Planning for a Poconos Fishing Trip

    You got the camo cargo shorts, a jacket and a hat, now you just need to get everything else you need ready for your fishing trip.

Don’t worry. We have your back.

What You Need: The Basics

Whether you’ll be bank bound or on a boat will make a slight difference in the gear, tackle, and other equipment you need to be successful while fishing. With that said, this short guide will focus on the tackle and tools, specifically, you’ll need, regardless of the species you’re pursuing.

• Fishing outfits: No, we don’t mean clothes. You’ll want at least one rod and reel per person and if we’re being honest, you should probably pack a few spares. A single broken spring or rod tip can put you out of commission if you don’t have backups. Also, be sure to use rod and reel combos that make sense. You won’t be effective fishing for catfish if all you have is ultralight gear!
• A spool of spare line: Always, always, always bring along at least one spare spool of line. Even if you have spare rods and reels, you can’t use them if you can’t spool them up.
• Terminal tackle: What you need will be determined by what you’re fishing for, but in general, this means leader material, swivels, hooks, sinkers, teasers (if you’re using them) and bobbers. Always have plenty of spares.

                         

• Lures: You may be fishing with bait, but it never hurts to be prepared with some lures that you can throw while you’re waiting for a bite. Besides, there actually are times when lures outfish bait. Our recommendation? Have a few spinners, plugs, and plastics. Rooster Tail, Blue Fox and Mepp’s spinners are great, as are Rapala Husky Jerk plugs. For plastics, there’s no better lure than a curly tail grub, 2” or 3” in any color. Make sure you have a few ¼” or ⅛” jigheads to fish these. Also - don’t just buy one of anything. Buy in triplicate if not more. Trust us, if you haven’t lost lures before, it’s just a matter of time.
• Bait and plenty of it, plus whatever you need to keep it fresh or alive: If you are fishing with bait, you need a cooler to keep it fresh, if not alive. Remember, nightcrawlers will die in hot temperatures. A few ice cubes dropped on the top of the soil can keep them fresh. If fishing minnows, keep them in a baitwell with fresh, aerated water. Fresh bait can definitely make a difference.
• A tackle box: You’ll need one to store your terminal tackle, lures, and tools.
• Pliers: A knife may be the most important general-purpose tool of all time, but when fishing, you must always bring at least one pair of pliers. Pliers are critical for getting a good grip on deeply set hooks that would otherwise kill the fish.
• Hook disgorgers: Hook disgorgers can also be useful for helping to unhook fish, but always have a pair of pliers too.
• Knives: Knives cut line, bait, and will enable you to process your catch, whatever your target species is. Always have a few in your box. You’ll also want at least one dedicated bait knife or utility knife, and one filet knife the sole use of which is cleaning your catch.
• Lights: Even if you don’t plan on being out at night, you need emergency flashlights. Two is one and one is none, remember. Also, some people prefer to fish for cats and walleye (popular up here!) at night.
• Waterproof gear: The forecast might look nice, but we all know the weather can change. Either wear waterproof clothing or have at least one poncho per person in your pack.
• Sunglasses: It’s a good idea never to fish without sunglasses, not only because polarized glasses (specifically) cut glare and can enable you to see better under the surface of the water, but because they protect your eyes from hooks. Our vote goes for floating sunglasses, if you can find them.
• Towels: You’ll want them to keep your hands and gear clean, but one bit of advice: never use a towel to handle a fish, ever. Towels strip off a fish’s slime coat which protects the fish against infection and disease.
• A landing net: You won’t always need it, but if you hook a trophy and have no other way to get it over the gunwale or to shore, you’ll be really mad that you didn’t bring one.
• Duct tape: Duct tape is great for making general fixes, but in this capacity, you can use it to wrap your casting finger (or thumb) to protect it from getting cut by the line whenever you’re casting heavy lures.
• First aid essentials: Always have basic first aid essentials when fishing, because you never know what might happen. You could get hooked, a pike could bite you, you might end up on the business end of a catfish spine - you never know.
• A ruler: Fishing for panfish or catfish? Then who cares - there’s no size limit. But, once your target quarry turns to some other sport, like bass or trout, to stay legal you need to be able to measure the size.
• Sunscreen: Better safe than sorry, you don’t want to burn out there.
• Bug repellent: Colder days are generally less buggy, but the Poconos are humid in the summer, and mosquitos can get thick. You’ll be glad you brought some bug repellent!
• Food and water: Always a good idea to have water with you when you’re out in the elements, and everyone feels better after a good snack.
• Licenses: In Pennsylvania, everyone over 16 needs a Fishing License (and 1, 3, and 7 day licenses are available, too). Also, you’ll need a Trout Stamp if fishing trout stocked waters or trout streams, so bear that in mind.

                        

Load Up the Camo Cargo Shorts and Jacket Before You Take Off

Passing through on the way to your Poconos fishing destination? Get what you need for the great outdoors in our shop. We carry a wide range of outdoor gear not only for fishing but for hunting and camping, at competitive prices. Check out our collection of camo clothing while you’re here, too, including camo cargo shorts, shirts, hats, and outerwear. Make sure you have what you need before hitting the water, and tight lines.