Fishing Opener Checklist

[cjac]

Hey all,

Opener is one week away! I saw a post on another forum here on FM about what to bring for opener, so I wanted to share this here as well.

Heading off for the weekend is a 5 month wait coming to reality. However, you gotta make sure you have all the needed goods. How do you make sure you have everything that you need?

I have an Excel spreadsheet that's my checklist. I print it out before every trip. Nerdy and geeky? Yes, I'll admit it, but it works. I have a small garage, so my gear is tucked into every nook and cranny.

There's a BOAT section: Basics are on my list: Batteries charged, life preservers, plugs, KEYS (big one!), anchors, and so on. Plus things like: Extension cords for the charger, stuff not always in the boat like the drift sock, minnow bucket, etc. Check the tires, wheel bearings, tow straps, tool box, the spare prop and prop wrench...and so on.

CLOTHES/PERSONAL: Rain gear, jackets, boots, hats, under garments, sunscreen, toiletry bag (forgot that once, borrowing someone's toothbrush or deodorant is not a cool idea). Again nerdy, but it makes sure I don't forget stuff.

FISHING GEAR: Tackle boxes, rods, reels....ever left for a trip and forgot a few rods? I have, it stinks. Spare line, terminal tackle, etc. Lake maps, the GPS, the bag of new lures you just bought.....

Little things too: Coolers, fillet knife, zip lock bags for fish transport, Minn fishing Regulations, a cribbage board for weather like this, even my wallet, I left without it once....

I seem to add to my list every time, and it makes it easier to prepare and the trip more enjoyable. Call it boarderline obsessive/compulsive, but it's saved my trip a couple times!

Hope this helps!

[Eric Wettschreck]

Cjac, great list.

It seems like everytime I go on a trip I forget something. Time to make myself a list.

[Xplorer]

Lets see........full cooler-check, foul weather gear-check, comfortable chair-check, side table-check, digital camcorder-check, digital camera-check, propane grill and heater-check, great view at a very busy public landing-check

$10,000 winner on America's Funniest Home Video's..Priceless

[croixflats]

Awsome idea and great pointers now where did I put that spread sheet on how to use excel

[Jon Thompson]

But if you forget a rod you have a really good reason to buy a new one. Wife can't blame you for that can she....

[Matt C]

Beer? check. Boat attached to truck still? Check.

Wife at home? check. Trouble when I return? Check.

Looks like I'm ready to go.

[JohnMickish]

Don't forget to check the oil in the truck, tire air pressure for both the truck, trailer and spares (you do have a spare, right?) and tools to change a tire on the trailer.

[Lotwfisher]

I do alot of day fishing stuff where I live so I dont do alot of weekend trips or extended fishing trips. But when I do I always forget something cause I am not prepared properly. I just dont do it enough to get into the routine of checking everything and then double checking. I am so used to grabbing and going. I need to keep a printed checklist on my wall somewhere.

[TrophyEyes]

Bring an extra set of keys to the truck and give them to your buddy or stash them in your boat. I cannot tell you how many people have gotten out of their truck to unhook the boat and locked their keys in the truck with the boat on the ramp.

FYI, I always role the window down just a bit to prevent this from happening as well.

[tisosy11]

Yeah, i let the old lady handle all the in and outs of the coolers/food

I make sure the boats ready the night before!

[Jeremy airjer W]

I remembered on Sunday that the boat license was do. I Took care of that today!!

[tacklejunkie]

this year...ice auger, scoop, ice rods, shelter.

[Sandmannd]

 Originally Posted By: airjer

I remembered on Sunday that the boat license was do. I Took care of that today!!

Last week I was going through some bills and saw the license renew for the boat. Oooops, ran and got it quick before hitting the croix on Saturday.

[glenn57]

tacklejunkie, that was sick but gosh darn funny. cjac, i have a checkliist for every event. deer bear duck etc hunting, winter fishing, it is not on a spreadsheet but in a notebook. not geeky at all. i call it smart and organized.

[Grant Pearson]

 Originally Posted By: Sandmannd

 Originally Posted By: airjer

I remembered on Sunday that the boat license was do. I Took care of that today!!

Last week I was going through some bills and saw the license renew for the boat. Oooops, ran and got it quick before hitting the croix on Saturday.

now you just have to put it on!! b j/k!!!

[Iambjm]

Cjac: There is a difference in being organized and obsessive compulsive. Now my husband would have the list but he would bring at least 2 of everything in case one breaks or he loses it. Then he goes back and adds a 3rd or a 4th to everything. That is obsessive compulsive

[glenn57]

lambjm, does your husband bring 3 or 4 bugs to! hey just funnin ya. glad to see bugsy malone still with us.

[UdeLakeTom]

This year you might have to add...snowmobile suit, parka, snow shovel, hand warmers. The list goes on.

[Sandmannd]

I would say rain gear and warm clothes. Also, put the plug in, I tend to forget that time to time early in the season.

[tisosy11]

It was nearly 80 today...hopefully it will be decent weather this weekend...and not continue the string of wet weekends!

[hoggs222]

This is why I really miss having a cabin. Everything was right there. It's a walk up the stairs if you forgot something.

[EYESTALKER]

Spare prop.... In case you tear up your brancd new stainless one on opener day. That really stunk ! :-)

[Grant Pearson]

 Originally Posted By: Sandmannd

I would say rain gear and warm clothes. Also, put the plug in, I tend to forget that time to time early in the season.

tend to forget from time to time early in the season? More like all season!!! It's a good thing that I'm willing to stick my arm into the 40 degree water to put it in!!!!

[Sandmannd]

 Originally Posted By: kingfisher1

 Originally Posted By: Sandmannd

I would say rain gear and warm clothes. Also, put the plug in, I tend to forget that time to time early in the season.

tend to forget from time to time early in the season? More like all season!!! It's a good thing that I'm willing to stick my arm into the 40 degree water to put it in!!!!

Well, since you were unhooking the back of the boat and didn't check it, it was either your arm or you were going for a swim

[Grant Pearson]

if someone would've told me they took the plug out the day before, I wouldn't have had to check!!!