Shore fishing is one of the most basic and primitive activities, yet somehow it continues to evolve. Technologies advance, new lures and gear hit the market and more people young and old get exposed to the sport. While location, temperature, seasonal patterns and prey preferences all play a part in a successful day on the water’s edge, there are plenty of essentials vital to the health and safety of the fish you target and to you success.
Reliable Rod and Reel
Rods and reels used for shore fishing often take a bit more of a beating than those that live on boats and for that reason the cheapest and most expensive gear should be avoided. There are plenty of durable and reliable set ups along a medium price range that can stand the test of time and the wear and tear of shore fishing. Different species and scenarios may call for different rod and reel combinations. Obviously a much stronger rod would be needed for catfish or carp over walleye and bass likewise a more sensitive rod tip for pitching jigs than bottom fishing. Take some time when shopping for your ideal set up and note what species and techniques you plan to employ with it.
A Quality Net
It pains me to see a fish dragged up onto shore, covered in mud and dirt or getting cut up on some rocks. The health and safety of each fish caught with the intention of release should be paramount and a good quality net can aid in that process. I favour a large diameter rubber mesh net as it has the space for any fish I may come across big or small and allows me to keep the fish in the water while unhooking it with low risk of escape. Keeping the fish in the water while preparing for measurement and/or pictures as opposed to flopping around on shore contributes to a higher chance of fish survival and nicer looking pictures.
Landing Mat
The protective slime coating on a fish serves many purposes and if one needs measurements or pictures of a trophy catch, a landing mat is a good thing to have along. A small tarp or foam rubber mat can be used as a barrier between the ground and the fish, preventing damage to the fish from the shoreline substrate. Dump a bit of water on the landing mat before measuring the fish (limiting slime transfer) and it is usually no worse for wear.
Release Tools
Whatever the target species, it is important to have along adequate release tools. Pliers of all shapes and sizes can come in handy (I usually have a long-nosed pair and a smaller version), along with forceps and, if targeting toothy critters, wire cutters, lip-grips and jaw spreaders. All tools should be in a convenient and easily accessible spot to minimize time out of water for the fish.
Terminal Tackle and Lures
Hooks, line, sinkers, swivels, floats, leaders and the list goes on. An assortment of all that terminal tackle is a must, and the higher quality the better. A range of different sizes of hooks, floats and weights will have the angler ready for any and all species they might find. Whatever your style of fishing or target species, having a variety of tried and tested lures is best. A few topwaters, spoons, cranks, jigs and soft plastics can fill countless tackle trays, but picking your five favorite of each and compacting the collection to a tray or two helps lower travel weight and increase mobility.
Hook Sharpener
Hooks can take a beating when fishing from shore, banging against rocks, getting out of snags and dulling from fishes mouths. It is essential to keep them sharp for consistent hook ups and if they don’t need replacing they can always use a good sharpening, sometimes even out of the box. There are a variety of styles of hook sharpeners that take up very little space in a tray or pack.
Cooler
Bait, drinks and snacks are necessities when fishing and on those hot summer days it is essential to keep them cool. Small coolers usually suffice and are ideal for the mobile angler, while bigger coolers may be left in the vehicle for restocking when needed. This can also provide a cold and safe place to store your catch as opposed to a stringer.
Polarized Sunglasses
First and foremost sunglasses provide protection from the sun’s UV rays, they can also protect your eyes from an unexpected projectile hook or lure. A bonus to polarized sunglasses is being able to see deeper into the water as they cut through refractive glare on the water. Depending on clarity, structure, bottom composition and even a fish on the end of a line can be seen.
First Aid Kit
You never know what might happen when out fishing, from stings, cuts or headaches to something much worse or unexpected. A compact and custom made first aid kit tailored to your outing, lifestyle and surroundings that can fit in a cargo pants or backpack pocket is essential. Quality over quantity is key!
An Open Mind
Fishing from shore can be both challenging and rewarding and with a time and a place for almost any tactic and species, location, weather and angler are ones only challenges. Being ready and willing to fish for most species can allow one to have steady action throughout the open water season and see plenty of old and new water in the process. With a few shore fishing essentials covered, any and all species are possible.