Gathering up your family or friends and heading out on a fishing trip is one of the best ways to take a much-needed break from everyday life. Not only will you have a chance to connect with nature, but you’ll also enjoy the thrill and excitement of hooking a fish, as well as the peace and serenity that comes with enjoying a day on the water.
While single-day trips are fun, there’s nothing quite like spending several days on a fishing camping trip. This will give you plenty of time to spend on the water and a few nights to enjoy bonding around the campfire. As long as you take some time to fully prepare, nothing will ruin your good time.
Not sure how to plan your fishing trip? Check out our round-up of top tips and a list of important fishing trip essentials you won't want to leave home without. By the time you're done, you'll be planning trips like a pro.
Decide What You Want to Catch
The first step to planning a fishing trip is deciding what type of fish you want to catch. There are many different fishing styles, including saltwater, freshwater, fly fishing, canoe fishing, and more. You’ll want to choose a style you’re comfortable with and one that will allow you to catch the type of fish you’re interested in.
While there’s nothing wrong with the occasional destination fishing trip, you’ll probably like it so much that you’ll want to be able to do it more often. If possible, you may want to choose a type of fishing that you can easily do within a few hours’ drive of where you live. This way, you can plan plenty of fishing trips throughout the year without breaking the bank.
Choose Your Destination
Once you know the type of fishing you want to do, you can start researching destinations. For example, you may want to plan a long-distance trip to some of the best fishing spots in the country or start small by choosing a location nearby.
You can start your research by checking out area fishing forums, local tour guides, fishing associations, and other resources. Then, once you’re in the area, you can narrow down your fishing spots by stopping by the local bait shop to ask the staff for some recommendations.
You could also hire a fishing guide to escort you on your trip. This is a great way to learn about the local area and pick up some new fishing skills. While there's definitely a value in this, you should also commit some time learning how to scope out a great fishing spot for yourself. This way, you can start sharpening your skills and finding the best spots without depending on anyone else.
Remember that many of the best fishing spots are a bit off the beaten path, so you’ll likely want to camp. This way, you can get up early and get right out on the water without worrying about travel time. Fishing camping is also a great part of the experience. It will allow you to feel more connected with nature and is a wonderful way to make unforgettable memories.
Pack the Right Clothing
When you’re camping, you won’t have the luxury of going to your closet for more clothes. This makes it extremely important to pack the right clothing and plenty of it. While you don’t want to drag around a ton of clothes, it’s better to be overprepared than underprepared.
Make sure you bring at least one more outfit than you think you need and extra pairs of both shoes and socks. Pants will provide you better protection than shorts, especially if you’re going to be in an area with many biting insects.
Layering your clothing will help keep you comfortable no matter what the weather brings. Early mornings and evenings are often cooler, so dressing in layers will allow you to remove items as the temperatures start to rise.
Other items you’ll need for your fishing trip include a fishing jacket or vest with lots of pockets to store your gear, at least one towel, a hat to protect you from sun and rain, and a windbreaker jacket. If you plan to go out into the water to fish, a pair of waders will also make your experience far more pleasant.
Gather Up Your Fishing Gear
As you start packing up your fishing gear, make sure you have the rods, reels, and lines that are appropriate for the types of fish you’re trying to catch. You’ll also want to have a backup rod and reel. The last thing you want is to have to cancel the remainder of your fishing trip because you had an equipment failure. In addition, you’ll want several spools of fishing lines and extra hooks, sinkers, corks, swivels, and lures. If you plan to use live bait, you’ll also need coolers and bait buckets.
Other items to pack for your fishing trip an ice chest to keep your fish cool, a fishing net, long-nose pliers, filet knives, and a tape measure to document your catch. Also, make sure you bring your cell phone and a portable charger. You can use it to make calls during an emergency, use the photo and video features to capture special moments, and use the phone's GPS if you get lost. If you're worried about your phone disrupting the peace and quiet while you're out on the water, turn it off when you're not using it or keep it on airplane mode.
Add Some Extra Supplies
In addition to your clothing and fishing gear, you’ll want to pack extra supplies to help protect you and make your fishing trip more comfortable. Some of the things you’ll need include a first aid kit, a knife or multi-tool, polarized sunglasses, insect repellent, and sunscreen. You’ll also want to pack some trash bags, both for garbage and for storing your dirty clothes. Don’t forget your personal hygiene items – like a toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, and wet wipes.
Packing some seasickness pills is always a smart move. Even if you haven’t suffered from seasickness in the past, you never know when it could hit you. Taking this precaution will help ensure your fishing trip isn’t ruined by incessant nausea.
Don’t forget to pack a map, a waterproof bag for your cell phone and wallet, and your fishing license. It’s also a great idea to print out a copy of the state’s fishing regulations. It’s important to understand the state's bag limits, legal slot limits, and other special rules. If you’re out on the water, you might not have good cell service, and you don’t want to inadvertently break any rules because you couldn't access the information.
Make sure you pack a portable cooler with a good lunch, lots of non-perishable snacks, and plenty of water. Finally, don’t forget to bring some cash. You’ll want to have it handy for things like fuel, bait, and charter gratuities.
Add Some Extra Supplies
In addition to your clothing and fishing gear, you’ll want to pack extra supplies to help protect you and make your fishing trip more comfortable. Some of the things you’ll need include a first aid kit, a knife or multi-tool, polarized sunglasses, insect repellent, and sunscreen. You’ll also want to pack some trash bags, both for garbage and for storing your dirty clothes. Don’t forget your personal hygiene items – like a toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, and wet wipes.
Packing some seasickness pills is always a smart move. Even if you haven’t suffered from seasickness in the past, you never know when it could hit you. Taking this precaution will help ensure your fishing trip isn’t ruined by incessant nausea.
Don’t forget to pack a map, a waterproof bag for your cell phone and wallet, and your fishing license. It’s also a great idea to print out a copy of the state’s fishing regulations. It’s important to understand the state's bag limits, legal slot limits, and other special rules. If you’re out on the water, you might not have good cell service, and you don’t want to inadvertently break any rules because you couldn't access the information.
Make sure you pack a portable cooler with a good lunch, lots of non-perishable snacks, and plenty of water. Finally, don’t forget to bring some cash. You’ll want to have it handy for things like fuel, bait, and charter gratuities.
Set Up Your Campsite
While you might spend the bulk of your fishing trip out on the water, you’ll also want to make sure your campsite is set up right. It’s important to get a good night’s sleep before you head out for a day of fishing, so make sure you bring a high-quality tent and a comfortable sleeping bag. A camping cot can also help you sleep better by getting you up off the cold, hard ground.
Hopefully, you’ll catch plenty of fish and be able to clean and cook them right at your campsite. There’s nothing quite like enjoying a delicious meal of fresh fish you’ve caught yourself! Packing a lightweight camping table will give you space to prep your food and a place to sit down together to enjoy your meal once it's ready.
Plan to bring a few pop-up canopies to set up around your campsite. You may want to put one up over your firewood to keep it dry, another over your food prep area, and one in a lounge area so you can enjoy some respite from the hot sun. You’ll also want to have plenty of comfortable chairs so everyone can gather together and relax by the fire after your day of fishing is done.
Start Planning Your Next Fishing Trip Today!
The more prepared you are for your fishing trip, the more enjoyable it will be. If possible, plan to pack extras of everything, so you don’t get caught short. Then, after you get home from your trip, revise your list of fishing trip essentials to add anything you found yourself wishing you had while you were gone. This way, you’ll enjoy all of your future fishing trips even more.