Summer is a great time to take a day to go fishing. There’s something very relaxing about taking time out of your busy schedule to get out into nature and see what you can catch. Whether you’re planning on going alone, with your family, or with a group of friends, there are some necessities you need for a day of fishing. Here are some tips to prepare for your fishing day trip.

Get the necessary papers

No matter where you go fishing, you’ll need some sort of license or permit. Look into what papers you need in the area you’re planning on traveling to, especially if it’s out of state. In most cases, you can purchase the license you need online. If you cannot, plan ahead to make time to get it at whatever location you need to go to.

Plan for bad weather

Even if the outlook appears clear, plan for bad weather. Pack the equipment you’ll need in case it rains or gets way too hot or cold. The last issue you want is to be unprepared in bad weather; you’ll be grateful you took the extra time to be ready in case something happens while you’re on your trip.

Double check your supplies

A couple days before you leave, make sure you check your supplies. Even though you’re just going for the day, you do not want to forget something important or realize you’re low on bait. Also make sure you have a first aid kit, food, and plenty of water for yourself.

Have electronics

You’re probably going fishing in order to get away from it all, but it’s important to have ways to connect with the rest of the world while you’re on a fishing trip, particularly if you’re alone. Make sure you have your phone and a power source in case you run out of battery. Keeping a radio is beneficial too because you can listen to weather reports, communicate with others if necessary, or even simply listen to music.

Stay organized

As you pack for your day trip and on the trip itself, keep all of your gear organized. It’ll be easier to make sure you have everything and also find items as you need them. You can avoid digging through your bags and will feel more relaxed.

Know where you’re going

Whether you’re heading to a new fishing spot or have been there before, make sure you know your route. Take a look at the directions before leaving and make sure you have an idea of the route you’ll take while fishing or a general idea of the spot you want to depart from.