Planning is a must when going on any expedition, however what you should carry differs depending on your activity. The type of survival kit that you might carry when going out camping may not necessarily be the same as compared to what is needed for a fishing trip. That said it is important to have a rough idea of what a fishing survival kit consists of. We know our die-hard fisherman already have this figured out, so beginner fisherman please listen up.
Navigation and Means of Signaling
When you are fishing alone or with friends, whether on land or water, you always need a means of signaling for help. This might make the difference between getting a quick rescue or being lost for several hours. That said it is important to carry an LED flashlight or lantern due to their long battery life and their beam intensity which makes them easy to see from afar. If you are heading out in a boat, always know your territory. It can be very easy to get lost if you aren’t used to navigating. Even getting turned around in a large lake could leave you hours away from getting home. Of course, the only rule of thumb for any adventurer is to always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back.
Clothing and Gear
If you want to be especially safe when going on a fishing trip, pack the right gear. It can be useful to carry a floatation device such as a life jacket which might be handy in incidences where you need to float or swim. Aside from lakes, a lot of fishing occurs in wild streams & rivers or at sea. If you unexpectedly fall and hurt yourself, a river could unexpectedly pull you downstream.
The next important piece of gear on any fisherman’s list is a wading belt. This is important in cases where you fall into the water and need to prevent water from entering into your waders, eventually dragging you under. Water logged waders will also make you very cold very quickly and may cause hypothermia.
You should remember to always have warm water proof clothing and good body coverage when you might be exposed to sunlight for long periods of time. Grab a classic fisherman’s hat and it will go a long way to prevent sunburns. To help keep all these items dry, pick up a water proof bag. This can carry electronic devices, or extra dry clothes in case of a fall. Waterproof bags come in all shapes and sizes.
First Aid
First aid kits are a must on any outdoor expedition. A first aid kit should have disinfectant, bandages, aspirin, antacids, antibiotics, gauze, and in cases where one has special medical needs that require medication during the fishing trip then the appropriate medication should be added to the first aid kit. With fishing line, lures & exposure to the outdoors, a first aid kit should be a number one item on your list.
Food & Water
Food & water must always be mentioned when going on any trip. No matter how short you plan to stay out you always need to be prepared for unexpected situations. Water is one of the basic necessities when going for a fishing expedition and you should carry an ample amount of it for hydration. You might think water is always available when fishing but be sure to use proper purification systems before you drink from natural streams. You should take about three gallons per head for 3-6 day fishing expedition. When it comes to edibles, energy packed, light foods such as nuts are the most appropriate to carry.
Planning Ahead
Planning ahead is important for any trip. Make sure you have a map of the area and are aware of any foreboding weather forecasts. Obviously fishing supplies are an obvious requirement for any fishing trip. But remember to always take into consideration the length of your trip, the size & type of the fish in the area, and any specific lures or fishing line you might need.
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Photo by theo_reth on Flickr
