As we have always been DIY fisherman, hitting the road to explore new places to fish is almost irresistible.
Yes, there are lodges and camps that provide guides and accommodations to ensure success and comfort. However, there is something incredibly satisfying and gratifying when you do the leg work to find water with your own resources.
And when it pans out and you are successful, well the feeling is unparalleled!
When we started GFW, the idea for a weekend fishing with the boys was steeped in it’s affordability. None of us had the money for swanky places. But we still wanted that lodge like experience for ourselves.
So, our DIY spirit crafts our core philosophy and approach to fishing. We like to be self sufficient. And there is no better way to do this than hitting the open road to find fish and adventure, which we hold dear to our hearts!
With 28 years (and counting) of experience, here are three things that will help you have a successful Fishing Road Trip:
Companionship
On a fishing road trip, you are going to spend A LOT of time with the people or persons you drive with. Having the right people/person is critical. Surprisingly, most conversations on a road trip are usually not related to fishing. Seemingly, no topics are off limits; we end up talking about stuff none of us ever would have imagined. If your road trip happens to last multiple days, it is eye opening and fun to spend time with friends in such close proximity. Living together for multiple days brings out things in us we wouldn’t normally expose if we were only fishing together for a day. It takes patience, tolerance, and compromise in ways that make you a better person when you return. As they say, “iron sharpens iron.” It’s crazy how much you can grow as a person after taking a fishing road trip with a buddy.
A Flexible, Base Plan
It is important to have a general plan/itinerary for a fishing road trip. I’m not talking about my Type A personality, plan every minute people here. The plan needs to have some specific destinations and be malleable enough to maximize fishing time. Let’s be honest, we’ve all been fishing somewhere when the bite is RED HOT, keeping us on the river far past the time we promised we’d be home. And vice versa. I personally have a few stories of trying to find a motel after a crazy night hatch, resulting in a restless night of sleeping in my car. So any itinerary needs to be tweakable to fit the circumstance. Having nightly stops planned, a general idea of water to target, and basic meals planned is important. Having a targeted area and plan allows you to research effectively before you leave, plan what nights you will camp, find motels for nights you won’t, and visit fly shops along the way (or call before you leave as they can be great resources for information). Giving thought to these kinds of things will make your trip go much more smoothly, allowing you to maximize your time fishing, which is the goal.
The Right Vehicle
If you are into adventure, this component, more than any other, is key. While I’m not suggesting you go out and buy the latest and greatest four wheel drive truck, having a competent vehicle is important. Especially if you are like us and love to explore! Some of the best fishing we’ve had was the result of driving up some crazy four wheel drive road we found. We were able to expand our fishing radius because we had the right vehicle. Your vehicle can certainly limit your reachable water. The other aspect of a great vehicle is it’s packability. If you are venturing to places that offer multiple kinds of fishing (big rivers, small creeks, lakes) you need gear. You need a vehicle that can function in a way that allows you access to your camping and fishing gear. And it can get full quickly! The vehicle needs the capacity to be “lived in.” You spend a lot of time driving, so you want to be comfortable. Pro Tip: Traveling with a person multiple times will allow you to figure out efficiency. You learn each other’s quirks, likes, desires, and ticks.
While there are so many more things to consider on a Fishing Road Trip (gear, food, essential needs, etc.) ensuring these basics will help your trip be successful. When you have these three basics, no matter what you may have forgotten or what might happen, you will be able to manage.
With the right peeps, plan and vehicle, you can conquer anything! So hit the road and fish!
