Proper planning can make or break a fishing trip. Whether you are going around the corner or around the world, you need to bring the right gear in order to lure fish out for a nibble. Depending on the type of fishing, you may load your tackle box with different lures and change up your rod and reel accordingly.

First off, you need to know your target fish. Are you fishing for bass or trout? Fly fishing or casting from a boat? These questions are a critical part of deciding what to bring on your outing. Once you have figured out what kind of fish you are angling for, you need to think about what will attract him to the end of your hook. Find out what the fish is eating at this type of year - is there a hatch of mayflies right now? You want to match your lures to what the fish is feeding on right now.

You also need to consider the type of water you are fishing. If the water will be muddy or full of sediment, then consider breaking out some of your most colorful lures. If you are angling in crystal clear waters, then try lures of a more subtle color.

Of course, your reel is also a major player in landing a fish. You need to have a quality reel or you will not be able to cast or reel in properly. Using an old junker just won't do if you want to perfect your fishing skills and land that big catch. When selecting a reel, make sure you pick one with a drag tension that will help you catch those big fish.

It's also important to use the right type of rod. Rods are built differently for different uses - there's rods for deep sea fishing, surf casting, boat casting, and fly fishing. Don't try to use your surf casting rod for fly fishing - it just won't work! Using the right rod is imperative for a successful fishing trip. Quality is important too as the low quality rods break and fall apart easily. You don't want that to happen when you are reeling in the big one!

Right before you leave on your trip, with the car idling in the driveway, is not the time to get out all your fishing gear and look it over. This should be done the day before and leave yourself enough time so you can run out to the store and get anything you need.

Be sure to check over all your lures and make sure you have enough of the types you will be needing. If you are using sinkers, worms or other bait make sure there are enough of those as well.

Get out your reel and use it. Does it have enough line? Make sure the line is not tangled and the reel works smoothly.

Next, check your rod. Does it fit together tightly? Are the eyes rusty - if they are you might consider a new rod as this will impede reeling in the line. Make sure the rod is sturdy with no cracks in it. And just in case, you might consider bringing a backup rod as well as reel.

Once you have the major equipment in good order, it's on to the supporting players. Make sure you pack a net and fillet knife as well as some pliers and something to cut the line if need be. Make sure your fishing vest and waders are clean and ready to use and you have some sort of a hat to protect your face from the sun.

And last, but not least, make sure you buy that fishing license!