Fishing is a favorite pastime of many. Unfortunately, due to the current lock down restrictions imposed upon us by our governments, we are unable to go fishing for the foreseeable future. With that said, however, we can still prepare for our next fishing trip, whenever that may be. Fishing is one of the most popular hobbies the world over, and for a good reason, for it is both relaxing and exhilarating [as any fisherman will attest to.The main essentials that you need to get and pack if you are going on a fishing trip.Learn all about travel tips and advice.
Now, whether you are a new fisherman or an experienced one, it is important that you prepare and have your kit full of equipment and essentials ready for when you can go fishing again.
This page will tell you what essentials you need to get ready for a fishing trip and where to buy quality spearfishing gear for arriving at the lake and realizing that you have left some important equipment behind can be soul-destroying, or at the very least, can ruin the day.
Here are six must-have essentials to prepare for your fishing trip:
Gloves
Bringing gloves along with you fishing is very important and not only for keeping your hands warm. Many are completely unaware that diseases like Weil’s Disease may lurk just below the water’s surface, and a tiny cut can allow it in.
Additionally, it is very easy when unhooking a fish to get the hook stuck in your skin, which then opens you up for infection. By investing in a pair of the best gloves for fishing that you can find [providing they are anti-hook gloves], you will prevent illness, disease, infection and ensure that you stay warm through long winter’s days on the water. Never neglect the importance of a pair of gloves when you are fishing, for they can make the difference massively.
Keepnet
Many fisheries do not allow for keepnets on their waters, so it is always good to research beforehand if they will be allowed on the one you are going to. Keepnets are large nets that can be left in the water, and they allow you to store your fish alive in them. Not every fisherman kills his fish, and many do catch and release. Even if you are a catch and release fisherman, you can still make use of a keepnet, for it will allow you to store the fish for photographs afterward. And, for fishermen who eat their catches, it allows you to keep them alive and fresh before killing them.
Unhooking Mat
Most fisheries throughout the world demand some form of unhooking mat or another. If you are fishing on private land, it is always good practice to bring one. An unhooking mat is a padded mat that you put the fish on to, as the name suggests, unhook it. Unhooking mats prevent the fish from becoming covered in mud and potentially hurting itself. Unhooking mats are a very humane way to unhook a fish, and it is always good to treat the fish respectfully by using these.
Barbless Hooks
Look, this is a bit of a point of contention. Some fishermen will swear by barbed hooks, others won’t. For the sake of being kind to animals, opt for barbless hooks. Barbed hooks can tear away at a fish’s cheek and can cause serious harm to them. When you are fishing, always have a pack of barbless hooks in your rucksack. While there is more of a chance that the fish may get away, to us, that makes it more exciting. For much larger fish like sturgeon and pike, admittedly, you may have to use barbed hooks, but avoid it if you can.
Non-Conventional Bait
When going fishing, it’s fun to get creative. Rather than splurging on tackles and lures, why not invest in some non-conventional bait. Many carp, barbel, and trout fishermen swear by using Spam and sweetcorn, as well as bread, prawns, and capers. Getting creative with your bait can be a lot of fun, and it can save you a lot of money. While preparing, raid your cupboards for tinned snacks and load up your equipment bag. Non-conventional bait can be very exciting, and even if you just end up pulling out Breams and Chubs, you will still have a good day.
Bivvy
For long, rainy sessions, a bivvy is essential. We’ve all seen the so-called ‘experienced’ fishermen using these, so why not you? They provide shelter while fishing and ensure you can stay dry, warm, and even brew a pot of tea if you should want to.
With the help of this page, you now know six essential pieces of equipment to bring with you on your next fishing trip. Fishing is a great hobby that is a lot of fun, and one that many, unfortunately, cannot do at the moment. But with time, all things pass. Before you know it, you will be back out on the water.
