Packing for a wilderness fishing trip can be a daunting task. Planning for the unknown always is. That's why we're going to try and help you plan your own packing list.
This article focuses on how to pack for a Canadian fishing trip - specifically a very popular style - "The American Plan" trip. Think of this as an all-inclusive style trip. These trips are great for budget-conscious travelers because the total cost of the trip is known beforehand. (Plus gratuities and any extras you choose)
Obviously, each lodge does their plan slightly different, so make sure you check the details with your lodge before finalizing your list and making your reservations. But, generally at an American Plan lodge, your reservation will include your lodging, boat rental (sometimes gas), and meals.
Make sure these main areas cover all your needs. For example - most lodges have fishing boats that are appropriate for 2-3 adults, so if you're planning a larger group, do you need something different like a pontoon? Often the lodge will supply a net and some kind of fish finder, but make sure you have these items covered if they don't.
Does the lodge supply 3 meals per day? If you intend to do shore lunch, what are your options? These are all questions that should be asked of your host and planned ahead as you pack. (**If your host doesn't include food - this becomes a very different packing and planning list.)
Over the years, we have developed a very detailed packing list that we use every time we start the packing process for one of our trips. Each time it seems we add something, or take something off, so make it yours when you download it below. Write things in, scratch things off - again - it needs to suit your trip and your style, we just wanted to give you a starting point.
Think through all the days that you're going to be at your destination. What might you need vs. what might you want? Bring the needs, but if there's room for the wants, bring them! It doesn't hurt to over-pack (unless you're restricted by weight on fly-in trips for example)
We suggest laying everything out in the weeks and days ahead of your trip. Find a spot in your home that can be your staging area. Then as you begin the final preparations - pack things carefully and make mental notes (or physical notes if you need) of where things are packed and group like-items together so that it's easier to find them later on when you need them.
Other things to consider:
Are you planning any side trips?
Will you camp out a night or two during your stay?
If you're going to a portage lake - what extra items will you need?
If you plan to bring fish home - make sure you read up on the legal requirements in order to bring fish across the border (if you're travelling from the U.S. to Canada and back)
Click below to download our packing list:
Thanks for reading - we hope you find it helpful!
Tight Lines!
-NetBoy Outdoors
Comments