There are a lot of different things to think about when going fishing. Whether you’re taking the kids out for their first time or planning a day alone on your boat or with some friends, having some great equipment can make all the difference in whether it’s a good trip or not. If you aren’t sure what exactly you should get when heading out on the water, this post will take the guesswork out of your shopping list and help you decide which gear is best for you!
Kayak
When planning a fishing trip, a kayak might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, this is an essential requirement if you plan on fishing in larger, deeper bodies of water. Buying one can be a little expensive, luckily you can find cheap fishing kayaks reviews online to help make your decision. Another option is renting one if you don’t plan on using it often enough to justify the price.
When kayaking, you have the advantage of being able to move around much more quickly than if you were using a boat, and it’s also quiet, so you don’t scare away all the fish, which can help you get to areas that are harder to reach – and where the fish are likely hiding! Make sure to bring a paddle with you so that you can navigate your way around.
Catch basket
Having a catch basket is something you should get to have a fantastic fishing trip. You will be able to keep your fish all in one place, and it makes the clean-up so much easier! Taking kids out can help with their excitement or nervousness about holding/touching live fish while they’re still on the line.
Tackle box/bag
When you’re on the water, it’s nice to have a tackle box or bag with all your fishing supplies and tools, so they are easily accessible.
Having a tackle box is very helpful when fishing—it will help keep all your lures, hooks, sinkers, bobbers, etc., organised into different compartments and help keep things from getting mixed up or lost. This is extremely important when it comes to making sure you can catch a fish successfully!
Sunscreen and sunglasses
Protecting yourself from the sun is another thing you should get to have a great fishing trip. The sun can be very harsh on your skin, which will make it challenging for you or anyone else to enjoy the outdoors. Make sure to put on sunscreen and sunglasses before heading out; it’s crucial!
First aid kit or survival pack
If you’re planning a day out in the wild by yourself, having some survival gear with you is an excellent thing to get! Depending on what you think you might need, it can be anything from a first aid kit to a multi-tool. If something terrible happens while you’re out there, it’s nice to have some backup plan in place.
Poles and reels
One of the essential things when fishing is to have good poles and reels! You don’t want ones that will break or come apart while you’re using them. Please make sure they are a good fit for your body and have the right weight so that they don’t fall over easily when being used.
For beginners, something simple like a spin-cast rod and reel combo is the perfect way to start. These are typically small poles with reels attached, so you can use one hand for each while casting your line out into the water.
Cooler/ice chest
Keeping all of your fish fresh is essential! An ice chest will help keep everything cold and fresh until you get back to shore. If you plan on catching more than one or two fish, make sure this is something you pack when heading out!
Bait and lures
Having some bait and lures is a must-have if you want to have a fantastic fishing trip. You can either use live bait or artificial lures – both have their benefits and drawbacks.
When using live bait, you’ll need to find a spot where smaller fish are abundant and cast your line close to the shore. This will attract the bigger fish and give you a better chance of catching one.
On the other hand, artificial lures are great for fishing in deeper waters as they can look more like the real thing to the fish. There are a million different lures on the market these days, and it can be tough to know which ones to buy. A great way to start is by figuring out what type of fish you’re hoping to catch and then finding a lure that resembles that fish as closely as possible. For example, if you’re targeting bass, using a lure with a blue tint to it is likely the best bet.
If you’re not sure, ask the people at your local bait and tackle shop for some advice. They’ll be able to help you find something that will work well in the area where you’ll be fishing.
Fishing license
If you’re planning on fishing in a state park or any other area that requires a license, make sure to get one before heading out! This is a requirement, and you’ll be fined if you don’t have it with you.
Camera
Spending the day fishing can make for some great memories—and photos! It’s nice to bring along a camera or even your phone so that you can capture it for posterity any time something exciting happens. This is a great way to show your friends and family what a fabulous time you’re having!
Net
Catching a fish is only the first step—getting them off the hook and into your cooler can be another challenge altogether! Having a net will help make this process much easier, especially if there are a lot of fish in the area you’re fishing.
In summary, it’s imperative to be prepared when heading out on the water. If you’re going out on a boat, make sure everyone is equipped with a life vest—it’s better safe than sorry in this case. Also, having a good attitude is critical when fishing. If you go into it with the mindset that you’re going to catch something, you’ll be more likely to enjoy the experience and therefore have a better time. Having all of these things will ensure you have a great fishing trip full of memories that last for years!
Featured image: Kyle A Loftus/Unsplash
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