Go equipped. You can do some serious damage on the water if all you have is a handful of bait, some line, your reel and rod, but here are ten accessories that make fishing just that much better.
The Tackle Box - Think of this as your base station. These come in a variety of flavors, hard box, soft box, or a hybrid like this tackle box features. Tackle boxes often have several rows or compartments with latches to keep your lures safely tucked away. The tackle box shown here has waterproof zippers to keep your tackle and gear dry.
The Fly Box - If you're fly fishing, you won't need that spinning tackle. There are some nice, wooden, polymer and even aluminum fly boxes that will suit your fancy. Featured here is my favorite, the Okuma aluminum fly box. It sports several compartments with spring loaded glass doors. This variety also sports perforations so that you're wet flies can dry once you've put them back.
Fish Scales - These weighing tools are great for competitions with friends or if you buddies need more "proof". In the later case, make sure to bring a camera too. The scale featured here is the XTOOLS(TM) gripNweigh(TM) Digital Fish Scale. At $80, its pricy for a scale, but it sports a ton of features. Besides giving you a digital weight readout of your fish, it also floats, it stores the 5 heaviest catches, its waterproof, and with its grippers, its dual purpose.
Hook Removers - It's essential to have a quick way to remove hooks. Thin pliers such as this will also keep from injuring the fish.
Landing Nets - Shown here is a large deep net with a telescoping handle. This can be key for nabbing those fish that don't like getting near the boat.
Lure Retrievers - Save your baits. These handy tools snap or wrap around your line and slides quickly to the hung bait. With a powerful test line attached, it will bring up snag and all.
Navigational Devices - Forget Loran or other tools of the past, anglers are now opting for the more accurate and lower cost of GPS Navigators. Most GPS units come with hundreds of waypoints, allowing anglers to record their best spots on the lake and easily navigate back to them.
Waders - For the serious fisherman, waders provide serious comfort. Waders feature abrasion and puncture resistant fabrics, are breathable, and added layers around the knees for the extra padding between you and the rocks.
Anglers Knife - Not just any Swiss Army knife, anglers knives sport the knife blade and serrated scissors for cutting chores. They have hook files, a nail knot tool, and a hook-eye pin.
Float Tube - For the serious fly fisherman, these tubes are loaded with comfort and durability. The above-the-water seat allows you to see and cast farther than you can from traditional belly boats. With large pockets with beverage holders, D-rings for nets and accessories, and space for cargo or dry bags, you're ready for an entire day of fishing. When inflated, they're roomy, yet is highly maneuverable. And since most are under 12 pounds, they can easily be packed into a remote mountain lake.
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