8 Must-Have Fishing Accessories Every Angler Needs for a Better Day on the Water

Essential fishing items, such as rod socks, fishing shoes, first aid kit, hook hone, dry bag, polarized glasses, neck gaiter and cooler, not only take the stress out of a day on the water but also help make it a more productive and fun one. Here's a checklist of eight essential fishing items we think all anglers should own.

Boost comfort, safety, and success with these 8 essential fishing items. See what every angler should pack for a productive day on the water. | Justin Hoffman

Essential Fishing Items That Will Make Your Day More Productive, Comfortable and Safe

Anglers are always looking for that slight edge to make their day on the water the best one possible. And sure, much of that will come down to utilizing your electronics more efficiently, getting on a hot bite, or throwing a bait that the fish simply can't resist.

But there are a number of essential fishing items that are adept at ensuring your day of fishing is a more productive, comfortable and safe one - giving you a better experience on the water and hopefully increasing the number of fish that get swung into the boat.

1. Rod Socks Offer Protection and a Tangle-Free Experience

If you're not keeping your fishing rods in socks this season you're definitely missing the boat. These nylon or neoprene sleeves, available in various sizes and configurations, protect your valuable investments from boat rash, vehicle scratches, and other damages that might occur - either on route to the lake or while travelling on the boat.

Rods socks help protect your fishing sticks while keeping them tangle-free. | Amazon.com

A rod sock also keeps line from each individual rod self-contained, offering anglers a tangle-free experience which can equate to more time fishing and less full of frustration. For a minimal expense rod socks are a worthwhile purchase, making your day on and off the water a much better one.

2. Fishing Footwear is Designed For Comfort and Sun Protection

We've all been guilty of fishing in flimsy sandals or even worse, barefoot, out on the boat? I also know from personal experience that the day probably ended with sore soles, burnt feet, or bug bites (and if really unlucky, the full trifecta!)

Under Armour Women's UA Micro G Kilchis Fishing Shoes. | Cabelas.ca

A specialized fishing shoe is designed to provide comfort and support, two invaluable benefits that provide big rewards for anglers that stand for long hours and work a bow mount trolling motor. Most are made from a breathable and quick-dry material, which adds immensely to the comfort factor. In addition, outsoles meant to grip to slippery surfaces make for a safer day on the water and dock.

I'm still wearing the same pair of Shimano fishing shoes I was given at a media event six years ago. They work like a charm and my feet thank me for them at the end of each long day on the water.

3. First Aid Kits Provide Peace of Mind and Help Handle Fishing Mishaps

Every fishing boat should have a stocked first aid kit onboard. Capable of handling small cuts and other minor injuries, as well as those that could be life threatening, this essential fishing item is a must-have in my mind.

A first aid kit can save your fishing day in more ways than one. | Sail.ca

Just last week while fishing for bass on my local river I hooked into a hammer-handle northern pike. While trying to gill it in order to remove the hook my knuckles grazed the rakers, instantly turning my fingers red. A quick search of my first aid kit and my wounds were sterilized and bandaged up and I was back to fishing a few minutes later.

4. A Hook Hone Keeps Points Sharp and Fish Pegged

A hook hone is an essential fishing item because they straight up help you land more fish. Here's a simple test: check your favorite lures and see how sticky sharp those hook points are. Chances are many are dull and not up to snuff. And this is a common fact when hooks make contact with point-punishing structure or a fish's bony mouth.

Pick up a hook hone and use it religiously to increase your catch rate. | Sail.ca

Pick up a good-quality hook hone and make it part of your routine to use it regularly each time you are out on the water. A quick hone after each fish caught or when getting snagged on a tree stump will ensure your fishing hooks make maximum penetration the next time you get a bite - and your likelihood of landing that lunker will go up significantly.

5. Dry Bags Keep Fishing Gear Safe, Secure and Protected From The Elements

A good dry bag is a mainstay on my fishing boat all season long. Sealed and fully waterproof, these vinyl or rubber coated bags are perfect for carrying all of your fishing essentials you want to keep safe, secure, and dry.

A dry bag is an essential fishing item that can keep gear and valuables safe and dry. | Yeti.com

Items that get tossed in my dry bag include a change of clothes (especially in the fall in case I go overboard), my wallet and phone, car keys, extra hats and sunscreen, camera gear, and any other miscellaneous items I want to stay dry and protected. Definitely a worthwhile investment.

6. Polarized Sunglasses Protect Your Eyes and Help You See Underwater

It still amazes me the amount of anglers I see out on the water not wearing polarized sunglasses. Built specifically for fishing, this style of glasses not only protect your eyes from the harmful rays of the sun but also give you the edge by cutting through the glare of the water to see structure and fish beneath.

Costa King Tide 8 Polarized Sunglasses | Sail.ca

Invest in a good pair of polarized sunglasses. You can't put a price on your eyesight - and being able to easily see what is 'hidden' underwater will increase your catch rate significantly.

7. A Neck Gaiter is a Godsend for Preventing Sun Damage When Fishing

Anglers spend long hours in the burning sun. And with that comes the harsh reality of sun damage and a higher risk of cancer if skin is left unprotected. Neck gaiters (or face shields) are a lightweight and breathable material that can be worn over the face, ears, and neck to block out harmful UV rays.

Wear a neck gaiter when out fishing and shut out the harmful rays of the sun. | Lunkerhunt.com

Due to their minimal expense, but immense value, I always hit the water with a number of neck gaiters in tow, with one staying permanently in the boat, one in my dry bag and another in the tackle box. These extra gaiters always come in handy in case I happen to hop in a buddy's boat.

8. A Good Cooler Goes a Long Way in Keeping Food and Drink Cold

There's nothing worse than reaching into your cooler mid-afternoon on a blazingly hot day to discover your packed drinks are lukewarm at best. And although a good quality cooler does come with a price, the superiority they have for keeping your food and beverages ice cold is well worth the initial investment.

Invest in a quality cooler. Your fishing self will thank you. | Yeti.com

Staying hydrated and full adds immensely to your level of enjoyment when fishing. And there's no better feeling than cracking open a frosty Gatorade or Coca Cola after landing that trophy fish to make everything seem right in the world (or at least in that moment).

Make Your Day on the Water a Great One With These Eight Essential Fishing Items

Be sure to check out the eight essential fishing items that made our list. Each will offer a different aspect and value to your day on the water, whether that be safety, comfort or enhanced productivity,

And one guarantee we can confidently make is that your day of fishing will be a fun one with each of these essential items - even if those bass aren't biting. Cheers to a good and safe season of fishing!