Oh man @Big Hands, I didn't know weather to laugh or cry ... haha ... just a comedy of errors. 

 

I'm sure it wasn't funny then but I bet you never forgot the drain plug again. The tie downs I can see being forgotten again tho .... Guilty

When I got into kayak bass fishing, I learned about the “checklist” real quick! I have a fully rigged OT powered kayak, which isn’t fun to cruise around without a battery lol Yep, forgot my battery one trip. Another time was during a tournament, all loaded up with miles of travel and then unloading and launching only to realize that I left my Ketch measuring board in my garage! About it for me. Once I implemented the good ‘ol checklist, I’ve never had a  forgetful moment since. 

I am semi-forgetful but I keep multiple lists to combat this. I’ve had my boat for 3 seasons now and I have not forgot anything major and I contribute that largely to my packing/safety checklists. 
 

I keep one checklist on my phone which is my list of items that I need for any tournament or fishing trip. Anything not listed that gets removed from the boat will be added to a note that I leave on the kitchen island. This gets checked off before I leave.

 

My most important list is my predeparture list. This reminds me to remove the rear straps and I have two separate reminders to install the plug. I feel like redundancy is important there given some of the stories I’ve heard lol. 
 

Preparing the night before, at a minimum, is crucial. The more stuff you can get done before your trip will minimize forgetting important gear. I like to prep my rods at least 3 days prior and put my ice and lunch in the night before. The checklists are only good if you have the time to review them. 
 

Now. For the thing I did forget once. I got a phone call while strapping my kayak down to the bed extender and didn’t not finish ratcheting the 2nd strap. I made it to the end of my street and remembered. Crisis averted, but I still get chills thinking about how bad that could have been.  

On 1/3/2026 at 5:19 AM, Jigfishn10 said:

I'm sure it wasn't funny then but I bet you never forgot the drain plug again. The tie downs I can see being forgotten again tho .... Guilty

 

Much time has passed since then, so it has enabled me to view these memories with MUCH more of a sense of humor than was possible at that time.

 

Sadly, and as much as I hate to admit it, I have been guilty again on both counts. I think getting flustered and/or being thrown off from a routine I normally follow has triggered these moments for me.

30 minutes ago, Big Hands said:

I think getting flustered and/or being thrown off from a routine I normally follow has triggered these moments for me

Haha…that’s fair. Happens to me when I get unexpected help. Almost an anxiety thing but really just my mind racing 

2 hours ago, Jigfishn10 said:

Happens to me when I get unexpected help.

 

^ ^ This ^ ^

I have left a lifejacket and paddle at the ramp. 

 

A few years ago my vehicle was in the shop for awhile, so I rented a truck for my kayak.  Left my house at 4AM and tied it on poorly. Drove on an urban two lane road, went through a drive through, then went to do a u turn. Right on the road is my kayak and all my tackle. Had no clue it fell off.  Thanfully at 4AM nobody ran into it or saw what an idiot I am. And nothing got damaged as I was driving slow. 

 

I always use at least three ropes now just in case one fails.