When it comes to bass fishing, having the right gear is essential for a successful and enjoyable day on the water. To help you prepare for your next bass fishing trip, we’ve put together a bass fishing checklist of the essential items you’ll need.
Last updated on March 4th, 2025 at 03:18 pm
SUMMARY: Ensure a productive bass fishing trip with a thorough fishing checklist. Essential items cover licenses, fishing gear, extra line, lures, and tools. Extended trip additions include electronics, safety gear, waterproof equipment, snacks, and one all-important item that clocks in as No. 20.
If you’re fishing from the bank ― and God knows, here at Pond Fishing for Bass, we love fishing from the bank ― “essential” is the key word. You do not want to be carrying much crap you won’t be using. Having said that, you can get away with just the most-essential “essentials” if your fishing spot is within walking distance.
A small waist or hip pack (a manly way to say “fanny pack”) is perfect for carrying basic lures, tools, and other supplies while walking the bank of your neighborhood pond. For a trip a little farther from home, you’ll want to throw a few more things into your bag and you may need to upgrade to a little larger gear pack with more space, pockets, etc. The following list reflects the fact that you’ll need more essentials the farther you venture from home.
The Most-Essential Essentials
1. A Fishing License
Will wildlife and fisheries storm your neighborhood pond and start handing out no-license fines? I’m 99.99999% certain they won’t.
But get in the habit of carrying it with you anyway, everywhere you fish, in your wallet, on your phone in a digital format, or in a bag you bring on every trip. (In that case, toss it in a ziplock bag for safekeeping.) That way, if you find yourself fishing a public body of water, you won’t have a worry in the world. And you’ll have a constant reminder that you’re supporting your state’s efforts to maintain fisheries and police the rulebreakers who make life worse for all of us.
2. A Fishing Rod and Reel (or Two)
If you’re just getting started, I recommend you do what I did and get your hands on any old rod and reel you think you can operate with just a little practice. If you go with a borrowed or thrift-store rod and reel, the fishing line likely will need replacing. Throw out that old, brittle line and add some all-purpose Walmart monofilament line, 8- to 10-pound test. It’ll be a thrill to catch a bass no matter what you use to do it. (I COULD provide a link here for the “ultimate fishing combo” you can buy today, but let’s just chill for now and watch two bass anglers in kayaks living their best lives.)
When it’s time for that upgrade, you’ll want to do some research and make sure you purchase a high-quality fishing rod and reel designed for bass fishing. (Follow Pond Fishing for Bass and watch for a deep dive on rods and reels soon.) Eventually, you’ll want a second combo rig, and you may find you like to carry both on your bank-fishing outings. A lot of fishermen carry two rigs with two different lures tied on (maybe a worm on one and a spinnerbait on the other) for a quick and easy change in presentation. For a few months, I thought I’d be an angler who carried two fishing rigs. I personally found it less annoying to just carry one and learn how to cut and tie lures quickly.
3. Extra Fishing Line
Eventually, you’ll want to experiment with braided or other types of fishing line as you fine-tune your fishing style. Whatever type of line you end up using, carry some extra in your bag. Bad things can happen to line and ruin a perfectly good fishing trip. It’s best to be prepared. And many bass fishermen, especially those using braided line, like to add a fluorocarbon leader for the invisibility and stealthy benefits it provides. If that’s you, carry some extra fluorocarbon line, too.
4. Lures and Baits (but Not too Many)
Bass are known for being picky eaters, so it’s important to carry a variety of lures and baits in your tackle box. But let’s not get carried away. Before I head to a lake or pond, I have a pretty good idea of the lure(s) I’ll be using. If that includes soft plastics, and it often does, I’m sure to bring an ample supply. (Bass can do some serious damage to a soft plastic; I find each one can last 2-3 fish on average.) Other than that, I like to make sure I carry lures to cover the top, middle, and bottom water depths. Some popular options, respectively, include topwater lures or frogs; crankbaits or spinner baits; and weighted soft plastic worms or jigs.
5. Extra Fishing Hooks and Weights
Make sure you have a variety of fishing hooks in different sizes and styles to match the type of bait you’re using. And weights, too. While our boating brethren can often rescue a snagged lure from a tree or underwater log, bank fishermen are often left with the option of pulling and hoping. Be prepared with the replacement supplies you need.
