My Top 10 most Essential Fishing Tools
“Top 10” lists tend to get people bent out of shape, because you can usually live without “x-tool” and there is always an alternative someone else likes better. They’re also really fun to read, and even more fun to write. So here it goes!!!
While it would be easy to put my boats or fishing tackle on here, I’m going to stick to the other stuff that allows me to enjoy more time on the river.
Chaco Sandals - you often here how bad it is to stand at a job for 8 or more hours in shoes with no stability. It puts a ton of strain on muscles and other connective tissue in the feet. As problems arise, foot pain turns to knee and back pain, ect. Now imagine standing at your job all day and the ground beneath you is moving…that’s fishing. Having supportive shoes that can get in and out of water, and provide decent traction is essential. The Chaco Z1 or Z2 (difference is toe strap, or not) is a workhorse. They’re NOT CHEAP! Probably $110. But, they’re an exceptional value, because even wearing 100+ days a year, you can expect easily 5 years of life. I’ve had my current pair 7 years, and they’re just just getting to where they need some attention. That brings me to the next point. They can be re-soled! You can send them to Chaco (do it in the winter) and they’ll slap on new rubber or straps at a fraction of the cost of replacement and you’re ready to rock another 5+ years. Added bonus. Chaco is owned by Wolverine World Wide, and Chaco repairs are done in Rockford, MI!!! SUPPORT LOCAL!!!
2. Smith Guide’s Choice Sunglasses - it’s not revolutionary to suggest that a good pair of polarized lenses is an essential piece of gear on the river. I like these Smith’s in particular though. I’ve had a LOT of polarized glasses over the years. Oakley, Smith, Costa…but these are my favorites for a few reasons. A. Great glass. This gives you great clarity and there are plenty of times I’m seeing fish sitting down that my clients can’t see standing with their polarized glasses (if clients don’t have polarized glasses, I keep spares for them…it’s that important). B. Spring hinges. This allows me to take them on and off without worrying about bending the hinges and gives a very secure fit without feeling tight. C. If you have a big ol’ melon like me, they’re oversized.for plenty of coverage. D. They come with a detachable neck leash for easy on-off security.
3. Portable usb power bank - I’m not loyal to any one brand. I’ve bought a couple different sizes on Amazon, and they all seem to work well. Whether I’m in a raft, or even in a boat that has a usb charger, I like to have a portable unit. It’s a nice way to make sure your phone, BT stereo, go-pro camera, has plenty juice for the whole day. I’ve heard WAY too many tales of giant catches, but “I grabbed the phone to take a picture and the battery was dead,” or “just as I hear the beeping of my GoPro battery dying, the water exploded.”
4. Someone say GoPro? - I love the new GoPro hero 9. It has a great super wide lens, shoots 4K, and takes amazing raw photos too! Also, fun to put under water and capture that cool release video. Originally, I was in the market for a nice point and shoot camera (to avoid a phone catastrophe). After weighing a ton of options, I came to the conclusion, that the GoPro would do everything I need AND provide a much better video tool.
5. Simms Bugstopper hoody - some of the best days on the river are in the morning or evening right after a warm rain…which is also when the bugs get bad. While I still spray my feet with repellent, the bugstopper gear has allowed me to go without bug-dope for the most part. I have no clue what the fabric is treated with, but it works. I recently got some pants too, and they’re a game changer. They’re also extremely light and breathable for hot weather and provide a great deal of sun protection.
6. Adventure Medical Kit - I’ve had to pull this out a couple times in the past year for hooks in fingers, and small cuts. I use a waterproof kit with all the bandaging and pain meds you could need for minor injuries.
7. Abel nippers and angled forceps. The nippers are great if you have to cut a ton of braid and you can wear around your neck with a lanyard and forget it’s there. The angled forceps are VERY handy for bass and pike where hooks can go deep quickly.
8. Yeti Hopper 12 - I found a used YETI hopper soft cooler on craigslist in ROUGH shape. I brought it home and it scrubbed up nicely. I’ve now used it 3 years, and it’s amazing. perfect for 3 guys in a boat to pack lunches and a couple cold pops. It’s also bomb-proof. I’ve thrown it on the bank SO many times. It just takes a beating and keeps things cold the whole day.
9. Fishpond Boat Net - Full-disclosure, I had a giftcard I bought the Net with. That said, this composite net is perfect for any boat. Nets take a ton of abuse. They’re stepped on, kicked, used like a tennis racket to whack lures stuck high in a tree, used to push off the bank, and even used to bring fish in the boat. You’re simply not going to kill this net. It also utilizes a soft rubber basket that’s much better for the fish than nylon netting. If you’re into buying things once and having them last forever, this is the ticket…For a small cost, the baskets can be replaced.
10. Nite Ize 12” twist ties - whether you’re in a boat, or packing for a wet wade, these cheap rubber accessories have so many uses. I use them to secure gear to my raft during transit. They’re great for attaching things to the frame to keep them off the floor, and an added layer of security for rods in the trays.
Obviously, there is other equipment that I could make a strong case for, but this is the gear I’m lost without. What am I missing? What non-tackle items can you not live without?
TK
