What Equipment You Really Need For Your Next Fishing Trip
Some people go fishing unprepared and others load their cars full of stuff they will never need nor use. Here’s a basic rundown of what to take fishing.
Take proper clothing. If it’s a hot summer day you need light colors–technical fabrics are good as they wick away moisture . Make sure to take rain gear for any suddenly developing bad weather. Waterproof shells, ponchos, or a jacket are good choices. Some people like to wear a fishing vest with lots of little pockets to keep lures and other small pieces of equipment [spin]handy | easily accessable[spin]. If you plan on fishing in the water, make sure you have wadding boots or an overall bib suit that can protect you from cold water temperatures. Don’t forget your favorite fishing hat and some polarized fishing sunglasses.
Next comes the rod and reel. Take an appropriate length and weight rod and reel for the kind of fishing you will be doing. This depends on the kind and size of the fish, whether you plan on fishing in deep or shallow water, in open areas or heavy cover, on shore, in a boat or in a pond or stream. The most important thing about a rod and reel is to find a combination that you can enjoy using. If you are comfortable with your set-up you will catch more fish .
Your footwear selection will also vary depending on where you will be fishing. Rubber-soled waterproof shoes work well just about anywhere. That doesn’t mean you can’t go fishing in your running shoes if you just plan on casting from shore all day. However, if you plan on going into the water or onto rocks, make sure you are not going to slip and that you will be able to stay dry. In the last few years , manufacturers have come out with whole lines of water shoes that have good treads, repel water inside and out, dry quickly and are incredibly lightweight.
Don’t forget the sunscreen! Ultraviolet sun rays are damaging to skin and even known to cause some forms of skin cancer. And, there is nothing more painful than a sunburn.
Bug protection should also be on your list. There are all kinds of little mosquitoes, deer flies, black flies, gnats and other little creatures just waiting to take a chunk out of you. Long-sleeves are good if you know you will be near heavy infestations. Some bugs are also attracted to colors. Avoid black, navy blue, red, yellow or white colored clothing.
There is nothing more essential for fishing than a pair of polarized fishing sunglasses. They prevent glare and allow you to see into the water. There are many different tint lenses available depending on the brightness of the day. It is really important to protect your eyes with polarized fishing glasses.
Try to get all your lures, lines, hooks and little miscellaneous fishing items all in one tackle box. You don’t need to take more than is necessary, certainly not every single lure you own. Choose what is appropriate to the kind of fish you are fishing for on that particular day and leave the rest behind .
A good knife, a pair of pliers and a screwdriver that will fit the screws on your reel can come in particularly handy. There’s bound to be a tangled line at some point, especially if fishing in brush, grass or near trees. A pair of pliers good for dislodging a hook can be a necessity. And, if you are one of those people who can tangle a line anywhere, it is possible to strip the gears on your reel so much that you will need to put on a new reel. If you are an avid angler, always keep one in the car for a spare.
That’s about it for the bare essentials of fishing equipment. There is one item it is best to leave behind on fishing days–your wristwatch.