[podunk]

Perhaps there is a better area for this but I think this is the one.

I fish the Central Coast, Monterey area. I always seem to take more gear than I need and regret it afterwards.

Do you guys have a base kit you take to the rocks? What does it include?

Bucket? Ice? Terminal Tackle type? Tools? Tackle Box? Backpack?

I know some of you do some major climbing so I can't imagine carrying too much stuff.

If you've got some time to spare and you don't mind offering up some ideas I would appreciate it.

Thanks in Advance....

[RobF]

You definitely want to carry as little as possible but don't want to be out there without the necessities either. Here's my basic gear:

Sweatshirt or jacket
Wide brim hat
Polarized sunglasses
Sturdy boots
Long pants unless you really enjoy poison oak legs
Sunscreen

A backpack with the following (all of which have been used):
A number of pre-tied leaders
Extra hooks, weights, swivels
Extra leader line just in case
Needle nose pliers
Knife
Small flashlight
Small roll of duct tape and a few wire ties just in case
Bag or stringer for fish. I use a large, heavy cotton bag. You can put it in a tide pool and the birds won't bother your fish.
Fish grabber for those lings
Leather gloves to protect hands from braid
Hand towel
Food
About 50' of rope with a 300lb working weight rating
Fishing license to keep the wardens happy
Drivers license, so my body can be identified

Don't forget water to drink. If you fish all day in the sun, you will want at lest a half gallon.

Most times I wish I would have carried a second complete rod and reel but only occasionally actually do. I've broken my rod twice and lost almost all of my main line several times in all cases leaving me "dead in the water" for further fishing.

Lastly I carry a small cooler to keep bait frozen.

[Mahigeer]

Thanks for taking time to put together and post the list.

[ucscrab]

What do you use the ductape and zipties for?

[Louis]

[RobF]

Well I always put some duct tape on my weights where the line attaches to reduce the abrasion of the line against the steel wire of my home made weights. Before I started doing this, I had cases where the wire completely cut the line, and the weight was lost. Obviously has many other uses too. Wire ties can be used for many temporary repairs.

[frozendog]

Not on your person, but in your car - I always have an extra rod and reel or at the very least an extra spool of line. That can save a long drive home and save a day fishing. Also keep the ice chest in the vehicle also. Get them out of the bucket as soon as possible.

[podunk]

Lots of great info guys keep em'coming. I picked up a bass pro camel back figuring I could haul some great and water.

I'm also wondering how you guys climb over the rocks without damaging you're poles?