LEAVING PREPARED

There is one thing every fisherman has in common; we have all at one point or another made it out on the water forgetting something behind.

I believe the worst case of this for me was getting to the boat launch in Becher Bay, with boat and trailer in tow, without the boat keys, and then having to run all the way back to our place, 45 min drive, to get them.

The point being, is make a list the night before. I always do. It has the tides on it, including everything I must take with me. i.e bait in the freezer, rods inside, etc. Make this list the night before and go over it in the morning. Crab bait is another thing I commonly forget if I don't write it down. Now that you have made a list, when you get outside, look over everything in your boat. (assuming you're trailering it, otherwise do this before leaving dock if your boat is moored)....verbalize everything. It sounds silly, but it works for me, and rarely do I forget anything now.

I will out loud, say, "both downriggers, 3 release clips, 3 cannonballs, bait, 3 rods, tackle box, bait/box, cooler, licenses, keys, lifejackets, sunscreen, etc." I have left home too many times with one or two things forgotten to risk it anymore.

I wrote a page on Running the Boat. This will include most things to make sure you take with you every outing.

Also, have your bait salted (using coarse salt and some water) at least the evening before, and sitting in a small cooler, in a cool place (but not the freezer, you don't want to freeze them). Have this on your list for sure.

Point being, make a list, and check everything over before leaving, you don't want to end up at the marina wishing you had!