Fishing/Camping Gear Checklist

The first step to an enjoyable fishing/camping trip is planning. Camping without some things you've forgotten can be a nuisance; missing other items can be a real problem. Veteran fishermen/campers know a list is invaluable, so here's a tent-camping, boating-fishing checklist. Add to or subtract from it to suit your needs, the time of year, and your destination.

Planning a combination fishing/camping trip? A free website, sponsored by the National Park Service, allows you to make reservations at over 100,000 campsites, cabins, and day-use areas. Maps of each area let you pick a campsite to suit your needs. Besides a wealth of camping information, you can book ahead of time by visiting ReserveAmerica. They also offer an informative e-mail newsletter.

Eating & Food Preparation

  Cook stove and fuel
  Portable table and folding chairs
  Nesting cookware
  Cooking and eating utensils
  Plates, cups, bowls
  Biodegradable dish soap
  Scouring pads, dishcloth, large pot
  Can opener
  Hot pads or mitts
  Coolers (1 for drinks, 1 for food)
  Ice or ice substitutes
  Food (prepared and frozen)
  Paper towels
  Trash bags
  Aluminum foil
  Plastic zipper bags
  Full beverage jugs
  5-gal. water carrier
  Drinking water
  Coffee & Coffeepot
  Salt/Pepper/condiments

Sleeping & Comfort

  Camp pad or air mattress & pump
  Sleeping bags
  Tent w/rainfly
  Tent repair kit
  Extra tent stakes
  Ground cover or tarp
  Pillows
  Whisk broom & dustpan
  Tent peg hammer or small hatchet

Fishing Tackle

  Rods
  Reels
  Spare fishing line
  Terminal tackle (hooks, sinkers, etc.)
  Tackle boxes
  Live bait (in cooler)
  Needle-nose pliers
  Fillet knife
  Hand towel

Personal Gear

  First Aid Kit
  Rain Gear
  Toilet Paper
  Camera & Film
  Cards, games, books
  Personal toiletries
  Flare, signal mirror, whistle
  Pad, pencil, pen
  Battery-powered Radio
  Insect Repellent
  Sunglasses/Extra glasses
  Sunscreen/after-sun lotion

Camping Gear

  Lantern, fuel and extra lantern mantles
  Matches and waterproof match container
  Compass and maps
  Flashlights & spare batteries
  Multipurpose knife or campers tool
  Fire starter sticks
  Rope and cord
  Firewood for campfires
  Clothesline and clothespins
  Lantern carrying case
  Butane lighter
  Folding Saw
  Fuel funnel (for liquid fuel stove/lantern)

Boat Equipment

  Spare fuel
  Spare oil
  Anchor
  Landing net
  Mooring fenders
  Bow and stern lines
  Depth finder/Electronics
  Spare fuses
  Spare bulbs/Night fishing
  Extra spark plugs
  Wiring Terminal Connectors
  Battery Charger
  Life jackets
  Tool kit
  Canned Air Horn/Signal Flares