7 Tips For Surviving Fishing Seasons

It seems to be that every time I set out on a fishing trip, it seems to start breaking the bank.  If I’m lucky, I’ll make a little money to supplement the expense and buy a new rod, or a pair of new big game boots.  But that isn’t nearly as fun as just hanging out down the river, talking shop, and telling stories.  You know, just like old friends do.  It seems to come to a point where fishing takes over your life, and it’s hard to remember what it was like to barefoot.  It’s become a sport, and not only the main activity in your life, but something you want to do on a regular basis.  It’s become a bit of a chore, where preparation for the upcoming season becomes more important than the actual fishing.

I’m not saying that you should give up your fishing, but I am saying that your preparation for the upcoming fishing season, that is.  The last fishing season, you should be getting ready for winter. Even if it’s warm when you go, if you’re wearing waders, a pair of neoprene booties, and breathable waders, you’re running a serious risk of hypothermia.  Hypothermia is the leading cause of death in Colorado according to the National Weather Service.  That’s one death every forty hours of fishing trip; how sad!

Thanks to the internet we have world-wide access to information.  If you’re like me, you spend a lot of time online, reading articles from coast to coast about fishing and life in general, none of which help you as much as having a private forum or blog discussing fishing gear and techniques with other fishermen.  As a fisherman, you deserve a safe, productive place to hang out and talk fishing anytime of the year.  If you’ve already started a private fishing forum, web log, or blog, you’re also reading these few essential tips:

Check your gear

Check your gear.  You can’t remember if you packed a pair of neoprenes and a pair of breathable waders, or if it was summer and you just brought a pair of waders, and they were just a spare pair.

Fly Line

Fly Line.  A good fly line is a must.  You can’t fish with a bad line.  Be sure that your fly line is based on the weight of the fly that you’re fishing, and not the number of flies you choose to use.  If you’re catching lots of fish on a particular fly, choose a line that won’t snag as many fish.

If you’re still new to fishing, find a friend to teach you the basics.

If you’re still new to fishing, find a friend to teach you the basics.  You can learn a lot from someone who is experienced, as well as from a more seasoned veteran.

While you’re waiting for your fishing day to come, you might want to make a few camp-outs

While you’re waiting for your fishing day to come, you might want to make a few camp-outs.  Turn on a few of the old campfires in the woods nearby, and spend some time remembering what it was like to sleep out under the stars.  Sounds like a good time.  What do you suppose is cooler?  Less importantly, you’ll be able to tell stories around the campfire and reminisce about when you were a kid (or even more).

Take a few shots along the way to show your friends what you’re really capable of

Take a few shots along the way to show your friends what you’re really capable of.  Don’t worry about the quality of the pictures, because you’ll have to share them with the whole world at some point.  We’re not meanie-sayers, and we like nice people.  Once you get the hang of the camera, however, and decide to upload some of those pictures onto your private forum or web site, you will definitely gain some ground on bragging rights.

Keep your personal gear in good condition

Keep your personal gear in good condition.  If you’re using a bear bag cannot be opened, and a cord that’s wrapped around your sleeping bag has fallen out, chances are that your “secret” spoil of a wonderland ride will haunt you and will only further guarantee that your fishing buddies will spend the entire night in your treed cornfield.

Children

Children:  Today, there is a great many adults who take their young kids fishing with them, and ask them if they’d like to go along.  Up until a point in their early fishing years, your kids probably don’t want to get on the water, and if they do, they probably don’t want to rap a wicket hat for a bait basket full of my juvenilefreshwater fishing license, but getting them started early will probably be an advantage for you down the road.