What to pack on a family fishing trip
From fly fishing in a local river to deep sea-fishing in a faraway ocean, taking the family on a fishing trip offers a fun and memorable experience. The old pastime teaches children patience, and gets them outdoors and away from their gadgets.
If you're going fishing this summer, you'll need a fishing pole and some bait. But that's not all -- be sure to take along these fishing trip essentials on your next excursion for a more comfortable, safer experience.
Best products in this article:
Top-rated multi-tool for fishing and camping: Leatherman Skeletool, $75
Keep the bugs at bay: Thermacell portable mosquito repellent, $30 (reduced from $44)
Don't forget the sunscreen: Supergoop Play Everyday Sunscreen, $32
Whether you fish from a boat or the shoreline, the right accessories might save you from a sunburn or itchy bug bites. We found smart ways to protect yourself against the elements and protect your electronics from water damage.
The best things to bring on your next fishing trip
From water- and sweat-resistant Supergoop sunscreen to a mosquito-repellent gadget, we rounded up the best and most essential items to pack on your next family fishing trip.
Orvis Encounter fly rod outfit
Perfect for young anglers or beginners to the sport, the Orvis Encounter Fly Rod Outfit offers high-quality essentials at a great value. The set includes a large reel, weight-forward floating line, backing and leader, all packaged in a carrying case.
Orvis Encounter fly rod outfit, $198
Supergoop Play Everyday Sunscreen, SPF 50
Supergoop Play Everyday, a great sunscreen for the entire family, offers water- and sweat-resistant SPF 50 protection. The hydrating formula quickly absorbs into skin without leaving behind a white residue. And, without octinoxate or oxybenzone on the ingredient list, you don't have to worry about your sunscreen damaging coral reefs.
Supergoop Play Everyday Sunscreen, $32
Welly Excursion Kit
Curated for outdoor adventures like hiking, camping and fishing, this 200-piece first aid kit from Welly comes with plenty of essentials to prepare you for the unexpected. Bandages, tape, ibuprofen and ointments fill the handy tin.
(We recommend picking up an extra kit to keep in your car for emergencies.)
Leatherman Skeletool
A pocket knife will definitely come on handy during your next fishing trip. The 5-ounce Leatherman Skeletool features stainless-steel combo blade, pliers, bit driver, removable pocket clip and a carabiner/bottle opener. It comes in four colors.
JBL Clip 3 waterproof speaker
Don't forget to bring along a portable speaker to listen to your fishing playlist. The JBL Clip 3 features a built-in carabiner so it can be clipped to a bag or the boat itself. Despite fitting in the palm of your hand, this speaker offers big sound and up to 10 hours of battery life.
An added bonus? The speaker is waterproof.
JBL Clip 3 waterproof speaker, $40
Thermacell portable mosquito repellent
No bug spray is needed when you invest in the 4.5-star-rated Thermacell MR300, a portable gadget that creates a 15-foot zone of protection against mosquitoes by diffusing mosquito repellent into the air. The fishing pack, in a camo-style print, includes a clamp to hook onto your boat or tree branch.
Thermacell portable mosquito repellent, $30
Olive & Cocoa Tots "Gone Fishing" crate
Introduce young tots to the joy of fishing by bringing along this adorable felt "Gone Fishing" set from Olive & Cocoa. The crate includes a magnetic fishing rod, felt fish, and everything needed to make a (fabric) PB&J sandwich.
The set also includes a fishing-inspired book, "Down by the River," perfect for reading while waiting for the real fish to nibble.
Olive & Cocoa Tots "Gone Fishing" crate, $118
Syncwire waterproof phone pouch
Don't forget to waterproof your phone. This touchscreen-responsive pouch can withstand water at depths of 100 feet, in case your phone decides to go for a swim. The case fits smartphones (including most iPhone and Samsung Galaxy models) up to 7 inches, and includes a lanyard to wear around your neck. A transparent front and back window allows you to take underwater photos.
Syncwire waterproof phone pouch, $12
The best clothes for fishing in 2022
A comfortable outfit is a must on any fishing trip. Take a look at these top-rated apparel and accessories.
Orvis River Guide shirt
Stylish enough to wear to a country club but designed for a day on the water, the Orvis River Guide shirt offers comfort and UPF sun protection. Constructed of a quick-drying cotton stretch blend, the button-down features roll-tab sleeves, easily converting from a long sleeve to short sleeve. Available in men's and women's sizes in lots of fun colors and patterns.
Women's Orvis River Guide shirt, $98
Men's Orvis River Guide shirt, $98
Arc'teryx Sinsola sun hat
An all-around great sun hat for outdoor activities including hiking and swimming, the Arc'teryx Sinsola offers breathable protection from the sun. Features of the hat include a stay-put chin cord, a laminated brim that maintains shape while compressing into pocket-size, and UPF 50+ sun protection.
Arc'teryx Sinsola sun hat, $55
Pilotfish "No Tail" adjustable eyewear strap
Prevent your sunglasses from going overboard with a 4.5-star-rated lanyard. Pilotfish, a family-owned brand, makes one of the top-selling options on Amazon. Designed specifically for outdoor activities including fishing, hiking, biking and even swimming, the silicone strap comfortably keeps glasses safe and secure around your neck.
Pilotfish "No Tail" adjustable eyewear strap, $14
