Fishing is one of the most popular water activities that allow you to relax and keeps you healthy. It has a calming effect on the mind and body. All your worldly worries vanish as you wait for a fish to bite the bait, thanks to the calming waves and the rhythm of the line you have cast.
Ensure your fishing trip goes without a hitch by bringing along a few essentials.
Fishing Gear
Different types of fishing gear offer different fishing styles. A basic fishing kit includes a tackle box, bait, line, reel, fishing rod, hooks, sinkers, corks, and swivels. If you use organic baits, you might need to buy extra hooks to ensure they stay in place.
Fishing License
Most lake authorities require you to carry a fishing license if the spot you have chosen is not meant for entertainment. So, before you pick a location, research it thoroughly and make arrangements. If the current requirements of the lake do not match your license, you will have to get a new one.
First Aid Kit
Like camping, fishing is unpredictable. You might get cut or nick yourself while unhooking the fish; this is why carrying a first aid kit is important. Apart from the essential medicines, the kit should contain gauze, ointments, medical tape, alcohol swabs, and bandages.
Gaffs and Nets
Whether you are far offshore or in a creek bed, you must have some tools to ensure that your catch lands safely in the boat. You have probably seen how violently fishes flop around when they are caught. Releasing them can be tricky when you don’t have someplace secure to put them in; this is where a net comes in. For those small fishes, you can dump them on the net and fold them over.
As for the large fishes you want to take a picture and show off, a gaff helps you secure them and string them easily.
Other Essential Items
Some other items will make your trip comfortable if you plan to camp. You will need extra space to pack them, but they will be worth bringing along.
- Spare Rope
- Biodegradable Toilet Paper
- Shaving Kit
- Sunscreen
- Body Lotion
- Pajamas
- Penknife
- Scissors
- Swimsuit
- Earplugs and Eye Mask
- Jeans or Leggings
- T-Shirts
- Socks and Shoes
- Pillow
- Sleeping Bag
- Lip Balm
- Snacks
- Folding Table
- Books
- Water Bottle
- Insect Repellant
- Hairbrush
- Laundry Bag
- Towel
- Hat
- Wet Wipes
- Maps and Guidebooks
As your read, it’s not that long of a checklist. If you are fishing for the first time, we suggest taking someone with you to show you the ropes.
Visit the Nor Col EZ Dock website to get a boat dock for your lake house. If you plan a fishing trip with your buddy, consider exploring the lakes in Ontario. Check out our blog “Fishing in Ontario” to learn about the best fishing spots for Bass, Trout, Salmon, Walleye, etc. For more information about floating docks and do-it-yourself dock kits, call (800) 654-8168.