If you are planning to go out on a fishing trip anytime soon, there are certain things that you need to make sure you bring. If not, your trip can take a turn for the worst very quickly. You should know what gear is needed before even leaving the house, so if something does happen you will be ready to take care of it. Here are some of the most important items that should always be in your fishing pack or tackle box.
First Aid Kit
You never know what can happen while you are out on the water, so it is always best to be safe than sorry. A first aid kit should be at the top of your list. You will need one to deal with cuts and scrapes that could come about just from normal fishing activities. If you catch yourself dealing with more serious injuries or someone else does, including animals, having a well-stocked first aid kit can make all the difference in not only reducing pain but speeding up recovery time as well.
The number one thing to remember when putting together your own first aid kit is that things like Band-Aids and gauze pads are important enough to carry around for everyday use – don’t leave them out because they’re not “just for emergencies”!
The items needed in a first aid kit are gauze pads, bandages of all shapes and sizes, antiseptic cream (though not required), ointment packets, latex gloves (so you can care for someone who may be injured or ill without exposing yourself to their germs), cotton swabs/Q-tips, alcohol wipes, ammonia inhalants (to help revive someone who has fainted), tweezers.
Waterproof matches
If you get stranded and need to build a fire to keep warm or cook something over it to eat you will need something like waterproof matches. You can’t just start fires using normal wood because they won’t burn when they get wet! Buy ones that are specifically made for this purpose for the best results.
A lot of people complain about how matches never work when they need them, but you can prevent that from happening by keeping them dry in a waterproof container. The only downside to having matches is that if it’s raining you won’t be able to use them either, so be sure to get some extra supplies just in case!
Radios & Signalling Device
If your boat breaks down or you fall overboard, being able to communicate with someone on land will help get help faster. Radios are always preferred since they can range widely and have more power than other signaling devices like flares or whistles, although one or all of these items can also be packed into your first aid kit for extra protection.
Whistles are a great way to draw attention or send messages between each other since they can be heard from long distances, even if no one else is around. They come in all sorts of forms like the classic metal version as well as waterproof designs that let you stick them on your life jacket so they float right next to you when needed.
PFDs (Personal Flotation Devices) & Life Jackets
On top of having a signaling device and an emergency oar or raft packed into your fishing gear, it’s always essential to bring along a life jacket or PFD (personal flotation device) too. Just because you can swim doesn’t mean there isn’t any risk involved; many people have died in water because they weren’t wearing a life jacket or didn’t have it fastened securely enough.
If you are going out to sea, even if it’s just for a little while, one of your best tools will be a PFD (personal flotation device). Not only will this keep you afloat in the water but it can also help prevent hypothermia and give you that extra buoyancy when needed. One of the most important things to look at when shopping for your own is making sure that it fits your body type correctly and isn’t too big since that defeats the purpose.
A Handgun
No matter where you are or what hour of the day it is, there’s always a chance that someone else could be nearby. Even if you’re on some remote part of an island, or deep in a national park, having some form of protection with you is never a bad idea.
While most people likely won’t need one, adding a handgun to your fishing gear might make sense for those who like to embark on treks far away from anyone else or who go out at night. While this isn’t necessary (depending on where you live), it can help keep yourself and your family safe should someone come across your campsite unexpectedly. Guns like the Glock are reliable and easy enough to use for even first-time gun owners and can be outfitted with a ton of different glock accessories depending on your preferences.
Guns can also help protect you from dangerous wildlife such as bears, alligators, sharks, wolves, coyotes, and even snakes. While you may not always find them in your area, it’s better to be prepared than not!
A Knife
Regardless of where you are or what time of day it is, if something goes wrong there will likely be a point in time where you need to cut something open. If this happens and all you have is your multi-tool, things could get a little dicey.
A knife will come in handy for many tasks, especially if you have to cut something large or free yourself from a dangerous situation. Just be sure not to take this one overboard since there are strict rules about carrying things like firearms and knives on airplanes. If you do need it, though, it’s better to be safe than sorry
Your fishing trip is supposed to be a fun and relaxing break from the daily grind, but you should always plan for the worst just in case something goes wrong. This means bringing along all of the necessary safety supplies so that you can enjoy yourself and keep your family safe at the same time. Always plan ahead for any situation and you’ll never have to worry.