Wednesbury, West Midlands. UK
Phone: +44 7595 333762
Email: info@oystern.com
Phone: +44 7595 333762
Email: info@oystern.com
Nothing derails a fishing trip faster than realising you’ve left something important at home. The sunscreen on the kitchen counter. The pliers still in the garage. The snacks that would have prevented the meltdown at hour two.
This checklist covers everything you need for a successful day of fishing — whether it’s your first trip ever or you’re packing for the family. We’ve organised it by category and included the items people most commonly forget, so you can scan it quickly before heading out.
In a rush? Here’s the condensed version:
Now let’s break down each category in detail.
Before you load up, spend two minutes checking your equipment:
Line condition: Old monofilament develops “memory” (visible coils) and weak spots. If it’s been sitting since last season, strip off at least the first 10-15 feet or consider re-spooling entirely.
Drag test: Pull line off the reel by hand. It should release smoothly under pressure, not stick and then give way suddenly.
Guide inspection: Run your finger or a cotton bud through each rod guide. If it catches, you have a groove or crack that will damage your line. Time for repair.
Pre-rig at home: Tying on hooks and rigs at the water wastes fishing time and tests patience. Do it the night before if possible.
You don’t need an overwhelming collection. For a basic trip, ensure you have:
Terminal tackle:
A few lure options:
Spares:
If you’re using natural bait:
Worms: Keep cool — a small cooler with damp newspaper works well. Heat kills them quickly.
Maggots: Store in a bait box with ventilation. Keep cool but not frozen.
Alternatives: Bread, sweetcorn, or luncheon meat work surprisingly well and require no special storage.
Small but essential:
Needle-nose pliers or fishing forceps: Absolutely essential for removing hooks safely — from fish and occasionally from fingers. Also useful for crimping split-shot and bending down barbs.
Line cutters: Scissors work, but dedicated fishing snips are easier to use with wet hands. Nail clippers are a decent backup.
This is the item people most commonly forget — or don’t realise they need.
You need a rod licence to fish for freshwater fish in England and Wales. Here’s the current breakdown:
Costs (2025):
Exemptions:
Where to buy: Online through the government website or at Post Office branches.
Important: The rod licence only covers your legal right to fish. You’ll also need permission from whoever controls the water — a day ticket at commercial fisheries, club membership for club waters, or landowner permission for private waters.
Close season: Rivers in England and Wales are closed for coarse fishing from 15 March to 15 June to protect spawning fish. Stillwaters (lakes and ponds) are generally open year-round, but check local rules.
No rod licence required for coarse fishing. Salmon and trout require permits from the relevant fishery board or owner.
Fishing licences are managed state by state, with typical costs ranging from $15-50 for residents annually. Most states exempt children under 16. Licences are available through state wildlife agency websites, sporting goods stores, and many general retailers.
Free fishing days: Most US states offer 2-4 days per year when no licence is required. Great for testing whether fishing is for you.
Discomfort ends trips early. These items keep you (and especially children) fishing.
Sunscreen: Apply before you leave the house — it needs 15-20 minutes to absorb properly. Use SPF 30+ water-resistant formula and reapply every 2 hours. Water reflects UV rays, intensifying exposure.
Hat: A wide-brimmed hat protects your face, ears, and neck. Baseball caps leave ears and neck exposed.
Sunglasses: Protect your eyes and reduce glare. Polarised lenses cut through surface glare and let you see into the water — genuinely useful, not just a gimmick.
Lip balm with SPF: Easily forgotten, frequently regretted.
Water attracts insects. Be prepared:
Repellent: Apply to exposed skin. Reapply as directed, especially if you’re sweating.
Timing awareness: Mosquitoes and gnats are worst at dawn and dusk. Midday fishing often means fewer insects.
Water: Bring more than you think you need. A good rule is at least one litre per person for a half-day trip — more in hot weather. Dehydration causes headaches, fatigue, and irritability, all of which end trips early.
Snacks: Fishing burns more energy than it seems, especially if you’re walking and casting. Good options:
Cooler: Keeps drinks cold, snacks fresh, and bait alive. Even a small soft cooler makes a big difference on warm days.
Standing for hours is tiring. Sitting on the ground gets uncomfortable. Options:
Fishing involves hooks, occasionally knives, and unpredictable wildlife. A basic kit should include:
They happen. Here’s what to know:
If the barb isn’t through the skin: You can usually back the hook out carefully.
If the barb is shallow: The standard technique is to push through until the barb exits, cut off the barb, then back the hook out.
If it’s deep or near the eye: Seek medical attention. Don’t attempt home removal.
Prevention: Use barbless hooks or crimp down barbs. They’re much easier to remove from both fish and humans.
Phone: Charge fully before leaving. A waterproof case or dry bag is worth the small investment.
Tell someone your plans: Where you’re going, when you expect to return.
Know the address: If you need to call for help, knowing your exact location speeds response time.
Not essential, but often the difference between a good trip and a great one:
Landing net: Makes landing fish easier and is better for fish health than dragging them up a bank.
Unhooking mat: Protects fish during handling. Required at many fisheries.
Camera/phone: You’ll want photos of catches and the day itself.
Towel: You will get wet and slimy. A small hand towel for wiping hands makes everything more pleasant.
Wet wipes: Clean hands for snacks, cleaner car on the drive home.
Change of clothes: Keep a spare set in the car. Children especially seem to find ways to get soaked.
Tape measure: Useful if there are size limits, or just to record catches properly.
Dedicated bag: Keep non-perishable items permanently packed — sunscreen, repellent, first aid, tools. Grab and go.
Car kit: Keep spare clothes, a towel, and emergency supplies in the car year-round.
Post-trip routine: Immediately replace anything you used or ran low on. Restock before you forget.
GEAR
☐ Rod and reel (line checked)
☐ Tackle box with essentials
☐ Bait or lures
☐ Pliers and line cutters
☐ Fishing licence
☐ Landing net
COMFORT
☐ Sunscreen + lip balm
☐ Hat and sunglasses
☐ Insect repellent
☐ Water (plenty)
☐ Snacks/lunch
☐ Chair or seat
SAFETY
☐ First aid kit
☐ Phone (charged)
☐ Towel/wet wipes
☐ Waterproof layer
EXTRAS
☐ Camera
☐ Cooler
☐ Spare clothes
☐ Unhooking mat
The perfect fishing trip isn’t about catching the most fish — it’s about being comfortable, prepared, and distraction-free enough to actually enjoy the experience. This checklist isn’t about over-preparing; it’s about removing the small annoyances that pull your attention away from why you’re there.
A few trips with this checklist and you’ll develop your own system. Until then, use this as your starting point.
Now go catch something.
Our Kids Fishing Starter Kit covers the gear section of this checklist in one package — rod, reel, pre-spooled line, and a tackle selection that’s actually useful. For families getting started, it removes the guesswork.