We all love fishing our local waters but when the grip of winter starts giving you that itch to travel somewhere warm and sunny to go fishing we thought we would provide some tips for success.
The following is a small collection of things we have learned that will help on your next fishing trip:
1. Research is key: There are things about your trip that will require research. While spontaneity can be fun it could lower your odds of catching that dream bonefish or tarpon of a lifetime! We find that research helps you develop travel budget, logistics, guide or DIY, where to stay and how to get to the fishy places. We have used U-tube, blogs, magazines, and good ol’ fashioned google searches to know where to try and fish or who to fish with. For example, when Urban Anglers USA crew went to Miami in search of Peacock Bass we first started with google searches to try and find maps of the canals and where we could access the water. This led us to blog articles and videos where even though our Dad’s have all taught us to keep places a secret the new era of anglers on social media just can’t help themselves. We looked at background features, road signs, stores, landmarks and made notes to correlate these with the maps we had of an area. We started at these places first and then also tried places that were directly mentioned in online articles, blogs and magazines. Once on the ground don’t be afraid to talk to locals. This adds a whole extra layer of opportunity if you can mix and mingle with the locals. Sometimes they will take you to a good little hole as long as you don’t tell the world about it!
2. Bring your gear: If you are hoping to maximize your success on a vacation fishing especially one that may not be all about fishing, it is best to bring your own gear. The gear will depend on what your research determined on types of fishing or fish you will be gunning for. If you are just going deep sea fishing and have booked a charter than often just good sunscreen, rain gear, and clothes that will match the environment and conditions will suffice…sometimes. But, if you want to truly increase odds of success bring your own rod and reel, plus a backup. Match your gear to the species. For example, if you are fly fishing for bonefish in the flats of some sunny tropical island like the Bahamas bring a 8wt. setup with saltwater line. Bring a variety of flies. Email your guide and ask what flies they recommend, and look online. Again, research is key. Bring a good set of pliers, a dry bag for your extras like cameras, clothes etc. Also, a good fish mask like one from Black Strap, Inc. will save your life in the sun. Wear pants whenever possible, we learned that the hard way on a couple trips. Bring good salt water wading boots, and of course polarized sunglasses.
3. Take advantage of points, specials, and off season deals: While going during peak season is probably best for hitting things like Tarpon or salmon migrations, if you want to go to cool places and catch new species but not break the bank look at using things like travel points, off-season hotel specials, and or even couch surfing. We have planned a couple fishing trips when the peak crowds are gone and have had excellent fishing and we saved a lot by getting hotels and airfare at lower rates.
4. Get to know your guide, discuss communication first and foremost: The first thing I think that helps prior to fishing in a new place, with a guide you just met, and likely for fish you don’t know as well as say the carp back home, is to talk to your guide. Show them you care and that you are excited to fish with them. Avoid worrying about being a sport. The last thing a guide wants is to deal with a guy who thinks he knows everything but doesn’t know a lick about fishing in their turf. Discuss communication and how they will point out the fish and where to cast. Try to come up with a quick game plan so that when the first fish shows up you can work as a team! I am sure there is more on this point but also tipping well, bringing your own equipment, practicing what you can ahead of time and again researching a good guide is all key to success.