So you’re going fishing, huh? Whether you are going with friends or family, fishing trips are great ways to relax and create memories. When preparing for a fishing trip, you want to make sure you have everything you need in order to ensure your time fishing will be a great one.
Plan Your Location For Your Fishing Trip
You need to know where you’re going to fish. Picking the right spot is a necessary step in knowing how your fishing trip is going to go. Find a local nature reserve or popular fishing spots in your area.
Check out fishing reports in your area to get an idea of what kind of fish (and the bait) that you’re going to need is good preparation. Also, get a feel for the location, so you know where on the lake you’re going to fish. This will help you plan if you are going to fish on the side of the lake or if you’re going to use a boat.
Also plan on knowing how far away your campsite will be in relation to the body of water, so you know which items you will bring when you are ready to start fishing.
Get A Fishing License
Although some states have some exceptions on how and where you can fish, many states do require you to have a fishing license. If you are going to fish in a nature reserve or park, be sure to get one. Fishing licenses prices vary from state to state and can be easily purchased online. This will ensure there is no legal trouble for your fishing trip.
Plan For The Weather
This is key. Knowing what kind of weather you’re going to be dealing with when you are fishing, will prevent the sucky feeling of not being prepared. Prepare for rain by bringing a poncho or rain coat. Consider extra socks and extra clothes so you can stay dry.
Bring something to put your wet clothes on so they can hang dry or an extra bag to put them in so you can change them out later. If it’s going to be hot then bringing a fishing hat will help protect your head from the sun’s heat. Don’t forget sunscreen.
If you’re ice fishing, be sure to bundle up, and consider extra weather protection like an ice fishing shelter or space heater to stay warm.
Get The Right Fishing Equipment
Once you have your license and know where you’re going to fish, you need to know if you’re going to make a day trip out of it or if you’re camping out for a few days.
If you’re planning on making this a camping trip, then plan on bringing the equipment that you need to set up your camping site. After you sort through your camping gear, you’re going to need the right tools for the fishing part of your trip. Make sure your fishing gear is ready to go!
Tackle Box
Your tackle box is going to carry all the tools and supplies you need to catch your fish. Getting a tackle box will help you organize your things and makes transporting your fishing gear easy and efficient.
Rod and Reel
First, you’re going to need your fishing rod and these come in a variety of styles. Your rod mostly depends on the type of fish you’re going to catch. Spend some time figuring out what size of fish your going to catch and the type of casting you want to use for that type of fish. Get a reel to match your fishing rod style and size!
Fishing Lines
While you are out there fishing your line may break or get tangled, so it’s a good idea to bring some extra line.
Bait or Lures
You need something to attract your fish, that’s called bait. You can get live bait, like worms or you buy plastic ones, also called lures. Some come in different colors or sizes in order to attract different kinds of fish. You can navigate the type of bait that you want on your fishing trip at a local bait and tackle store.
Bobbers
A bobber is what will indicate if your fish has bitten your bait. This will sink into the water. Getting a slip bobber is easiest to apply on your line.
Sinkers
Getting a sinker will help your bait and hook go lower into the water. Having a couple of these are good to have because it is easy for them to get lost in the water. They are traditionally made out of lead but some states outlaw these sinkers for environmental reasons. There are some made out of brass, bismuth, tungsten, or steel.
Needle Nose Pliers
Get needle nose pliers to get the hook out of the fish after you catch them. Also, if a hook gets stuck on yourself, these are handy to get those out as well.
First Aid Kit
In case someone gets hurt, it’s good to have.
Have Fun
This fishing adventure will be one to remember. Bring a camera to capture the memories. Bring food to eat and expect the unexpected. The more you go fishing the more wisdom, trips, and tricks, you can bring to each one!