What to Pack for Your First Overnight Fishing Trip

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An overnight fishing trip lets you fish the evening bite, sleep near the water, and be casting again at first light. It’s a simple plan, but you need both fishing gear and camp gear to pull it off. This list is for anglers heading out for their first night on the bank.

01License and rules

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Fishing license, on youKeep a copy on your phone and a paper copy in a dry bag. Some states also need extra stamps or permits.
Current fishing regulationsSize limits, bag limits, and open seasons vary by state and by lake or river.
Permission to camp thereMany boat ramps and public access sites don’t allow overnight stays. Check first.
Night fishing rulesSome waters close at dark or limit how you can fish at night.

02Rods and tackle

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Rod and reel, rigged at homeTie on your first rig before you leave. Then you can fish as soon as you arrive.
Backup rod or spare spool
Tackle box with hooks, weights, and bobbers
Lures or bait for your target fishSome states limit moving live bait between waters. Check your state’s rules.
Pliers and line clippers
Extra line
Rod holders or forked sticksHandy for bait fishing while you set up camp.
Landing netMakes it much easier to land a fish at the bank in low light.

03Keeping or releasing fish

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Cooler with plenty of iceIf you plan to keep fish, get them on ice fast. Fish that die on a stringer in warm water spoil quickly.
Stringer or fish basketCheck your state’s rules before you keep fish alive in the water overnight.
Fillet knife and cutting boardSome states have rules about filleting fish before you get home. Look them up first.
Zip-top bags
Measuring tape or bump board
Wet rag for handling fish you’ll release

04Camp basics

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Tent or hammock with rain cover
Sleeping bag and sleeping padIt gets cooler and damper near water at night. Bring a bag rated for the low.
Camp chair
Stove, fuel, and lighter
Easy dinner and breakfastPick food that cooks fast. At dawn you’ll want to fish, not wash dishes.
Plenty of drinking water
Trash bagPack out old line and bait cups, too.

05Light, bugs, and safety

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Headlamp with a red light modeRed light is easier on your night vision while you tie knots.
Spare batteriesPack them in a zip-top bag so they stay dry.
Bug sprayMosquitoes are often worst near water at dusk and dawn.
Head netWeighs almost nothing and saves your face and neck at dusk.
Small first aid kitPack tweezers and something for hook pokes.
Life jacket for wading or boating
Phone in a waterproof case

06Clothing

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Warm layer for after sunset
Rain jacket
Dry socks for the morning
Hat and sunglassesPolarized lenses cut glare, so you can see into the water.
Shoes that can get wet

How to plan the night

Get to the water with at least two hours of daylight left. Set up camp first, while you can see. Then you can fish the dusk bite without worrying about finding tent stakes in the dark.

Pitch your tent on high, flat ground, well back from the water’s edge. Rivers and lakes can rise overnight after rain upstream.

Before dark, lay out your morning gear. Put your rod, tackle, headlamp, and a snack in one spot by the tent door. When the alarm goes off, you can be fishing in a few minutes.

Tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back. Cell service near lakes and rivers can be spotty, so don’t count on calling for help.

Watch the sky, too. If you hear thunder, reel in and get off the water. Graphite and carbon rods carry electricity, so lay yours down and head for your car.

Keep your food and bait sealed and away from your tent. Raccoons and other animals will find anything left out.

The last thing to pack is a plan for your catch. Decide before the trip whether you’ll keep fish or let them go. That way the cooler, ice, and knife are ready when you need them.