There is some additional gear (which if possible) a
saltwater angler should carry or at best have close by if needed.
As you know, fishing can present many different circumstances so
it's safer to be on the "over prepared side" rather
than perhaps lose a fish because you didn't have the correct
gear at your immediate disposal. You'll never know when that
trophy fish may hit.
1) a fishing backpack: Nothing fancy is necessary, but something
decent quality is a good idea. The backpack can get a little
heavy at times, so some durability will ensure years of service
from the pack. If you only have to walk a short distance to your
fishing location, or if you are fishing from the shore, a tackle
box may be an idea. Fishing rocky areas or jetties which require
a bit of a hike, especially the sometimes treacherous nature of
the jetties, a backpack is perfect, and will contain pretty much
everything you need.
2) Measuring tape: essential for ascertaining the size of fish
requiring minimum size limits. The type which measures about six
feet, made of vinyl-like material and commonly used in sewing, is
perfect. A retractable tape measure, like those used in
construction, is NOT recommended. They tend to rust quickly and
break.
3) Net: Hands down, the best net to purchase is one using a
fine, soft mesh netting material. The other type has a sharpness
to it and can cut the fish, possibly very detrimental to those
that you want to release.
4) Camera: digital, for those fortunate enough to own a
computer, but a disposable or regular cam is great to capture
that great catch on film, and provide memories for years to
come.
5) Hand towel: often overlooked, it is great for cleaning knives
off at the conclusion of a trip, and for wiping bait slime off
the hands, especially mussels.
6) Gloves: a pair of working gloves is fine. They come in handy
for grabbing mussels off the rocks and avoiding cuts. Also, when
it's necessary to grab a fish by the gills, they can prevent
damage to the hands. Lingcod, in particular, have sharp gill
rakers and can slice up the hands when the fish starts thrashing
around.
7) Pliers: a pair of needlenose is great, especially those with
a cutting feature. Wonderful for extracting the hook from the
mouth, especially in the case of a Lingcod with big teeth.
8) Knives: a bait knife and a fillet knife are essential. In
California, some species must have some of the skin left on the
fillet if the fish is filleted before coming in, so that the Game
Warden can make an ID if they stop you. Not sure about Oregon,
though.
9) Sunscreen: probably necessary in Oregon mostly in the spring
and summer, but it's great to have in the backpack at all
times, just in case.
10) Watch: you'd be surprised how many times I've gone
fishing without one and felt pretty dumb afterward, especially if
I have to leave by a certain time. I finally bought a good one
and attached it to the backpack to solve the problem once and for
all.
11) Flashlight: many fisherman fish into the afternoon/early
evening, and even into the night, having at least a mini-maglite
is great.
12) Reel Oil: sometimes reels will seize up if water crept
inside of it the last outing. If it's not checked prior to
going out again, the angler may be sorely disappointed when the
reel wont crank, especially if it's the only one they brought
out. Having reel oil can be a lifesaver in this situation. WD-40
is not as preferable but works well, if that's all that's
available.
13) Fishing License & Shellfish License: absolutely
imperative for all anglers to possess.
I would suggest that viewers always refer to the ODFW's
website for current, up-to-the-date info regarding size limits,
open seasons, and closures. I strongly SUGGEST that you check the
Oregon Department of Fish
and Wildlife page to review size limits, closures, and
anything new which might affect your fishing experience.
I hope that this information has been of some help to you, but again please remember my knowledge of saltwater fishing is rather limited. Again, thank you Don for all your help!