What’s in Our Packs? The One Thing We Can’t Fish Without

By Rachel Leinweber | August 15, 2025 |

We put a question to our guides and shop staff:
“What’s the one thing in your fishing pack you absolutely cannot live without?”

The answers were as varied as the people who gave them—some purely practical, some tasty, and some a little quirky. But every one of these items has earned its spot in their packs through years of time on the water.

Ryan – The Fix-It-All Zip Ties (and a Few Other Essentials)

“When it comes to my pack, there are a few things I never leave behind,” Ryan says.

#1 Zip ties. I can’t tell you how many times a single zip tie has saved the day—patching a squirrel-chewed hole in my net, fixing broken boot laces mid-trip, or holding gear together until I can get home and do a real repair.
Extras of the basics. I always carry backups of tippet (3X, 4X, 5X), forceps, nippers, dry shake, leaders, and a small fly box full of my “confidence” flies. There’s nothing worse than dropping a tool in the current or losing your go-to fly and not having a replacement.
Old-school mucilin. This classic floatant works wonders for reviving a sinking fly line, keeping yarn indicators riding high, and even giving a little boost to Chubby Chernobyls when I run out of silicone floatant.

“These are the things that keep trips from turning into disasters. They don’t take up much space, but when you need them, you’ll be glad they’re there.”

Jon – Sharp, Reliable Nippers

“My can’t-live-without item? A good pair of nippers,” Jon says without hesitation.

“There’s a lot of debate about whether expensive nippers are worth it, but when you’re guiding or fishing hard, having a tool that makes clean, precise cuts every time is priceless. Frayed or uneven tippet ends can keep your knots from holding, and I don’t want to lose a fish because of a sloppy cut.

I’m currently using the Umpqua River Run Nippers. They have a slim profile, super-sharp blades, and they’re built tough enough to last. At $24.95, they hit that sweet spot between quality and affordability.”

Rachel – The Workhorse of a Work Plier

“These have been one staple I have to have every time I’m fishing for fun or guiding! This Rising Work Mitten Forceps aren’t your average forceps, as they have a special tooth at the end for removing split shot and using for split rings. I never have to risk weakening my leader, breaking my nails, or getting frustrated trying to remove split shot. Their half-textured, half-smooth tip is perfect for debarbing hooks and holding larger hooks easily. The crimp ridge crimps down split shot without dropping it, and I’ve used the cutting blade for everything from trimming down big flies to be smaller, to opening snacks!”

Kevin – The Fly Box That Makes Winter Fishing Bearable

“I never go to the water without my Fishpond Tacky Box,” Kevin says. “The large magnetic compartments can hold a ton of flies, and they keep everything locked in place whether I’m hiking in, bouncing around in a drift boat, or wading deep.”

The Tacky Box really shines in winter:
“Cold hands and small flies don’t mix well, and the magnetic system makes it so much easier to grab what I need and put flies back without fumbling. If I drop one, it just falls right back into the box instead of into the river. It’s simple, but it makes all the difference.”

The Net Seine – The Key to Knowing What’s for Dinner

“I’d be lying if I said I ever hit the water without my net seine,” one of our staff shares. “I love entomology, and it’s the best way to see what’s actually on the menu for the fish that day. A quick sweep through the water tells me exactly which insects are active, which means my fly selection is spot-on. It turns fishing into a little science experiment—and it works.”

Katie – Mint Gum for Mind & River Time

“I refuse to be on the water without my mint gum,” Katie says. “It keeps my mind occupied so I don’t overthink every cast—I can just relax and enjoy being on the river in nature. Plus, it curbs my appetite and reminds me to drink water, which means I stay more focused and energized for a full day of fishing.”

Dillon – The ‘Secret Sauce’ for Floating Flies

“One thing in my pack I can’t live without? My Tiemco Dry Magic,” Dillon says with a grin. “It’s the secret sauce that keeps my flies floating high, even on the wettest rivers. It’s small enough to disappear in a pocket, but powerful enough to keep me fishing longer without constantly swapping out soggy flies. It even works on CDC, which makes it perfect for Mole Flies!

Reagan – Sweet Treats for Slow Fishing Days

“I can’t live without Nerds Gummy Clusters!” Reagan admits. “They’re the perfect pick-me-up on the water—especially on slow fishing days. When the fish aren’t biting, at least I can enjoy a little candy and keep my spirits high. Sometimes, the sugar rush is exactly what I need to keep casting until things turn around.”

Your Turn

Now we want to know—what’s the one item in your fishing pack you can’t live without? Share it with us in the comments below or tell us next time you’re in the shop.

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