Islander 08...what not to bring

For those of you who will be making the trip aboard the Islander this year, I would like to start discussion about how we can streamline our gear a bit, and make things leaner, meaner, simpler, and easier.

Fantastic trip last year, no real problems, but it seemed we had way too much gear on deck, and that made it hard to gear up, and to get on and off the water. So now, as we gear up for this years trip, perhaps we can be a bit more selective about what we really need, and how to pack it. With lots of people and limited space, a less is more approach will be best.

So, it's your trip and you can bring what you need, but you veterans out there can certainly make suggestions about what we need and what we can do without. Let's hear your thoughts!

Indeed, be as compact as possible.  Lots of folks brought all kinds of stuff, and then never even used it...myself included.

On the deck this year I will have:

rods/reels (stored in the racks)
bait tank
Plano box w/ gaff and bonker
Seat
Paddle

Done.  I am going simple this year.  I will have my bigger refill tackle box in my room.

Also please keep in mind that some gear should be stowed in your kayak. That's where I'll stash my seat and all the rest of the rigging minus bait tank and tackle box.

Re: rods and reels, there's plenty of room on the racks.

I brought extras of most everything.  Left the extra bait tank in the car since no-one needed it.  Cutting way back this year.  1 bin & will shoot for the quick setup/teardown.  Will have separate planos for shallows for bass & flatties in case the pelagics don't wanna play.  I like the idea of having the refill box in my room, but I know lotsa boats frown on tackle below decks.

I'll be the first to admit I tend to take way too much chit on trips & never use it.  I just bought a smaller tacklebox to force myself to streamline what I take aboard. 

Another idea might be community resources of some of teh basic consumables - like tuna hooks in the variety of recommended sizes, community flouro, etc.  I don't know if the terminal tackle needed for this trip is very different from what you usually use in NorCal, but it may be a thought that would also lessen the sting if it is something you don't normally use up there.  The need will obviously be driven by what's targetted & bait size, so we'll need to see closer to the time.