Fishing is a great activity, regardless of whether you are planning on going alone or with your loved ones. Many people shy away from it, thinking that it’s too boring or too complicated, but it all comes down to where you go and how you plan your trip! There are certain things you need to consider to ensure the best time possible, as well as to ensure your safety! So here are some helpful tips on planning the perfect fishing trip!
Do a bit of researching
It won’t hurt to do a bit of research and prepare yourself for your first fishing trip. From looking at different places to fish, what equipment is best, and how to properly swing a fishing rod, it’s good to have a bit of knowledge beforehand. You’ll probably have to get used to fishing at first, and you probably won’t catch a fish on your first swing, but there is always a possibility of catching an exquisite fish! It’s all about having fun and enjoying nature- but since you never know what kind of fish might fall for your lure – so it’s best to be prepared.
Choose your location
The location is extremely important, many things go into it – you simply can’t just swing a fishing rod anywhere you want! First of all, see what kind of options are available in your city, is there a river or a lake nearby, or even a dedicated fishing pond? See what are the fishing and hunting laws in your state and how they apply in your city. This will determine if you can freely fish wherever you want, if you need a fishing permit, or if fishing is banned altogether! You don’t want to cause trouble and break the law in order to have fun, so make sure to check everything before heading to the desired fishing location!
Check the weather
The great thing about fishing is that the weather is almost never a problem, even when it’s snowing and cold out! But this doesn’t mean you should necessarily go on a fishing trip in the middle of bad weather, so make sure to check the weather forecast and see what kind of weather to expect on your trip. Usually, you should strive for dry and warm weather, it’s just easier that way, and you’ll have more fun all around. Rain and excessive rain can complicate your trip and make it a bit boring – imagine sitting under an umbrella all day, not fun at all! We highly suggest using polarized sunglasses for sight fishing.
Get the proper gear
In order to make your fishing trip run smoothly, you’ll need to get the proper equipment! First, get your hands on a couple of essential pieces like a fishing rod, some hooks, buzzes, and lures. A few buckets, some nets, and scissors are also considered bare necessities, so make sure you have them ready! But there is more to fishing than just that, you can enjoy it in so many ways. Apart from fishing on the shore, you can enjoy fishing from your kayak, as you can easily find one without breaking the bank. Fishing is not an exclusive sport, you can easily find high-quality equipment and enjoy it with your loved ones without spending an enormous amount of money!
Clothing is important
The right clothes are an essential piece of any kind of trip, especially when it’s in nature. You’ll be surrounded by water and other natural elements, so wearing something sturdy and waterproof is a must! Start with your shoes – usually, rain boots or rubber boots are recommended as they can keep your feet from getting wet and potentially cold. Depending on the weather, you can find different kinds of pants that are thermal and also waterproof as well! On your upper body, it’s good to put on a few layers, even if it’s warm outside, you can always take your jacket off.
Don’t forget food
If you are going somewhere off-grid, it is important to bring food and drinks, as you’ll eventually get hungry from fishing! These kinds of trips usually either last a whole day or even more if there is camping involved, so getting the right amount of food is necessary. Also don’t forget to bring plenty of water, as hydration is important, especially during the summer and warm temperatures!
Safety first
Safety should always be your top priority, especially when spending time in nature. Regardless of whether you are a skilled swimmer or not, if you are fishing on a boat or a kayak, it’s important to have a safety watch on at all times! This can prevent you from drowning if you accidentally fall into the water – things like this can always be handy when out on the water! On the other hand, a good sunscreen is also a must to keep your skin protected from the sun, even if it’s not the middle of summer, sun damage can still happen! Fishing is usually a safe and slow-paced kind of activity, but there are always steps you can take to further ensure your safety!
Additional things
It wouldn’t hurt to pack additional things and make your fishing trip even better! Foldable furniture is a must, especially if you have a small car and not a lot of storage space – this kind of furniture can completely change your fishing experience and make it way better. Instead of standing all day, you can sit down and even place your food and drinks on a foldable table, making yourself feel at home! Also, you can bring some speakers and radio for some tunes, it can make your fishing trip more fun in the long run, but if you are going alone, you can always read a book while waiting for a fish!
At the end of the day, there is no universal manual on how to prepare for a fishing trip, as long as you have the essential equipment and the right clothes, you’ll be fine. But all in all, fishing trips are a relaxing and laid-back kind of activity, so there is nothing to worry about! Above all else, safety and legal precautions are the most important things you need to keep in mind!
