You wouldn’t go fishing without a decent rod or quality fishing line. So why do some of our most universally handy items of kit go missing so often? Dom Garnett reveals the 10 bits that too few of us carry...
1 - Hook sharpener
When you look at how portable and easy to use these items are, it’s remarkable that so many of us give fish an easy ride with our hooks. Lure and fly anglers are especially guilty of this, as their favourite artificials get used time and again. If you often use tired hooks you’ll be missing fish, it’s that simple! Not that you have to wait till edges are duff – you can even hone hooks up right out of the packet to achieve ‘sticky’ sharpness!
2 - Polarising glasses
Another absolute mystery is why fewer than half of us pack polarising shades. As far as fish-catching gadgets go, these are still the cheapest and best ‘fish finders’ of all!
By cutting out the glare, you’ll not only see three times as many fish, but you’ll save yourself a headache when watching a float or quivertip on a sunny day. Nor do they need to be designer branded – your tackle shop will have them from £20 or less.
3 - Fisherman’s hat
Far more than just a fashion statement, a proper hat is a great investment for any angler. For the warmer months, pick a broad-brimmed model that protects your neck as well as your face from long-lasting sun damage. This is particularly important for the follically challenged among our ranks...
4 - Waterproof essentials wallet
The horror stories emerge every season of anglers dropping mobile phones, car keys and other valuables into the drink. But if you’re on a boat or wading, or just a bit clumsy in general, perhaps you were asking for it? The solution is so simple and costs under a tenner! Get a wearable wallet that goes round your neck. Your mates might snigger – but, unlike them, you’ll never be drowning your keys or phone, even if you do go for an accidental swim!
5 - Bait dropper
We now live in a world of catapults, pole cups, Spombs and the rest, so why is the bait dropper about as fashionable as the tank top? These devices are simply unbeatable for accurate feeding on any running water, whether you’re a pole or stick float angler! They really come into their own in the low, clear conditions of summer, when you can lower a pile of freebies on to a spot and sit back to await the visitors!
6 - Razor-sharp scissors
Every angler carries scissors but, more often than not, they’ll be the cheapest possible, pilfered from a kitchen drawer. But there’s a massive difference between these and a quality pair that will cut right to the tip and slice through the most stubborn braid. Leaving a lovely, clean end to the line after every cut is a must for many anglers’ knots.
7 - Floatant and fuller’s earth
Okay, so they’re about as sexy as Michael Gove, but these products are so useful and dirt cheap that it’s bizarre that only fly anglers tend to carry them. Mucilin will not only make lines and leaders float, but is perfect to dab on the tip of a pole float or insert waggler for the finest presentation.
As for fuller’s earth, or ‘Ledasink’, a little smear will instantly remove fish-scaring shine from hooklengths or brand new line. It will also help your mainline and rigs to sink, of course.
8 - Multi-use forceps
Another item that anglers scrimp on, a top-notch set of forceps is worth every penny. Spend a little more and you have a tool that’s so much more than just a means of removing hooks from fish. The better-made pairs will also do a grand job of de-barbing hooks, cutting line and even helping you to tweak your rigs. In short, go to a fishing shop rather than a pound shop, and treat yourself!
9 - Angler’s vest
As great as the angling rucksack is, there are times when you don’t want any load at all. On roving sessions, or when you are wading, for instance, a much better option is the typical fly vest. Even a cheap one will usually have over a dozen pockets to take all your bits and bobs, including a box or two of lures or baits, with room to spare – leaving you completely hands-free!
10 - The priceless ‘angling disaster bag’!
Last but by no means least, do you have a special container of emergency supplies? It might be fairly low on your list, but just find me one angler who hasn’t run out of water or food, got drenched or desperately needed the toilet while in the middle of nowhere!
Your very own ‘angling disaster pack’ can be left in the car for emergencies, and could literally be a life-saver.
In no particular order, mine contains a basic first aid kit, spare socks and underwear, a towel, a bottle of drinking water, a snack and (yes, you guessed it) a roll of toilet paper!