Troll Faster: Weighted bullet head lures are specifically made for those days when you want or need to troll faster. Bait fish are rigged inside the protection of the multicolored skirts that mimic the dark-on-top, light-on-bottom pattern of open water fish. Some are equipped with channels to produce smoke trails. Ballyhood, Billy Baits, Iland and Mylure are several well-known manufacturers. Buy them at tackle stores, bait shops or on the Web. Some typical contacts: www.finestkind.com; www.meltontackle.com; www.blueoceantackle.com

Go-Light Gear: If you don't carry at least one fly rod for light saltwater species, you miss out on some of the best moments afloat. To make this as convenient as possible, Scientific Anglers prepackages six Ultra Outfits, like this 8-Weight 4-Piece model with a Concept 2-58 compression disc drag reel, 9-foot high-modulus graphite rod, line, tapered leader, backing and a 32-inch cushioned case with crushproof rod tube. Price: $200. Contact: (800) 430-5000; www.scientificanglers.com.

Utility Box: For portability and secure storage, keeping all your fishing tools together makes great sense. Stanley's Deluxe Travel Fish Set fits all the must-have gear-cutting board, cut-resistant glove, two fillet knives (8-inch and 61/8-inch) and a 53/8-inch serrated knife/scaler, tungsten knife sharpener, 8-inch utility scissors and much more-in a rugged plastic carrying case with sliding locks and molded component storage. Price: $50. Contact: Finest Kind, (888) 777-9789; www.finestkind.com.