While I know that fishing from a boat might be considered sacrilege to some die-hard surfcasters, small boats can be helpful in reaching the unreachable. With that in mind, this list is geared to small non-motorized boats, such as a:

• Kayak (What I may move to in the future)
• Canoe
• Jon boat or other row boat
• Inflatable raft (What I currently use)

Why use a small craft? I like the idea of “car top” craft because:

• They are more easily managed, accessed, and maintained
• Many fishing spots are going motorless only
• You can go to spots that bigger boats can’t reach
• They are inexpensive
• No need to register or pay tax on the craft
• No requirement of a boater safety course (Still recommended for some)

Here is the boat specific list:

• Oars (Perhaps an extra one just in case)
• Anchor and line
• Tow line
• Extra lines and lashings
• PFDs (Personal Floatation Devices)
• Flares
• Airhorn
• Bailing bucket
• Weather radio 
• Boat specific repair kit 
• Marker flag(s)
• Waterproof containers 
• Tide tables
• Lights and reflective tape for night travel
• Snorkel gear 

General equipment, emergency, survival, and first aid:

• Whistle 
• Flashlight 
• Signal mirror 
• First aid kit 
• Bug repellent 
• Sun block 
• Lighter  or wet matches
• Knife, pliers, relevant tools 
• Wet/Dry duct tape 
• Watch
• Cell phone
• Walkie-talkies 
• Compass
• Maps or charts

Personal gear:

• Clothing appropriate for several conditions (Hot, cold, or wet)
• Sun glasses 
• Snacks and water
• Small trash bag for your garbage

Fishing equipment:

• Fishing gear (Rod, reel, tackle, etc.)
• Bait keeper 
• Cooler 
• Landing nets 
• Gaff 
• Fishing priest or club 
• Bait cutting board 
• Crab or other traps  
• Fishing licenses and regulations
• Camera

This checklist should get you off on the right foot . . . safe boating!

This post originally appeared on SurfcastingToday.com, here is the link to the original post, Fishing From a Small Boat: A Gear Checklist For Surf Fisherman.

Thank you for visiting the Self Reliance Workshop and come back soon for more . . . follow me on Twitter at SelfRelianceWS, DvrcdDadFrglDad, and Surfcasting2Day.

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Related Posts:
Know Your Rights When Fishing or Hunting  
How to Get Started Surfcasting . . .  
Welcome to SurfcastingToday.com!  
Surfcasting Fishing Safety Tips 

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DDFD believes that self reliance and self sufficiency are the roads to individual freedom.  He is dedicated to living a quality life through frugality, personal growth and productivity, and defensive entrepreneurship.  He also enjoys cooking from scratch and fishing.