Fishing - Plan the Best Fishing Trip

I love fishing! Some of my earliest memories are fishing for small mountain trout in Montana with my father. We'd fish small alpine lakes, narrow streams and rivers. A favorite was to creek fish along a stream near our family cabin. We'd sneak up on the bank and drop our bait in near a hole or overhang. I loved feeling the tug of the fish, regardless of it's size. 

Whether you're a fan of catch and release or you keep them for food, fishing is a great outdoor activity. Figuring out how to fish a species and body of water is such a great challenge and the successful feeling of figuring it out is so satisfying.

How to Enjoy the Perfect Fishing Trip

Over the years we've learned how to execute the perfect fishing trip. We've learned how to plan, what gear and supplies to take, how to prepare for the weather, how to stay safe and how to ensure we get back home safe.

Adventure Story: Not Your Typical Mountain Trout

...let me go first since this was my first salmon fishing trip. He navigated the river so the bait was at just the right depth. Within minutes he yelled, "FISH ON!"...

Read the Story

Below you'll find the following topics:

• Tips for executing the perfect fishing outing
• How to build the perfect fishing pack
• Top fishing product reviews
• Best fishing resources

If you're like us you'll love the trail and fishing will become second nature. Let's get started.

Fishing Tips

Over the years we've learned how to set up the perfect climbing trip. We thought we'd list a few tips to consider for your next outing:

Basic Tips

1. Plan ahead - even if you decide to go on a spontaneous fishing trip, take a minute and plan just so you're prepared. If your hike is more involved, spend the time you need to make sure you're ready.
2. Know your route - research the body of water and your routes to get there.
3. Gear up - make sure you have the right gear and supplies. 
4. Dress right - know your weather, climate and terrain. Be sure to dress in layers so you can add or subtract a layer if you get cold or hot. 
5. Footwear - take quality hiking or fishing shoes. Make sure your footwear is broken in so you don't get blisters.
6. Tell someone where you're going - be sure someone knows where you're starting, your route, and when to expect you home. Don't forget this one! You want someone coming if you get injured or lost.
7. Buddy up - Take a buddy with you in case you get injured or lost.

Safety First

We all have different risk tollerances. As I've gotten older I've consciously slowed down a lot and take fewer risks. I've seen guys with life-altering injuries who can't enjoy the outdoors any longer. I talked with a man this week who has messed up his knees and joints so much he can't go on a simple hike. That can't be me!

When we venture out, we need to keep in mind that we have future outdoor experiences to enjoy so we need to get home safe after every one. Our chances of survival and safe return increase with a few principles:

1. Prepare before you go out
2. Take adequate first aid supplies - just in case
3. know your limits and opt for safety over risky activities.

Having the right first aid supplies handy can help a lot. Make sure you have the right supplies for the activities you're doing. 

Survival Medical Guide

Critical first aid field guide for survival situations

Buy on Amazon

The Perfect Fishing Tackle Checklist

We recommend taking 2 packs when fishing. Take your personal day pack with first aid supplies, hiking gear, and toiletries. Then, take your dedicated fishing pack or vest with your tackle, bait and assessories.

I divide my personal gear and supplies into 3 kits: gear, first aid, toiletries. These kits go into my pack and are with me on every outing.

Personal Day Pack

Gear Kit

• Water filter
• Multi-tool
  • blade
  • saw
  • tweezers
  • screw drivers
• Paracord
• Lighter
• Ferro rod
• Emergency blanket
• Poncho
• Emergency fishing kit
• Snares
• Duct tape
• Head band (ear protection)
• Safety pins
• More...

First Aid Kit (IFAK)

• Bandages
• Ace bandage
• Tablets
  • Pepto
  • Tylenol
  • Allergy
• Bug spray
• Sun screen
• Alcohol pads
• Burn cream
• More...

Toiletries

• Pocket tissues (perfect portion of toilet paper)
• Carmex
• Toothbrush (handle cut off)
• Toothpaste
• Nail clippers
• More...

Fishing Tackle Box or Vest

Each body of water and species of fish requires specific bait and rod/reel combo. This list is generalized.

• Rod
• Reel
• Lures
• Line
• Bait
• Leaders
• Stringer
• Hook remover
• Forecepts

Top Fishing Product Reviews

New technology pushes fishing gear forward every year. The poles, reels, bait and assessories make it easier to catch fish and easier to maintain.

Click on the image to read the review or click on the button to purchase.

Camping Cookware/Mess Kit

Modern cookware mess kit with accessories

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Biodegradable All Purpose Soap

Clean your hands, body, dishes and other items with biodegradable multi purpose soap

Buy on Amazon

550 Paracord Type 3

Milspec type 3 550 paracord for survival

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550 Paracord with Integrated Fishing Line, Wire, Tinder

Enhanced milspec type 3 550 SurvivorCord for the outdoors

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Lighter

Ideal primary option for rapid fire starting

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Ferro Rod with Striker

Great secondary option for fire starting, especially when wet

Buy on Amazon

Pocket Tissue

Individually packaged pocket tissues and toilet paper.

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Toiletry Kit

Toiletry kit for the trail or camping

Buy on Amazon

Fishing Resources

Being prepared with some survival skills, trail information, and weather forecasts can make your hike relaxing and help you get home safe.

Maps

Don't get lost! Find the right map for your area. We recommend reviewing the map BEFORE your embark on your adventure. Get a feel for the topography, water sources, trails and roads, etc.

Time to Hit the Trail

We love our trail time! We hope your outings this year are memorable, relaxing, full of adventure, and safe. 

We'd love to hear about any memorable stories you experience. Submit them to us and if we feel the story matches the site we'll publish it.

Gear up, prepare, and hit the trail! Enjoy!