Every fisherman knows what it's like to be out on the lake without the right fishing gear. Maybe you left your favorite bait caster at home or worse; maybe you dropped your tackle box in the lake. While there are some things you may be able to do without, Hamilton Bait & Tackle in Fairfield, OH, believe there is some fishing gear, which can make or break a trip to the lake. 

To make sure you have everything you need, add the following must-have items to your fishing trip checklist:

• Pliers: If you've ever hooked a fish so well you couldn't even get the barb out of its mouth, you've probably figured out how handy a pair of needle nose pliers can be.

• Knife: Even if you don't intend on filleting your fish, having a high-quality knife in the boat will allow you to quickly cut line or even slice up bait.

• Insect Repellent: Some days are better than others, but on days when there are mosquitos, you may wish you had never even gone fishing in the first place. By keeping some bug repellent in your tackle box, you'll be prepared when they start biting.

• Scale & Ruler: So, how big was it? Don't estimate the size of your fish. Any professional fisherman knows to keep a reliable scale and ruler on board at all times.

• Flashlight: For all you early morning or late night fishers out there, having a flashlight around is a sure-fire way to make sure you never lose anything in the dark.

Drop by Hamilton Bait & Tackle to pick up all the fishing gear you need for your next outing. Call the store ahead of time at (513) 869-2248 to see what's in stock, and don't forget to visit them online for details.