Go a little heavier. Want finesse for spooky trout? Go light. It’s tactical.

Wire bite leaders with snap swivels

StarterPrice range: pocket change · under $10

Acme Kastmaster spoon

StarterPrice range: pocket change · under $10

I use Kastmasters.

Shallow-diving crankbait, blue/gray, 3 ft max

StarterPrice range: lunch money · $10–30

Works in damn near every freshwater spot. I’m telling you, don’t make it complicated; just go for what’s time tested.

Shallow-diving crankbait, chartreuse, 3 ft max

StarterPrice range: lunch money · $10–30

I use 3 ft divers, blue and chartreuse.

Skirted bass jig

StarterPrice range: pocket change · under $10

I use jigs.

Topwater spoon, like the Johnson Silver Minnow

StarterPrice range: lunch money · $10–30

I use topwater spoons.

Zoom Super Fluke

StarterPrice range: pocket change · under $10

I use the Zoom Flukes on the EWG offset shanks.

Basic jig heads

StarterPrice range: lunch money · $10–30

The rest of the box starts here.

Floating Rapala minnow, silver

StarterPrice range: pocket change · under $10

If you wanna mimic baitfish perfectly, this is the go-to. Prime choice for “I can only buy one lure”.

Krocodile spoon

StarterPrice range: lunch money · $10–30

Flashy, deadly, easy to cast. Great for trolling or covering lots of water.

Lipless crankbait

StarterPrice range: pocket change · under $10

Perfect for triggering reaction strikes and luring hogs from the depths.

Rooster Tail spinner, size 3 (1/4 oz)

StarterPrice range: lunch money · $10–30

The spinner that keeps working.

Squarebill crankbait

StarterPrice range: pocket change · under $10

Fast retrieves, erratic action – get the fish all hot and bothered.

Yamamoto Senko 4”, green pumpkin

StarterPrice range: pocket change · under $10

Stick to classic colors like baby bass, green pumpkin, watermelon.

Yamamoto Senko 4”, watermelon

StarterPrice range: pocket change · under $10

Stick to classic colors like baby bass, green pumpkin, watermelon.

Yamamoto Senko 5”, baby bass

StarterPrice range: pocket change · under $10

Stick to classic colors like baby bass, green pumpkin, watermelon.

Yamamoto Senko 5”, green pumpkin

StarterPrice range: pocket change · under $10

You can save a bunch buying wholesale packs. eBay lots, etc. Because real talk? The fish don’t care anything about pricing.

Yamamoto Senko 5”, watermelon

StarterPrice range: pocket change · under $10

Stick to classic colors like baby bass, green pumpkin, watermelon.

Chicken chunks or diced hot dogs

StarterPrice range: grocery run

Cheap, durable, and weirdly reliable for catfish and bass. Add garlic for extra rizz.

Bread balls

StarterPrice range: free

Literally pantry loot. Roll ’em tight, toss ’em in. Free if you’ve got stale bread lying around.

Nightcrawlers and worms

StarterPrice range: grocery run

The OG bait. Universally effective. Fish can’t resist. Big green worms go crazy if you can find them.

Clippers on a retractable cord

Level upPrice range: lunch money · $10–30

Earn your upgrades.

Titanium long-nose pliers

Level upPrice range: lunch money · $10–30

Non-negotiable. That’s your hook removal tool and fish-⁠saver.

Landing net (optional)

StarterPrice range: lunch money · $10–30

Helps land fish but usually not mission-⁠critical.

Line clippers

StarterPrice range: pocket change · under $10

Long-nose pliers

StarterPrice range: lunch money · $10–30

Non-negotiable. That’s your hook removal tool and fish-⁠saver.

Rag or microfiber towel, clipped to your belt

StarterPrice range: free

Keep a cheap microfiber towel clipped to your belt. Trust me, when your hands are slimed up mid-session, you’ll thank yourself for having it.

Piscifun lightweight sling tackle bag

StarterPrice range: lunch money · $10–30

KastKing BlowBak sling tackle bag

Level upPrice range: lunch money · $10–30

Secretlab Titan gaming chair

LuxuryPrice range: earned it · $100+

It changed everything: posture, play, even my session length. Before that? I was dragging the couch forward every night like a caveman trying to get closer to fire. Don’t live like that. Protect your spine.

HyperX Cloud II headset

Level upPrice range: payday · $30–100

Don’t need to charge if you’re plugged in, max immersion.

Noise dampeners

Level upPrice range: payday · $30–100

But if you can swing a dedicated space, blackout curtains, noise dampeners, and a mini-fridge will take it to the next tier.

GameSir G7 SE controller

StarterPrice range: payday · $30–100

Clean clicks, great grip, drift free sticks.

HDMI 2.1 cable, Ultra High Speed, 10 ft

StarterPrice range: lunch money · $10–30

I run my gaming laptop through HDMI 2.1 to a 65-inch TV.

65-inch Sony Bravia over HDMI 2.1

LuxuryPrice range: earned it · $100+

Give me scale. Give me immersion. I want Liberty City on a canvas. I want to feel like I’m standing in the rain outside Cluckin’ Bell at 3AM. I’ll take quality over performance.

Xbox Series X

Level upPrice range: earned it · $100+

For relaxed chaos with the homies.

Gaming laptop

LuxuryPrice range: earned it · $100+

For deep tactical sessions.

Lights low or off

StarterPrice range: free

Has to be low or off entirely. The game screen should glow like a sacred relic.

TV backlight strip, 55 to 65 inch

StarterPrice range: lunch money · $10–30

The game screen should glow like a sacred relic.

