VHF Radios
VHF radios still have their place on a boat. While cell-
phones now have service most places, they often don’t on big
bodies of water, or when they’re soaked and out of commis-
sion. A waterproof handheld VHF never fails, and connects
instantly to the U.S. Coast Guard or emergency response sta-
tions in the area. A quality radio can be purchased for under
a hundred dollars and can be expected to last for a decade or
more. Anglers might also consider keeping a personal locator
beacon on their person as a means to call for help if they go
overboard or other communication systems fail.
Spare Prop
I’m always amazed by the number of anglers who forgo
purchasing and carrying a spare outboard prop due to cost.
I wonder what their plan is in case they throw a blade or
destroy the prop entirely while miles away from a boat ramp.
Even if you skimp and order an aluminum prop for backup,
be sure to carry a spare. The same goes for trolling motor
props. Don’t forget the hubs and locknuts. I always carry two
nuts for each, as dropping one in the water during a change-
out just seems to be a given.
First-Aid Kit
No boat should be on the water without some sort of
first-aid kit. I’ve found it best to avoid the marine store mod-
els, as they come in junky cases and usually contain items
you’ll never use (burn cream, really?). Instead, I build my own
with just the basics: big, waterproof adhesive bandages,
FALL 2018 I FLWFISHING.COM
Neosporin, hydrocortisone cream for bug bites and aller-
gies, gauze, and waterproof, silk medical tape. Everything is
packed in a polycarbonate, waterproof Plano 3500 case. In
all my years of ruining gear, I’ve never seen this box fail.
Other Items
Never leave home without a few more items: a flashlight
with new batteries, insect repellant, a spare bilge pump car-
tridge matching the model in your boat, a sharp lock-blade
knife, a roll of duct tape and electrical tape, and a supply of
cable ties.
Tournament Supplies
Tournament fishermen should address a few more vari-
ables that could lead to a miserable day.
If the livewell fails, a small bubble pump like the Frabill
AQUA LIFE will keep fish alive for hours. It clamps on any 12-
volt battery, and can be transported from boat to boat.
Carry a large weigh-in bag to avoid livewell overcrowding
or confusion in case you need to jump in a boat with a fellow
competitor to get back to the ramp. Store your fish in the bag
with the bubbler.
Finally, carry a spare kill-switch lanyard. A friend found out the
hard way how important that was when his mysteriously went
missing halfway through a tournament day. He was rendered
unable to operate the main engine until I brought him my spare.
It’s easy to prep for changes in fishing. This season, carry
that attitude into your boat preparation. It could be your vital
link to a safe day on the water.
29