Planning a fishing trip can be difficult for first timers and not knowing what to bring can be a little stressful. The biggest fear is going out on the water and forgetting your gear or important equipment...like your rod!
We thought we would help by providing you with this basic fishing trip checklist for planning the perfect trip!

The first thing you want to think about is what mother nature may bring you. Although your gear is important but protecting yourself from the elements are just as important, if not, more. Protecting yourself is one thing we tend to overlook when planning a trip like this. You may not think about bringing essential items like:
- sunscreen
- a first aid kit
- a hat
- sunglasses
- bug spray
- needle nose pliers
- water
- extra clothing (jacket, long sleeve sweater, pants - if you're sporting shorts at the beginning of your day, etc)
All of these things may not be necessary for each trip but they are always things to think about. Check the local weather before heading out, this way you can pack what you need.

Next, we want to pack our gear. Here is a great checklist to go by when putting your equipment together.
Fishing Essentials
- Rod and reel
- Hooks to catch your fish - lures, sinkers, hooks, jigs, spoons and flies
- Extra line
- Fishing net
- Pliers and/or multi-tool
- Filleting knife
- Cooler
- Tackle box
- Plastic zip-lock bags - for putting your fillets in

Finally, we want to make sure we bring the major necessities like:
- Government Issued Driver's Licence/Photo ID - depending on the Province, you want to make sure you have all the proper documents. It's best to do a little research.
- Fishing License - depending on the Province, you may need a license/permit.
- Cell Phone
- Roll of paper towel
- Cooler
- Hand sanitizer
- Towel
- Life-jacket - if you plan on boating
Making this as a pre-made kit will help make it more convenient for future fishing trips. Once you have gone a few times, you will have other items you may want to add to this list to make your trip complete.
Packing things like food and beverages are also important so that you stay hydrated and energized. Bring tons of water and pack a small lunch or some snacks and you should be ready for a pretty amazing trip...even if you don't catch anything, the experience alone will be worth it!
- Appetizers, Snacks & Beverages
- Apple Cider
- Apple Pie Smoothie
- Apple Pie Spiced Latte
- Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
- Cardamom Tea Cookies
- Chai Spiced Coffee
- Cheesy Garlic Fingers
- Chili Cheese Log
- Chinese 5 Spice Roasted Peanuts
- Classic Hot Toddy
- Cumin Pita Chips
- Dairy Free Pumpkin Spice Latte with Whipped Coconut Cream
- Empanadas
- Fail Proof Herbed Pizza Dough
- Healthy Pumpkin Spice Latte
- Homemade Oatnogg
- Lemon Pepper Caesar
- Organic Oat Milk – Gluten Free
- Peanut Butter Turmeric Popcorn Balls
- Pumpkin Spice Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Smokey Almond Snack
- Southern Potato Wedges
- Turmeric Ginger Latte
- Breakfast
- Soups & Salads
- Dressings & Dips
- Cilantro Salad Dressing
- Cinnamon Maple Cranberry Sauce
- Crockpot Stuffing
- Dill-icious Cream Cheese Dip
- DIY Mulling Spice Flavoured Syrup
- Fruit Dip
- Homemade Mustard
- Homemade Veggie Dip
- Homemade Salad Dressing
- Honey Balsamic Dressing
- Greek Veggie Dip
- Italian Pasta Sauce
- Macaroni Salad Dressing
- Mulling Spiced Vinaigrette
- Salsa Fresca
- Splendor Garden Dill-icious Dip
- Splendor Garden Onion Dip Mix
- Splendor Garden Smokey Chili Pepper Dip Mix
- Vinaigrette Salad Dressing
- Vegetables
- BBQ’d Lemon Pepper Cobs
- Curried Green Beans
- Cinnamon Glazed Carrots
- Garden Vegetable Curry
- Garlic Parmesan Zoodles
- Holiday Baked Yams
- Italian Baby Carrots
- Marinated Tomatoes
- Mock Mexican Street Corn
- Potatoes Plus
- Pumpkin Spiced Sweet Potato Casserole
- Roasted Herbs de Provence Potato Medley
- Roasted Moroccan Veggies
- Roasted Vegetable Medley
- Sweet & Salty Asparagus
- Sweet Potato Fries with Curry Dip
- Entrées
- Vegetarian Dishes
- Gluten Free
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