1. Polarized Glasses

Polarized glasses, with a type of lens that reduces the reflection of the water, allow you to see deeper and more clearly into water. I’ve caught many more fish because of polarized glasses. Polarized glasses allow some to become proficient at “spotting”–scanning a given area to see if fish are lurking nearby. Spotting is very common in the spring time for bedding bass but can be used year round for many species. I’ve spotted in lily pad fields and small channels before with great luck. If you anchor up on a spot and slow down and just watch the water, usually fish you had assumed to not exist will creep into view. You can pick up polarized glasses at any sporting good store and gas stations usually have a few pairs as well.

2. Scale and Camera

You never know when that trophy fish is going to bite–and you damn better have something to prove it when it does. Depending on the fish in the body of water it is nice to have a medium/small scale (say 15 pound maximum) in addition to a larger scale that caps at 75 pounds or so (in case you catch that Goliath catfish or muskie). A camera will always be nice for these occasions. When alone it is difficult to picture the fish and give justice to the size. The best technique for taking pictures alone that I’ve seen is laying the fish next to the rod and reel so the viewers have a sense of the fish’s size versus the rod and reel. You are either going to take my advice and have both of these with you fishing, or you are going to eventually catch that lunker and kick yourself for years for not having some kind of proof. Have these items! Also I should mention my whole site is about fishing reports, and people enjoy checking out your catch so get those pictures to post!

3. Needle Nose Pliers

These little dewsies are a necessity no matter the activity. But for fishing I suggest you buy a pair and always keep them in the boat. Time after time on the boat I think to myself, “Wow, that would’ve been awful if I didn’t have pliers on board.” Awkward hookups on fish deep in the throat or in the gills call for a handy pair of needle nose pliers. Pliers also help for fish with small mouths, when it is difficult to get your hand inside to dislodge the hook. Also pliers are great for catfish with their tough gummy mouths that seem to cling to the hook.

4. Snacks

Keeping the belly happy is essential while on the water. Once you satisfy the man on the inside your fishing effort will be its best. I usually go with some kind of nutrition bar or whatnot. I also enjoy eating sunflower seeds, because they provide some protein and are amusing to split and spit (I don’t know why). Always have some water on board. A simple water bottle can go a long way on a hot summers day with the sun relentlessly beating down on your shoulders. There’s one final particularly tasty beverage I occasionally like to have a few of on the boat, but I’m gonna save it for a future article.

5. Have a Game Plan!

Catching fish is about correctly predicting their behavior. And you have to guess it, so have a predetermined plan. Tie up the correct lures ahead of time and also give yourself a backup plan in case the primary plan goes bust. Preparation not only will make you more successful, but make you more efficient on the water. Your game plan should help you cover water more quickly and isolate active groups of fish. All things considered a good game plan increases your effective time on the water–something we all wish we could do.

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