Fishing Trip Packing List for Different Types of Angling

Whether you’re new to angling or have years on the water, the variety of fishing gear available can still feel overwhelming. Plenty of folks who get hooked (if you will) on the sport learn the hard way what to pack for a fishing trip—that is, through trial-and-error, dealing with burdensome, unnecessary items and must-have gear never brought in the first place.

Well, the Mountain House team is here to help! We've pulled together the basics of what to bring on a fishing trip. Keep in mind what's likely obvious, even to total newbies: namely, that your fishing gear will vary based on the type of angling you're doing (e.g., spincasting vs. fly fishing); where you're doing it (freshwater vs. saltwater, inshore vs. pelagic, etc.); the length of your trip (half-day vs. full-day vs. multi-day); and whether you're chartering a guide or going the independent route.

First, we'll break down the truly essential fishing gear, then move into categories such as personal protection and comfort, food planning, and situation-specific items. Let's get going!

What Should You Pack for a Fishing Trip?

The following are the foundational items you'll need on most fishing trips:

• Fishing License & Regulations: These are all-important. You need to abide by all rules and regulations specific to your area, target species, and other factors, and ensure that your angling activities are licensed and otherwise legal.
• Rod & Reel (or Other Primary Fishing Implement): Spincasting and spinner rods and reels are popular choices for beginners and intermediate anglers, some of whom go on to try baitcasting and perhaps fly rods as they gain experience. Some of the prime factors that go into choosing a rod include length, power (how "bendy" the rod is), and action (where the bend occurs), as well as the fishing line and lures it's rated for. You'll consider these and other factors based on where you're primarily going to be fishing and what your target species are. (Some kinds of fishing don't require a rod and reel at all: hand-fishing, spearfishing, bow-fishing, gig-fishing, etc.)
• Stocked Tackle Box: There is, of course, a whole mess of other tackle besides your rod-and-reel setup, including fishhooks, sinkers/weights, bobbers, and artificial lures (spinners, jigs, swimbaits, etc.) and/or natural bait.
• Extra Line: It's a fact of life. Fishing line breaks, snags up, and gets (infuriatingly) wind-knotted. You'll want backup.
• Pliers and/or Multi-Tool: These are useful not only for hook removal but also for untangling knots and adjusting your rigging.
• Utility Knife, Line Cutter, & Scissors: These aid in everything from cutting line, rope, and bait to sharpening fishhooks.
• Filet Knife: This will come in handy if you'll be keeping your catch to clean and cook.
• Net & Stringer/Cooler: A net helps you haul in your catch; the stringer and/or cooler help you transport and store it.

Personal Comfort & Safety

As with any outdoor activity, your packing list for a fishing trip needs to include items for keeping you safe and comfortable out in the elements. Just what those elements constitute depends on where, when, and what kind of angling you're doing, but the following cover a lot of the standard must-haves:

• Polarized Sunglasses: protecting your eyes from UV exposure and reducing glare for better vision
• Sun-Protective Clothing: including long-sleeve, quick-drying layers, a hat (ideally wide-brimmed), and a neck gaiter or bandanna
• Sunscreen: of a high SPF rating
• Lip Balm: with SPF protection
• Insect Repellent: because a lot of the best fishing grounds are plenty buggy!
• Windbreaker or Waterproof Jacket: for downpours, drizzle, sea spray, on-the-water breezes, etc.
• First-Aid Kit: fully stocked with supplies regularly checked and re-upped as necessary
• Hand Sanitizer & Wipes: for dealing with the grime and guts of angling
• Headlamp: for predawn starts and dusk returns
• Waterproof Bag: for phone, keys, and other valuables
• OTC Anti-Nausea Tablets: to combat seasickness

Food & Hydration

Wondering what food to bring on a fishing trip? And how to stay hydrated during all of the hot-and-heavy striking action (and, let's face it, all the hours of hot-and-heavy non-action)? We've got you covered:

• Refillable Water Bottle, Hydration Bladder, or Filter: It's all too easy to get parched while hyper-concentrating on your line, your bobber, and your fishfinder. Make sure to drink water on the regular.
• High-Energy Snacks: Pack easy-to-eat foods such as trail mix, jerky, granola bars, or fruit. Periodic snacking helps keep you fueled (and fights against "hanger") as you fish through breakfast and lunch.
• Lightweight, Easy-to-Prepare Meals: For full-day, overnight, or multi-day fishing trips, simple meals that require minimal prep are ideal. Freeze-dried meals, like Mountain House, are popular because they’re compact, quick to make, nutritious, and calorie-dense. 

