Ditch Bag Basics: How to Assemble What You Need

Every adventurous angler should have one with all the survival essentials.

December 15, 2025 By Dave East

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Many offshore fishing boats carry a ditch bag in the event of sinking, or worse yet, fire, when the vessel must be abandoned quickly. A typical ditch bag would include survival supplies based on location and the number of persons aboard. Truth is, it’s not just offshore boats that could leave you stranded in a survival situation for an extended period. Flats boats, bay boats and even freshwater fishing boats routinely venture to out of the way locales, far from civilization.

One of the first things on my list is a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon). When you are beyond cell service or out of VHF radio range, a PLB uses satellite technology to relay a distress message and send your location to search and rescue authorities.

Although a PLB provides a sense of security, you need to consider if your need for help is life-threating or something you can rectify yourself with time or assistance from a friend or towing service. There are satellite communication devices such as Garmin InReach which enable the option of S.O.S. distress transmissions as well as non-emergency communications with others. A service plan is required for these, but not for dedicated PLBs.

Wondering about the Coast Guard’s view on PLB use is, I contacted them. Turns out they receive a large number of activations related to accidental transmissions and transmissions related to non-life threatening situations. The representative I spoke with advised me that less than 2% of the emergency beacon activations received were actual distress calls. The other 98% were either false alarms or non life-threating. Real trouble or not, the Coast Guard treats all distress signals as genuine and will deploy assets. Once proven as a non-emergency, the Coast Guard typically requests a local authority or commercial contractor to respond.

Here are a few key points to consider as you assemble your Go Bag:

1. Location of Storage

The storage compartment’s size and accessibility will dictate how you organize the contents. Whether it’s a boat or a hunting vehicle, knowing exactly where to keep the bag so it’s readily accessible is key.

2. Type of Bag

A waterproof gym style bag works great for most applications. I chose a backpack since many of my trips are walking into woods and it’s easier to carry.

3. Environmental Considerations

Think about where your trips usually take you. If you’re often in remote, swampy, or high-wind areas, you might need different gear than if you’re on a lake or in an area with better infrastructure. This can also affect the type of shelter, fire-starting materials, and clothing you include.

4. Number of Persons

It’s essential to prepare for more than just yourself. The supplies you pack should be enough for your entire group, with the right amount of food, water, and gear for each person, as well as any other potential considerations like medical needs.

5. Basic Contents of a Ditch Bag (or go bag)

Whether fishing, hunting, or both, here’s a basic list of items to consider:

PLB or satellite communicator, as described already.
First Aid Kit: Bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, and any personal medications.
Water and Food: Non-perishable snacks, water purification tablets or a small filter, and a way to carry and purify water.
Fire Starting Materials: Waterproof matches, a lighter, or fire starters.
Shelter: A compact emergency blanket or a small tarp for shelter in case of exposure to the elements.
Food Gathering: Terminal fishing gear and lures. Spear head. Wire snares. One-gallon baggies.
Navigation Tools: A map of the area, a compass, or a GPS device if you’re venturing into unfamiliar terrain.
Tools: A multi-tool, small axe, and knife for general use. Rope or paracord for building shelter or other emergency tasks.
Flashlight: A reliable light source with extra batteries, ideally a headlamp to keep your hands free.
Weather Protection: A rain poncho, sunscreen, and insect repellent depending on your environment.
Clothing: An extra jacket, shirt or pants depending on time of year.

Being stranded in the outdoors isn’t always a life-or-death situation. Even if you can summon help, it could be several hours before assistance arrives. Nightfall, open seas, cold temperatures, rain, or wind can make hours seem like days. By considering these factors and assembling the right gear, you can feel more confident that you’re prepared for a range of emergency scenarios.