What do I mean by extras? Well, just that. Little things you or your boating/fishing partner might forget. Items that would really bum you out if you forgot em… like your sunglasses, or a rain jacket.
Things that might not completely ruin your day, but would make the day a touch more difficult or uncomfortable. I only made this “extras” box after years of forgetting things and decided I’d had enough. I swore I would always keep this list of extras in my boat.
While most of these items are superfluous, a few items are not. I also include in the “extras” box an emergency water filter straw, minimal first aid kit with fire starters, a couple pairs of hand warmers and, in the age of COVID, a couple of masks. While my “extras kit” is in a waterproof ammo can, a dry bag might make more sense for your boat.
Here’s a quick rundown of what’s in the box. I’d love to hear what others think would make excellent additions — I’m sure I’ve left something out.
This doesn’t have to be an expensive endeavor. Use old items, found items, and cheaper “seconds” you wouldn’t want to necessarily use yourself on a daily basis.
Here’s my list as of today…
- Extra hat
- Extra sunglasses
- Handwarmers
- Life Straw Personal Water Filter
- Spare very packable rain jacket
- Spare hooded sun shirt
- Flashlight with batteries not installed
- NOSO patches for repairing gear
- Fabric Bandages (Welly Makes great tin kits)
- Extra hemostats and nippers for fishing
- A spare fish whistle, in case you forgot yours at home.
- A wag bag for those emergency #2 moments
- A Leatherman multi-tool
Your turn. What did I forget?