Anyone familiar with my work knows I have an insatiable appetite for all things outdoors, whether it’s hunting, fishing, or simply trekking through the wild. Today, we’re casting our line into the tranquil waters of trout fishing. But rather than talking about the usual suspects – rods, reels, and tackle – I want to shine the spotlight on the gear that professional trout guides always keep in their vehicles. These items add to the overall angling experience, making each fishing expedition successful but also comfortable, and safe.

Table Of Contents

Rain Gear

An experienced angler knows how rapidly weather can change in the backcountry. A sunny morning can quickly shift into a thunderous afternoon. For this reason, trout guides always keep an assortment of weather gear on hand. Waterproof clothing, including jackets and pants, is a must-have. The latter doesn’t just protect you from rain, but also from the dew on the grass during early morning trips. Additionally, a quality sun hat and polarized sunglasses will shield you from harmful UV rays on bright, sunny days.

  1. Frogg Toggs All Sport Rain Suit This is a very popular choice among anglers due to its affordable price and durability. The suit includes both a jacket and pants, is 100% waterproof and breathable, and has an adjustable, removable hood.
  2. Grundens Weather Watch Fishing Bib Trouser and Jacket Grundens is known for high-quality, heavy-duty rain gear. This particular set is not only waterproof but also breathable. Both the jacket and bib trousers have fully taped seams for optimum protection against the elements.
  3. Stormr Strykr Neoprene Jacket and Bib This is a premium option which offers great protection against harsh weather conditions. It is made of neoprene, a material known for its insulating properties, and is ideal for cold, windy, and rainy conditions.
  4. Huk Men’s Fishing Rain Gear Huk is a well-known brand in the fishing apparel industry. This rain gear set offers good waterproofing, breathability, and comfort. The suit usually includes a full zip jacket with a hood and bib-style pants.
  5. Columbia PFG Storm Jacket and Pants Columbia’s PFG (Performance Fishing Gear) line offers good value for money. The Storm Jacket and Pants are waterproof and breathable, with fully sealed seams. They also feature Columbia’s Omni-Tech technology, which provides air-permeable protection that’s waterproof and breathable.

Remember, when purchasing rain gear for fishing, it’s important to consider the material (it should be waterproof and breathable), the type of fishing you’ll be doing, and the climate in which you’ll be fishing. It’s also useful to read current user reviews to understand how the gear performs in real-world conditions.

Multi-Tool

While fishing, you’re constantly tying knots, cutting line, opening canned food, and fixing minor tackle mishaps. A sturdy multi-tool is worth its weight in gold. Choose one that includes a knife, pliers, screwdriver, and scissors at the very least. High-quality multi-tools are a lifelong investment and will bail you out of more situations than you can imagine.

  1. Leatherman Wave Plus The Leatherman Wave Plus is known for its versatility and ruggedness. It includes 18 tools such as pliers, replaceable wire cutters, wire stripper, knives, saw, spring-action scissors, ruler, can and bottle openers, files, and screwdrivers.
  2. Gerber Suspension Multi-Plier This is an affordable, reliable option that features 12 integrated components including needle nose pliers, wire cutter, fine and serrated knives, saw, scissors, crosspoint screwdriver, small and medium flat blade screwdrivers, can opener, bottle opener, and lanyard hole.
  3. Victorinox Swiss Army Swisstool X From the creators of the original Swiss Army Knife, the SwissTool X features 29 functions, including pliers, wire cutters, bottle opener, screwdriver, saws, and much more. This tool is known for its quality and precision.
  4. SOG PowerLock EOD This tool is well-regarded for its robust construction and SOG’s patented Compound Leverage technology, which doubles the cutting and gripping power. It includes 18 tools and comes with a ballistic nylon sheath.
  5. Leatherman Signal This tool is specifically designed for outdoor adventurers. It features 19 tools, including a fire-starting ferro rod, an emergency whistle, and a sharpener for maintaining your straight and serrated blade, in addition to the usual array of tools like pliers, wire cutters, knives, etc.

Each of these multitools has unique features that can suit different needs, so make sure to consider your specific requirements when choosing a multitool.

Quality Cooler

Fishing isn’t always about the thrill of the catch. Sometimes, it’s about sitting back and appreciating the quiet beauty of nature. This is where a quality cooler comes into play. Keep your lunch, drinks, and even your catch fresh throughout the day. Today’s coolers are capable of keeping ice for multiple days, so you don’t need to worry about your refreshments warming up or your trout spoiling.

  1. Yeti Tundra Series Yeti coolers are renowned for their superior insulation and ruggedness. The Tundra Series comes in a variety of sizes and offers up to 3 inches of PermaFrost Insulation and a freezer-quality gasket to seal in the cold.
  2. Engel High Performance ENG65 Roto-Molded Cooler Engel is another high-quality cooler manufacturer. The ENG65 is known for its great ice retention capability due to its high-grade molded polystyrene foam insulation and airtight EVA gasket seal.
  3. Igloo BMX Family with Cool Riser Technology This is a more budget-friendly option that still provides good performance. The BMX series features sturdy construction with reinforced base and kick plates for increased strength and protection.
  4. Pelican Elite Coolers Pelican Elite Coolers are known for their exceptional ice retention, thanks to their 2-inch polyurethane insulation. They are also built to be bear-resistant, and come with a lifetime warranty.
  5. RTIC Hard Cooler RTIC offers coolers similar in performance to some of the more premium brands, but often at a lower price point. The RTIC Hard Cooler has good insulation, a sturdy build, and an easy draining system.