TV backlight with camera sync, 55 to 65 inch

StarterPrice range: payday · $30–100

The game screen should glow like a sacred relic.

Blackout curtains

Level upPrice range: lunch money · $10–30

But if you can swing a dedicated space, blackout curtains, noise dampeners, and a mini-fridge will take it to the next tier.

Frankincense incense

StarterPrice range: pocket change · under $10

You can pick your scent based on the title. Oblivion gets something woody and earthy like frankincense.

Incense variety pack: lavender, frankincense, myrrh and more

StarterPrice range: pocket change · under $10

You can pick your scent based on the title. Oblivion gets something woody and earthy like frankincense.

A trusty bowl

StarterPrice range: lunch money · $10–30

Everything I need is within reach. Flower. Lighter. Gear.

Damp rag for the snacks

StarterPrice range: free

Don’t play with grimy buttons.

Side table with outlets and USB charging

StarterPrice range: lunch money · $10–30

Stack your snacks on a side table. Everything accessible with one hand. No scrambling mid-⁠session.

Mini fridge, 1.6 cu ft

Level upPrice range: earned it · $100+

If you’ve got a mini fridge by your setup? You’re living in 3025.

Foot massager

Level upPrice range: payday · $30–100

Then scroll Reddit, fire up lo-fi beats, kick on the foot massager, and shut it down with peace.

10-inch tent stakes

StarterPrice range: lunch money · $10–30

Because you don’t want to blow away. Rain loves to bring wind with it.

Coleman Sundome 3-person tent with rainflap

StarterPrice range: payday · $30–100

Trust me, the extra room is worth it, especially when all your gear has to come inside.

Large tarp

StarterPrice range: lunch money · $10–30

Your roof over the kitchen, or your dry zone while you pitch.

Paracord or rope

StarterPrice range: pocket change · under $10

To rig that tarp tight.

Rubber mallet for the tent stakes

StarterPrice range: pocket change · under $10

Sleeping bag

StarterPrice range: payday · $30–100

Sleeping bag and dry clothes go in first, still in their bags.

Sleeping bag rated to 10°F

StarterPrice range: earned it · $100+

Tent footprint (fold the edges under)

StarterPrice range: lunch money · $10–30

Goes under the tent floor. Your big tarp is busy being the roof.

Cast iron pan

StarterPrice range: lunch money · $10–30

Hot food after a wet setup is a full heal.

Spatula for the cast iron

StarterPrice range: lunch money · $10–30

Cast iron, spatula, food and lighters all live under the tarp now.

Flashlight

StarterPrice range: pocket change · under $10

A storm turns dusk into midnight fast.

Black Diamond Spot 400 headlamp

StarterPrice range: payday · $30–100

Bic lighters, carry two

StarterPrice range: lunch money · $10–30

Keep them in a zip bag. Wet lighters are a debuff.

Light My Fire FireSteel Scout fire starter

StarterPrice range: lunch money · $10–30

Morakniv Companion fixed blade knife

StarterPrice range: lunch money · $10–30

Mine’s a Morakniv Companion.

Morakniv Garberg fixed blade knife

StarterPrice range: payday · $30–100

Duct tape

StarterPrice range: pocket change · under $10

Rips, leaks, a cracked pole. Field repair for everything.

Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight .5 first aid kit

StarterPrice range: payday · $30–100

First aid kit, 160 pieces

StarterPrice range: lunch money · $10–30

Microfiber towel

StarterPrice range: lunch money · $10–30

Wipe down the tent floor before anything else goes in.

Trash bags or dry bags

StarterPrice range: lunch money · $10–30

One for the sleeping bag, one for dry clothes.

First Aid Only 5216 weatherproof first aid kit

Level upPrice range: payday · $30–100

Kirkland trail mix

StarterPrice range: grocery run

Only if the M&M ratio is lit. Too many M&Ms and it’s just candy. Not enough and I feel like I’m snacking out of a squirrel feeder.

Popcorn

StarterPrice range: grocery run

Charcuterie board

LuxuryPrice range: payday · $30–100

Only when I feel like balling out.

Greek yogurt with honey

StarterPrice range: grocery run

Life cereal with unsweetened vanilla almond milk

StarterPrice range: grocery run

I know it sounds like grandpa food but hear me out. It’s crunchy, just sweet enough, and doesn’t make you feel like garbage. You can casually munch through a bowl and still feel sharp.

Mandarin oranges

StarterPrice range: grocery run

Absolute S-tier. Easy to smash, juicy, no mess. They’re like health potions you can peel.

Coffee

StarterPrice range: grocery run

Energy Boost: Coffee if we lock in early.

Homemade electrolyte drink

StarterPrice range: grocery run

I custom built a homemade ELMT loadout.

Water. Plain, fresh, clear.

StarterPrice range: free

Refill your water before the queue pops. Don’t be the guy who’s sprinting for the sink while the countdown hits 5.

Ham sandwich with solid bread

StarterPrice range: grocery run

It’s got to be filling, clean, and reliable. Something you can smash without crashing.

Triple-stacked peanut butter and jelly

StarterPrice range: grocery run

Yes, the fabled triple-⁠decker.

Tuna mac

StarterPrice range: grocery run

It’s what you think it is: Kraft & tuna. It shouldn’t work. But it does.

Burrata toast

StarterPrice range: grocery run

Think burrata toast or a warm apple crisp post-fall harvest—snacks that hit the soul, not the score screen.

Homemade apple turnovers

StarterPrice range: grocery run

Save the baked snooze foods for after the scoreboard.

Polarized sunglasses, brown lens

StarterPrice range: lunch money · $10–30

Underrated. Cuts water glare and gives you superpowers.