What are the three pieces of fly fishing gear that you may not always have with you, but might need? And, what are three things that you can probably do without?

Minimalism sounds great on paper. When it comes to execution, it is not that easy. What if I need it? There is always a chance I could use it! Those are the thoughts a lot of us have while packing for fishing. But there are some things that you probably don’t need on most trips.  Here are three things I feel like we could do without on most trips… probably.

• Every Size of Tippet You don’t need 0X-8X. Simply doing away with the Coke can-sized stack of tippet will reduce the bulk of your gear significantly. Fishing for trout? Bring some 4X and 5X. Throwing poppers for smallies? Just put some 10lb. mono in your pack.
• More Than 2 Indicators Why do you have a whole bag of different sized reusable strike indicators? Sure, you’ll lose one from time to time. But especially if you use screw-on floats, you only need one and a backup.
• Flies You’re fishing an hour away, not in Kamchatka. You know what you need. Woolly buggers, hare’s ear nymphs, and whatever is hatching. All that will fit in one small box.

Remember: you can always keep these things in your car. If, for some odd reason, you do need that random box of steelhead flies while fishing for trout in Iowa you can just head back to the parking lot. If all is normal, that box of flies will just sit in a duffel bag with all of your backup strike indicators, odd sizes of tippet, and who knows what else. But it is there, and knowing that might make you feel better.

Now what are some unconventional, but potentially vital, fly fishing tools that you should consider packing to compliment your nippers and forceps?

• Head Lamp: If the fish keep biting, you need to keep fishing. If the fish keep biting after the sun goes down, then you’ll be out of luck when you have to tie a knot, untangle a line, or safely wade back to your car… unless you have a head lamp.
• Hook File: Dull hooks lead to missed fish. Whether they be deceivers fished for stripers or slump busters swung for browns, streamers that hit rocks and limbs need to be touched up. This ensures a good hook set and a better catch rate.
• Nail Knot Tool: What is that straw in the picture? Well, it is a budget nail knot tool. There are a lot of knots you can tie with just your hands, but the nail knot isn’t one of them. If your line/leader connection breaks down on the water, a nail knot is the only solution that will allow you to keep fishing well. There are real nail knot tools we have and use, but this notched straw works great in a pinch.

What do you think? What is something you feel like we all carry but doesn’t get used enough to warrant using a zinger or filling a pocket? Or, what has been incredibly helpful over and over again on the stream but gets overlooked in “essential fly fishing gear” lists? Let me know in the comments below.