Eight Items That Should Never Leave Your Fishing Travel Bag

No matter where you’re fishing, no matter when you’re going, there are certain items that should remain permanently packed. Here are eight that I don’t leave home without.

Sunblock is especially important for my “ginger squad,” but no matter your skin tone you’d be a fool to go anywhere without it. You need to find the one that works for you, through recommendations or trial and error, and my go-to is Banana Boat Ultra Sport Sunscreen Lotion, 30 SPF. I use it all over and try to reapply twice a day. Two things I like about it are that it stays on when I perspire and although it’s thick it doesn’t make me sweat. Nothing will 100% prevent skin cancer but sunblock is the first step and if it will keep me out on the water till the end of time, I'll continue to use it.

Lip balm and sunblock go hand in hand -- or should I say hand and lips? Yes, you can get lip cancer so let's prevent that, too, while remaining kissable. As with sunblock, I've tried several brands. Some are waxy and some simply taste terrible. I use Blistex Medicated Lip Balm SPF 15. It goes on smooth, it doesn't sting your lips and it prevents your lips from getting dry and sunburned.

Even if you lather on the sunblock and lip balm, a Buff is a great additional cover-up from the sun. If you happen to forget to put sunblock on altogether or simply forget to put it on your neck and ears a buff is a perfect substitute. Please note you should use both, not one or the other. Thank you, mom!  The main purpose of a buff is to keep you wrapped up. It can be used as a scarf in the cold and like I mentioned above, as a sun protector in any season. If you can't sleep because there is too much light in the room, use it as a sleep mask. If you are having a bad hair day, use it as a headband, head scarf or scrunchie, (Hello 80s!). You can even use it as a wash rag or tissue -- so gross but realistic -- tourniquet and joint support or just a conversation piece. I think you get my drift.

[Editor’s Note: Travel with Half Past First Cast and receive one of our exclusive designer buffs!]

If you are as sweet as me (Pete Robbins, don't say a word!) you should travel with insect repellent, either a spray or lotion. We have suffered from bug bites in the Amazon, the mountains in Mexico and just hanging out in our backyard, and both Pete and I agree that Ultrathon Insect Repellent Lotion is our best bet for protection. It’s 34% Deet, lasts up to 12 hours and comes in a 2 oz tube. It comes in a spray as well, but then it's not acceptable in your airplane carry-on. I apply it to my ankles, wrists and behind my ears when I apply my sunblock. The best part, other than that it works, is that it doesn't have an odor.

Hey Hollywood! You have to look good in your shades but your sunglasses need to be polarized and fit your face correctly as well in order to minimize glare and protect your eyes. I've tried them all -- Wiley X, Ray-Ban, Maui Jim's (still wear them in a pinch) but my go-to’s are my MAKO Polarized Eyewear. The lenses are made in Italy and Japan, are glare-free, have infrared filters and maintain true depth perception. Yes, this matters, you can see more and do more and I can tell you they are the most comfortable glasses this melon head has ever worn. Don’t forget to bring an extra pair in case someone sits on them or they end up in the drink.

In my pants pockets I always have a Blistex lip balm and my Boomerang Original SNIPS fishing line cutters. They have a retractable tether and the stainless steel blades cut mono, fluoro and even braid, really well. The blades don't last forever but thank goodness they are inexpensive. Pete seems to like the Long SNIPS, the ones designed for fly fishing….he's always been a little different, I'm afraid the blades (even when retracted) may make a hole in my pocket, so I go with the stubbier ones. There are a number of different styles, features and colors, even one with LED lights. I’m pretty sure that if necessary the clippers will cut your buff  into a tourniquet.

If you wear a buff around your neck and face you should also cover your hands with gloves. I have to admit I don't wear sun gloves as much as I should, shame on me. I just haven't found a pair that makes me feel like I can still grip my rod and reel and feel what I feel with the naked hand. My friend Samantha Sukupcak swears by Glacier Gloves. They come in multiple sizes, colors and patterns, are UPF 50 plus, lightweight and breathable and form fitting but not tight. I’m pretty sure I’ll purchase some for our next fishing trip to Panama. It’s only 9° from the equator so I want to protect myself.

Everyone has a favorite hat. I happen to have several as I like certain ones for certain outfits. You've got to look good to fish good! I have one hat that has a hole for my ponytail up towards the top of the hat. It’s genius, I wish more hats were designed that way. My favorite trucker hat is by Richardson, has mesh sides and snaps in the back, I wear a low ponytail those days. On days I wear my favorite Half Past First Cast fitted hat I have Pete braid my hair so that nothing interferes with the rubber band. I am not a flat brim girl, per se, but do have a few in my closet. If you find yourself traveling with us you may be lucky enough to get outfitted with your very own Half Past First Cast hat and we hope it becomes your favorite.

The first seven items can all fit in number eight – your hat – which means you won’t forget them. That makes it simple to cover all of your bases and reduces the things you have to remember – which means you are set up for a great day on the water.