If you are like many outdoor enthusiasts, you've spent a lot of money on your hobby. Anglers spent nearly $20 billion on fishing gear, according to a 2006 survey by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Similar figures exist for camping, with commercial parks alone generating more than $20 billion in annual revenue for local economies.
Types
The camping or fishing gear you use will depend upon your activity and the time of year. Four-season tents will have smaller windows and a sturdy pole system to handle winter conditions. Sleeping bags with added insulation will keep you warm during cold winter nights. Likewise, ice fishing gear will allow you to fish through the ice whether you are sitting in a fish house or on a bucket on the lake.
Storage
Proper storage of your camping and fishing gear is a must. Some items such as sleeping bags should be stored loose rather than tightly rolled to maintain their loft and allow them to dry between uses. Storing items clean and dry will prevent mold and mildew from ruining your gear. You can store your fishing gear in a closet or other out-of-the-way place to avoid any injuries from hooks or accidentally snagging. A tacklebox is essential to prevent lures from becoming tangled.
Maintenance
Some maintenance might be necessary to extend the life of your camping and fishing gear. Hooks and lures require periodic sharpening. A cardboard emery board can easily restore the edge on your hooks. Also, some reels need to be lubricated regularly. Check the reel's manual for the recommended maintenance. You'll need to replace items such as your fishing line when it starts showing signs of wear. You can do the same basic maintenance for your camping gear. You can inspect your tent, camp stove, or other gear before storing it to repair any damage from its last use.
Repairs
Your equipment will inevitably need repair. Along with your basic gear, you can add some tools to repair problems with your equipment. A patch kit, duct tape, and multi-function knife can be handy if you need to fix your gear in the field.
Essentials
Whether you camp, fish or do both, your gear should include a first-aid kit. Backpacker.com recommends that your basic kit should have plenty of bandages, moleskin, and antibiotic ointment among other items to treat minor injuries. As part of your gear maintenance, you can replenish your supplies before your next trip.
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