Fishing is a lot of fun and can be a great way to relax and enjoy yourself and the company of others. However, it takes a lot of preparation and gear to make one of these trips a success. Here’s a deeper look at the necessary things you should take on every fishing trip.
Fishing Rod With Reel
The most important thing you should bring with you on a fishing trip is the rod you need to catch the fish! Without a good fishing rod and reel, you can’t expect to catch much during your time on the water.
Your Fishing Lines
Along that same line of thought, it’s important that you bring along fishing lines to pair with your rod. You should bring more than one as the line can break, and you don’t want that incident to end your trip early. Additionally, you can bring several types of lines to catch different types of fish.
Fishing Tackle Box
A tackle box is a necessity when you need to repair and replace any lines or handle sudden issues with your fishing rod. You can’t skip out on bringing this if you plan to fish for an extended length of time.
Fishing Net
One of the more difficult parts of hooking a fish is pulling it those last few inches out of the water. That’s why a fishing net can vastly improve your fishing experience. These nets can help you bring in fish that you already have on the line and complete your catch with ease.
Long Pliers
Getting a hook out of the fish once you have it out of the water is difficult and can even be dangerous. That’s why bringing along a set of long nose pliers can really help, as you can remove the hook from a fish without risking an injury.
Fish Harvesting Tools
You should bring harvesting tools and gear when you plan on bringing back the fish you catch. Cleaning them on site will save you time and effort in the long run. Additionally, you’ll need things like an ice box to keep your catch fresh during the journey back home.
Fishing License
Before you go fishing, you should always ensure that you fish within legal boundaries, which likely requires a local fishing license. Many areas require fishing licenses, especially if you intend to remove the fish, so ensure you have one before your trip that covers the right date.
Different Lures
Whether you use live bait or fly-fishing techniques, you need different lures to best match the fishing conditions and target fish. This can take a lot of knowledge and commitment, but doing it well will greatly increase your chances of catching the fish you want.
Fishing Clothes
You can’t bring the same clothes you wear every day, as they won’t stand up to the rough conditions of fishing. Plus, you’ll need a lot of special gear to comfortably fish at your own pace. Here’s a list of the clothes you should look to bring on your trip.
Bring Layers
The weather is always unpredictable when it comes to fishing, which is why bringing clothes you can layer on or take off as needed is smart for an outdoor fishing adventure. This is truer for long trips, as the weather and temperature will change as the day passes.
Waterproof Boots
Fishing means you’ll be by a lot of water and likely get your feet wet. Wet feet are uncomfortable and dangerous if unattended, so waterproof boots can really be a lifesaver. Keep your feet dry to ensure the trip goes smoothly.
Wading Outfit
Some people love fishing by wading into the water, which can be effective. However, it’s best if you can stay dry when doing this. A wading outfit helps you stay dry when fishing in the water, allowing you to stay in place longer and allow fish to acclimate to your presence.
Change of Clothes
Even if you’re careful when fishing, things can go wrong, leaving you dirty and wet. Rather than suffer through it as you fish and drive back home, a change of clothes can be the perfect way to recover. It’s wise to always pack more clothes to change into.
Other Gear
There are still plenty more items that will make your trip a success. If you’re having trouble fitting your gear into your truck, you can always use space organizer modifications, such as vehicle slide-out trays. Once you make more room in your vehicle, consider bringing these crucial items along with you.
Sun Protection
The sun is a huge problem for many anglers as it constantly beats down on people as they fish. One way to help alleviate these issues is with sun protection, such as a cream or sunscreen that defends you from UV rays.
Local Map
Going out to a natural space is necessary for fishing, but it can be easy to lose your way. Bringing a physical map of the area can help keep you on track, especially if you can’t get service for your GPS. You can also investigate the area before arriving to find ideal fishing spots or public decks.
First Aid Kit
No one can predict what’ll happen when it comes to a trip, and being ready for anything can save your life. A first aid kit can help you treat many injuries until you can reach a medical professional. Even if you’re a seasoned fishing veteran, it’s always smart to bring medical care along.
Insect Repellent
Bugs love to be near water, especially mosquitoes, which is why bug repellent is a necessary item for a good fishing trip. Using a high-quality repellent can prevent numerous bug bites that can distract you from the task at hand.
Food for Your Trip
Fishing can exhaust a person, which is why packing food is crucial to enjoying those long fishing trips. From good snacks to good traveling meals, you can really have a fun time and partake in the food you like with friends.
These are the major things every fishing trip may need to have a successful trip. Keep in mind that you’ll still need to rely on your own skill and knowledge to put these things to good use! However, these essentials will help you reach your goals and make the most of your time on the water.
