You’re about to take a much needed weekend vacation with your family or friends. You’ve been stressed out from work and life, so you’re ready to just decompress.
What better way to escape from all your problems than to float out in the middle of the ocean, with a beer in one hand and a fishing rod in the other?
Going on a fishing trip is a wonderful way to forget about your worries! Unless you forget to pack some essential fishing items.
Luckily, we’re here to make sure your trip is smooth and carefree. Here is our guide to what you’ll need to have on your fishing trip.
What to Bring on Your Fishing Trip
Forgetting something while on a fishing trip isn’t like forgetting something when you’re on your way to work.
You’re going to be out in the middle of the water, unable to go back for what you forgot. That’s why making sure you have everything you could possibly need is so important.
We’ve broken down an extensive fishing trip list of things to bring so you’re the most prepared you can be.
Wet or Cold Weather Clothing
Weather conditions can become a lot more intense when you’re out on the water. They can change very rapidly, so you need to be prepared for all of the possibilities.
You don’t want to be stuck in freezing cold rain on what is supposed to be a nice, relaxing vacation.
First off, make sure you have high-quality rain gear. That doesn’t mean just a rain jacket, but also rain pants and shoes so you can keep completely dry if a storm were to hit.
Also, bring some extra undergarments in case water leaks through your rain gear.
Having to wear cold and wet socks and underwear all weekend will be miserable, so come prepared with multiple pairs of each.
Bring plenty of clothes for layering. It can get really cold at nights and you want to make sure you are warm and cozy.
You should also bring insulated hats, shirts, and gloves to keep you the most comfortable in freezing conditions.
Warm Weather Clothing
If you’re packing clothes for warm climates, make sure you bring a bathing suit.
Also, wear lightweight and sweat resistant clothing that covers your body, but will still keep you feeling cool.
Bring a hat to protect your face from the sun, and bring plenty of sunscreen so you don’t get badly burned.
You should also have a bandanna to further protect your face, head, and neck from UV rays.
Make sure to wear sandals or waterproof shoes. Wearing footwear without socks is the best option, as your feet will get really hot inside socks and tennis shoes.
Also, don’t forget a light rain jacket in case it rains. Even though it will be warmer out, you won’t want to be left wet and cold in the middle of a storm.
Fishing Equipment
You’ll need to bring at least one fishing rod and reel along with lures, flies, and tackle.
You can speak with local shops about what the best bait to use is in current weather conditions.
Be sure to bring extra line and leader for your poles, just in case you run out.
Bring a durable, lightweight backpack with a personal stock of lures, flies, and tackles for easy access while you’re fishing.
Have a big waterproof bag to keep all your clothes and personal items safe from wet conditions.
You’ll want a good pair of polarized sunglasses for enhanced vision into the water.
Another necessity is a portable, waterproof camera so you can take pictures of all the fish you catch.
Also, bring a tape measure so you can make sure the fishes you catch are regulation size. If they aren’t, you’ll have to throw them back.
Have a copy of the rules and regulations for fishing in your area, so you know what fish you’re allowed to keep.
Food and Water
Make sure to bring more than enough water with you. It’s better to bring too much than run out before the end of your trip.
For food, you should have easy-to-pack, nutritious snacks like trail mix, granola, and protein bars.
You can also make sandwiches beforehand and store them in a cooler for your fishing trip.
If you’re bringing a cooler to keep food and drinks cold, make sure to bring extra bags of ice with you.
Personal Items
For overnight or weekend camping trips, this list is important and will vary for everyone.
If you take any medication, make sure you have the necessary amount that you’ll need, plus a little extra.
Bring personal hygiene items like shampoo, body wash, deodorant, toothbrush, and toothpaste.
Insect repellent is especially important in warm climates, so make sure you bring that along with plenty of sunscreen.
Always have a first aid kit with you, just in case anyone gets hurt on the fishing trip.
Bring your phone and a portable charger, in case you need to try and contact anyone (although service may be poor).
Guided Fishing
If you want some of the pressure taken off of you, look into doing a guided fishing trip with Intensity Offshore Outfitters.
You’ll be guided by professionals who will have all the equipment you’ll need: a boat, rods, bait, and everything else.
All you’ll need to bring is some food and drinks, along with any personal items.
This takes all the stress off of you and will allow you to just enjoy and relax the trip while professionals handle all the nitty gritty parts of fishing.
Not to mention, we’ll know the area much better than you.
Intensity Offshore Outfitters knows where to fish in certain weather conditions and at different times of day, so you can catch the most fish.
If you’re interested in an incredible fishing experience, please contact us today and ask about our guided fishing tours.