15 travel backpack with rain cover Hiking Camping and the stuff sack makes it easy to stash when the skies clear Mountainsmith Backpack Rain Cover Lemon

Heat is always a deal breaker when taking the kids fishing, when the mercury rises I have found that the kids (and mine) tolerances decline to a point where you ask, Why am I doing this?? So early morning or later in the afternoon are generally the optimum time to venture out and about

Am I missing any summer essentials

Multiple D-Rings to Tie-Down Bag or Clip on Tools

If you are fishing the edge of a flat or a deep channel, cast your stick bait out and twitch it a couple of times but let the lure settle down to the bottom after the twitches

Using them alive or slightly injured to mimic natural moves is a good idea