I learned at an early age to always break down your rod before hiking through the woods or the trees will break it down for you and not in a nice way.

Leaving bait in your pocket, car/truck/boat, etc to be found a week later. Your friends car/truck/boat is OK as you probably won't be doing the finding part.

Getting to the river only to realize you left your rod at home.

Hooking a branch on your back cast creating a birds nest so nasty that your day is done.