If you are a bit forgetful like me, then this lure fishing checklist could come in handy. When going on any type of fishing adventure, whether it be for a week or just a few hours the last thing you want to do is forget a vital piece of kit which could mess your whole day up. We all know how excited we can get whilst packing the car, and how easy it is for important things to escape your mind. Especially if it’s very early morning and you are not 100% awake and alert.
I have compiled a list of what I believe to be the most important items to take on a lure fishing trip, obviously, everyone’s different, but this is my bare essentials, If anyone wants to add to this list please feel free.
1. Your Rod
You wouldn’t believe how many people have forgotten their rod, DO NOT FORGET YOUR ROD. I’ve even done it myself. Luckily I had a dodgy spare rod in the back of the motor. Not ideal but it certainly got me out of trouble considering I was an hour from home.
2. Your Reel
Again, believe it or not, it is possible to forget this vital piece of equipment as well. This is just as important as your rod, do not forget it.
There are lots of nice reels on the market nowadays it seems we are a bit spoilt for choice. At the moment I am very keen on fishing ultralight for the perch and zander. For this style of fishing, I really think a Daiwa Ninja is hard to beat.
If you Haven’t got one or seen one yet check out the link below They really are a nice reel at a very reasonable price.
3. A Selection of Lures
Personally, I don’t take a huge amount of lures fishing with me, because it’s too tempting to keep changing them. Take a small handful, and spend some time with each one. This way you learn how the lures work and see what the fish want on the day. Take a few different styles in a few different colours so that you can cover all different conditions.
4. Trace Material
Always take some trace material with you, whether it be wire for the pike or fluorocarbon for the perch. We don’t want the line being bit through, do we? Preds such as pike and zander are more than capable of biting through your line. Traces or a leader is a must if going lure fishing. There are plenty to choose from, or why not try making your own.
5. Landing Net
Carry a landing net with you, it’s just another good way of risking losing the fish if you don’t take one. We strongly advise the rubberised type. They are kind to the fish and ever so easy to get a tangled treble out of. If primarily for lure fishing, make sure the net you purchase is nice and light. Spro does an awesome little net that is cheap as chips and is well worth a look.
6. Unhooking Utensils
You will need side cutters just in case of any deep hooking. This is pretty rare when lure fishing, and much more likely when dead baiting or live baiting and are used as a last resort.
forceps to dislodge any hooks are a very handy tool to have with you.
A pair of long nose pliers and a good pair of small sharp scissors are also a good idea to keep in your bag.
All these will aid you in the unhooking of any fish you may encounter.
7. Rod License and Club Ticket
The last thing you want to happen when the fish are biting is to get moved on or fined, so don’t forget to take your rod license with you. Keep it with you at all times.
For the same reasons as above, make sure you have your club ticket on you or cash to buy a day ticket. If it is club water, be sure to check their rules on day tickets. Some clubs you can pay at the bank, others don’t allow it.
8. Appropriate Clothing
It is very uncomfortable fishing if you are too cold or too hot, it is always worth wearing layers so you can either take them off or add to them. Be prepared for all types of weather out there people. Check the weather before you set off, being cold is rubbish when you’re out on the bank. Equally just as annoying is carrying lots of surplus layers that you didn’t need.
9. Polarised Sun glasses
A must for spotting where the fish are in bright conditions. When the sun’s glare is stopping you from seeing below the surface, polarised glasses are a must. It is definitely worth spending a few quid more and getting a half-decent pair.
10. A Hat
A hat is extremely handy to protect you from the sun in the warmer months, and to keep you warm in the colder months. A nice cap in the summer, and a good wooly hat in the winter is well worth considering..
11. Food and Drink
There’s not a lot worse than fishing on an empty stomach. I seem to eat loads when I’m fishing. It is very easy to forget your packed lunch that is sitting in your fridge at home. A good flask of hot drink never goes a miss in the winter months either. Just remember if you’re roving with the lures to take into consideration the extra weight of the flask etc.
12. Mobile Phone
Always worth carrying it with you in case of an emergency and also photographing your catch, and of course in case the other half rings you. Ok, maybe the later isn’t that important.
13. A Set of Scales
Well, you want to boast about how big the whopper was. If you have no scales with you, expect a hammering on social media when you ask ‘ how big do you think this is).
We have all seen how many arguments it causes on the Facebook groups when people forget their scales.
Don’t be one of those people. Nowadays a lot of top brands make some super lightweight scales that can be easily carried with you.
Digital scales are well worth a look.
14. Unhooking Mat
Don’t forget your unhooking mat. Some clubs now insist on you having one, especially if predator fishing. There are some awesome mats that are designed with the roving lure fisherman in mind.
15. Toilet Roll
For obvious reasons, I never forget my loo roll!
To Conclude
Most of us are passionate about what we do and get a bit excited when it’s time to go fishing. This is the time we think you are most likely to forget things. I have this lure fishing checklist printed out and stuck to my fridge door. Ever since I have done this I haven’t forgotten any of my stuff for the day ahead. Good luck with your quests and tight lines. Ps if you’re a beginner at lure fishing then it may be worth checking this post out on lure fishing tips.
