Pack it Up!

Summertime Boating Essentials and “Nice-to-Have’”

You’ve packed the boat and are ready to hit the lake!  Before you leave shore, double-check this handy list to make sure you don’t find yourself lacking any essentials while on the water.

>> Go here for a printable list of items referenced in this article.

1. Cooler:  You’ve found the perfect fishing spot and don’t want to move.  The hunger pains are slowly getting worse and the hot sun is making you thirsty!  No problem!  Fill your cooler with cold drinks and snack items to keep you well-hydrated and nourished.

2. Hook-Out Tools:  So you’ve got the tackle box, but don’t forget about the tool box.  Throw these tools into your boat and you’re good to go: needle nose pliers, line clippers, and handling gloves that just might help speed up the release process and minimize injury to the fish, your hands and tackle!

3. Extra Gear:  Mother Nature can be unpredictable so packing a few extra clothing items can keep you on the water longer or keep you dry until you’ve reached shore.  Pack rain gear to keep you from being soaked.  Extra hats will keep the blazing sun out of your eyes and a long-sleeved shirt adds a layer of warmth.  Ladies, packing a couple extra hair binders and bobby pins will keep your lovely locks out of your eyes!

4. Disposable (Waterproof) Camera:  Why?  Because no one will believe you unless you have a picture! 

5. Two-Way Radio:  Safety is essential!  Keep one of these radios in your boat just in case you run into trouble need to call for help.  It might also be useful to call your friends over to show off your big catch.

6. Maps:  It’ a bit harder to stop and ask for directions when you’re out on the lake.  Be sure to pack a couple of maps, so you’re not relying exclusively on GPS..  If the GPS battery dies, or its calibration is off, you’ll be glad to have your map in print!

7. Sunscreen & Insect Repellant:  These are definitely essentials!  Avoid swatting and sunburns by keeping a fresh supply of sprays or ointments within reach.  And don’t forget SPF lip balm!

8. Anchor:  If you’ve found your honey-hole and can’t seem to stay on it with your troller because of the wind, it’ nice to drop anchor and forget about steering – Freeing you up to concentrate on improving your hook-set techniques!

9. Two-Cycle Engine Oil:  You never know when you might need to top off your engine oil!  Keep a small bottle of engine oil on-board just in case.     

10. Extra Plug:  Shoot!  You forgot to put the plug in – again.  No fear, with an extra plug on-board, you avoid potential embarrassment and boat damage.

Well, we could keep going with this list, but no point in sinking the boat!  We hope we’ve given you a good head-start to packing up your Lund for some summer fun.  You can print a copy of the items referenced in this article by going here.  And if you’ve got other ideas for our list, we’d love to hear from you!

>> Share your “Love My Lund” stories and photos with us – and tell us what essentials you wouldn’t leave shore without!