How to Prepare for Your First Fishing Trip

If you’re new to fishing, the process of planning your first trip can seem daunting. But it doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some tips to help make the process easier.

1. Decide what type of fishing trip you want to go on

Do you want to fish in a lake, river, or ocean? Do you want to catch trout, bass, salmon, or something else? Would you prefer a guided fishing trip or a trip with friends without a real expert? Knowing what you want should help make the planning process much smoother.

2. Choose a location

Once you know what type of fishing you want to do, you need to choose a location. If you’re fishing in a lake or river, find a spot where there are plenty of fish. If you’re fishing in the ocean, research different areas and choose one that looks promising. If you’re going on a guided trip, ask your guide where they recommend.

3. Make sure you have the correct tools for the job

If you’re planning to go ice fishing, you obviously need an ice auger and shelter. If you’re planning on fly fishing in a river, you’ll need waders and boots as well as a fly fishing rod. If you’re planning on deep-sea fishing, you’ll most likely need to buy or rent an entire outfit for the trip.

4. Pack your gear

Once you’ve chosen a location and have the necessary equipment, it’s time to pack. Make sure you have all your gear, food, drinks, sunscreen, bug spray, etc. The more organized you are when packing up for your trip, the easier it will be when you get there so make sure you take whatever extra time is required to pack efficiently.

5. Get a fishing license

You’ll need a fishing license in order to fish in most locations. You can buy a fishing license at a bait shop, tackle store, or online. It’s a good idea to get a resident license if you regularly fish in the same spot, but only an occasional visitor needs to purchase an annual non-resident tag.

6. Find the right bait and tackle for where you’re going

When you fish, the type of bait you use depends on several different factors including where you are, what type of fish you’re trying to catch, and the time of year. Go online to find out which bait is best for wherever your destination happens to be. When it comes to tackle, there are basically two types: live bait or lures and artificial bait. Live bait is a natural food source for fish and includes worms, minnows, crayfish, etc. Artificial bait is man-made lures that imitate live bait.

7. Make sure to dress appropriately in layers, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, etc.

You want to dress appropriately. Depending on where you’re going and what time of year it is, this could be anything from a swimsuit and shorts to long sleeves and pants. Even if it’s hot out, sunscreen is not something that should be skipped; the sun reflecting off the water can cause serious problems including sunburn and heatstroke. Sunglasses are also a must to prevent damage to your eyes. A hat should be worn for the same reasons that sunscreen should be applied – sun protection.

8. Bring snacks or lunch if necessary because it’s not always easy to find food when out fishing

Don’t rely on the fish you will catch for food. It is important to bring some food and water for yourself. If you’ll be on the boat all day, breakfast is a good meal to bring. Some snacks or lunch may also be required as it can be difficult to find food when you’re out fishing for an extended period of time.

9. Keep safety in mind at all times

You should never go out into the water without a life vest or personal flotation device. Even if you’re experienced, it can be easy to slip and you never know when the currents may change. Bring your cell phone with you in case of an emergency. If someone goes overboard, don’t try to go after them yourself – call for help immediately.

10. Have fun!  

Above all else, remember to have fun while you’re out on the water. Fishing is meant to be enjoyed so remember that if something unexpected happens and you end up in a bad situation.

Fishing can be a fun and relaxing activity, but it’s important to remember to stay safe while doing so. Make sure you have all the necessary gear packed before you leave, and always keep safety in mind. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy your time on the water!