Sure, you need all that fishing gear, right down that little sack of rubber bobber stoppers, and every camper needs a sleeping bag and a cooking kit. But if you think all you need for a fishing trip is tackle and bait, chances are good that you've been caught up the river without a roll of toilet paper. If you ain't got toilet paper, you ain't got shit. Paddles are important, but when it comes down to it, so to speak, there's nothing worse than resorting to field expedient toilet paper, especially in spring when every available leaf is wet and rotting. Finding a replacement for good ole American T-P isn't an easy chore.
Corn cobs are hard to find on the lake and even harder on tender parts.
Cabela's and Bass Pro Shops catalogues are printed on coated paper and, therefore, lack absorbency and gentleness. Fingers work OK, but most of us have trouble with the details. Most experienced outdoors folk have learned this lesson the hard way and take great pains to avoid being caught short of bum wading. He's a walking supply store, and you never have to worry about being caught short when on the water with Forrest. Just remembering to bring it along isn't good enough, however.