What Do You Pack for Specific Types of Fishing?

Needless to say, the term "fishing" encompasses an impressive variety of settings, styles, and gamefish. That means some major customization when it comes to what to bring on a fishing trip. Below, we've got little mini-lists focused on a number of different brands of angling.

Freshwater Fishing: Lakes, Rivers, Streams, & Freshwater Wetlands

Basic spin- or bait-casting freshwater fishing is many a first-time angler's "gateway" experience and the exclusive passion of many lifelong fisherfolk.

What to pack for a freshwater fishing outing:

• Lightweight rod-&-reel setup
• Natural baits (worms, minnows, etc.), spinners, and artificial lures
• Waders for river-fishing
• Landing net
• Insect repellent
• Stool for bank-fishing

Saltwater Fishing: Coastal, Offshore

Some of the most coveted gamefish are those that lurk in the brine, from inshore tidal backwaters and estuaries to wide-open pelagic blue water.

What to pack for saltwater angling:

• Heavier rod/reel for bigger, stronger fish
• Salt-resistant pliers, hooks, and other gear & tackle
• Sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, lip balm (salt glare burns fast!)
• Rain jacket/windbreaker for open water
• Seasickness medication
• Extra towels & drybag

Fly Fishing

The fabled pursuit of fly fishing has seduced (and obsessed) many an outdoorsperson and comes about as close to an art as any kind of angling.

What to pack for a fly fishing trip:

• Specialized fly rod & reel
• Fly box with dry flies, nymphs, and streamers
• Waders & boots
• Zingers, floatant, & tippet
• Net suitable for catch-&-release fishing
• Sunglasses for eye safety against flies

Ice Fishing

Some people might think it's craziness, but the joys of ice fishing run deep, and it's a way to indulge one's angling avocation all year round in northern climes where winter cold tends to set up shop for months.

What to pack for ice fishing:

• Ice auger
• Wind-blocking shelter
• Insulated waterproof boots & gloves
• Thermal layers & long-sleeve base layers
• Safety spikes for ice falls
• High-calorie food (such as warming Mountain House meals!) & hot liquids
• Sleeping bag for overnight ice shelters

Charter Fishing Trip

Beginners and seasoned anglers alike can improve their chances of success on a chartered fishing trip, from the muskie lakes of the Upper Midwest to the big-game deeps of the Gulf of Mexico.

What to pack for a charter fishing trip:

• ID, fishing license, over-the-counter medications
• Soft-sided cooler for catch
• Tip money for captain & crew
• Compact tackle selection (as the crew often supplies most gear)
• Windbreaker or waterproof jacket for salt spray

Beyond the Basics: Smart Additions for a Smoother Fishing Trip

Here are some other useful things to have along on a fishing trip, wherever it takes you:

• Phone with offline maps downloaded
• GPS & compass
• Extra battery pack
• Local fishing-regulations sheet
• Waterproof phone case
• Memory card & backup battery
• Small notebook (for jottings on fishing spots, conditions, timing, species, etc.)
• Mini tackle repair kit
• Reel lube
• Spare swivels, snaps, hooks
• Rag for cleaning reels
• Portable tool for eyelets & knots
• Small waterproof bag for storing extra hardware

What to Avoid Bringing

And here's what you ought not to include in your fishing trip packing list:

• Excessive tackle that adds weight
• Breakable valuables you'd worry about losing
• Cotton clothing (which stays wet for a long time & can easily cause chills)
• Heavy camera equipment (unless it's an intentional image-documentation fishing trip)

The Golden Rule: Check, Double-Check & Plan Ahead

Regardless of the sort of fishing trip you're embarking on, remember to confirm the legality of your fishing license and tackle; inspect your gear; do your homework with regard to weather, tides, and up-to-date regulations; pack backups of essential items; and—as on any outdoor adventure—tell somebody where you're going.

Bring Mountain House on Every Fishing Adventure

Mountain House freeze-dried meals help you stay fueled up for the early-morning wakeups, long hours, sun exposure, and sometimes-strenuous effort that go along with angling. Lightweight, packable, possessing an epic shelf life without the need for refrigeration, and incredibly quick and simple to prepare, our entrées are perfect for all kinds of fishing outings: anytime and anywhere!

Check out our full hunting-and-angling collection—we've got a number of great new items you're going to want to taste—and pick up more fishing tips elsewhere on the blog!