Going fishing is a wonderful way to spend your summer. And what better way to do it than in a fishing boat? Whether you’re heading out for a weekend with the whole family, teaching the kids how to cast their lines, or planning a longer trip with your best fishing buddy, there’s a lot of preparation work involved.

Fortunately, we’re here to help you plan. Germaine Marine is your local fishing boat dealer. Here are some of our recommendations for what you should pack on your next fishing trip.

Clothing

You’ll need to dress for the weather you’ll be fishing in. During the summer, this means preparing yourself to deal with heat and sunlight. Allowing yourself to get too much sun can mean anything from incurring a serious sunburn to developing full-on heatstroke. That’s why applying sunscreen to all exposed skin and reapplying it every few hours is important, along with staying in the shade and staying hydrated. But you’ll also need to dress the part with the right clothing.

A lightweight long-sleeved shirt from a natural fabric will keep you cool and prevent the sun from hitting your skin directly. A wide-brimmed hat and a pair of UV-protective sunglasses will keep the sun out of your eyes and off your face. You may want to wear some synthetic pants that dry quickly for wading in the water, or you might prefer shorts. Water shoes or wading boots are a good call and more protective than a pair of sandals. If you think it might rain, a poncho or rain jacket is a practical choice.

Safety Needs

You never know what you might encounter when you’re out on the water. That’s why you want to have some safety essentials on hand. Personal flotation devices (also known as life jackets) for every fisher will be necessary; make sure they’re in good condition. An emergency hand-crank radio can help you call for help. We mentioned sunscreen earlier, but don’t forget to pack plenty of it and make it waterproof and high-SPF for the best protection. Bug spray will keep those mosquitoes from biting you.

A well-stocked first-aid kit is necessary, too. You can pack aloe vera, calamine, antibacterial ointments, petroleum jelly, a pair of tweezers, nail clippers, bandages, gauze, waterproof medical tape, painkillers, antihistamines, antacids and anything else that you may need. Your own prescription medications can go in your first-aid kit if you prefer, too.

Personal Items

You will also need to bring some personal items with you to ensure that you’re ready for anything. This includes your identification (either a driver’s license or passport), your cell phone and charger (solar chargers can be a great choice for boating), wallet, toiletries, car keys, camera, extra sunglasses, boating license, registration papers and anything else you feel you might need on your fishing trip. Pack these items in a waterproof duffel bag.

Fishing Gear

And, of course, you don’t want to forget to stock that tackle box! Along with your rod and reel, you’ll want to have some lures, flies and hooks, along with an extra line. You may be able to get what you need at a bait shop, but it’s always best to be prepared. You can pack your fishing gear in a small backpack if your box will take up too much space.

We hope our guide proves useful to you in helping you pack for your next fishing excursion. In search of the perfect fishing boat? Contact us or visit our website to learn more about our full selection of new and used fishing boats for sale! Germaine Marine proudly serves the states of Arizona and Utah.