17 Things You Should Bring on a Fishing Boat

Is there anything better than spending a day out on a fishing boat?

From sharing time with friends and loved ones to taking in nature and watching the sunset, we look forward to every moment we get to spend out on a boat.

But the difference between a good and a bad day out on the water is simple. It’s all about preparation.

Bringing along the right equipment and supplies is essential for a safe, fun, and happy day out on the water.

Getting ready to spend a day out on your fishing boat and aren’t sure you have everything you need?

We have you covered. Taking care of our customers is part of the Westshore Advantage.

We will get you ready for a great day. We’ve put together a list of the essentials for your day out on the boat.

Ready? Let’s start packing:

1. Water

You might not guess that we think of poetry first when we’re preparing for a day out on the water.

But at Westshore Marine, we try and remember our Samuel Taylor Coleridge from school.

In his famous poem “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner,” Coleridge writes:

“Water, water, everywhere,
Nor any drop to drink.”

A day out on the water means first and foremost pack water! Don’t be like that ancient mariner!

We bring plenty of bottled water. Way more than we think we need.

You never know how long you’ll be out on the water. Staying hydrated is key to enjoying your time out on your fishing boat.

2. Boating License

Don’t turn a great day on the water into a day you will wish never happened. Getting caught on the water without an approved boating license can become a expensive day quick.

Anyone driving a boat regardless of age is required to have a boating license by law. Believe us you don’t want the coast gaurd or local law enforcement to catch you out there without one.

The good news is you can complete it online without having to hire an expensive instructor and spend hours in a classroom. The better news is its cheap and never expires and you can get a card for your entire family at once and never have to worry about it again.

3. Sunscreen

Something that can turn a great day out on the water into a day you may regret is forgetting to bring along sunscreen.

Experts estimate one in five to one in seven people will develop a skin cancer during the course of their lifetime.

Vancouver dermatologist Dr. Jason Rivers says that the incidence rates for all types of skin cancer “have more than doubled in the last 20 years.”

“Further, in North America, someone dies from skin cancer every hour, so this is obviously a problem that we have to deal with because it is largely preventable.”

Unfortunately, there are many myths about using sunscreen.

Dermatologists recently debunked sunscreen myths to encourage Canadians to take better care of our health when it comes to sun exposure.

The facts are:

A “base tan” is still harmful to your health and skin.
Sunblock works right away. You don’t need to wait 20 minutes before heading outside.
2 to 3 tablespoons is the recommended amount to use.
Unsure of how much to use? Try the amount that would fit in a shot glass.
If you plan on being outside all day cover up as well.
SPF 30 or greater is recommended if you will be out for long periods of time.
Creams tend to work better than liquids.
If you are sensitive to sun exposure you may want to use an SPF 50.
Since you will be out on the water, invest in a waterproof sunscreen.
Don’t just pack sunscreen. Wear it too.
Dermatologists also recommend you pack your sunglasses.

4. Sunglasses

With all that glare from the sun off the water, you’re going to need to pack sunglasses. They will help you keep an eye on the water.

They may even help you hunt for fish.

Either way, don’t forget them. They will protect you from harmful UV rays.

5. First Aid Kit for Your Fishing Boat

Protection is key for every aspect of your day out on your pontoon boat or fishing boat. Pack along your first aid kit.

There are a number of items Canadian law requires you bring along a first aid kit. We like to check our first aid kit before heading out in our fishing boat to make sure it’s well stocked with the essentials.

Safety first when it comes to a day out on the water! Don’t skip the life jackets either.

6. Floatation and Reboarding Devices

Speaking of safety, you’ll want to have plenty of floatation devices on board for your day on the boat.

Personal Floatation Devices (PFD) are required by law.

Life jackets, lifebuoys, and other floatation devices are required equipment for safe boating.

You’ll need to have a reboarding device along as well.

7. License and Registration

While not every craft requires license and registration, Westshore Marine thinks of it as best practice. It can help with information in case of an emergency.

We keep our registration in a water safe box and always carry it on board our fishing boat.

As long as you’re in that water tight box, make sure you bring your proof of competency too.

8. Proof of Competency

Operating a boat with a motor in that is used for recreation in Canada requires proof of competency.

This proof shows that the operator has a basic understanding of how to operate their boat safely. Also, it shows they know what to do in an emergency.

Transport Canada provides a list of items that can serve as proof of competency.

A variety of documents may serve as proof of competency. These include:

A Pleasure Craft Operator Card
A Certificate from a Canadian boating safety course (completed before April 1, 1999)
Professional Marine Certificate

If you don’t have proof of competency yet, Transport Canada can help with questions and answers on proof of competency.

Make sure you bring one along though for your day out on the water. It’s the law.

9. Watertight Flashlight

You will want to pack along your watertight flashlight. Don’t forget to check the batteries!

Check your signal flares too.

10. Signal Flares

The number of flares you are required to bring out on your fishing boat depends on the size of the boat.

But Transport Canada offers a set of helpful hints in using and storing signal flares. At Westshore Marine we suggest you follow these Transport Canada regulations for safe signal flare use and storage:

Store flares in a watertight container to keep them dry.
Store flares in a place that is cool, dry, and easy to reach – away from any heat source.
Check flares regularly and replace them before they reach their expiry date.
Always shoot flares into the wind and away from the vessel at a 45-degree angle so it will drift back over your position.
Never use or store a flare close to flammable liquids or gas (e.g., propane, gas, oil).
If a flare does not work, dispose of it safely as soon as possible.
Train your crew to use flares.
Never point a flare at another person.
Always treat flares as explosive devices.

11. Oars and Anchor

You need to bring at least oars and an anchor in case your fishing boat malfunctions or runs out of fuel.

Speaking of fuel. Don’t forget to fill up your tank before you head out.

12. Fuel

Make sure you fuel up your fishing boat before you leave.

13. Navigation Equipment

There is a variety of navigation equipment you will want to bring on board your fishing boat for a day out on the water. As with other safety precautions, the law depends on the use and size of your craft and engine.

Here are some types of navigation equipment to provide an idea:

Sound signaling device or appliance
Navigation lights
Magnetic compass
Radar reflector

14. GPS

Regardless of the size of your fishing boat, having a GPS on board is always a good idea.

15. Fire Extinguisher and Fire Protection

Check your fire extinguisher and make sure you have the proper fire protection.

16. A Cooler and Snacks

It’s always a good idea to bring a cooler along to store your water as well as any food or snacks you may want to bring along.

You may even need to haul along another cooler in case you get lucky and get some fish.

Don’t forget the fish!

17. Fishing Equipment

It may seem that you have to pack just about everything to prepare for a day out on your fishing boat. There’s good news:

You don’t have to pack the fish.

Once you’ve covered the safety and comfort essentials it’s time to check your tackle box, grab your rods and reels, and make sure you have plenty of bait.

Double check your list before you leave. The worst thing is when you have to turn around and head back home because you forgot something essential.

All set? Good, this is our favorite part:

Let’s Get Boating!

All this talk about a great day out on the boat has us ready to go! How about you?

Did you know that Westshore Marine has the largest selection of ATVs, boats, and snowmobiles in the Winnipeg, Manitoba area?

We are a family owned and operated business. And we pride ourselves on the customer experience.

Our customers love us because we take care of all of their boating needs!

With over 85 years of sales & service experience, Westshore Marine can help you find the boat of your dreams or get the one you already own running like brand new.

Don’t wait. Contact us today and find out how Westshore Marine can make your boating dreams come true!