What to take?

[Ernie]

I've searched but didn't really find what I was looking for. What are the basic things you take when you go fishing in your vest or pack, say on just 1 day of fishing. The things you always have on you when you fish.
Ernie

[redietz]

An excellent question. Beside the obvious of way too many boxes of flies:

Polarized sunglasses
Flashlight
Nippers (on a zinger which also functions as a tape measure)
Spools of tippet material 3x - 7x
Paste floatant
Powder floatant/drier
Shot
Hemostat or fine tipped needle nose pliers
Ketchum Release tool
Fishing License
Thermometer

[johnstoeckel]

My list is pretty similar and some of this depends on personal preference and style, so let me just make a couple comments ...

Don't forget sun protection -- sunglasses mentioned by redietz, but also sunscreen, wide brimmed hat, and long sleeve shirt.

Water bottle. If you're fishing in warmer weather for anything more than an hour or so, water is important.

Keep it as simple as possible and add items only when you're sure you need them.

[malevo]

The same as above with the exception of the thermometer. I would add a small super absorbent towel if you are fishing in cold weather. Last thing you want to have is freezing wet hands (after releasing all the many fish you will catch... )
No one mentioned a net. Depending in the fishing you are planning, you may need a net of the size that is adequate for the fish you are targeting.
M

[Tig]

Hemostats or small needle nose pliers for the odd time the fish take the hook a little too deep. Use with care - it might be better to release the fish with the hook, however if you use barbless then it shouldn't be too much of an issue.

[Betty Hiner]

fishing license
flies
hemostat
nippers
hat
glasses
one spool spare tippet
spare leader
net
a freekin' huge smile!!

[jimsnarocks]

UM, I'm gonna go with ROD and REEL. (Just kidding) Then all of the above. I also keep an ace bandage, a plastic poncho, a little plastic sack for trash and some tissue (Doubles as TP). If you are wading a staff is a good idea, doubles as a walking stick and snake beater. Jim

[Uncle Jesse]

No one mentioned either a stringer or a camera, because if you don't bring back fish or pictures of fish, no one is going to believe you caught any, especially any big ones. A little first aid kit is a handy thing to have, just try not to have to use it. Waterproof enclosures for cameras and/or cell phones are also a good idea, even if you are not planning on getting wet, sometimes it happens, trust me I know.

[rizeye]

hemostats, clippers, shot, indicators, extra leaders, tippet material (3x - 6x) lip balsam, flip-up reading glasses, paper towels in a zip lock bag, Thermometer, knife or multi tool.

[Steven]

Don't forget lunch.

What do I have in my pack....

Flies,
Hemo's
Scissors (may have to reshape a fly),
Nipper/Nail Knot combo tool
Sunglasses
Hat
Indicators
A couple of different kinds of floatants and dry shakes
tape measure
License
Indicators
Beef Jerky
Granola Bars
Tippet 1x-6x
Some prefab leaders (just in case).
Magnifying glasses.
A small white lid to use to look at nymphs.
Thermometer