River Float Check List: Some items are obviously optional, some are absolutely essential. On our river trips we generally bring along both fly and spinning gear (sorry to all you purists out there). A long trip can be tiring if one is fly casting all day. The person running the boat will find it far easier to spin cast while operating the craft. Frequently, the operator only has a few precious seconds to fire a cast at a moving target. This is much easier to accomplish with spinning gear. You then have time to quickly reel up and grab the paddle to steer out of harms way. Often times stern and bow will switch periodically, if possible. At times, fish will hit sub-surface hardware and plugs better during the middle day and flies late in the day - into the evening. We think it prudent to “save your arm” for the 2-3 hours in the afternoon when the water is at its warmest and the fish start ”looking up”!

• Registered water craft
• Fishing license
• Map
• Oars, paddles, (motor-gas?)
• Rods and Reels
• Flies
• Poppers
• Sliders
• Divers
• Other tackle
• Leader and tippet material
• Extra leaders
• Spin Fishing
• In-line spinners
• Small spinner baits
• Buzz baits
• Plugs – shallow running
• Jigs and plastic/synthetic bodies
• Snaps, swivels, lead weight sinkers
• Bobbers (if you must)
• Flotation devices: wearable and throwable (check local regulations)
• Seat cushions
• Back rests
• Anchor – five to ten pound or mesh bag to hold rocks
• Anchor rope
• Tie down rope – used to connect everything in the boat to the boat or canoe
• Fish stringer – can double as a connector rope, esp. the plastic “clip”-type stringer.
• Waterproof stuff bag or gear bag
• Small cooler – with waterproof food, beverages, etc.
• Measuring device – tape measure or scale inscribed somewhere on the craft for quick measurement
• Camera in waterproof container/bag
• Bug repellent (seasonal)
• Pliers or hook-out device
• Hemostat – straight or curved (I love the curved ones!)
• Cutting devices – a small metal cutter will double as a line cutter and can save the day if a hook lands in the wrong spot!
• Line cutter
• Metal cutter – pliers style or snipper style. (Buy several cheap at hardware store discount bin)
• Filet knife
• Plastic Ziploc-type bags
• Head net (seasonal)
• Rain gear
• Finger-less wool gloves (seasonal)
• Foot wear
• Warm water – wading sandals, tennis shoes, flats booties, etc.
• Cold water – Hip boots, wading boots with neoprene inner, etc.
• Polarized sunglasses
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Medications:
• Aspirin and/or ibuprofen or other painkiller
• OTC indigestion medication (eg., Pepsid AC, Zantac, etc)
• Prescription medications such as heart meds, etc.
• Toilet paper
• Cell phone (on silent mode, please)
• Lighter or matches – never know when you need fire
• Banjo (optional)

Tips:

• Tie everything to the craft if you don’t want to lose it.
• Anchors are extremely useful on a river or stream.
• Metal cutters can turn a disaster into a slight inconvenience.
• Pain and indigestion medication can really save the day.
• Long pants/sleeved shirt will protect you from sun/bugs (in light colors).
• Learn “Dueling Banjos” to entertain locals along the way.