Essential gear for a stress-free fishing trip

Written by Rita Lennon

There’s nothing quite like a weekend fishing trip. Just you, your crew, and the beauty of the great outdoors… plus some gear to make sure you’re not heading home early or in bad shape. From someone who’s been out in all conditions, here are some essentials you can check off to ensure your next trip is stress-free.

1. All the fishing tackle you’ll need for each session

Always, always double check your fishing gear.

We’ve all done it before. You’re out at the crack of dawn to get to your spot before the wind kicks up. Conditions are perfect, you’re all ready to go. Then you realise you’ve left a pretty crucial piece of equipment at home. Like hooks. Or the landing net.

While the equipment you need will differ depending on where you’re going, the time of year, and what species you’re targeting; it’s worth making a list and sticking to it for the essentials. Tackle box, rods and reels, GPS or fish finder, baits, life jackets… get everything ready the night before, and make sure it goes with you.

2. Proper clothing and protection to avoid sunburn, heatstroke and injuries

You need adequate UV protection; more than just a dab of zinc on the nose. Too much exposure is a surefire way to cut a trip short. In true Aussie fashion, ‘no hat, no play’ is the minimum. You should then add a lightweight, UV rated long sleeve, generously apply SPF 50+ sunscreen, and drink plenty of water.

Choose your footwear wisely. If you’re going to be around rocks or on uneven terrain, maybe leave the thongs at home and get something grippy and protective that also won’t get heavy when wet - like reef shoes.

When heading out for several days, you will need to bring clothing suited for both high and low temperatures. Best to pack something rain and windproof just in case the weather changes suddenly. And if you are camping, be aware that temperatures can drop sharply at night. You will feel the cold a lot more in a swag than you would at home.

3. Polarised sunglasses so you can see more fish

If there’s one item that’s worth the hype, it’s a good pair of polarised sunnies. These cut the glare like nothing else and allow much better visibility while fishing.

All quality sunglasses offer UV protection, but polarised glasses have a special filter that only lets in vertical light. This means any other light (like the light constantly bouncing off the water) gets blocked and you can see a lot clearer in its absence. It’s easier for you to see what’s going on beneath the surface that way.

If you find you get fatigued or have headaches after a big day outdoors, try a pair of polarised glasses. You might be surprised how much it helps to stop squinting and general strain.

4. Food and beverages to keep the punters happy

If you still want to be on speaking terms with your friends and family after the trip, pack enough food and drinks. This is especially important if you’re taking little ones along; a well-timed snack can save the day.

Keep your food and your fish (or at least the bait) in separate chillers if you can to help keep things clean. I have opened far too many Eskies to find open packs of bait marinating alongside beers in half-melted ice…

If you’re going for the full weekend, think about how you’ll keep everything cool and fresh. A 12v camping fridge you can hook up to your car or boat is a great solution. Modern ones won’t take up more space than an Esky, so don’t worry too much about how to fit it in.

Pro tip: the best portable fridge freezers have a compressor, so insist on a model fitted with one. It’s well worth the investment to guarantee a stable temperature for any perishables (and to keep drinks icy cold).

5. ‘In case of emergency’ gear to keep you and your family safe

We take our phones everywhere these days, so think about how you’ll keep yours charged, especially if you need to call for help. Try a portable battery, or a portable power station if you have larger electronics to run while you’re camped out. A dry bag for your phone is a good idea too.

First aid supplies are another must. There are a lot of sharp objects involved in fishing, not to mention coming into contact with various animals and insects. My standard ‘just in case’ list includes bug repellent, sunscreen, a small first aid kit (you can buy these pre-filled), a backup supply of any vital medicine, and - trust me on this one - toilet paper.

When you’re packing everything the night before, use a checklist on paper or your phone. It’s such a simple step, and may seem obvious, but you’ll reduce the chances of forgetting something critical.

Getting out there and fishing has to be one of the best ways to spend a weekend by the water. By covering off your stress-free essentials, you can focus entirely on enjoying the trip - and catching the big one.

Tight lines.

Rita Lennon is a writer and Jack-of-all-trades with a deep love for coastal life, camping, and creative projects.