The goal at the start of your trip should be to get one bite, put one fish in the boat, and then build from there. Each additional success adds confidence, releases pressure, and increases your awareness of how to do things correctly.

The fish don’t always cooperate. Nor do the airlines. Things go wrong that are outside of your control. If you wanted a more reliable hobby or vacation, you should have chosen something other than fishing. Nevertheless, for several years I’ve been working on a road map that I believe helps every trip come close to maximum enjoyment.