Looking for a fishing trip packing list?
If you’re like me, you have fond memories of going on a fishing trip with your family growing up. But, if you’re also like me, you’re not much of a sportswoman and don’t exactly know what to bring fishing.
What to bring fishing? Don’t worry! I’ve got you covered with my fishing trip packing list. Geeves is here to save the day. You may be on a fishing charter that has all the necessary equipment. Or, maybe you’re going yourself.
In this blog, I’ll share…
- What to bring fishing
- What not to bring fishing
- How to use your best judgement on your fishing trip
- Amazon shopping lists so you can shop direct
Before We Begin
To make shopping for your fishing trip easier, I’ve created a Fishing Trip Packing List you can shop directly on Amazon. Look out for “Shop Now” button in each section (below).
Follow the easy steps:
Step 1: Find your packing list below
Step 2: Click on the Amazon “Shop Now” button to start shopping
Step 3: Add items to your shopping cart
It’s that easy!
[Please note: this post was originally published in July 2020 and updated March 2023]

What to Bring Fishing: My Fishing Trip Packing List
What to Keep in Your Wallet
- Fishing license
- Cash
- ID
- Insurance Card
if you go to ER. Hey! Fishing injuries can happen.
How to Carry it All
Bags
- Waterproof bag
For clothing and other essentials.
- Waterproof phone carrying case
- Waterproof fanny pack
What’s in the Bag
Essentials
- Cell phone
- Car charger kit
- GPS
- Map
in case you lose signal
- Sunblock
- First Aid Kit
- Hand Sanitizer
- Over the counter remedy for sea sickness
don’t be the person that pukes
- Fish informational pamphlet
you kinda need to know the fishing regulations
- Rain ponch
- Umbrella
- Water bottles
or other drinks
- Snacks
no one likes a hangry fisherwoman aboard!
- Towels
hand towel & body towel
- Foldable Chair
a lot of hurry up & wait, get cozy
- Picnic Blanket
- Hot Cocoa in a Stanley Vacuum Bottle
- Sports Sunglasses
- Bug Spray
- Go Pro
- 3 Way GoPro Accessory
Necessary Fishing Equipment
Fishing Equipment and Tools
- Bait & Tackle Box
Use the associated rods, lines, and reels for the type of fishing you’re doing. If you’re not sure what you’ll need for the specific fish you’re catching or how to use equipment, go to a tackle shop the day of and they’ll help you.
- Bring two tackle boxes
- 1 small: holds immediate essentials. You’ll carry this box down to the dock (or wherever you’re fishing)
- 1 large: holds extra supplies, tools, and equipment. You’ll leave this in your car in case you need it.
- Net
to scoop up fish
- Tape Measure
is your fish’s size legal to catch?
- Scale
how much does your fish weigh?
- Additional fishing rod
in case your 1st is ruined or gets taken by fish
What Clothing to Wear Fishing
Clothing & Boots
Waterproof overalls
- Bandana (a reader who loves fishing suggested it as a hankerchief, headband or neckscarf!)
- Non skid rubber boots or closed toe shoes
- Long sleeved shirts
- Jacket
- Windbreaker
- Heated Vest
- Extra pair of socks
in case yours get soaked
- A change of clothes
who knows if you’ll get wet or smelly
- UV Protected Clothing
the rays can be harsh after hours in sun
- Vest
- Hat
- Mosquito Net Hat
How to Store Your Fish
Fish Storage
- Cooler
to transport fish home
- Ice
so they stay nice & fresh
- Bucket
after your big catch!
For travel essentials, check out my Amazon shop page!
So, we’ve covered what to bring fishing…
Here’s What NOT to Bring on Your Fishing Trip:
- Illegal substances
- Marijuana
- Illegal drugs
- Drugs not prescribed to you (if they are, bring bottle)
- Fireworks
- Weapons
- Alcohol
Fishing in Maine: A Great Fishing Trip in Rangeley Lake
What’s it like fishing in Rangeley Lake? What kind of fish you can catch there?
Tips to Use Your Best Judgement on Your Fishing Trip
There’s a lot that can go wrong if you’re not smart. Here are things you should consider when going on a fishing trip.
1. Don’t go fishing without a fishing license.
2. Don’t forget to bring sun blocking essentials (sunblock, hat, long-sleeved shirt, etc.)
3. Look up the weather so you know how to dress
4. Book a fishing charter in advance
5. Research the fish in the area you’re going to. Also if you can, ask a local fisherman (you can find one at the bait & tackle shops in the area) for more information.