Remember, when choosing a cooler for fishing, consider factors such as the size (how much you need to store), insulation (how long you need items to stay cold), durability, and ease of transport (weight, handles, wheels etc.).

First-Aid Kit

Trout fishing is typically a peaceful pastime, but accidents can happen. Hooks get embedded in hands, slippery rocks cause falls, and biting insects can turn a pleasant outing into a nightmare. It’s important to be prepared with a well-stocked first-aid kit. Antiseptics, bandages, tweezers, insect repellent, and pain relief medications should be included at a minimum.

  1. Surviveware Large First Aid Kit This comprehensive first aid kit comes with over 200 essential supplies, including bandages, wound dressings, medical-grade shears, tweezers, survival whistle, a CPR pouch with instructions, and an emergency blanket.
  2. Swiss Safe 2-in-1 First Aid Kit This kit includes a comprehensive set of 120 medical supplies along with a bonus 32-piece mini first aid kit. It is compact, lightweight, and durable, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
  3. Adventure Medical Kits Sportsman Series Grizzly Designed specifically for hunters and fishermen, the Grizzly includes supplies to treat the most common injuries in the field, from gunshot wounds to fish hook removal. It also includes a guide to wilderness medicine.
  4. DeftGet First Aid Kit An affordable and compact option, the DeftGet first aid kit includes 163 pieces of essential equipment including bandages, emergency foil blanket, scissors, tweezers, and more. Its compact size makes it convenient for travel and outdoor activities.
  5. Lightning X Small First Responder EMT EMS Trauma Bag This is a more professional-grade first aid kit, including compartments for oxygen supplies and AEDs, but also suitable for general first aid supplies. It is highly customizable and offers excellent organization.

Maps and Compass

In our age of GPS and smartphones, it’s easy to dismiss the old-fashioned map and compass. However, there are still many areas where cell service is spotty at best. Besides, batteries die, but a physical map and compass don’t. Having these navigational aids can mean the difference between being lost and making it back to your vehicle safely.

  1. Suunto MC-2G Global Compass This compass is top-rated due to its global needle that works well anywhere on Earth. It’s a professional mirror compass with high accuracy and usability, featuring a clinometer, luminous bezel ring, and a baseplate with a magnifying lens.
  2. Brunton TruArc 3 Base Plate Compass The TruArc 3 is a reliable, entry-level compass for beginners. It features a global needle, tool-free declination adjustment, and a compact, durable design.
  3. Silva Ranger 515 Compass The Ranger 515 is known for its traditional design and durability. It features a declination adjuster, luminous points for night navigation, a sighting mirror, and a clinometer for measuring angles.
  4. Cammenga 27CS Lensatic Compass This is a military-grade compass known for its ruggedness and reliability. It’s made with a cast aluminum frame and waterproof housing. The compass is equipped with luminous points and a magnifying lens in the sighting arm for reading the dial accurately.

When choosing a compass, consider factors such as the clarity of the dial and readings, durability, size, weight, and additional features like a global needle or a clinometer. If you venture into areas with significant magnetic variation, a compass with adjustable declination is a good choice.

Wader Repair Kit

There’s nothing worse than a soggy wader ruining your trout fishing trip. A puncture can let in cold water, leaving you uncomfortable and distracted. Keeping a wader repair kit in your vehicle can quickly turn a potential disaster into a minor inconvenience. They’re small, affordable, and can get your waders back into watertight shape in no time.

  1. Gear Aid Aquaseal FD Repair Kit This kit is highly rated for its versatility and effectiveness. It can repair rips, holes, and leaks in waders and other outdoor gear. The kit includes Aquaseal FD adhesive, 3″ Tenacious Tape patches, a brush, and waterproof instructions.
  2. Loon Outdoors UV Wader Repair A unique product that uses UV light to cure the adhesive, allowing for faster field repairs. It’s particularly effective for repairing pinholes and small tears.
  3. Tear-Aid Fabric Repair Kit Type A This repair kit is known for its strength, versatility, and durability. It can adhere to a wide variety of surfaces and materials, including neoprene, rubber, nylon, and more. The adhesive resists puncturing and doesn’t peel over time.
  4. Stormsure Waterproof Repair Kit This kit is great for fixing leaks and rips in waders, boots, and several other materials. It includes adhesive, a spatula, and a thick patch material that can be cut to size for larger repairs.
  5. McNett Gear Aid Freesole Although technically a shoe and boot repair adhesive, Freesole is also effective for wader repairs, particularly in high-wear areas like the knees and seat. It remains flexible once cured and has good abrasion resistance.

Remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using a wader patch kit, and always clean and dry the area to be repaired thoroughly before applying the patch or adhesive. Some patch kits work best on specific types of materials, so choosing a kit suitable for your waders’ material is essential.

Conclusion

Ultimately, trout fishing is about more than what’s on the end of your line. It’s about the whole experience: the preparation, the tranquility of nature, and the thrill of the catch. Having these tools in your vehicle ensures that you’re prepared for any situation that comes your way, so you can fully immerse yourself in the joy of the outdoors. Equip yourself like a pro, and every fishing expedition will be a tale worth telling.