Monday, April 19, 2010

10 Tips for a Successful Southern Ontario Fishing Getaway

All through the late winter and spring plans were carefully made, fishing tackle cleaned, hooks and lures sharpened, line replaced, maps studied and likely hotspots carefully marked. Finally there we were. But, somehow the idyllic setting on the brochure turns into a broken down cabin, chairs with one leg shorter than the other three, beds that came out of a WW II army surplus store, a leaky boat with a motor that had seen its prime before you were born, and two members of our foursome had begun arguing when we were still halfway there.

Most of us don't have the luxury of going on a fishing trip more than once or twice a year, and you can drastically improve the odds of your dreams becoming reality by considering some of the pitfalls and taking time to plan properly.

Here are 10 quick tips that will help ensure an enjoyable fishing trip for you and your companions:

  1. Hope for the best; but plan for the worst! Sometimes the rain does fall and the mosquitoes get hungry.
  2. Chose your companions wisely. This may well be the most important decision you will make. Nothing ruins a fishing trip quicker than people squabbling.
  3. Decide on the type of trip you want and be sure you all agree. Do you need a boat? Do you want your meals prepared for you? How far are you prepared to drive? Do you want to fly in to a remote lake? There are many choices and it's important that you and your companions share a common vision.
  4. Choose your accommodation wisely. Ask lots of questions and get responses in writing.
  5. Decide how you will share the costs. Take everything from groceries to bait, to gas for the car, and damage to equipment into consideration.
  6. Be sure everyone is willing to participate in the chores. Many a fun fishing vacation has been ruined by someone not willing to pull their weight.
  7. Plan your menu and appoint a competent shopper. You don't need to live on chips and pretzels. A camp cook is a great idea but consider their contribution when you split up the expenses.
  8. Determine the best time of year for your trip. Aside from finding a mutually acceptable time for you and your companions, the species of fish you want to catch will determine the best time of year for your trip. Do your homework.
  9. Learn about your destination. You might find that exploring the area is a nice break, especially if the weather turns nasty.
  10. Don't forget your fishing pole and tackle. It has happened, and you don't want to start your trip off with a visit to the local tackle shop to buy new equipment.

Planning can be half the fun and following these simple tips will ensure that the trip is just as much fun as the planning. Make your plans carefully and have a great fishing trip in Southern Ontario's great outdoors.

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