There is a temptation to carry far too much terminal tackle with you in your pockets and in small tackle boxes. You should carry just enough of what you really need for the day, for the water you are facing and not take the kitchen sink!

I carry a small lure box with a selection of favourite rubber shads, and for when the pike want something more active - a couple of spinners or spoons. Plus enough strong spinning traces for the day’s fishing.

A small multi-compartment box fits in one of the pockets of my waistcoat contains a few SSG Shot, with beads and bait-flags. Whilst another pocket contains a selection of egg sinkers or drilled bullets, with a Gazette Bung float in a spare pocket so that I can change to a float fished bait when required.

My traces are individually packed into a small clear sealed bag, and then placed into an easily purchased plastic cigarette/tobacco case. A couple of these cases ensure that I have enough traces to see me through the day. Bait goes into the cool bag; smelt, roach, spratts. of 3-6” in length for wobbling.

The only other items I’ll carry are food, drink, first aid kit, and anything else I consider of importance.

Keeping it simple allows you to wander all day, covering a greater area of water in a day; thus presenting your baits to a greater number of feeding pike.

Two more items of importance to think about, are that of footwear and waders.

On many waters you will be able to get away with a pair of solidly built walking shoes or boots. Forget about trainers as they don’t offer much in the way of protection or grip on the bank.

Also you might want to consider buying yourself a pair of breathable waders with stocking foot boots and a decent pair of wading boots. Get a pair two sizes larger than you normally wear. To allow room for the neoprene stocking feet. A good pair of waders and boots will allow you to fish areas left un-fished by others, allowing you to cover fish that are don’t expect an angler is after them...

The choice of a tackle bag is very much down to the individual. Most of us have at least one bag suitable for the purpose, though if you can afford it a specialist bag is a real bonus. From keeping your baits fresh, to storing all those extra tackle and food items you might want with you for the day.

You need to remember that you are trying to travel as light as possible, so keep the size of bag down to a minimum. Just large enough to hold your bait and those extra item, comfortable to carry with good straps, and Not too large, and easy to carry throughout the day. These styles of bags can cost from as little as £15 if you shop around.

You should always carry 2 long forceps of at least 10” in length, with short tips to enable easy unhooking of pike. Take a look at the New ‘Prowla’ range of tools from Greys. A great range of well made tools purpose designed with the predator angler in mind. A good pen knife is also very valuable to carry.

An unhooking glove with steel wire woven into the material can be an affordable and useful item to ensure your fingers are protected from the pike’s razor sharp teeth and gill rakers. Any of you that suffer from diabetes out there, would be well advised to purchase and use a glove to help protect you from the risks of infection from cuts/grazes.