If you're anything like me, you where a fishing vest to carry all of your fishing gear. If you do any walking during your fishing trip, a tackle box just doesn't cut it. So you need to wear a fishing vest. You can find them at any decent sporting goods store or of course on the internet. I believe this idea began with fly fishermen (or flea flickers as my mentor used to refer to them), but I'm not positive about that. In any case, it's a very convenient idea, and if flea flickers are the reason for it, god bless 'em.
So what do you need to carry in your fishing vest? Pretty much anything that you think you may need on a given fishing excursion. This will vary depending on the type of fish that you're fishing for, but there are some basics. I'll begin with them.
1) Weights and swivels - your going to need weights and swivels of various sizes. I keep them in empty film containers. They are a very convenient way to carry both weights and swivels.
2) Hooks - the same deal on this one, unless you know exactly what type you're going to use. The important thing is to have some back-ups.
3) Spinners/Spoons - your going to want a few small plastic boxes (that fit in the pockets of the vest). Then stock said boxes with spinners and spoons of varying sizes. Make sure you have at least 2 of each option that you choose to carry. Just think of Noah. If the fish are biting on a certain lure, and you get snagged and lose that lure, you'll be glad you have a back-up.
4) Stainless steel pliers or hemostats. This is obviously to remove hooks from the fish's mouth. When I trout fish, I prefer hemostats, but it's totally a preference thing. Just make sure that you carry one of the two.
5) A bait bag of some sort. This is the easiest way to carry live bait. You just hook it on your vest, and you're good to go. If you don't want to buy one from somewhere like JRWfishing.com, just read my other articles to find out how to make one.
6) Matches and/or a lighter in a Ziploc bag. You just never know when you might need a fire. Better safe than sorry.
7) A power bar of some sort. Just like the matches, better safe than sorry when you suddenly get hungry enough to eat a dead horse.
8) A small waterproof flashlight. Just like the previous two, better safe than sorry. If you're 2 miles from your vehicle and it's suddenly dark, you'll be glad you have a flashlight with you.
9) Nail clippers on a retractor. This way your clippers are always right there and ready to go. Your dentist will thank you as well. Dentists aren't too fond of fishermen biting their excess line.
10) A wader repair kit - You only need to pop a hole in your waders one time, when you're 2 miles from your truck and it's 40 degrees and raining outside to know that this ones true. Just take my word for it.
If you have at least these 10 things in your fishing vest, you should be safe and good to go. Of course, you may add things to your hearts desire, but these basics should get you through and make for a very safe and happy fishing trip.
Trevor Kugler is co-founder of JRWfishing.com and an avid angler. He has more than 20 years experience fishing for all types of fish, and 15 years of business and internet experience. He currently raises his three year old daughter in the heart of trout fishing country... Montana!
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