6. Fishing Line Cutters
My dad could cut fishing line with his teeth. It makes me cringe to even think about it. For the rest of us, we need to be carrying a proper line cutter appropriate to the line we’re using. Small scissors or even fingernail clippers might do the job for some types of line. Braided line needs a special cutter. Something made especially for fishing line will allow you to easily and quickly switch out lures when needed. As for using your teeth, you’re on your own …
7. Needle-Nose Pliers and a Hook-Removal Tool
Needle-nose pliers with a wire-cutting feature are essential for removing hooks from the fish’s mouth and sometimes bending hooks, crimping weights, and doing other gear maintenance. Truly an essential. A hook-removal tool is for when the pliers won’t reach or can’t quite remove a hook deep in a fish’s mouth. Both tools will allow you to unhook a fish in the most humane way, which is always our goal.
8. Sun Protection
When we were kids, sunburn and peeling skin was a foregone conclusion, especially in the summer. Now that we’re all older, it’s clear that a little sun protection can not only save us from a good bit of discomfort and possibly much more serious consequences. A hat, polarized sunglasses, and sunscreen should be mandatory for every fishing trip, sunny or cloudy — and every angler should give serious consideration to protective shirts, pants, gloves, gaiters, and masks.
9. Bug Spray
Sleeves and long pants will help, but when the mosquitoes or flies are the only things biting, the fishing can become miserable quickly. Look for a small spray can, or box of wipes, that fits in your bag for easy access.
10. Pocket Knife
Some type of all-in-one camping knife is a good all-purpose solution to many needs you’ll encounter while fishing, like cutting rope, string, or fishing line; or making minor reel repairs or adjustments. Your best choice will include scissors, a built-in screwdriver and several blades, including one with a serrated edge.
Add These for a Longer Trip
11. Phone
I know. Who goes anywhere without a phone? Having said that, I’ve been out walking the bank and found myself reaching for a phone that I clearly left on the kitchen counter. No big deal if I’m close to home. But what happens if you catch a personal best and have no way to grab a picture? Keep the phone with you.
12. Portable Scale and/or Tape Measure
Similar to #9, why would you risk catching your personal best without a way to properly document the weight and/or length. Sure, you can estimate, but be prepared for eye rolls and the like from your skeptical friends. Photos don’t lie.
13. First-Aid Kit
OK. I’ve been fishing for a few years and never really needed this. And for the most part, I’m usually close to home. But a standard kit of bandages, antibiotic ointment, aspirin, and antiseptic wipes will address most minor ailments you may encounter fishing, and should be considered essential if you’re going to be far from home. With a little luck and Neosporin, you just might be able to remove that hook from your thumb and continue fishing.
14. Waterproof Bag
I’m pretty adamant that I’m not intentionally getting in the water. And at my local pond, this is not really a concern. But if you’re fishing unfamiliar waters, or there’s a chance of rain, or if you’re dealing with a rain-slickened bank — or if you’re one of those guys who will wade out into waist-deep water to fish — then by all means get a waterproof bag for your phone, camera, or anything else you need to keep dry.
15. Rain Gear
From the farthest corner of my local pond, I can reach my back porch within five minutes if I happen to be caught in a rainstorm. Out in the wild, you may not be able to reach shelter quite that quickly, making rain gear an essential. As a side note, fishing in the rain can be productive; just make sure you don’t mess around with lightning, which can be deadly.
16. Waterproof Boots
Expect that whatever you’re wearing on your feed will get muddy and possibly ruined. You don’t know what you’ll encounter when fishing unfamiliar waters. You may be walking on slippery banks, mucky areas, or high grass. I like a solid, waterproof hiking boot with a good tread for fishing purposes.
17. Layers of Clothes
Cool mornings can turn steamy after sunrise. Balmy evenings can become chilly after sunset. Being prepared to add or remove layers could mean your fishing trip can be more comfortable and last a little longer.
18. Snacks and Water
Stay hydrated and fueled up with plenty of water and snacks to keep your energy levels up throughout the day. Nuts, granola bars, and beef jerky are among the non-perishable snacks easily tossed in a bag before you go.
19. Towel
Did you know there’s such a thing as a fishing towel THAT YOU CAN BUY? I’m not arguing that having a towel with you on a fishing trip is not a good idea. (It DID make our list of essentials!) I’m just amused to learn that such a specialized item exists, designed apparently to keep your equipment clean; wipe up fish slime and blood; and protect anglers from “awful stains and odor.” Towelreviewer.com (this just keep getting better, doesn’t it?) breaks down the “5 Best Fishing Towels With Carabiner Clip” for your consideration. Or you can just grab an old bath towel from the rag pile. Your choice.
20. Toilet Paper or Wipes
Do we really need to explain this?
Happy fishing!
