A Fishing Trip Packing List

Fishing is not just a sport. It’s a great way to spend time with your friends and family. There’s nothing quite like being outdoors, breathing the fresh air, and enjoying the views from your boat. As a matter of fact, fishing is quite beneficial for your health because your body makes vitamin D while you’re in the sun, which helps to strengthen bones. Spending time fishing also improves one’s balance and enhances shoulder and arm strength. 

Whether you’re fishing for the sport, the love of being outdoors, or both, here are the four essentials to be included on your fishing trip packing list.

1. Fishing Equipment

Yes, putting this on the list is obvious, but essential! There is no fishing without proper fishing gear, so be sure to take all necessary fishing equipment with you. This includes a decent fishing rod, fishing hooks, a bait (or more), knives for cutting lines and preparing fish, fish packaging materials, pliers to cut hooks, and even a camera to take some great pics and videos of catching fish. It’s also recommended that you take more than one fishing reel, just in case. You also need to make sure you have proper boating gear like paddles, even if you do have a motor on your boat.

Be sure to also include your fishing license on your fishing trip packing list. Take the time to go over the regulations in your state, including what fishing methods are permitted, size limits, and special rules for certain fish species.

Once you’re packed, all that’s left is to find a top-notch place to fish. If you’re not lucky enough to have great spots close to home, you can always check out all-in fishing charters, plan a getaway fishing trip, or get helpful information online to learn your best nearby fishing spots. 

2. Safety Equipment

Being prepared for emergencies and putting safety first is critical.  Always make sure you have the proper emergency essentials.  This includes a first-aid kit, a life jacket for each person onboard, fire extinguisher, sunscreen, ample water, cell phone, a lighter (to initiate cooking with), and sunglasses. You can also include mosquito repellent, a hat, and snacks.

Always double check to be sure you have all the safety equipment for your fishing trip before heading out. If this is your first time going on a fishing outing, be smart and seek advice from someone who has fishing experience or do some research to ensure you’re adequately prepared and have what you need.  

3. Proper Clothing

Any time you spend a significant part of the day outdoors, you need to be sure that your clothes are appropriate for the weather. For example, if you are going to be fishing in Florida during the summer, then you should wear a protective hat and sunglasses to protect your face and eyes from the scorching hot sun, nylon pants or shorts, sun gloves, a t-shirt, and pack a rain jacket in case of afternoon showers. Quick drying water shoes are recommended over flip-flops for both traction and durability.

If you are fishing in the winter, wear/pack all warm gear that is water and wind-resistant. Thick pants, a long-sleeve shirt or sweater, moisture-wicking socks, waterproof gloves, and a thick jacket is a good start. You can also bring warm hats, scarves, or anything else that will keep your body temperature at an acceptable level. Wear waterproof, sturdy boots to help keep your feet warm. Furthermore, make sure you pack spare clothes for the trip as well. It never hurts to have an extra set of clothes, just in case!

4. Fun and Games

Fishing is more than just a sport – it’s also recreation. And if you’ve brought along a bunch of friends and family, make sure your packing list includes fun things to do while on board. Board games, decks of cards, walkie-talkies, and balls (for sport or tossing) are just a few things you can bring to entertain yourselves when not fishing.

If you’re in the tropics, bring swimming and snorkel gear to check out what’s below the surface. Maybe you’ll want to bring a radio or speaker onto the boat for music, or perhaps you play the guitar or harmonica. Bring entertainment that fits the space of the boat and suits the people onboard.  This is especially true if you’re not going to be fishing the entire time on the water. If the environment permits and you want to go all out, rent some fun water sports gear like wave runners and tubes for some exhilarating fun after fishing.  

Whether your next fishing expedition is on land or the water, in summer or winter, if you include the items listed above on your fishing trip packing list, you can be sure to have a fun, memorable, and successful fishing outing.

Happy Travels!

Julie

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