Bite forecast: River Stour

ID and fishing licence

Licence or permit wherever one is required.

First aid kit

Plasters, bandage, antiseptic, antihistamine — hooks and bites happen.

Dry bag

Rain from 07:00 — soaked in half an hour.

Headlamp

Peak bite at dusk — hands must be free.

Windbreaker

+8° during the bite — it bites twice as hard on the water.

Rain jacket

Rain from 07:00 — soaked in half an hour.

Rubber boots

Rain from 07:00 — soaked in half an hour.

Spoon

A spoon holds the current and casts far.

Spinner

A small spinner picks up active fish over shallows.

Leader

Fluorocarbon: fanged fish fray plain line at the knot.

Landing net

For Atlantic salmon: you won't lift a fish this size out by hand.

Unhooking mat

Releasing Atlantic salmon: the mat protects scales and slime.

Pliers

Open a split ring, straighten a hook, cut line.

Rod and reel

Check guides and drag at home.

Spare line

A snag in the first half hour is normal.

Hook assortment

Sizes for different fish and baits.

Tackle box

Hooks, sinkers, swivels, floats — by compartment.

Drinking water

At least 1.5 l per person per day.