Generally speaking there are two distinct types of anglers. The ones who over prepare for a fishing trip and the ones that under prepare. Most people consider fishing to be a fairly simple sport, but in reality being properly prepared can be the difference between catching fish on a regular basis. Being well prepared also reduces the chance of anything going wrong, which can become quite serious if you are on the water, and many anglers do spend much of their time there. The following are some simple ideas to help you have a successful and safe fishing trip.
Have a place for everything
Whether you fish from a boat or from the shore it is a good idea to keep your fishing tackle well organized. This means having a tackle box or storage that is built into your boat so that you can keep it all organized. The benefit of a tackle box is that you keep everything in one place (so you don't forget anything) and you can take it with you anywhere. Fishing rods are slightly harder to store, but there are some great products on the market to hold all kinds of rods while you are fishing. If you need to store a long rod, like a 7 weight trout fishing rod for example, try to purchase one that can be broken down into smaller sections.
Plan ahead
Always tell someone where you are going and when you plan on returning. This way they can send someone to look for you if you don't return. This is a general safety rule if you are traveling in a boat and/or into a wilderness area. In some jurisdictions there is a phone line that you can call and leave your details with the local authorities. Always carry a full complement of safety gear and a first aid kit in case of an emergency.
It is important not to be obsessed with safety or the stress of everything may stop you from having a good time. However, take some time to consider the issues before you go fishing so that you can be sure that you will return safely!
