I will start this blog with a word of wisdom my uncle always says: 

A. B. C., Always Be Prepared.

Jokes aside, there are very few things I enjoy more than spending a couple of days out in nature on the hunt for some awesome fish. In our case, the Seam Team is heading out to central Newfoundland in search of Atlantic Salmon this weekend (no, I won’t tell you where). While we were getting packed up, we figured, "Why not go over a list of all the stuff we take on a three-day trip?" We'll break this down into must-haves, the obvious stuff, and some nice luxuries that make your couple of days outside just a little bit nicer.

In our case, this weekend we're renting a small cabin, so there's no need for us to bring anything for sleeping under the stars. Instead, we get to sleep in a half-decent bed, which is always a bonus — especially for midday naps. Whether this is your hundredth trip or your first fly-fishing trip, take a read and let us know what you take that we may not have listed!

The Must-Haves

• Fly Rod, Reel, and Line: 6wt, 7wt, or 8wt rods are all great for Atlantic Salmon in Newfoundland.
• A selection of flies for the species you are targeting. If you're looking for a list of solid flies for Salmon in NL, check out our previous blog post here.
• Waders: Usually chest waders, but you can make do with hip waders in a pinch.
• Landing Net: We're hard-pressed not to recommend one of our nets, but really any rubber basket landing net that keeps fish as healthy as possible for a safe release will do.
• Leader/Tippet: For Atlantic Salmon, either monofilament (at least 8lb+) or fluorocarbon (0X to 2X).
• A pair of nippers (nail clippers work great) for trimming your leader/tippet.
• A pair of pliers: So you can pinch your barbs, which is a legal requirement for Salmon Fishing in NL.
• A book bag or hiking pack for carrying your gear and any food or water.
• Fishing License: If required (in NL, a Salmon License is required).
• A small garbage bag to pack out any garbage you create or some stuff you may find. Always leave the spot better than you found it!
• Raincoat and an extra layer: At least in Newfoundland, you can go through every season within an hour, so it's best to be prepared and not have to go home early.
• Headlamp: It's nice to see where you're stepping when it's pitch black.

The Nice-to-Haves

Now let's get into the things that make your book bag a little heavier. It's up to you if it's worth the extra weight!

Coffee/Tea

Usually, I'm heading out fishing at first legal light, which for us is one hour before sunrise. When I wake up that early, I love starting the day with a riverside coffee.

• A little butane camping stove and butane canister
• A small pot
• A mug
• A couple of packets of instant coffee (a couple of tea bags work too if you prefer tea)

As always, leave no trace and always pack out what you packed in.

Somewhere to Sit

Next on the list is a mini camp chair. They don’t sit as high as a regular camp chair, but they do pack down a whole lot smaller. You don’t need to spend a ton of money on a $200+ option; I've been using a $40 Amazon one for two years, and it’s holding up just fine.

Backup Rod

A backup fly rod (and reel). Last year I was out fishing with Dad for Father's Day, and what do you know… SNAP! I wish I could say it was a big old fish; however, it was a fly in a tree… but let's keep that our little secret. Regardless, the day was over much earlier than planned. Since then, I almost always take a second rod with me. I never want a day to end too early again or sit riverside being the dedicated “net man/woman.”

Something to Read

Whether taking a break alongside the river or looking to relax before bed, it can be nice to unwind with a good page-turner.

Stay Safe

Whether it’s for the sanity of your loved ones at home or to get out of a pinch, it doesn’t hurt to have a GPS or communication device of some type. These little things can be expensive, but if you accidentally find your way off-trail or take a bad fall and need emergency help, having something with satellite-based communication can really save your ass sometimes.