You may know how to cast, set a hook, and take off a fish, but your fishing experience truly depends on the gear you have. Without essential gear, you may find yourself missing out on big catches. Check out some of the essential fishing gear worth your investment and time.

1. Fishing Vests

Fishing vests may not be the most fashionable piece you wear while outdoors, but they are practical. Stay organized and save a lot of time when you wear a fishing vest.

A fishing vest will include multiple pockets ideal for holding extra bait, hooks, or other fishing accessories. A vest will also include pockets ideal for holding phones and other electronics that will keep you hands-free to focus on the pole.

2. Fishing Nets

When you reel in a big fish, your pole cannot do all of the work. The final step of a big catch comes with scooping up the fish inside of a fishing net. A fishing net provides the stability to capture big fish and protect your fishing line at the same time.

Fishing nets with short handles are ideal for boats and canoes. Nets with long handles will make it easier to capture a fish from shore without the need to step far into the water.

3. Waterproof Tackle Box

Fishing may involve a lot of water, but you don’t want excess moisture to ruin your fishing equipment. A waterproof tackle box provides extra protection for items and can keep them dry while you fish. Keep electronic devices inside the tackle box and prevent corrosion to any of your metal fishing supplies like sinkers or metal baits.

4. New Fishing Line

The fishing line that comes with a rod and reel package may not have the strength or durability you need to catch large fish. With new fishing line, you have the opportunity to choose a larger test that can withstand the pull and tugs from larger fish. You will have far less snapped lines and can reel in big fish without as much effort.

5. Fishing Scale

Keep track of the fish you catch with an official fish scale. A hook-based scale allows you to hang the fish right on the scale so you don’t need to lay the fish down or worry about it flopping around. You will have an accurate measurement for every fish you catch.

6. Multi-Tools

A multi-tool provides quick access for cutting line, removing hooks, or making changes to your pole. Instead of bringing a lot of tools with you on a fishing trip, the multi-tool provides some key benefits and can make it a lot easier to complete tasks.

7. Flashlights

Even if you fish during the day, flashlights will offer a lot of advantages. For example, you could shine a light deep into a fish’s mouth to remove a hook. You could shine a flashlight in shaded parts of water to see for any fish. A flashlight will help illuminate small hooks or knots that you try to make.

8. Swivels

A swivel prevents line tangles and makes it easy to switch from different baits each time you fish. A swivel features a small hook connector that allows you to attach hooks or other bait right to the pole. You will save a lot of time when you attach swivels to each of your poles.

Gather all of these items together and have them ready to go each time you fish.