If you’re new to fishing and camping, you’ll want to prepare before the big trip! Both fishing and camping require some prior knowledge in terms of location, setting up, gear you’ll need, and how to stay safe while out on the water or in the woods. We’ll cover the basics of what you need to know before you go on a fishing and camping adventure.
Know Where You’re Going
Knowing where you’re going doesn’t only entail following directions to your fishing and camp sites – although that is important too. You’ll also need to know important information about the place where you’re fishing and camping.
What fish are present in the body of water you’re fishing at? You want to make sure you pack all fishing gear required, including fishing tackle.
What other animals are present in that area? You need to protect yourself from other creatures in the great outdoors.
Knowing what kind of weather to expect can be vital to having a successful day of fishing. This also affects what amenities you should pack and how to prepare for the days ahead. It is worthwhile looking at a Solunar Table available at Catchingtimes.com fishing almanac, these are tables that fishermen use to determine the best times of the day for catching fish, which can be really beneficial when planning to spend the night camping.
Are there any local laws and regulations? Different states and even bodies of water have different fishing laws, and for many you’ll need a fishing license. Campsites also have regulations to follow, including some rules about campfires and fire safety.
Research these questions before your trip, and others, to ensure that you’re well informed about the location where you’ll be fishing and camping. It’s vital that you learn about where you’re going beforehand so that nothing can take you by surprise.
Know What To Pack
Once you’re out in the wilderness, you can’t go back and grab that one thing you forgot. Prepare ahead of time by knowing what to pack. Your packing checklist will depend on where you’re fishing, the type of campsite, how long you’ll be camping, and other factors. Some gear may be more obvious, like fishing rods and tents, but other gear, like fishing hats to protect you from the sun, is less obvious yet still important.
There are some basics you’ll need for any fishing and camping trip. Be sure to pack these fishing and camping essentials:
- Any necessary licenses
- Fishing rod
- Baitcasting or spinning reel
- Mono, fluoro or braided fishing line
- Tackle
- Sunscreen and other sun protection (sunglasses, fishing hat)
- Cooler
- Clean water
- First aid kit
- Tent
- Sleeping bags, pillows, blankets
- Flashlights (and extra batteries)
- Fire supplies (matches, light, firestarter)
- Kitchen supplies (cooking and eating)
- Cleanup supplies (trash bags, soap, wash basin)
- A sharp knife, multi-tool, pliers
- Toilet paper
- Maps, GPS, or guidebooks
There’s likely more you’ll need – check out extensive camping and fishing checklists to make sure you don’t forget anything important.
Know How To Use Your Gear
Now that you’ve packed all of your gear, you’ll need to know how to use it, obviously. If it’s your first time fishing or camping, you should go with someone who has more experience. While some of your gear will be easy to use, other items take experience and practice.
First-time fishers should learn how to set up their fishing rod and reel, spooling the line and attaching the appropriate tackle. You’ll also need to know how to fish – depending on the type of fishing you’re practicing there are different techniques. To prevent accidents and maximize your chances of catching fish, you must know how to properly use your fishing gear.
It’s also important to understand how to set up camp and use your camping gear. Know how and where to set up your tent, how to clean and cook your food (this is especially important if you’re cooking a fish you just caught), and more. If you’ve never made a campfire before, learning how to make a fire is also vital to keep you warm, cook your food, and for light.
Know How To Stay Safe
This is the most important piece of knowledge you’ll need to go fishing and camping. Both activities can be dangerous, and you should prioritize safety over everything else. Safety is also the reason you need to do research before you go out on the water or into the wilderness: you need to know what you’re up against.
Practice safety while fishing: keep an eye on where you’re casting so you don’t injure someone with sharp hooks, be careful when handling the fish themselves, and be extra safe with any sharp tools or objects. You should also be careful about falling into bodies of water – wear the correct boots or fishing waders for your setting.
Campsite safety is just as important. Fire safety is a big element here, especially if you’re inexperienced with campfires. You also need to protect yourself from other animals in your environment, depending on what is present. Cooking safety goes hand in hand with fire safety, but you should also be careful when handling sharp knives or hot cooking tools.
Everything You Need to Know About Fishing and Camping
We’ve covered the basics of what you’ll need to know to go fishing and camping, but it’s vital that you do research on your specific fishing and camping trip before you leave for your trip. Every fishing and camping trip differs based on setting, experience, and more. Learn the essentials about where you’re going, what gear you’ll need, how to use it, and how to stay safe while fishing and camping.