Packing Your Tackle Like a Pro for Backcountry Trips
You can’t bring the whole garage. You don’t need to. Here’s how to pack light but fish smart when you’re hitting remote waters.
Rod + Reel
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2-piece or travel rods (1 spinning, 1 casting or fly)
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Sealed drag if you're going salt or glacial cold
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Pre-spooled reels with backup spools (braid + mono)
Tackle
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Pike: spoons, jerkbaits, heavy spinners
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Trout: jigs, inline spinners, small cranks
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Salmon: weighted flies, wobbling plugs
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Keep it simple: 3–4 per species max
Line + Leaders
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Bring more leader material than you think
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Use steel for pike, fluorocarbon for clear lakes
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Small tackle box or waterproof wallet setup
Tools
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Long-nose pliers
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Hook remover
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Small scale
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Nail clippers + knife
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Gloves (for toothy fish)
The Extras
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Compact rod case
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Waterproof bag or canoe pack
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Local license + printed backup
If it doesn’t fit in your daypack, it better earn its weight.