Preparing for a Successful Fishing Trip
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| Preparation on your part will lead to a successful day on the water! |
For literally 4 years Casey has been asking me to make a one page handout that will list everything you need to bring for your fishing trip. Every time I start the task it just seemed too overwhelming especially when trying to explain these things to someone who may have never fished before. This is meant to be a more comprehensive list than the basic items such as license, rain gear and lunch that you’ve seen over and over on confirmation emails over the years. So here is my first attempt and I am sure we will update this list in the future.
When you book a fishing trip with us you are booking a day on the water with an experienced fishing guide who fishes almost every day of the year and has for many many years. The things that are natural to us like what to wear and bring on a trip, we realize, may not be second nature for people who only get out once a year or even 12 times a year. Additionally the guide’s number one priority after Safety is for you to catch fish and have fun. It takes 100% of their focus to keep you on the fish - they often don’t have enough energy/time to focus on some of the times listed below. So I am going to try and communicate these things in advance of your fishing trip so you are prepared to catch fish and the guide can focus on catching you fish.
We’ve compiled a list of tips and tricks that go above and beyond the minimum requirements and will contribute to you, your friends and your family having an excellent day on the water.
Fishing license with the proper endorsements that coincide with the river you are fishing.
Catch record cards for salmon and steelhead and Columbia River Endorsements are usually required in addition to a freshwater and/or saltwater license. Pens that works in the rain to mark your catch after each fish. Familiarize yourself with the catch record cards and codes for the areas you will be fishing ahead of time if you plan on keeping fish.
Rain gear with boots or fishing waders. Light weight rain gear or waders are usually better than very bulky or heavy alternatives.
Whatever you’d like to eat or drink for the day in a small backpack. A small backpack can easily be stowed out of the way of the activities occurring throughout the day catching fish. Suitcases and large coolers are usually too big to bring on most boats.
Sunglasses. Polarized sunglasses are a plus. Even if the sun only comes out ½ the time - when it’s sunny and the sun is glaring off the boat and the water you will be very happy you remembered your sunglasses. Holders/lanyards to sunglasses and/or glasses are also a great idea since you are engaging in a sporting activity while fishing.
Sunblock/Sunscreen and a wide brimmed hat. Remember to apply sunscreen to all parts of your body that are exposed to the sun. The sun can be extra damaging when reflecting off of the water.
Hand warmers. Disposable hand warmers can start the morning off on a great note if you’re fishing in the Fall/Winter/Spring. Having a stash of hand warmers in your backpack for the day is always a great idea.
Have a suitable sized cooler with ice ready in your car to get your freshly caught fish home. The fish you will be catching will range from 5-45lbs so make sure your cooler is big enough. .
Faceshield. These are very light and inexpensive but are more than worth their weight in gold on a cold morning or blazing hot sunny afternoon.
Dress in layers - it can be 30 degrees in the morning and 60 degrees in the afternoon. Your comfort is very important and helps you to stay mentally prepared to catch fish.
Nitrile gloves will keep your hands warm and dry and will allow you to actively catch fish without getting in the way like bulky gloves will.
All children 12 years and younger or who are not adult sized must bring and wear life jackets. We have required life jackets on board for adults and may start offering automatically inflatable life vests for regular daily use in the near future.
Come well rested and excited for a day of catching fish and having FUN. A great attitude is often one of the biggest factors which will contribute to a successful day on the water.
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| This Guy is Always Perfectly Prepared! |
(Howard and Kevin can skip this section) We usually recommend that you leave your own fishing gear at home if you’re coming on a guided trip with us. There are so many different weights and brands of fishing line these days that the same weight rating for different brands often varies greatly. One of the biggest problems occurs when the line on your reel is lighter than that of our leaders. This causes the entire line to snap off when you lose a fish or hit a snag and leads to more time being spent tying up new gear that could be spent catching fish. You can’t catch fish if you don’t have gear in the water. Your guides will have multiple fishing rods tied up with multiple set ups ready to fish the morning of your trip.
Make sure your phone is fully charged before starting your trip. Some of our newer boats do have phone chargers but this is never a guarantee and most fishing boats do not have chargers. Also be prepared to be out of cell coverage for at least 8 hours. Some areas we fish do not have cell phone coverage.
Seasickness. Very rarely someone will get sea sick when fishing near Buoy 10 on the lower Columbia River where we customarily fish in August. I have only heard of 1 person every getting sick on this trip but these tips could also be used for ocean charter fishing. If you’re prone to seasickness the best advice is to take medication before your trip and to focus on stationary objects in the distance during your trip. If you do get seasick and are going on an ocean charter bring some comfort items with you such as your favorite beverage or snack and a neck pillow. (I will follow this advice on my next ocean trip)
If you have any questions before your fishing trip please respond to your confirmation email with your questions so I will have a better idea of who you are and when and where you will be fishing.
We know you have waited a long time for your upcoming fishing trip and are really excited and look forward to having a great time and catching fish. Hopefully one of these tips will add a little more comfort and success to your day on the water.
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