A successful fishing trip is all about preparation. The items you pack and the information that you gather ahead of time for your trip can mean the difference between a fun outing for everybody or an ill-prepared excursion out on the water.
There are many different aspects to a fishing trip as well, and they all need your consideration. You need to take in account the weather, what kind of waters you will be sailing on, and whether there is any chance that you may need to call off the trip early? There is also the type of fish that you are actually going to be looking for, and making sure that you have the correct resources to catch that particular fish.
All these aspects make a huge difference in not only your preparation, but also the type of fishing trip that you’re going on.
What Should I Do Before a Fishing Trip?
Every fishing trip is going to have its own unique set of requirements and preparations. These are not necessary for every trip, but it is important for you to know where you are going, what you will be fishing, and what your expectations should be for that trip. If this is a private trip, you can discuss this between you and your friends or family before heading out on the water. If this is a chartered fishing trip, reaching out to the organization hosting it is a great way to find out what to expect.
We can’t explain every different potential ecosystem or situation in one list, but we can go over some of the basic preparations you should take into account before going fishing. These tips make for a great beginners checklist so that you are able to enjoy your fishing trip with a degree of confidence:
- Get a Good Night’s Sleep Before the Trip – Preparing yourself the day before a fishing trip is a fantastic way to get ready. The number one thing you’ll want to do is make sure you get a proper sleep. Besides, most fishing trip starting quite early and this will allow you to be more alert while on the boat. Being well rested can also help fight off seasickness if that is something you are worried about. On top of this, it is also smart to avoid alcohol or caffeine the day before.
- Packing the Right Gear – There are many different items that you can bring on a fishing trip, and it is important to make sure that you pack the correct gear for the day. Make sure you bring sunscreen, as you will most likely be out in the sun for hours if not all day. A solar generator can also be useful if the trip is going to be longer. This can help power smart phones, depth finders, or even coolers if you want to keep your catch fresh for a longer trip. A basic survival kit is also a great addition to your packing list, and of course you will want to make sure that you bring all of your fishing gear. Fishing kits often include baits, lurers, line cutters, fishing line, reels, and several fishing rods as well as the aforementioned coolers for your fresh catch of the day.
- Brush Up on Essential Fishing Skills – Whether you are experienced at fishing or this is your first time out on a boat, it is still important to brush up on the basics of fishing. Going over different knots, and making sure you are at least familiar with them is a smart preparation. It is smart to give water reading an overview as well. Water reading is the term used to describe how those who are fishing are able to gauge not only the presence, but also the location of different fish in the water. Finally, casting and hooking are the basics of any fishing excursion, and it can be important to give them a review before going out. For casting, you can practice by throwing a line six feet out and making sure that your reel settles comfortably underneath your dominant hand. As for hooking, you will need to make sure that the fishing line does not break under the weight of the fish you are attempting to catch. A good way to practice this is to apply moderate pressure onto your line and then move that pressure back up the rod, and watch to make sure your line stays taught the entire time.
A little bit of preparation for fishing trip can go a long way. It is important to always have a respect for the environment you are fishing in. By bringing the correct resources and supplies, you’re able to better ensure that you are not going out unprepared. As we said before, this is only a basic overview for a fishing trip. Once you have more information like where you are going, and what you will be catching, it is important to research those specifics to have a more accurate picture of what your day out on the water will be like.