It seems like every old and wizened angler seems to have the same old advice—but what about the fishing tips that no one seems to mention before you head out on a fishing trip? Let’s cover some of the little-talked-about tips (and gear you should bring) that will make your fishing experience better.

This might sound like an old fisherman’s tale or way of fooling new anglers, but the fact that red lures have a better chance of attracting fish is rooted in fact. Many fish, particularly bass, are attracted to the red color because they instinctively believe this means that their prey is injured. Red means blood—get it? So the next time you go to your local bait and tackle shop, you might want to consider seeing red. You could just be rewarded with a much larger haul than you’ve ever had before.

We don’t want to sound like anyone’s mother, but it’s important to always bring along proper first-aid whenever you go out fishing. Sure, you’re not hunting bears, but being out on a river or other body of water brings its own set of risks—slipping and slamming a knee, or stepping on a broken shard from a glass bottle. Nobody wants to cut a fishing trip short because of an injury, so be sure to bring some first-aid supplies to keep yourself safe.