Most would agree a stop at the tackle shop shouldn't be forgotten but recently I was told the story of a well planned and long anticipated fishing vacation. This spot was one of those that you hear whispered about and never see let alone get to fish on. A high mountain lake, secluded, trout as long as your arm and will strike a hook without bait or lure. A very rough road and 5 long hours from the sign that said "last services". A week of camping, fishing and extreme R&R is the only thing in mind. As the great trout slayer rounded the bend and saw the pristine water for the first time, an eerie feeling came all over him. Gas... he forgot gas. No hose that would act as a siphon. Another 10 hours travel time to be subtracted from the vacation before he could launch the boat.

We have all had that eerie feeling as we recalled our own "forgot the gas" caper. Our suggestion as old fashion as it seems: Make a camping/fishing list and save it. You can use it every time you leave to go fishing, camping, vacation or just a trip.

We have holidays coming up that sprinkle through the summer. Here is a tip we would like to share:

Each holiday we come home from the lake or mountains, streams and favorite fishing haunts to see in the news hundreds of accidents that have happened involving water sports. Take a moment before you leave home to whisper a fisherman's prayer: "Help me to leave the fishing space a better place for my grandchildren to experience tomorrow, and for my fellow angler, I pray for their safety." These few moments to include SAFETY on your trip may make the difference in you or your party showing up in the news back home.

Include in your list:

A first aid kit, (if the kit doesn't have Tea Tree Oil Buy some and add it to the kit)

Charged cell phone batteries, (adapter charge cord for the car or truck)

Enough life preservers,

Space blankets, (Walmart, very small and inexpensive)

Flash lights,

A whistle for the boat,

You may have a fire extinguisher in the boat, but you should have one also in the vehicle towing the boat,

Distilled water, (can be used for drinking)

Sunscreen, (Banana Boat AloeVera Gel with Solercain if you didn't use the sunscreen)

Insect Repellant

Oh yeah, Don't forget...BE SAFE and you will remember to have fun!