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When you’re gearing up for the start of fishing season, part of the fun is fitting out your fishing tackle box with all the essentials you might need. Whilst you’re likely to remember bobbers, line, sinkers, leaders, and hooks, you could fail to pack everything you need, which could spell disaster for your otherwise fun and relaxing venture. These are a handful of items that are essential equipment for any angler.

Fishing Tackle Boxes – Pliers with a Needle Nose

These make a terrific addition to your fishing equipment. This tool makes it easy to remove hooks from fish. Make sure to select one with an integrated cutter—you’ll be glad you did should you need to take off the end of a hook prior to taking the hook out of the fish. They are also good for crimping split shot as well as leaders onto your line.

Knife

Pick a strong knife that can be used for many things. I’d recommend a pretty large blade made of stainless steel. A blade that’s partially serrated will give you maximum versatility. Cleaning and preparing the fish is another reason why the blade must be sturdy. Two good features to have on a fishing knife are a hook disgorger and a scaler.

File

A file will help keep hooks sharp and, with a bit of practice, keep your knife sharp. Choose a small triangular shaped file with a different abrasive surface on each side. You can also choose a whetstone, but using one properly takes some practice.

Toilet Roll

Quite honestly, there’s just no suitable replacement for toilet paper should you need some. You really don’t need to carry the whole roll. Unroll a generous amount and store it in a waterproof bag. Make sure to take plenty though, and you may want to add some paper towels or Kleenexes, too. If a fire is needed on the trip, these items all burn quite well.

Fishing Tackle Boxes – Nail Clippers

Many nail clippers already come with their own file which can be used for sharpening hooks. The clipper part can be used for clipping the line.

Cigarette Lighter

You never know when you’re going to need a fire. Lighters can also be used to melt a plastic worm back together or repair the end of a nylon rope (to avoid fraying).

Fishing Tackle Boxes – First Aid Box

A portable kit that fits inside a pocket is your best option. Any first-aid kit must at least have bandages, an antibiotic, and something to clean out a wound. An Ace® bandage and gauze pads also are good to include. You should also carry a pain-killer such as Tylenol. Finally, don’t forget the sunscreen.

Insect Repellent

Nothing can ruin a trip faster than being swarmed by bugs, so be sure to take the appropriate repellent with you.

Easily Portable Snack Food

Tuck a few energy or granola bars into your kit. They are part of a good, healthy lunch—and so are raisins and nuts.

Now you can relax and think about getting your picture taken with that huge fish you’re going to catch!