All the Idea, No Gear | Youi

Daygin Prescott

Adventure Photographer

Daygin is an Australian-based adventure photographer, known for capturing awe-inspiring landscape and action shots. When he’s not scaling the sheer rock faces of El Capitan, he can often be found in the ocean snapping surfers amongst the waves.

Prepping for an epic boat adventure

It might seem obvious what you’d need to pack for a day out fishing and boating, but there are a few items that could come as a surprise. In this adventure, Daygin meets up with legendary fisherman, John Costello, to firstly go through the essentials including having the right Watercraft insurance, before heading out chasing a few scaley critters.

Packing tips for tinny fishing

Daygin and John get down to business at Prep HQ, putting Daygin’s boating knowledge to the test with a bit of a challenge. What will the boys pack for their adventure ahead and how well will their preparation pay off?

Watch on YouTube

“With over 35 years of fishing and boating experience, I know how important it is to be prepared – whether that’s with insurance or the gear you need.”

John Costello

Fishing & Boating Expert

John brings decades of on-the-water experience to life with regular fishing adventures, as well as tips, tricks and gear reviews. From cruising the waterways of South-East QLD to the Barra-filled dams further afield, John knows fishing and boating like no one else.

Watercraft packing checklist

From safety to fun and fishing gear to the practical stuff, there’s a broad range of things that are worth considering to help create a great day out in the boat. While Daygin and John touch on some of these in the videos above, here’s a more detailed rundown on the uses and advantages that these items can provide.

Life jackets

While requirements vary across different states and territories, it’s always a good idea to wear life jackets when cruising the waterways. At the very least, an appropriate life jacket must be carried on board for every occupant.¹

Sunscreen

Being out on a boat usually means exposure to the elements – especially sun – and don’t forget about the extra reflection off the water. So applying and then reapplying sunscreen throughout the day can be a very wise choice.

Anchor

It might seem like an obvious one, but making sure the anchor is aboard can save the day. As well as helping you stay put when stopping for a fish, it can also mean the boat doesn’t float away if you pull over to stretch your legs.

Food and water

Not only is staying hydrated and energised generally a good idea out on the water, but it can also keep you going if you get in trouble. Imagine the motor breaking down and you need to wait for help…you’ll be glad you packed those extra sandwiches!

V-Sheet

Easy to pack as it folds down and doesn’t take up much space, a V-Sheet is a type of distress signal: a bright orange sheet with a bold black "V" on it, used to attract the attention of other vessels or aircraft when a boat is in trouble.

Insect repellent

If you’re planning on adventuring through creeks, rivers, dams and estuaries, having the insect repellent handy can make a huge difference. No one wants to be itching and scratching all day, or come off the water covered in bug bites!

Bung/plug

A bung is a small but vital plug that seals the drainage hole/s in your boat, usually found on the transom (the flat part at the back). Forget it and you’ll be scrambling around looking for something else to block the hole, or bailing water frantically!

Protective clothing

From hats and long-sleeved hooded shirts to face masks and polarised sunglasses, there are loads of protective clothing options made specially for watercraft and fishing adventures. Get into it to keep yourself protected.