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

• 2-piece or travel rods (1 spinning, 1 casting or fly)

• Sealed drag if you're going salt or glacial cold

• Pre-spooled reels with backup spools (braid + mono)

Tackle

• Pike: spoons, jerkbaits, heavy spinners

• Trout: jigs, inline spinners, small cranks

• Salmon: weighted flies, wobbling plugs

• Keep it simple: 3–4 per species max

Line + Leaders

• Bring more leader material than you think

• Use steel for pike, fluorocarbon for clear lakes

• Small tackle box or waterproof wallet setup

Tools

• Long-nose pliers

• Hook remover

• Small scale

• Nail clippers + knife

• Gloves (for toothy fish)

The Extras

• Compact rod case

• Waterproof bag or canoe pack

• Local license + printed backup

If it doesn’t fit in your daypack, it better earn its weight.