| When you plan any sort of trip, there are certain | | | | most important piece of gear that you own. |
| items that are necessary to make the excursion | | | | When you are fishing the freshwater, you're |
| a pleasant one, especially on hunting and fishing | | | | usually never more than a mile or two from |
| trips. When you decide to go saltwater fishing, | | | | shore, and it is relatively easy to paddle back in |
| gear is extremely important, since it is not like | | | | should the engine fail or flood. However, when you |
| taking a trip to the local pond where you can | | | | are out on the ocean, you may be several miles |
| simply return home and grab what you forgot or | | | | from land and may be stuck if your engine gives |
| swing by the local store and pick up some extra | | | | out. |
| lures. Saltwater fishing gear needs to be | | | | Other gear that you should be carrying is mostly |
| inventoried and verified prior to setting out from | | | | related to safety. You should never leave the |
| the coastline because it is highly likely that you'll be | | | | coastline without a life jacket for everyone in the |
| out all day on the water with no chance of | | | | boat, and you should be sure not to overload |
| returning for replacement gear. | | | | your boat - every vessel has a maximum weight |
| Start by checking your gear for defects, so that | | | | limit, and carrying too many people can put |
| you don't end up with a rod and reel that are | | | | everyone in danger. Be sure you also have a |
| rusted and falling apart just when you catch that | | | | compass because when you can't see land, it can |
| whopper and are trying to pull it in. You want to | | | | be surprisingly easy to get lost. Note also that, |
| be sure that you have plenty of the right size and | | | | because you will be out in the bright, hot sun, |
| type of hook, depending on the type of fish you | | | | saltwater fishing gear should include personal items |
| will be targeting. You also want to identify what | | | | such as sunblock to protect your skin from |
| type of bait or lures you intend to use and make | | | | harmful UV rays and lots of water and other |
| sure you have enough of this saltwater fishing | | | | fluids to prevent dehydration. Note that beer is |
| gear to provide you a plentiful catch. | | | | NOT a hydrating substance and, while enjoyable, |
| Don't forget to check more than just your tackle; | | | | could lead to problems when spending a long day |
| make sure that all parts of your boat are in good | | | | fishing in the sun. |
| working condition - your boat is probably the | | | | |