Secondary Accessories Found on Fishing Vessels

Gear and equipment are vital parts of any fishing excursion, whether in your home state or on a trip to a beautiful location like Alaska. Those taking part in any fishing trip, especially those by boat, will be considering not only several primary pieces of equipment, but also a number of gear accessories that may be helpful for several parts of the outing.

At Pybus Point Lodge, all our Alaska fishing trips include quality tackle and gear provided to our clients to ensure they're fully equipped ahead of any of our trips out onto Pybus Bay for some of the world's best fishing. While we've gone over primary boating equipment and gear previously in this space, today's entry will focus more on these secondary accessories -- which, in many cases, make a big difference for the overall experience. Here's a list of a few such accessories that may be present on your vessel when you're fishing with our guides, plus their purpose and how to interact with them.

Extra Rope

One of the single most common items you'll find on any boat, whether fishing or not, is extra rope. This can serve multiple purposes on a fishing trip, such as securing your boat to a dock or tree when stopping for a break; mooring the craft to a larger vessel, if one is available; or even tying down gear in the event of rough seas.

Extra rope also doesn't take up very much space, meaning it's a great item to bring along on any fishing trip. We'll always make sure you have a knot tying guide handy, as well enough rope to handle the tasks at hand.

Boat Horn

A boat horn is another common piece of equipment found on many vessels, and it can come in handy in multiple ways while fishing. For one, it can be used to signal others in your party or other boaters that you need assistance or have a question. It can also be blown intermittently to scare away large animals that may be in the area (such as bears), and even to test the wind direction if you're unsure of which way the gusts are blowing.

Second Anchor

Nearly all fishing vessels will have at least one major anchor, used to keep the boat in one spot while fishing. However, there may be times when you need more than one anchor to hold your craft steady. In these cases, a second anchor is an invaluable tool. It can also come in handy if you're anchored in a particularly strong current and the main anchor begins to drag.

For instance, an especially windy day may cause the primary anchor to move more than you'd like, necessitating the use of a second one. Often, this extra anchor can be found in a compartment on the boat or strapped to the side. If you're unsure where it is, just ask your guide -- they'll be more than happy to help.

Brush Clip

For smaller fishing boats or those that travel in shallower areas of water and need to be stealthy while doing so, a brush clip can be a lifesaver. This accessory attaches to the front of a boat and allows for connection to a willow limb or stump with very little commotion -- this serves a similar purpose to an anchor, but without the use of weights.

A brush clip can be a great choice when fishing in tight quarters or areas with submerged obstacles, as it will keep you from damaging your boat on said objects. If you're interested in using one, be sure to ask your guide about the best way to set it up; often, they'll have some already rigged and ready to go.

Drift Sock

If there's too much wind on the water that's causing the vessel to move too quickly for your liking, a drift sock can help calm the waters. This large, cylindrical weight is thrown overboard and will create drag in the water, slowing the boat down.

A guide can help you determine if a drift sock is needed on your fishing trip and, if so, will assist you in using it properly.

Rod Holders

One particular accessory that's in place for both convenience and safety, and is particularly useful for first-time fishers, is a rod holder. This device is attached to the side of the boat and holds your fishing rod in place while you're casting or fighting a fish.

It's important to use a rod holder when fishing from a moving boat, as it helps keep the angler safe and ensures that they don't lose their prized catch. If you're unsure if your boat has rod holders, be sure to ask your guide; they'll likely have several installed on their craft.

Scissors

There are numerous instances where a good pair of scissors can come in handy while fishing, the most obvious of which is when you're cleaning your catches. However, scissors can also be helpful for a variety of other tasks, such as cutting line or netting, opening bait containers, and even getting pesky ticks off your skin.

Be sure to bring a sturdy pair of scissors with you on your fishing trip, as they can be extremely useful in a number of different scenarios.

Measuring Stick or Board

For those who will be fishing in unfamiliar territory, or for those who simply want to be as precise as possible with their catches, a measuring stick or board can be an invaluable tool. This device allows you to measure the size of your fish accurately and quickly, without having to guess or estimate.

If you're interested in using a measuring stick or board while fishing, be sure to bring it with you on your trip. Often, they can be easily stored in a tackle box or other small container.

For more on the various accessories that may be present in your fishing vessel, or for more on any of our Alaskan fishing adventures or programs, speak to the team at Pybus Point Lodge today.