6. Follow the guidelines in that region. Don’t catch more fish than is legal to do so.
7. Be sure to measure the fish as per the requirements.
8. Look up sea conditions ahead of time.
9. Keep in mind what essentials you’ll need for the type of fishing trip you have planned. For example, what you’ll need for lake fishing is different than what you’ll need for sea fishing. (rods, lines, reels, etc.)
10. Take extra spool with you. Who knows if yours gets caught or dropped in the water and you end up needing way more.
11. You’d think this goes without saying but… don’t be the person that goes to jail on your fishing trip. Follow the law and everyone will have a good time.

I hope my handy little Fishing Trip Packing List comes in handy for you on your next fishing trip!
To get inspiration, read about my adventures fishing at Rangeley Lake in Maine!
If you could catch any fish, what would it be? And would you bring it home for dinner?
Would you like more of this type of content? Or maybe there’s something else you want me to write about?
I’d love to know. Comment below!
If you enjoyed this blog, I’d love it if you left a comment below. You can also follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. Thank you for your continued love and support! I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for you.
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The Ultimate Packing List for Every Type of Traveler
Fact Check:
At Real Girl Review, we value truth and always strive for accuracy. Posts are updated regularly. If you read something that still doesn’t sound right, contact me at gv@realgirlreview.com. I will investigate the facts and make changes as I deem necessary.
Hi PK!
I’m so happy you read my fishing packing list even though you’re an experienced fisher. I also love your ideas for bringing a bandana. I’ll definitely add that to the list. Thank you so much! 🙂
Hi Geeves,
Thank you for the fishing trip information and list!! It was a great review, even if a person has done it many times. I love your ideas! I also like to bring a bandana for headband, neckscarf, or as a handkerchief. Happy Adventures to you!
Thank you for creating this, it looks like you listed everything one might need for a fishing trip. This can definitely help me with our upcoming trip
It’s good to know that you should bring your insurance card along with your fishing license. My sister was at my house last night for dinner, and she talked about how her husband wants to find a fishing charter for them to go on in a couple of weeks. I’ll pass this information along to her so she can know what to bring to their fishing trip!
Thank you for reading! I’m glad you found my packing list useful. 🙂
Have a great day!
Awesome checklist of important items you have here. As a boating and fishing aficionado for years, I always think that I have everything ready, only to realize that there is still a lot I’m missing. This should be a handy reference to keep this from happening. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Emma!
Thank you for commenting on my fishing packing list. I’m so glad that it was helpful to you.
Have a great day!
– Geeves
Very interesting info !Perfect just what I was looking for
Hi Kate!
Thank you for reading my fishing packing tips and for wanting to share with your sister! That makes me really happy. Ones first fishing trip can lead to all sorts of questions… I’m glad I can help. I hope she has a great time with her husband. Would love to hear how it goes. 🙂
Hope you’re enjoying your Summer!
Geeves
I loved how you said to bring a waterproof bag! My sister was telling me last night while at my house for dinner about how she and her husband want to go on a fishing charter trip, and that she wants to make sure that she can pack all of the right supplies since it will be her first time going on one. I’ll have to let her know these packing tips once they find a fishing charter trip to go on.
Hi there! Thank you for reading the blog. I’m so happy that you found it useful.
Yes, please do share it. I would love if other people could benefit from it too. Thank you so much.
– Geeves
Hi Jeff! 🙂
Thanks for reading my blog! It makes me happy to know that I gave you ideas for fishing! I hope you have a great time with your son for his birthday, that fishing trip sounds like so much fun! He’s going to love it!
I am amazed that you mentioned you may be on a fishing trip that has all the needed fishing gear. My son will be celebrating his birthday soon. I plan to surprise him with a fishing experience. Thank you for giving me the idea of where and how to avail of a fishing boat rental service.
Hi Eve!
Thank you for reading my fishing blog. You’re most welcome, that’s what I’m here for! 🙂
I’m absolutely thrilled to hear that a fishing trip in London could be in your husband and sons’ future! I love London! With the idyllic surroundings, surely fishing and staying at a nice lodge will be wonderful. What a perfect way for the boys to spend time together. I hope you reach back out and tell me all about their adventure!
Thanks for the tip about making sure you follow fishing guidelines in that region. My husband wants to take our sons on a fishing trip to London, near where he grew up. He’s hoping that they can stay at a nice lodge and spend some quality time together.
Heya i’m for the first time here. I found this board and I find It truly useful & it helped me out a lot. I hope to give something back and help others like you helped me.Can i share this ?