A “Belt and Suspenders” Approach to Fishing Travel

I like to think that I’m a classic over-preparer in the best possible sense. While I occasionally forget to bring something on my fishing trips, through a system of lists and post-it notes I’ve minimized that problem. It’s more likely that I’ll bring something that I end up not needing at all, which is usually the best kind of problem to have.

Obviously, if you’re going to a remote location and luggage capacity is not an issue, this is a wise strategy. If there’s no Wal-Mart or Bass Pro Shops around the corner, you better have everything you need. Even if you’re going to someplace more centrally-located, there are certain things you cannot easily replace. Here are a few to consider:

Passport

If you’re traveling internationally, there’s no worse scenario than losing your passport and being uncertain as to whether you’ll be able to get home. Even if you’re near a consulate, it’s still a monumental pain in the ass under all circumstances. You can alleviate some of that pain by having all of your passport info stored somewhere. One way to do it is to simply take a picture of your photo page on your phone. Another way is to photocopy it. Both are better than nothing and may save your butt if your passport is misplaced or stolen.

Fishing License

Along those same lines, if you need a license to fish in a particular venue, make some sort of copy of it – either paper or electronic – and keep it with you. Your passport is likely semi-weather-resistant, but your license is not, so there’s not only the risk of losing it, but also the risk of having it get waterlogged beyond recognition. With a copy in a safe place, you have a backup, and you lessen your chance of ending up with a ticket or (worse yet) in a foreign jail.

Vehicle Keys

As someone who has had his fishing partners (a) drop his vehicle keys in a deep section of the river; and (b) lock his tow vehicle with it running, I know the value of a spare set of keys. In the former situation I did not have a spare, while when the latter occurred five or six years later I’d learned my lesson and solved the problem easily. You do not want to have to call a locksmith from some remote location.

Boat Keys

Fortunately this one has not happened to me (yet) only because I learned from the vehicle situation above. Keep a spare outboard key with you. You can hide it on the boat itself or in your tow vehicle on in your wallet. Fortunately, many outboard ignitions are keyed the same, so if you lose/forget yours and there’s a servicing marine dealer nearby you might be able to get a quick replacement, but not necessarily at 6am.

Eyeglasses

If you need glasses to see well, bring a spare set. I hesitate to write this, but they may even be more important for some of you than an extra reel or extra set of underwear. If you leave them on the plane, or accidentally sit on them, or a rocketing tungsten weight shatters them, and you’re left functioning like Mr. Magoo, you’re screwed.

Sunglasses

I can get by without my reading glasses, although it’s increasingly uneasy as I age – but on a fishing trip I simply cannot get by without sunglasses. Even if it’s not a sightfishing effort, you need to shield yourself from the glare to fish well and to protect your eyes for the long term. I always bring a second pair and even if I don’t need them someone else often does.

Extra Line

Trust me, you can never have enough line. Someone always either gets a “professional overrun” or something else befalls them. They may even bring 8 lb. test when 30 is what they need, or vice versa. Maybe you get spooled by a rampaging GT or yellowfin tuna, or perhaps TSA won’t let you on the plane with fully-spooled reels.

Line Cutters

If you’re using heavy mono, fluorocarbon or braid you’re going to need something to cut it with. Teeth are not a good option, and snips and scissors are easy to lose or drop overboard. Bring something extra to cut it, even if it’s just your pocketknife or pliers with a built-in cutter. Which reminds me – extra pliers never hurt if you’re actually planning to hook some fish.

Obviously, if you are traveling with a fishing partner or a group, you can coordinate on some of these items to avoid “over-duplication.” You may not be able to share eyeglasses (unless you’re somehow miraculously fortunate enough to need the same prescription) but many of the other backup items can fall to one of you or another. Just be sure they’re reliable – trust but verify before you leave.