Basic fishing tackle isn’t all you need to bring aboard for a day fishing on the boat. And just like you wouldn’t leave your rods and reels behind, there are some key pieces of boating gear anglers should be just as steadfast about stowing each and every time they go out.
You have to think ahead, prepare for situations you are likely to encounter on the water, and make sure you have what you need to fix things when they need fixing and to keep small problems from turning into serious ones.
If you plan to spend more time on the water this year, get started by making sure these eight items are on your checklist, and that they’re always on your boat.
1. Spare Trolling Motor Prop and Parts
Boat control is vital for anglers’ success on the water. As bass fishermen, we rely heavily on bow-mounted trolling motors.
An angler can do everything in their power to make sure the batteries are charged and that their trolling motor is in prime working order, but anything can and does happen once you’re on the water.
There are a few parts you should always carry so that you don’t have to abandon a day of fishing or leave yourself to the mercy of the wind and current: a spare prop, extra fuses, rope for your handle or a replacement cable kit, and sheer pins. These parts don’t take up much space, but they can be a lifesaver and keep your trolling motor going.
If you have an older trolling motor with a nylon cord and handle, replace it with one of the premium cable kits on the market.
2. Rope and a Tow Strap
Bring a quality rope wrapped on an extension cord holder. This allows you to quickly unwind it and wrap it back up neatly when your done with it.
You might need rope for a variety of reasons. You might need it to be towed in, or you might need to town another boat that doesn’t have a rope on board. Or, you might simply have to tie off on a dock or a tree. Personally, I also haul a tow strap for it’s intended purposes. I’d rather rely on that for towing than a rope.
If you rely on rope to tie your boat up when docking, cut two short sections of rope and put a clip on one end. This way, you can quickly tie up to the dock when necessary.
3. First Aid Kit
Accidents happen, and we need to be prepared for them with a good first aid kit on board.
Think of what kind of kit you want in your vehicle, and that’s basically what you should have on your boat. Be sure to include bug spray and anti-itch cream — it can make a big difference in someone’s day and you never know if someone will have an allergic reaction to a bug bite or another topical source. That’s also why a good first aid kit includes an antihistamine.
If you want a solid off-the-shelf kit, the Go Med Kit, First Aid & Care Essentials for Hunters. It has everything anglers need, too.
If you are a contact/glasses wearer, keep an extra set of each in your kit, along with a small mirror and contact solution. You never know when you’ll need them.
4. Electronics Cleaner
Keeping your electronics clean not only prolongs their life and keeps them looking like new, but a clean screen on your graph allows you to easily interpret the information being displayed on your graphs screen.
Keeping a bottle of Boat EFX Spot-X Marine Electronics Cleaner in your glove box, along with a clean microfiber towel will help keep your graphs screen clean and easy to read.
Having more than one towel on board is a good idea. Keeping your electronics dry is important, but you’ll never run out of uses for dry towels.
5. Duct Tape and Electrical Tape
Tape, tape, and more tape is never a bad thing to have on a boat. I always keep a roll of duct tape and a roll of electrical tape in my boat’s toolbox. From fixing your motor or wiring on your batteries, nothing does what these two essential types of tape do. Bring them.
I keep a roll of white electrical tape on board and put a small piece on my rod and make not of what weight test line I have spooled up.
6. A Basic Toolbox
A selection of basic tools will take care of many issues that may arise when you are in a boat. How do you choose what to include? If you use a tool to work on your boat or install something in your garage, you need one in your on-board toolbox. But, here’s a basic list of essentials:
- Phillips & Flat Head Screw Drivers in different sizes
- Prop Wrench
- Knife
- Socket Set
- Pliers & Side Cutters
- Wrenches
- Wire Stripper
Keep these items in a waterproof case, because rusty tools are unreliable.
7. Outboard Motor Spare Parts
Keeping some simple parts for your motor will help keep your day moving forward and your line wet. A spare prop and hub kit for your outboard is important and allows you to make a switch should your prop become damaged. Keeping spare spark plugs, filters, and fuses is also a good idea.
If you need guidance about what spare parts you should bring along, ask your marine mechanic.
8. Jumper Cables and/or a Jump Box
Carrying jumper cables or a portable car jumper system can help you get back underway if your starting battery fails. You can use jumper cables to connect to your your trolling motor batteries or you can flag down another boat and get a jump.
If you carry a portable jumper box, you can jump yourself and at least get back to a boat ramp or dock where you can switch out your battery.
Regularly check jumper cables for corrosion, and always make sure your jump box is fully charged, or they’ll do you no good when you need them.
