I’m thinking about the future, when I may have the chance to go on a bass boat with a friend. I haven’t been invited yet, but I want to be ready in case the invitation happens without much prep time.

Right now I’m thinking to take a duffel bag which will have some extra lures in 3700 size boxes, soft plastics, water, and snacks. Rain gear in the future when I have it.

I figure not knowing the condition of storage on his boat, I may need to remove the stuff from my bag and stuff the bag in a small spot. So, I figure it’s best not to take a hard tacklebox or a milk crate.

I’ll probably also will have a cooler, a soft cooler.

This in addition to my current backpack and my rods. Am I missing anything?

Should I consider something else, is there anything that I haven’t thought of?

When you get invited, ask him what to bring. 3 rods, 1- 370 full of hard baits, jigs, and spinnerbaits, a small terminal box, and 2 - qt. bags of soft plastics is what i do. See if he has a cooler that you can add to. He will have tools so you don't need to bring any. Gas money, breakfast, or lunch on you. Have fun.

59 minutes ago, detroit1 said:

Gas money, breakfast, or lunch on you

This part goes a long ways towards getting invited again. Especially with the cost of fuel right now.

I always give $40 towards gas and buy breakfast but no way am I leaving my full tackle bag behind.

I do only bring 3 rods.

It’s $40 about the right amount to offer?

When it comes to breakfast, or lunch, is that something like where I just bring some sandwiches, or do I offer to go to a restaurant?

Heck, I ain’t got enough tackle to fill a whole bag. I might if you include all the soft plastics, but there’s a bunch that I don’t know how to use yet.

Good answers all around. Bring your PFD is you have one. If you don't, make sure that he has an extra one.

If he is catching with something you don't have, odds are great that he (or she) will have some extras to share. Start the day fishing something different than what the boater is using. Different depth, speed,and type of lure to help with figuring out what is currently working. Have fun , don't complain (i know you wouldn't) and help out with anything you can.

For backseating, I generally carry 3-4 rods, a small tackle backpack, and a small cooler bag. Bring your own PFD and any meds/stuff you may need.

Far as food goes, everyone is different - most of the time I’d say bring your own. I personally carry a couple Uncrustables and a couple cut up apples on the boat and that’s it. Some guys are real touchy about foods/smells, so ask beforehand.

If you want to head out West, I’ve usually got an open backseat.

If I ever make it out west I’ll look you up @ElGuapo928 thank you kindly.