Prep work is very important, it's not always about the next trip out on the bank, it can be for the upcoming weeks, months, or even years. You need to think ahead and plan what bait you will, e.g., boilies, particles, or any extra/replacement tackle you may need for the future. I don't generally buy much other than end tackle and bait these days, but I certainly keep myself up-to-date with new products, as you could easily miss out on something that would benefit your fishing.
I've written about not carrying too much kit when I'm fishing. I keep all my old and worn-out tackle bags and store all my stuff in these up in the loft. During the last Christmas school holidays, my youngest had friends over (teenagers they like you to keep away - it's too uncool to have a parent around), I was up there having a sort-out. I realized I may need to manage this area a bit better. I may be overstocked on a few items of end tackle, dating back to the 90's! I found a spool of Kryston Merlin, the old green spool, I'd not used it, but I do have a bad habit of if I like a product and it works well, buying a load of it, just in case they stop making it or alter it.
Anyway, I digress (as always), I was up there just checking on a few end-tackle items and got completely carried away with a big clearout. I found is a good thing at times.
