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Fishing Boat Accessories Checklist: What Should You Carry?

You have checked the weather, sorted the bait, and loaded the esky. But are you actually ready to head out safely? For most Australian anglers, the gear you forget about causes the most trouble once you are away from the ramp.

A solid fishing boat accessories checklist does more than just keep you organised. It keeps you safe, legal, and ready to handle whatever the water throws at you.

This guide covers everything worth having on board, from safety essentials to the items most people only wish they had packed.

Why Every Angler Needs a Fishing Boat Checklist

According to Transport for NSW boating incident data, the most common boating incident types are capsizing (34.2%) and falling overboard (28.2%). Most of these incidents are survivable when the right equipment is on board.

A fishing boat checklist is not paperwork. It is the difference between an inconvenient day and a dangerous one.

Browse fishing and boating accessories at All Marine Services before your next trip.

Essential Safety Equipment to Carry on Your Fishing Boat

According to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), none of the boating fatalities recorded in 2020 involved a person wearing a life jacket. Safety gear is non-negotiable.

  • Lifejackets for every person on board, correctly fitted
  • EPIRB for offshore trips
  • Waterproof first aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher and bilge pump
  • Rope, anchor, and chain
  • Waterproof torch and signalling device
  • Float plan left with someone on shore

Check your state’s minimum equipment requirements before departure. Rules vary by vessel type and how far offshore you travel.

Navigation and Marine Electronics Checklist

Good electronics help you find fish and get home safely.

Item Why it matters
GPS chartplotter Position, tracking, and route planning
VHF radio Emergency communication and weather updates
Fish finder/sounder Locating fish and reading the bottom
Compass Backup navigation if electronics fail
Depth sounder Avoiding shallow water damage
Spotlight Night navigation and obstacle avoidance

All Marine Services stocks marine electronics for recreational fishing boats across all Australian waterways.

Spare Parts and Basic Repair Items Worth Carrying

The best time to realise you are missing a spare prop is at the dock, not offshore.

  • Spare propeller and the tools to change it
  • Spare spark plugs, fuses, and electrical wire
  • Impeller, fuel filter, and fuel line
  • Duct tape, cable ties, and marine sealant
  • Spare anchor rope and bilge pump backup

Boat Cleaning and Maintenance Accessories

Saltwater and sun accelerate wear on every component. A basic cleaning kit extends your boat’s life.

  • Non-slip boat wash and hull cleaner
  • UV protectant for vinyl and plastics
  • Antifouling products for the hull
  • Rinse hose, deck brush, and microfibre cloths

All Marine Services carries a full range of boat detailing and cleaning products used by experienced skippers across Perth and Western Australia.

Fishing Boat Checklist Before Leaving the Ramp

Run through this checklist before every trip, not just when something feels wrong.

Check Action
Fuel Full tank or sufficient for the trip plus reserve
Engine Start and run before loading passengers
Safety gear On board, accessible, and within expiry dates
Navigation lights Working
Bilge Dry or pump running
Anchor Secured and ready to deploy
Float plan Left with someone on shore
Weather Checked within two hours of departure

What to Consider When Buying Fishing and Boating Accessories

Prioritise:

  • Compatibility with your boat’s size and engine
  • Build quality suited to saltwater use
  • Parts availability from Australian suppliers
  • Compliance with Australian marine safety standards

Cheaper accessories often mean higher maintenance costs later. Investing in quality from the start saves money over the vessel’s life.

Buying a Fishing Boat? Check What Equipment Is Included

Picking up a new or second-hand fishing boat is only the beginning. Whether you buy from a private seller or a dealership, most boats change hands without a complete set of safety gear, working electronics, or a properly stocked spare parts kit. Before your first trip out, it is worth auditing exactly what is on board and what is missing.

Safety equipment expires. Electronics get outdated. Anchor kits get sold separately. It’s easy to underestimate the cost of filling these gaps until you are standing at the ramp running through this checklist for the first time.

All Marine Services stocks the full range of fishing boat accessories, marine electronics, deck hardware, and spare parts you need to get a newly acquired boat compliant and properly equipped.

Your Checklist Is Only As Good As the Gear You Use

The right equipment protects the people on board and gives you confidence to go further. Whether you are rigging out a new boat or replacing worn gear, All Marine Services stocks the accessories, electronics, and expert advice you need to head out prepared.

Call 0408 866 292, or browse allmarineservices.com.au today.

Frequently Asked Questions

A spare propeller, spark plugs, fuses, impeller, and fuel filter cover most common problems. Add duct tape and marine sealant for quick field repairs. The further offshore you go, the more complete your kit should be.

Match accessories to your boat's size, engine type, and where you fish. Prioritise safety first, navigation second, and comfort items after. Choose products built for saltwater conditions and supported by Australian suppliers.

Both are strongly recommended. A fish finder helps you locate fish and read the bottom. A GPS chartplotter is essential for safe navigation in unfamiliar water or low visibility. Neither replaces basic compass and chart knowledge.

The skipper is the final authority on safety. Passengers can disagree about where to fish or when to return, but the person responsible for the vessel makes all safety decisions for everyone on board.