[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Everybody has the basics in their drift boat.
YETI Ice Chest, spare oar, extra oar lock, spare boat plug, warm jacket, rain pants, a heater when it’s cold, gloves…
Pictured above are some of the things that I feel are necessary for bringing your game up to the concierge level.
I am striving for the concierge level for sure. I really think it is a function of age. I’m old enough to have a number of killer fly rods, extra reels, boat heater and kerosene heater systems, the right clothing, SIMMS Waders, Kast Gloves…but why go without when spending 1/2 of the year in a drift boat.
Essential Addt’l Items for your Drift Boat
Cotton Terry Hand Towels. My favorite extra item int he boat. Used to dry your hands. To wipe your mouth. To clean any mess that may develop during the day. I use them clean for a day, then y=they clean the floor the following morning, then to the wash. Good for a wash or two until they become totally grotie! My clients favorite addt’l item.
Micro-Fiber Towel. An update tot eh Terry Towel. Used for sunglasses, camera equipment, anything f=that needs a clean and soft towel.
Beef Jerky. Good everyday at 10 am. If you start drinking beer at 89am, then 9am is the appropriate starting time. The bigger bag the better. Beef Jerky makes every fishing day better.
Extra Car Keys. I have 3 in the boat. Seems like the right number. I put them all back in the boat. Don’t get locked out at the ramp. If you do, make sure you have plenty of Beef Jerky.
Sharpie. Everybody needs few Sharpie’s around.
Chocolate. I like the big Toblerone Bars. Big enough to share. You can hoard it if you wish, but if you get busted you gotta have some for others. This tube holds 6 big bars. Stock up at Costco when you see items like this!
Hand Warmers. I buy these too by the case. I have never had too many of these in the boat. It’s like having too much money. Never heard that phrase out of anybody I know. I warm them up on the dashboard in the heat of the window defroster int eh truck on the way to the put in. Then put them ion your shirt pickets warming your core for the day. A 2nd pair in your gloves or outer pockets to warm those fingers too!
An extra extra boat plug. Takes no room. Find the 2nd one when you cannot locate the 1st one.
An extra super warm hat. This one is waterproof too. With ear flaps. DWR finished. 90% of your body heat escapes though your head. Cover it for all day warmth. Keeps the rain off too. Extra comfort without sacrificing a ton of space.
Matches/Lighters. Ever had to pull over, start a fire, to get warm? I have. Most of my friends have too. Lots of flame sources are pretty important to me these days. Safety is key. Only two kinds of people. Those who have needed to start a fire, and those who will need to sometime in the future.
Baby Wet Wipes. You only need them if you don’t have them. Big bang for a little product. These can be clutch!
RIO Fly Line Cleaning Towelettes. Why even get in the boat if your fly line is not slippery and clean. Better shooting, better floating, all better all the time. These 99 cent towelettes are the most important indirect item in my boat. I use them 2-4 times a day when fishing. The best way to get your fly to the target is by having a perfectly slick fly line. The RIO Line Cleaning Towelette is essential!
Electrical Tape. This stretchy waterproof tape can be used for lots of fix it jobs. While Duct Tape is great too, we already know you have roll in the boat somewhere. This secondary roll is essential too. A roll or two fits nicely in any drift boat orifice.
Eyeglass Repair Kit. Eye protection, safety, is the number one rule in any fishing situation. Not tipping the boat over is pretty important too. Small screwdrivers, nose pads, extra little tiny eyeglass screws, in a tiny little tube. Pick one of these kits up at your local grocer or at the glasses store. The small screwdriver also works on fly reels. Bonus.
Loon UV Knot Sense. This is a product that I just love. Use it to fix a cracked/sliced fly line. Get rid of that hinge that is f***ing up your perfect slack line dry fly presentation. Use it to fix that groove in your favorite fly reel that is again messing with your line. Fill it in with UV Knot Sense! Use it to fix those leaking waders. The 12 holes you just produced crossing that barbed wire fence. Dab it on, and expose to the sunlight. The UV rays will immediately cure the goo. A product that is imperative in your drift boat.
Hot Sauce of your choice. I like several hot sauces! Who doesn’t. I currently have the Pepper Plant Chunky Garlic on board. A damn fine sauce. Big flavors of garlic married with various peppers. Good til the last drop. Makes that bland wife you buddy packed Pop w/ flavor!
These are items that I think will make your day go by smoother than expected. Why not live large in Montana. Big state, big times.
What are you favorite additional essential boat items? Let us know so we can add them to our own collection![/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][us_grid orderby=”title” order=”asc” ids=”6844,10999,9123,9116,6650,9071″ post_type=”ids” no_items_message=”” items_layout=”shop_trendy” items_gap=””][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
