As we know, natural ecosystems operate in a delicate balance. Fishing, like any sort of outdoor recreational activity, means you’ll be not only interacting up close with the naturally occurring world but also altering it through your participation. So before packing up your bait and tackle, take some time to research and understand the legal and licensing matters or restrictions that apply in the area you’re visiting and be prepared to follow them accordingly.
What’s in the Water?
Now, let’s take a minute to talk about what kind of water you’ll be fishing in. If you’ve not done much recreational fishing before it might come as a surprise but the difference between what you’ll find and what you’ll need in a freshwater lake, river, or saltwater ocean is pretty significant and will affect how you find a fishing spot.
Freshwater
If you’re planning to camp on a river or lake, you’re in luck because fishing spots in these cool and calm locations will be quite accessible. You’ll be able to fish off a river bank, a dock, or from a boat. In a lake, both manmade and natural, tend to be calm waters. Fish will tend to congregate where vegetation is thicker such as reeds, roots, lily pads, and such. In a river, you’ll be dealing with currents and more transient species at different points in the year. If currents are strong in a river, try to cast near the bank, around reeds and roots where waters may be slower.
Fly and wade fishing are often popular techniques for river fishing.
Saltwater
If you’re camping near the ocean– maybe on the beach or a coastal cliffside– you may be intrigued to venture into saltwater fishing. Bear in mind that successful fishing in this case will require reaching deeper depths. Casting off of a pier or boat will be the best way to accomplish this. You’ll also be dealing with tides and different currents. Depending on the time of day or night you may be dealing with different species.
Water temp & Oxygen Levels
Water temperature will most certainly impact how active fish are in certain locations at different times of the year. The key to this is that fish need excess oxygen in the water to breathe. The warmer the water, the less oxygen can sustain, and the colder the water, the more oxygen sustains. There is a fine balance in which our fishy, cold-blooded friends thrive– they will go where there is plenty of oxygen, but dislike extreme temperature changes.
In the hot summer months, they will seek out cool patches of shallow shade, since warm water contains less oxygen. Plants are photosynthesizing in the sunlight, so fish will tend to congregate shallow near vegetation. The surrounding warmth speeds up the fish’s digestion, causing them to be more active and therefore easier to catch. In the winter, fish tend to drop to deeper depths where oxygen levels are dense. Because their bodies are cooled down, their digestion slows and they move much slower to conserve energy, making fishing a little trickier in the wintertime.
The movement of the water also plays a massive impact on where fish will most likely be located. The more current and movement, the more oxygen is flowing. This is another reason why fishing in a lake versus a river or the ocean differs so significantly.
Generally, there is a range of temperatures in which fish are actively looking for food. Right about where cold and warm waters meet is the perfect depth to drop your line. Right here is where most excess oxygen is produced and the moderate temperatures they tend to prefer.
Species
Keep in mind that every species of fish thrives slightly differently depending on their diet and adaptations. That’s why identifying and narrowing down what species you’re allowed and hoping to catch will help you hone in on preparation significantly. Learning about the specific fish you’re going for will ultimately help you simplify gear and plan of action, as well as help you understand which fish you can eat and which ones you ought to release. You’ll go into the day with clearer expectations of what you’ll be dealing with and ultimately setting yourself up for success.
Bait & Tackle
Furthermore, knowing what fish you’re hoping to attract will also determine the bait and tackle you choose. There are tons of resources out there that can help you decide what bait will be most effective, as well as what technique works best for that type of fish.
Ask the locals!
Remember: No one knows better than the locals do. Never miss a chance to chat it up with a local. You may be surprised by their expertise and advice for that specific location. Talk to fellow fishermen if you have the opportunity, and don’t hesitate to reach out to a local ranger as well. They may even let you in on some lesser-known tips and tricks.
Equipment & Storage
Now that you’re getting an idea of the knowledge needed for a successful fishing trip, you can proceed in planning your camping accommodations. Depending on how much equipment and how large of a group you’re bringing along, tent space is crucial. It’s a good idea to consider an outdoor tent that provides much more structure and durability to support larger groups and gear.
Fishing gear involves many moving parts. There are tackle boxes, rods and reels, hooks, bait, and more. Not to mention sun protection proper waterproof clothing, and a safe space to store your fishing license. To minimize juggling, organizing these all and storing them in a dry space will make your camping trip so much easier. Using duffle bags to store gear is a great idea, as some duffle bags are treated for waterproofing so they are less likely to develop mold and mildew from fishing gear. Keeping all of your gear organized in its own separate bag makes it so much easier to grab and go, and keeps things from getting misplaced amongst the rest of your camping gear.
Reconnecting with friends and family on a fishing trip is an experience like none other. Be prepared to learn lots, remember to fish responsibly, and enjoy every moment spent up close with nature!
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