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If in doubt, join your local shore and/or boat angling club(s) and take advice from experienced anglers.

 

Chest Waders

For comfort and the ability to get that extra ten metres out into the third breaker, a good stout pair of chest waders are ideal.  They keep you warm (always think of extra long tube socks and allow for this in the shoe size) and dry (always buy the repair kit!) and last a lifetime if care is taken in storage (no sharp bends) and maintenance.

Rod Rests

Most shore fishermen eventually move up to two rods, one for short range and one for long range.  Whether you are fishing off rocks or a beach or pier, a professional two rod rest is a wonderful bit of 'kit'.  The telescopic or folding legs allow for easy packing, and in due course, bait holders and trace clips can be added to your "station".

A Companion!

Never fish alone, never even on a shallow beach in the mildest surf.  A minor accident can end in tragedy... all for the want of a friend (and not the dog either!)

Mobile Phone

Always check the battery and the coverage regularly as you change position, especially on piers or rocks where the geography can block a signal quickly...

Measuring Tape

When is a bass 40 cms?  Do you want to risk it?  Bring a measuring tape with you!

Weighting Scales

Is it a specimen or is it only close - are you going to kill it on the off-chance it is... ?

Landing Net / Gaff / Tailer

Don't bring all three with you, unless you like packing lots of baggage.  Bring what you need given the mark, conditions and the target species.  Rock fishing often requires a drop net for sea cliffs (below).

Electronic Bite Indicator

Ok, I am a lazy bugger but this beats the hell out of staring up at a light indicator on dark nights - they're remarkably cheap and work superbly so long as you remember to bring along spare batteries!

E.P.I.R.B.

It may seem like overkill however if you are heading off into the wilds, especially to do rock fishing off steep almost inaccessible platforms, then an EPRIB may prove very useful, especially if you are out of mobile phone coverage.  What price for your life?

Drop-Net

A landing net is wonderful on a beach but it can be a nuisance and dangerous off rock platforms.  Any size of a swell on the ocean can sweep you in, so a drop-net (with a decent long length of rope) is as much for safety as it is for the fishing.

Rubber Soled Shoes:

Aside from chest waders for beach fishing, proper footwear is essential. Grass, even dry grass, is extremely slippery.  Runners or gym shoes are not ideal as they are rarely waterproof.  Walking boots give a firm foothold on most surfases and take lots of punishment.  They are also comfortable and usually made from breathable materials like Goretex.  Sandals or wellies lacking proper grip are plain dangerous.

First Aid Kit:

I would repeat my comments here as to the contents of a first aid box - it is only as good as the person administering the first aid, so get the training as well as a well stocked box.  Blankets and raincovers are essential for any long term fishing trips.  Small tents (provided you can set them up and weight or tie them down) are ideal cover.  A sleeping bag is a good idea!

Food

Quite part from the comfort value, food will keep you alive in a remote location if bad weather hems you in.  The ability to heat food or cook your catch is useful (often wonderful if youre a dab hand - sorry!), and a single burner attachment for the gas or oil fueled light and a frying pan works really well with fresh fish.

& Drink

Fresh water, orange juice, cans of light refreshments but no alcohol!  Alcohol and any caffeine based drinks (including certain soft drinks) will dehydrate you, especially on hot days.  Sip water regularly if you want to minimise your thirst - do not bolt it down.  Above all, when it comes to drinks, bring too much!

Lights...

A good head mounted light is a superb bit of kit for night fishing and a lantern is useful too.  Always bring a spare can of fuel and batteries for these lights!

Camera... Action!

With the advent of catch and release for proper sport fishing, a good camera with a strong flash is an vital piece of kit, otherwise who will believe your tall tales!


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