Fishing for the first time can be exciting! You wonder how many fish you might catch, or what kind. Fishing is really all a big surprise. Although it can be a fun and memorable trip, it can turn sour quick if you are unprepared for the unexpected. It’s important to plan ahead for anything that might occur and pack all the extra things you’ll never know you might need.
So, what do you need to bring on your first fishing trip to make it the best fishing trip ever?
Start with the basics.
The Basics
Pack like you are going to the beach. A good fishing day means sunny weather, so don’t forget the sunscreen! You will be surrounded by water the entire trip, which means the reflection of the sun off the water will provide you with a deep tan. Considering this, it is best to pack at least 30 SPF if you don’t want to get burnt. With all that sun blaring in your eyes, you are going to need to bring some sunglasses, otherwise you might not be able to seek out those fish. If it is really too bright, don’t worry, the Fishtrax Series fish finder will help you scope out their hiding spots. Hats are great to block the sun from hitting your face and keep things a little cooler, so don’t forget to pack that too!
Insect repellant is something a lot of people forget to bring, and then regret later on. Bugs will follow no matter where you go. Insects and pests are the last thing you need to worry about on your fun fishing trip. Bring a can and spray around you to avoid bug bites at the end of the day.
Remember, in order to fish, you need a fishing license. Put that at the top of the list of things to bring or you could be paying a hefty fine just for trying to enjoy the day.
Unless you want to sit on your boat all day watching the fish swim by, don’t forget the fishing rod! Yes, this may seem very obvious, but with all the other things you need to pack on your trip, this one might be the most important (besides the fishing license of course). No rod = no fishing, so technically if you forget your rod, you just went on a boat trip.
Extra Tools
After days of preparing for your trip, you’re finally on your boat and enjoying what nature has to offer, until, you catch a big fish and it snaps your line, taking your hook with it.
If you don’t have extra hooks, you’re done for the day. Make sure to bring additional supplies such as extra hooks and fishing line. Fishing line will probably last you a few fishing seasons, but it will run out eventually, so just make sure you have enough.
You should also pack extra bait, especially if you are using live bait. It’s better to be safe than sorry and bring all these extra tools, that is unless you want to get down and dirty and catch fish with your bare hands!
Things You Didn’t Think to Bring
Many people just fish for fun, others… are hungry. If you plan on taking your fish home for dinner, then you need to prep them for the journey home. You can’t just put them in a box and store them in the back seat of your car. You need a soft sided cooler with lots of ice to keep the fish fresh on the way home. We recommend using a Norchill Cooler so it stays cold and fresh during the ride. Make sure to keep replenishing ice after adding more fish to the cooler and that the cooler is big enough for the fish you want to stash.
Towels and a change of clothes are always a good idea to bring. If it is your first-time fishing, you might just get lucky, or unlucky, with a big kahuna of a fish. Not knowing the strength of the fish or how to properly handle a fish might increase your chances of going overboard. Even on a hot day, the water can be very cold and get you sick. Make sure to pack a towel to dry off and a change of clothes if needed.
A first-aid kit might seem unnecessary, until you get hurt on board. Sharks dwell in common fishing areas, and a cut might attract the wrong type of sea life. Make sure your first aid kit includes band-aids and hydrogen peroxide to get rid of the smell and heal the wound efficiently.
Catching that first fish can bring such a rush of excitement that you might forget to take a picture! Don’t regret this later on. Pack a camera or make sure your phone is charged so you can remember this life-changing moment forever.
Whether you are in a lake, or the ocean, the waves can sway back and forth until you start to sway with it. Seasickness is a common problem and you may not know how your body reacts to the sea until your first-time fishing. Medicine designed for seasickness should always be packed in your bag or your first-aid kit. You don’t want your first fishing trip to ruin the chances of seeking out the thrill again!
A big fish caught onto your hook, you’re super excited at your first catch and successfully remove the fish from your line and place him back into the water. Now it’s time for lunch. Do you really want to eat with the same hands you caught the fish? You don’t know where it’s been, but your stomach is about to find out. As obvious as it should be, don’t forget to pack some hand sanitizer to avoid getting sick.
What to Bring to Have the Best Fishing Trip Ever
Now that you know the basics of what to bring in order to have a safe and enjoyable trip, it’s time to talk about what you need in order to catch the most fish and really make it an epic fishing trip! Guessing where to sail to find the best fish and going home empty handed is a thing of the past. Want to find where all the fish are without waiting around for the fish to bite? Using a fish finder like the Depthtrax Handheld Series, allows you to check depth reading from 2.5 to 300 feet, at the same time, get water temperature and fish readings.
Take out the guessing of fishing and whether or not you might find a fish. This fish finder will help you get the most out of your fishing trip whether its your first time or your 100th! Use the Fishtrax or either of the Depthtrax series to catch the most fish you ever have and gain a great story to tell.