The morning had started off well. I was helping one of my fishermen attach a new leader to his fly line, and before the drone of the departing floatplane had drifted away, the other had hooked a bright salmon.

“I’m almost into my backing!” he shouted above the scream of the reel as the ocean-fresh fish ran toward the estuary it had left just an hour before.

“Don’t try to hold him,” I coached. “You should have plenty of backing—let him run, or you’ll break him off for sure!”
The taut line angling off the high rod tip turned from green to orange as the powerful fish ripped into the backing. Then it went sickeningly slack, and we collectively moaned as the Dacron fell to the water. We were all surprised to find that the backing knot had failed, as evidenced by the tight pigtail at its end.

“No worries,” I said. “Let me have a spare fly line, and I’ll get you rigged up in just a few moments.”

“A spare line? I have spare rods… but I never thought about bringing spare lines.”

“Here… use my spare reel,” his friend offered, rummaging through his bag and finally producing an old reel with an ancient, cracked floating line—four weights too light.

It would have been a long day of sharing one rod if I hadn’t brought a spare. “Here,” I said, handing it over. “Use mine.”

Most fishermen carry more gear than is comfortable—but it’s often not what they need. Here are some thoughts and suggestions that may be helpful as you prepare for your next fishing trip.

If you have questions that aren’t answered in the material you’ve received from your outfitter or lodge, contact them for more specific information. If you’ve chosen well, your outfitter wants you to have the best experience possible. While they’ll have spare equipment for you to use, they’d much prefer that you arrive prepared.

When you bring the right gear, you’ll likely travel with less of it and be better prepared. Anyone reading this column probably has a good idea of what to bring on a fishing trip, but here are a few additional thoughts to consider:

• Are your rods in good shape—no missing guides or tip-tops? If you’re taking a rod caddy, are you sure what rods are in it? Play it safe and check them thoroughly.
• Are your reels well lubricated, and do they match the rods you plan to bring? Many of us have more rods and reels than we’d like to admit, and it’s easy to mix them up.
• How fresh are your fly lines, leaders, and tippet material? These are all perishable items. While a tapered leader may last a year or two, it’s a good idea to replace tippet material annually. Is it time to buy new fly lines? If not, it still pays to clean them before you leave. If you do purchase new lines, clean your old ones and keep them as spares. Coiled securely in a small zip-lock bag, they require little space, are easy to carry, and might just save the day.
• It’s also a good idea to stretch your fly lines when you arrive at your destination. It may have been a while since they were last used, and coils that have set on the reel can make them difficult to cast.
• Assuming you’ve done your research and have the right flies, I find it most efficient to bring large “inventory” boxes. After talking with the guides and getting a feel for what’s working, load smaller “day” boxes.
• Speaking of fly boxes, I’ve taken to drilling small holes in the lids of my day boxes to let used flies breathe and dry out after fishing. This may not matter in dry climates like Argentina, but just across the mountains in Chile, it can be a very different story.
• If your guide offers you flies, it’s always a good idea to open your box and offer one of yours in return.
• I suggest putting together a personal first-aid kit that’s so small and unobtrusive you forget it’s in your vest or backpack until you need it. Include a simple assortment of bandages, tape, small individual doses of antibacterial cream, and your painkiller of choice. I’ve found that a container of kitchen matches can also be useful—though you may need to pick those up at the lodge due to travel restrictions.
• You might also consider bringing a small repair kit. Like your first-aid kit, keep it compact so you’re more likely to carry it. It should include an assortment of tip-tops and some Fuji melt (remember those matches?), a small tube of reel lubricant, a small patch of Scotch-Brite, and—if you don’t already carry one—a Swiss Army knife or Leatherman tool. A small roll of duct tape and a wader repair kit can also come in handy.
• Always include a waterproof daypack in your gear. Boat bags are nice—particularly clear ones that let you see what’s inside—but backpacks are far more versatile, especially if you plan on walking or hiking. Whichever you choose, compartmentalize your gear in Ziploc bags. They’ll keep everything organized, easy to find, and dry should a waterproof zipper fail.
• Check local regulations regarding felt soles on your wading boots—they may be prohibited. While studs make wading easier and safer, they can wreak havoc on boats and floatplanes. Don’t be that guy. If rubber-soled boots are required, a collapsible wading staff that’s compact and easy to deploy can be a game changer.
• It’s been a long time since I’ve traveled with two-piece rods; a bag of them counts as a piece of checked luggage. If you have favorite two-piece rods and you’re traveling by vehicle, by all means bring them and let them sing. With advances in technology, the action of three- and four-piece travel rods is indistinguishable from older two-piece rods. They’re easier to travel with and more convenient to carry in a boat or on a floatplane.
• I’m often asked whether it’s safer to check fishing gear or carry it on. It might be safer if you can carry it on—but there’s no guarantee you’ll be allowed to. My experience is that while one X-ray operator might chuckle at what half a dozen reels and several hundred flies look like on a monitor, another might call security and demand a closer inspection. I always check my gear and (knock on wood) have never had a problem.
• One creative solution is to ship your gear ahead of time. Unlike airlines, shippers allow you to use a sealed container, insure the package for its value, and track it in transit. It takes planning, but it can work well in some situations.
• When you return from a trip, take a few moments to go through your gear and set it right. Replace what you’ve used from your first-aid kit and fly boxes, patch any tears in your waders, and open your rod caddy to dry and wipe down your rods. A friend of mine forgot to do this after a trip to Christmas Island and was shocked to watch the gelatinous, septic remains of a land crab tumble onto the carpet of his den while preparing for a trip to New Brunswick six months later.

One last thought: since this column is about tips—if your guides do a good job, tip them well. If you’re unsure how much to leave, remember that when the amount starts to hurt, it’s probably about right.

Author Bob White is one of the instructors at the renowned School of Trout. To learn more about the school and its programs, head here.