Fishing is a pastime enjoyed for generations by people all over the world and is a great way to get out and enjoy the natural world. While fishing originally just provided sustenance for the body (and still does today), now fishing also provides sustenance for the soul.
Whether you’re after that big Black Bass or heading offshore for a monster Marlin, what better way to disconnect and decompress from today’s busy life than to pack up your fishing gear, head out to your favourite spot, cast a line, sit back in peace and quiet and wait for that first bite? Even better if you intend to combine fishing with your next camping trip.
Part of the attraction of fishing is never knowing when that bite will come (if it comes at all). So, while you wait for that nibble you may as well make yourself comfy. Check out these simple tips to ensure your next fishing trip is extra comfortable;
The Right Clothing
Whether freshwater or seawater fishing is your thing, it’s a given that you will have to contend with the elements. That’s part of the fun, right? So, to ensure your comfort (and safety) make sure you check the weather forecast in advance, there are some really good weather apps out there that can tell you down to the hour what weather to expect.
- Pack clothing appropriate to the expected weather and if the forecast is looking mixed it’s probably wise to cover all bases. It’s worth noting that the easiest way to stay comfortable is to layer your clothing so that you can add or take off layers as the weather changes.
- When fishing, good rainproof clothing is always a wise investment and if the budget allows, breathable rain gear allows you to stay dry without the discomfort of sweating.
With clothing, it’s always preferable to bring too much than too little!
Sun Protection
If it looks like sunny weather, don’t forget to pack sunscreen, there’s nothing like sunburn or heat stroke to ruin an otherwise fantastic fishing trip!
When choosing a sunscreen, make sure the product you bring contains either Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide as sunscreens containing either of these two ingredients have been identified by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) as being the most suitable in protecting you from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Try and avoid spending too long in direct sunlight and look for shade where possible. Speaking of shade, a useful gadget we love and every fisherman should have is a foldable chair with a canopy. If you would like to know more details, read more at campingpursuits.com. More comfortable than stools and cheaper than seat boxes, light and easy to carry, the canopy keeps the worst of the sun off your face and head. Has a handy cup holder too! Lastly, drink plenty of water and if you intend to drink alcohol, don’t overindulge!
Mind Your Valuables
Pack a waterproof bag. Ok, it’s pretty obvious but worth saying that water and valuables don’t mix. Keep your keys, wallet, cash and cell phone in a waterproof bag (also called dry bags) to ensure they don’t get damaged by splashes when you land the monster fish or, as in our experience, if you accidentally drop them in the water. These dry bags range in size from a small pouch just big enough for your phone and wallet right up to backpack size if you want to keep a change of clothes dry.
If you’re heading out on a boat check out dry bags with bright colours. Vibrant colours make the bags easier to see and recover if the worst should happen and they end up in the water. Speaking of cell phones, should you choose to use yours to listen to music (very quietly – you don’t want to scare the fish) or your favourite podcast while you fish, make sure to bring a power bank. Relatively inexpensive and available online and in all electronics stores, power banks make sure that should you need it, there’s always charge available.
Avoid Uncomfortable Insect Bites
PACK INSECT REPELLANT. We cannot stress the importance of this enough. If you’re going to be fishing in an area that is likely to be home to mosquitos or other biting bugs, then insect repellant is essential for your comfort. There’s nothing worse than scratching while you’re trying to enjoy your days fishing or worse still, getting sick from a tick bite. There are several insect repellants out there some of which are chemically formulated and some natural. If you’d prefer to steer clear of chemicals then natural repellents containing Eucalyptus and Lemon are your best option, they smell better than the chemical repellents and are better for the environment too.
Whether you prefer the solitude of being alone or reconnecting with family or friends over a shared love of the Great Outdoors fishing is the ideal hobby. Just grab your tackle box, head out and put lures in the water. And now, you know how to do it in comfort. Don’t forget the two greatest words in the English Language…..
Gone Fishing.
