The Travel Blog
Exotic fishing travel may be our driving passion, but we love a good road trip just the same. It’s all about leaving work behind, seeing new things and expanding our horizons.. Each new trip is a chance to catch new species and meet people who make us more complete.
Copa’s Track Record Enhances the Panama Fishing Experience
Fishing trips to Panama are made easier by the fact that Copa Airlines is generally so reliable — the proof is in the numbers from independent auditor Cirium.
Multiple PBs at El Salto for MaryAnn Sages
We recently heard from Todd Sages about his November trip to Lake El Salto in November, but I’m even more excited to get the “real story” from his wife MaryAnn. Same trip, same couple, but you never know how their stories or perspectives will differ.
Brazil Visa Confusion Continues
Last year Brazil decided to reinstate their visa requirements for travelers from various countries, including the United States. The Brazilian government has now extended the grace period before which you will need a visa for leisure or business travel until April 10, 2024.
Fishing in Mexico: Safety Revisited
Is it safe to go fishing in Mexico? Check out this clip from Matt Pangrac on Bass Talk Live to get his thoughts after his first trip to Lake El Salto.
Pangrac's Picks for December El Salto Bass Fishing
Matt Pangrac of Bass Talk Live made his first visit to Lake El Salto in December of 2023. He’s sorry that he waited so long. Here are some tips of pieces of key info for fellow travelers.
More About Aeromexico for Bass Anglers
With the addition of direct routes between several US Cities and Mexican hubs – notably Mexico City – Aeromexico is now an option for even more anglers headed to a Mexican fishing vacation. Here’s more info that may make your decision to fly with them easier.
Ohio River Rocks
Mix equal parts of grit, grime, rust and ridicule, add a splash of industrial discharge and a squirt of municipal effluent, and you have the cocktail that clouds the attitude much of bassin’ America has about the upper Ohio River. Nevertheless, Jack Wollitz is part of the river rat pack.
Todd Sages: November El Salto Fishing Report
Veteran tournament angler Todd Sages and his wife MaryAnn made trip #2 to El Salto. Here’s what Todd had to say about November fishing and the overall Anglers Inn experience.
A Look Back at Half Past First Cast’s 2023 Travels
The year flew by, and as we look back we had some amazing adventures to some of our favorite destinations — new and old, fishing and otherwise. Relive them in this brief summary of all of the fun and frequent flyer miles.
Options for the Solo Fishing Traveler
Sometimes either by choice or by necessity you may need to go on a bucket list angling trip by yourself. Here are some tips, options and strategies for the solo angler to get a great experience at a reasonable price.
Copa is Your Passport to Fishing in Panama
Copa is the main airline for heading into Panama for a fishing trip. When you join us at Sport Fish Panama Island Lodge (or various other places in Central America) they may be your best bet.
First Rule of Fishing Travel – Just Get Bit
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.
Fishing Travel Lessons from Other Expensive and Oversized Sports Luggage
We’ve offered you lots of pieces about how to choose the best rod tubes, how to pack them, and how to protect and preserve your other valuable fishing gear for air travel. For the most part we’ve been lucky about getting it home unscathed. Still, we’re always on the lookout for more advice, so we’ve turned to other sports.
Best Fishing Travel Tip – Book Early
While there’s always a chance of a “last minute special,” if you want to be assured that you’ll fish the best waters at the best times with the most reliable and skilled outfitters, it pays to book early.
Six Things We Won’t Do At Half Past First Cast
We can’t control whether the fish bite or how big they are, but we can ensure that you have the best chance of a great trip. Here are five things we WON’T DO under any circumstances. Our goal is to make sure that the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is everything you’d hoped, or to make sure that trip number 200 is the best one ever.
No kidding, three cheers for Ohio’s surging bass fishing
Ohio fishing — other than Lake Erie — tends to get a bad rap. Veteran outdoor writer Jack Wollitz dispels some of the myths and guides you to the better bass fisheries in the Buckeye State.
Aeromexico Will Help Mexico-Bound Bass Anglers
Aeromexico and partner Delta Airlines are increasing their commitment to transborder flights which should provide more (and possibly cheaper) options to US anglers headed to catch their personal best bass.
Best Fishing Meal of 2023 – Palmira’s Complementary ‘Cue
Hector Garate of Palmira Barbecue borrows from various cuisines to create a barbecue that’s all his own. I enjoyed it on a recent trip to South Carolina with the team from Free Fly Apparel.
Five Favorites from the 2023 Bass Fishing Hall of Fame Induction Banquet
This year the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame inducted Glen Andrews, Bruce Holt and Michael Iaconelli into its ranks. Attending the annual induction ceremony has become a tradition for Half Past First Cast and for much of the fishing industry. Here are five of my favorite memories from this year’s gala.
Bass Tournament Lessons from Multi-Species Fishing Travel
There’s good reason to travel if you’re a tournament angler, and in this case by “travel” I don’t mean just head to Okeechobee or El Salto or the Cal Delta. I mean something outside of your comfort zone, outside of your area of expertise. It’ll help you gain perspective on the critical lessons that will improve your tournament success.