Sinkers - These are used to add weight to the fishing line to help get the bait in the strike zone or to help hold the bait to the bottom where many species are located.
 
Net -The fishing net is used for gathering up live bait or to help pull a large fish onto the boat. It can be placed under the fish to take some of the pressure off the rod, reel and line so the fish can be transferred into the boat without struggling too much.
 
Bait - Of course, to go fishing you need bait. The type of bait will depend on the species you seek out but if you have a good variety of artificial baits on hand, you can be ready for most anything.
 
Accessories - It's always a good idea to add a few accessories to your list of tackle such as a flashlight, utility knife, gloves and anything else you can think of that might be useful.  
 
Now that you have a good idea of all the basic tackle you'll need to get started on your offshore fishing trip, you need a good tackle box to carry it all in. Choose a tackle box that is bigger than what you think you'll need so you can add to it later. This will save you from having to invest in another one in the near future.
 
Tips for Choosing Your Tackle
 
When choosing your tackle the first thing to consider is whether or not it's designed for saltwater fishing. This type of environment will damage freshwater tackle very quickly. They're not designed to hold up to the salt air and water and will have to be replaced often if used for saltwater fishing.
 
Select a variety of tackle so you will be prepared for most any species you may encounter. It's recommended that you invest in good quality gear even if this means buying a few pieces at a time. Good quality gear will last longer, perform better and enhance your fishing adventure.
 
If you're not familiar with the ocean, it's suggested you take someone along that has experience for safety reasons. This is especially true if you plan to venture out deep into the waters of the ocean. You never know exactly what to expect and things can change very quickly.

To get the full "Offshore Fishing Tackle" article you'll need to download it here.