Night Fishing & Shrimping Pack Out Checklist

Pre-Fishing/Shrimping Trip Checklist: Night fishing is dangerous. You have to plan for those things that are out of your control. Always let somebody know that your out at night on the water. Bring spare battery charger for your phone, and tow insurance. But not having a 2 cent item, can wreck your night. Use a list, you will thank yourself later. Things happen at night and sometimes you may be playing a rescue role for another boater.

Pre-Fishing/Shrimping Trip Checklist:

Night fishing is dangerous. You have to plan for those things that are out of your control. Having a few simple items with you can save your gear and prevent you from having a face-to-face meeting with FWC.

Let’s Begin

First aid kit, Narcan if you can get to reverse an overdose needing help
Let somebody know where you are launching from and when you will return
Charge your cell phone, bring a battery pack, pack food and drink to stay hydrated
Start your boat at your home before departing for the boat ramps
Inspect your trailer, grease your bearings, check tires, license plate, and guide-on poles
Bring your fishing license, boat registration, and tow insurance cards
Test all batteries, top off batteries with distilled water
Check your navigation & stern lights before leaving.
Buy a mini lantern 360-degree LED light that can be cable-tied to your stern light in an emergency
Check your fishing light battery ends. Rusted clips can fail your lights
Buy backup navigation clamp-on lights at a retail store
Bring a cast net if you are catching your own bait
Call the bait store and make sure they have bait before you leave home
DO NOT ever put a rag or cup over the stern light because it shines in your eyes.
Attach styrofoam crab balls to all anchor lines in the event you have to release your anchor line
Attach a small 3-4 inch buoy to all your fishing lights in the event you have to untether your lights in an emergency (barge)
Bring extra 7-pound fishing light anchor weights (you have to make these) and extra crab pot line (17 feet)
Pack both 8-inch and 4-inch cable ties to repair any holes in cast or dip nets
8-inch cable ties are great to tie your fishing light cord to the battery handle, cleat, etc., to prevent loss overboard
Pack a flashlight or a spotlight to navigate the waterway when underway
Pack 2 anchors so you can set your boat horizontally in the current
Bring a sharp knife that can cut through anchor rope in case you prop foul
Pack a 50-ft towing rope with a large attachment hooks/both ends in case you need to be towed
Download or bring the fishing regulations for the state you’re fishing in
Bring a cooler and ice to keep the catch cold
Turn your headlights off while backing down the boat ramp
Ramps are made to launch 1-2 boats at the same time, choose 1 side so another boat can launch alongside you