Let’s face it, more times than not, we don’t plan enough. Take the typical amount of planning and plus it up with a few extra steps. Make sure you’ve researched the location and you understand the regulations in regards to fishing. Make a list of everything you’ll need including food, drink, fishing gear, camping gear, bug spray, sunscreen, cooking equipment, and so on. If you plan to cook your catch, you might want to do a little research on scaling and fileting knives as well.
Remember what we said about planning? Now you want to optimize your list and take only what you need. Pack versatile clothing that will get you through cold and warm weather. Organize all your gear in a way that prevents multiple trips. If you’re not super experienced, you may not have fishing backpacks or bags large enough to carry everything. A great little tip is to invest in a durable camping hammock and use that to carry as much gear as you can.
Very few of us get as many opportunities to camp and fish as we’d like. This is a great chance to shut off the phone, close the laptop, and reconnect with nature. Take off your boots and just let your feet soak into the ground for a minute. Be sure to practice “Leave No Trace” principles as well.
Don’t tell me you didn’t bring your 12-piece Cuisinart cooking set? Just kidding! Find yourself a flat stone and prop it up with rocks on both sides. If possible, bring a small cooking grate that you can put over the fire to make the process even easier. Potatoes are a great option for campfire cooking because you can place them in the hot embers to steam them while you’re preparing other items.
Since you’re trying to marry two wonderful things together - camping and fishing, be sure to choose a location that opens the door to both. You want to have plenty of flat and soft ground to pitch your tent but you also need access to nearby water without having to travel too far. If you’re dealing with a less than desirable location and your options are limited, the HEST sleep system with enhanced memory foam will help reduce pressure points you feel from roots and rocky bottoms. Look for a place with overhanging trees or brush in the water because these areas are more likely to present you with an opportunity to catch something.
Author’s profile
For Coty, he didn’t love bass fishing at first cast. It took a few (thousand) throws for him to become obsessed with mastering every possible fishing style, technique, and lure. As a third-generation angler and the Managing editor of Anglers. He has a plethora of knowledge about the outdoors and experience on the water and loves sharing what he knows.
