Before hitting the water you're going to want to make sure that you are prepared. Having the right equipment onboard will greatly increase your chances of landing more fish as well as getting you out of trouble when a fish or other external factors put you in a bind. We'll cover it all below.
Equipment That Makes the Game Warden Happy
It's tough to start listing all the exciting stuff without first addressing the "must have" list for any angler ready to launch their boat. Take note of the following to ensure you don't run into any trouble with those enforcing the law.
Navigation Lights
Whether fishing day or night time hours you definitely want your boat to be equipped with the necessary navigation lights. This includes a front (bow) navigation light that indicates your boats orientation in the water. Each front navigation light has a red and green light to alert other boaters of your boats orientation in the water. The red light indicates your port side (left side) and the green indicates your starboard side (right side).
The second navigation light required is your stern light which is positioned in the back of your boat. It has a 360° illumination and typically is a longer light rod to make other boaters aware of you being on the water.
Don't think just because you plan to do most fishing during the day that you can skip out on having these lights on the boat. Most fishing tournaments have law enforcement present to do equipment checks, which include navigation lights, before allowing you to launch your boat.
Check out these picks in case your boat is in need...
For the front (bow) of your boat (2 options)
Attwood 10" Angled Stowaway Sidelight: https://amzn.to/3Lorgmu
Attwood Deck Mounted Navigation Bow Light: https://amzn.to/3lemeyf
For the back (stern) of your boat
Attwood Frosted Globe Light: https://amzn.to/3wfeu5r
Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs)
Known by most as life jackets, it is a requirement to have as many PFDs in the boat as there are people in the boat. Floatation devices are divided into different types depending on their use. To give you a heads up, the most commonly used PFDs for anglers are type II and type III. Many state laws also require the need for a "pillow" or "ring" as well (see below) so ensure your boat is properly equipped with the right floatation devices. Pillows and rings are considered a type IV floatation device as they are thrown instead of worn. See below for the best buying options for all types you will need on your boat.
Inflatable Options
High end: Onyx Inflatable Life Jacket (https://amzn.to/39XHhCN)
Budget friendly: SafeMax Adult Inflatable Life Jacket w/ Whistle (https://amzn.to/3Pkh2qF)
Standard Options
Budget friendly: Type II Keyhole Life Jacket (https://amzn.to/3Mn54ub)
Bulk buy: Stohlquist Adult Life Vest, 4-pack (https://amzn.to/3yI40NE)
Additional Items You'll Need
It may not exactly be equipment but you will want to make sure it's on board just in case a ranger chooses to sneak up on you.
- Boat Registration
- Fishing Licenses
- Personal Identification
Fishing Equipment
For the purpose of the article we're going to stick with equipment other than your rod, reel, line, and lures - that's a whole article in and of itself!
Rope/Dock Line
You won't realize its importance until you need it. Rope is great for tying off - whether it be a dock, bridge pilings, or a fallen log that sticks out of the water near a great fishing spot.
It's worth having a set of two just in case you need to tie off both the front and back of boat due to high winds, choppy water or strong currents.
Our dock line of choice: Rainier Supply Co (https://amzn.to/3LkMHFd)
Pliers
We've all waited too long to set the hook and after catching a fish realized the hook is way down in the fishes mouth. A good set of pliers can certainly help in these situations. They are also great for quickly add or removing split rings from lures, straightening hooks, or being used for boat repair.
Check out these all-purpose fishing pliers from PLUSINNO (https://amzn.to/3wttCuZ) that are great for any angler
Line Clippers
Also called "Nippers", line clippers are a necessity for every angler. Few things are worse than making a great cast, thinking you're going to get a bite on your retrieve, just to realize your lure has a patch of vegetation on it cause the tag end of your knot was too long and picking up everything your lure dragged across. Clippers can help with this as well as saving you from having to use your teeth.
Boomerang Tool Fishing Line Cutters: https://amzn.to/3Mp3Squ
Fishing Net
For the record, few things are more defeating to an angler than losing a fish right at the boat. Be sure to have a net on your boat to avoid this happening to you. They are relatively cheap and could be the difference between landing and losing your next big catch.
Avoid fishing barbs getting stuck and increase your reach by going with a Telescopic Rubber Fishing Net (https://amzn.to/3NzZy83).
Items Worth Mentioning (Sunscreen, Coolers)
Sunscreen
Ahhh - the thing we all say we don't need until we turn on the hot shower water and feel the "sizzle". Keep a tube of sunscreen in your boat, especially in the summer months, so that you never have to remember it before leaving the house.
Coppertone Sport: https://amzn.to/3NeDGyE
No one wants to get burnt! Make sure your boat is equipped with it.
A Good Cooler
Coolers serve two great purposes - they hold food/drinks and they make for a great seat or fishing platform. Everyone knows to store their food and drinks in a cooler but try using them as a fishing platform for your next trip. Most hard coolers these days are close the same height between a boats flooring and platform. This provides you with more space throughout your boat to fish from an elevated platform and keep your food and drinks cool at the same time.
Consider an RTIC Hard Cooler (https://amzn.to/3wgRqDu) for your next fishing trip. They're cheaper than other hard cooler brands yet offer the same high quality.