What do you always take out on the river with you but never

[mantis]

Whether I use my vest, chest pack, Barbour fishing jacket or occasionally just a lanyard (still sticking a few items in my pockets), for just a few quick casts from shore I always seem to bring way more 'stuff' then I ever use.
I have never changed spools mid stream or on shore...never. I have never used a knot tying tool. I have never used the little jack knife I always carry. I have never used the extra set of nippers . I have never used the little tube of wax coated stick matches. Never! Why then do I have to prepare for any emergency and tote all this stuff with me. Yes, sometimes I am a good distance back in... but...to never, in many decades, ever used any of this stuff.? Am I alone out there? What do you carry onto the water with you that you have never used?

[This message has been edited by mantis (edited 08 November 2005).]

[Bamboozle]

I have gotten my trout kit down to the bare minimum and can proudly say even all the whiskey I carry gets drunk!

If I don't use it, it gets taken out of the kit. The ONLY thing I carry that MAY not get used is the spare batteries I tote. I usually check all the lights, etc. before hitting the water so I usually have fresh batteries in them and don't need the spares; but it a minor space taker and worth the added insurance.

BUT...

I keep a gear bag in the car that is a virtual fly/hardware/liquor/tobacco shop and as a result don't worry about things I may forget; it's only a walk back to the car to get them.

[Mike_D]

LOL ... funny you should ask Mantis. This was a horrible season for me ... I had little time to fish, and when I did the fish didn't cooperate.

So, to answer your question ... a camera. I had hardly a single opportunity to press the shutter button.

There's always next season I guess (although I'm keeping my fingers crossed for an upcoming steelhead trip).

Mike D. [url=http://battenkill.tripod.com:3df70]http://battenkill.tripod.com[/url:3df70]

P.S.

I think I might have that reel foot you asked me about. It took me awhile, but I believe I've one that will work for ya' ... I just need to check the screw set on your reel.

[paflyfisher]

Bamboozle,

I am with you. I always bring back an empty flask and a cigar band!

[lee s]

net

[Fishnfool]

First aid kit!


------------------
John G.
Albuquerque, NM

[SilverMallard]

1st aid kit, rain jacket, and headlamp get the least use of the gear that's always in my pack.

------------------
Fishing the Ozarks

[Fred Sanford]

Abel "Blade" knife.

[mantis]

Mike-D
Great Mike...Did we both get the same CFO that day when I almost went home with yours?

[Mike_D]

Mantis,

Yep ... we both picked up the same reel. It was a couple weeks later I discovered the same problem you encountered. I was able to find a working foot, but it's taken this long to find another.

Mike D. [url=http://battenkill.tripod.com:8fd54]http://battenkill.tripod.com[/url:8fd54]