Tips for Turning Any Trip Into a DIY Fishing Adventure
We’re fortunate to go on multiple dedicated fishing trips every year but we recognize that some of you have to travel for other reasons. Nevertheless, you may have a day or even just a few hours to yourself with which to make a few casts. Maybe you’re on a business trip, or a family vacation to a theme park or Caribbean island, or perhaps a camping trip in Alaska. You’ll be passing by what you know or suspect to be prime waterways, and you don’t want to miss out on those opportunities.
If your budget allows, the best way to shorten the learning curve is to hire a guide or charter a boat. For a variety of reasons, that sometimes isn’t feasible. You’ll need to make do with limited resources and information and figure things out on your own. Here are some tips for doing so:
Research Ahead of Time – The best way to save time and head straight to “the juice” is to do your homework before you arrive at the destination. Check social media groups, fishing reports, and inquire with local tackle shops. Get all of the information you can and use your bullshit detector to separate the good stuff from the false leads. Figure out what you need to bring, where you need to be, and when you need to be there.
Pack Wisely – There may be places where you can purchase or even rent suitable gear, but expect that in most situations (particularly if you’re time-limited) that won’t be an option. Figure out what you’ll be chasing and bring some staples, ideally based on a combination of what you know and what you learn in your pre-trip research. You’ll probably want to stay light to be mobile and preserve packing space, but a few extra spools of line can go a long way in case you start off with the wrong type or strength – or if you get spooled.
Be Safe – This is true anywhere, but it’s especially pertinent in foreign countries, where you may not understand the customs or the law. Here are four things to consider as you look to see what’s around the next corner:
Don’t Trespass – It’s bad form to cross someone’s fence or disregard their postings. It can get you in a world of hurt in a hurry, with consequences that you won’t want to deal with – like jail or injury.
Avoid Sketchy Areas – Even if you’re allowed to be somewhere, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s a good idea to be there. Ask a trusted local or someone at your hotel about the area you intend to visit. Is it isolated (probably better fishing, also potentially riskier)? Is it known for crime? I hate to say it, but no fish is worth putting yourself in foreseeable danger.
Keep in Touch – Let someone know where you’ll be and when you expect to be back.
Understand the Conditions – Will you be wading in an area with heavy currents or undertow? Is it freezing cold out? Are there aggressive gators in the waters you’ll be fishing? Fishing can be a contact sport, and if you’re alone, or not sure of the nearby medical facilities, even a risk that might be worthwhile at home can be a huge problem.
Understand the Rules – As an offshoot of the safety guidance above, you don’t want to end up in jail or having to pay a hefty fine. Before you try to catch fish, ask someone who knows the following questions:
Is fishing allowed at all?
Where can I legally fish?
Do I need a license?
What type of tackle is acceptable?
How must fish be handled/treated?
Can I keep fish that I catch? If so, do they need to be a certain size?
As a confirmed maximizer, I admire others’ inclination to get in some fishing on a non-fishing-specific trip, but I’m also a realist with a lot to lose. Follow these tips and you can have some incredible fishing adventures despite having minimal time.
