Jay Yelas is a member of the Yamaha/Skeeter pro fishing staff and is a nine-time qualifier for the BASS Masters Classic. His top accomplishments are winning the 1997 BASSMASTER Missouri Invitational, being the 1995 BASSMASTER Superstar Champion, being the top money winner in the 1994-95 BASSMASTER Tour and winning the 1993 BASSMASTER Maryland Pro-Am.

Experienced boaters know there are some things that you really shouldn’t leave the launch ramp without. Some of this experience has been learned the hard way by a ruined trip that could have been just fine if only the right gear had been available. Here’s what Jay Yelas, a leading contender for BASS Angler of the Year honors and a member of Yamaha Outboards and Skeeter Boats pro staff recommends you should keep in your boat at all times.

Yelas found the suddenly changing cold weather to be a major factor when he won the BASS Central Invitational in Missouri last year, his third major tournament win. By planning ahead to have the right kind of warm clothing onboard, when it began to snow and the wind chill factor dropped to 5 degrees, he was able to continue in the tournament safely and comfortably.

Yelas offers these tips on must-have items in planning a boating or fishing trip.

For Yourself

• A hat and sunglasses, along with some good sunscreen. Reapply the sunscreen often. Sunglasses should have UV screening.
• Insect repellent, no matter what time of year it is.
• Lip balm with sunscreen.
• Rain gear. Always keep a plastic poncho for everyone on the boat. Getting soaked is no treat, and you never know when a storm will blow up.
• First-aid kit, in case of hooks gone astray, etc.
• Radio. Depending upon where you are, a marine radio or CB radio can help you stay in touch with the shore.
• Drinking water. Never drink alcohol while operating a boat, but bring plenty of water in case you’re delayed getting back to shore for any reason. If you’re out in the sun for long periods, your body needs the water.

For The Boat

• Tow rope, in case someone needs help getting back to the dock.
• Quart of YamaLube outboard motor oil. If your motor is a four-stroke model, make certain you use only certified four-stroke motor oil, never two-stroke oil and vice versa.
• Coast Guard-approved fire extinguisher. Check the gauge to see if it’s still good.
• Spare boat plug.
• Owner manuals. Having your manuals aboard can help solve problems quickly or remind you of the different features your boat and motor offer.

These things really don’t take up that much room on the boat, and having them along might save the day sometime. With any luck you will never need most of them, but don’t take a chance. Be prepared.

For more tips from the Yamaha pros, visit the Yamaha Web site at www.yamaha-motor.com. For the location of your nearest Yamaha Outboard dealer, call toll-free (800) 88-YAMAHA.