#fishing essentials

 Are you getting ready to head off on a weekend angling adventure in your self-proclaimed best aluminium boat in your area? Before you go ahead on your trip, have you prepared all the things you’ll need in your trip? Aside from the most essentials, such as a fishing rod, line, baits, lures, reel, and tackle box, did you also pack other important items for your trip?

Aside from ensuring you pack the tools and gear, you will use to catch fish; you also need to bring along items that can make you comfortable and safe for the entire trip.  Making a list and preparing your to-bring items can ensure that you brought everything you need on your trip.

But if you find yourself clueless about what particular items to bring, this article will guide you on what to bring so you can use this as your guide.

Fishing license: Local authorities in some areas require anyone who’s planning to go on fishing a licence, especially if the location is a protected area. Make sure you’ve acquired this in advance and keep this in a waterproof bag to keep it from getting wet and damaged.  

Slip your fishing license into a small waterproof dry bag for easy access and store it inside your backpack or tackle box while fishing. If you don't already have a fishing license for the state where you plan to fish, just purchase your license online now.

GPS: If your fishing trip destination is located in a remote area or an unfamiliar place, it's a good idea to have a GPS so that you can find your way back to your fishing lodge or campsite or back to the highway if you don’t plan to stay overnight.

First aid kit: Pack a portable first aid kit that includes items such as antibiotic ointment, bandages, tweezers, antiseptic wipes, aspirin, gauze pads, cloth tape, non-latex gloves, and a blanket. These items are important to have in handy in case of emergencies.

Polarized sunglasses: These sunglasses protect your eyes from the harsh light from the sun and also eliminate the glare from the water’s surface so it’s easier for you to spot any fish.

Sunscreen: Your sunscreen or sunblock must have a UVA/UVB broad-spectrum to protect your exposed skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun. Make sure it is also waterproof so it won’t slide off your screen if you get wet or you perspire.

Bug spray: Have a bug spray bottle with you to keep pests such as mosquitoes, flies, gnats, and ticks from bothering you during your activity. This is most important if you’re fishing in a freshwater body such as a rivers or lake.

Seasickness pills: If you plan to take your fishing boat to offshore, it’s best to bring along a packet of seasickness pills. The ocean waves and the weather can be unpredictable at times and the last thing you want to happen is you get nauseated and feel miserable for the rest of your trip.

Appropriate fishing apparel: Don’t forget to pack the following clothes for your trip: Pants will provide your legs and thighs with protection against elements and pests. Make sure to wear and bring pants that are made of lightweight and breathable materials. A wide brimmed-hat can keep your face concealed from the sun. Rain gear is useful when the weather suddenly gets wet and gloomy. Layers of clothes to keep you warm since temperatures during early mornings and at nighttime can get chilly. Non-skid and non-marking boat shoes help you keep standing and walking upright and prevent you from slipping and sliding down your boat. Don’t forget to bring along a scarf to warm your neck and gloves to keep your hands from freezing.

Camera: You want your accomplishments, like catching a big game fish or bountiful schools of fish, to be recorded so don’t forget to bring a camera. Make sure it’s waterproof or at least place it in a waterproof bag. If you don’t have a camera, use your smartphone instead.

Personal flotation devices (PFDs): Never forget to always bring along your life jacket or personal flotation devices (PFDs). Make sure you have enough for the number of passengers that will be accompanying you on this trip.

Pocket knife: It’s best to bring along a Swiss Army knife that can do a lot of things such as cutting lines, sharpening hooks, and gutting fish.  This knife also includes a corkscrew, screwdriver, ruler, tweezers, bottle opener, metal file, and scissors to name a few. This knife is so useful in a lot of ways and even saves you from being too many tools.

Water and food: Make sure to stay hydrated by drinking water regularly and keep your body fueled with energy with food. Fishing can make you hungry and parched easily.

Cooler: A cooler will keep your drinks cold, and your lunch safe and will even come in handy when you are wanting to bring your fish home. Make sure to get the ones that are properly insulated.

Towels: To wipe down dirt, grease, stains, and other messes in your boat.

Have you ever been fishing before? Fishing is a fun and unique activity that people of all ages love. Sure, it can be challenging and even down-right frustrating at times when you’re waiting on your next big catch, but fishing also has a very relaxing atmosphere attached to it. It can be very peaceful sitting out in a boat in the water listening to the sounds of nature. One thing that you must do to help ensure for a more peaceful and relaxing fishing trip though is to be prepared well in advance. Make sure you have everything you need. Preparing for a fishing trip can be a long and sometimes overwhelming process. There are many items you need to remember to bring. Here are 4 of the most essential items you need for your next fishing trip (and are probably forgetting).

1. Fishing License – It would be great if you could just show up wherever there’s a body of water, whip out your fishing rod, and start fishing. However, things are never quite that easy. You will need to get a fishing license if you want to fish. This is due to wildlife preservation rules and regulations. Fishing licenses can help protect the fish population because the money used from fishing licenses goes directly to the park or area you are fishing. This allows them the resources they need to protect the fish and the environment. You can obtain your fishing license at various outdoor hunting/fishing shops.

2. First Aid Kit – It’s always better to be safe than sorry. A first aid kit is essential to have with you on any fishing trip. It should contain plenty of bandages in a variety of sizes, gauze, alcohol swabs, an ace bandage, Neosporin, and other basic medical supplies. You may also want to include medication such as Tylenol and medication for sea sickness in case someone gets a headache or feels nauseous. Having this first aid kit available can help to save you from having to stop home for a minor injury like a small cut.

3. Warm Clothes. Many first-time fishers make the mistake of assuming they don’t need warm clothes when they go fishing, especially during the summer months. However, you have to remember that when you are out on the water it can get 10-20 degrees cooler than it is on land. It can become very chilly on the water especially at night. Be sure to bring some warm clothes with you such as a jacket and maybe even a blanket to cover yourself with if it does get a bit too cool for you. It’s always better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

4. Fishing Landing Nets. To an experienced fisher, bringing fishing landing nets is obvious. However, newer or amateur fishers have a tendency to forget this essential fishing item. They know to bring the fishing rod and string, sure, but they forget that they will need a net for capturing their fish. These fishing landing nets are great for securing your catches so that you can remove your hooks and tackle your fish. Be sure to bring one made of the finest quality materials to ensure maximum durability and stability. Handmade ones are your best bets, plus you’ll be supporting a local fisher or fishing company, too!