When it comes to fishing, almost any fisherman will tell you that you’ve got to have good gear to catch the best fish. And while this is not always true, the performance of your gear will definitely make your experience while fishing a better one.

In order to get started you will need to get yourself a quality fishing reel. A fishing reel is a device used for the deployment and retrieval of a fishing line using a spool mounted on an axle. They are most often used in conjunction with a fishing rod, though some specialized reels are mounted on crossbows or to boat gunwales or transoms. The earliest known illustration of a fishing reel is from Chinese paintings and records beginning about 1195 A.D.

Almost any equipment or gear used for fishing can be called fishing tackle. Some examples are hooks, lines, sinkers, floats, rods, reels, baits, lures, spears, nets, gaffs, traps, waders and tackle boxes. Here at Ben Franklin, we sell a huge selection of fishing apparel, gear, supplies, equipment and more. A variety of leads and fishing leaders and rigs are readily available. We carry a wide variety of quality Penn, Shimano and Okuma Reels.

For many anglers, selecting, organizing and using fishing gear is almost as fun and interesting as actually catching fish. We also stock Star, Penn and Ugly Stik rods in many lengths and weight classes. Our staff is made up of knowledgeable fishermen and can help choose the right bait and tackle for the species you wish to target.

From the novice angler to the seasoned pro, we have the equipment and advice for all skill levels. Stop by Ben Franklin for all of your Outer Banks fishing needs! We have an extensive selection of rods and reels (including popular brands like Penn, Shimano, Okuma, Shakespeare, among others), tackle, and a huge selection of fresh, frozen and live baits.