By this point you’ve likely been over the website top to bottom a number of times. Looking at photos, Google Earth, wondering what you will catch and what the trip will be like. Every spring and summer many anglers choose to head to lodges, outposts, cabins and any other sort of fishing retreat in the remote areas of Canada. Like the weather, upon their return there is a huge variety of stories; some okay, some outstandingly bad and others return having a story of a lifetime. After all, that’s what we are all looking for here, a trip to different waters, maybe after a new species, new area or an annual tradition with friends and family. As with any outdoor endeavor, some planning and preparation can go a long way making your trip a lifelong memory.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK!
Understand where you are going what the program is and ask questions upfront. Communication with your host, guide or lodge goes a long way to shaping your attitude and expectations. First off, the outfitter cannot control weather or fish, though poor showings from either or both can put a damper on your trip, this is not the fault of the purveyors. A good operation does its best to control all variables that it can and builds in contingencies to the plan should fishing not be like it was yesterday or last week. A top notch operation will most likely have everything you need but, why leave something to chance for your trip, take some ownership and be prepared. That said, you don’t need to empty the garage here, make hard decisions on what you will use or might use or have packed for 20 years and never taken it out of the bag. Especially on fly outs, pack light. New Transport Canada regulations have reduced payloads for floatplanes.
GIVE YOURSELF TIME
A note on travel to the lodge or jumping off point. Make sure you allow extra time to get there, especially when aircraft are involved. Missed connections, late flights and no leeway built into the itinerary can result in losing valuable fishing days, costly changes or missing the trip entirely. Small planes going to fishing lodges can have departures changed at the last minute due to weather. Be there, be ready early. What are you wearing?
A RAINSUIT IS YOUR MOST VALUABLE ADDITION
The single most important piece of clothing you can bring is a quality rainsuit. This is not the place to skip. By a waterproof, breathable jacket and pants. The best you can afford. If you are not comfortable you will not have fun. This is an investment in your enjoyment of the outdoors. For time on the water, look to synthetic fabrics, fleece, poly, they are lightweight and dry quickly. You need one complete layering system from a base layer up to outerwear and a few keep spares. Spend a few bucks on one good system. It can be washed but let’s be honest you’re on a fishing trip, chances are you’re happy wearing a t shirt more than one time. A bug jacket or head net is a worthwhile investment too. One set of at camp clothes and a second set of footwear are a nice change at the end of the day.
THE IMPORTANT STUFF
How are you going to catch the fish? Some lodges supply all the necessary equipment and tackle, which makes it easy. If you are bringing your own, get a decent way to transport rods, they will be handled a number of times between home and the hookset, likely not all by you; a 4’3” heavy action rod chunk isn’t a walleye jigging stick. Two piece rods travel better as well. Bring at least 2 rods of the length/action that you will need for the bulk of your fishing. Two reels are likely a good minimum too, if they have spare spools, fill those up too, this makes changes easy. Bring a spool of backup line. One 300 yard spool in reserve is more than you should need unless your boat driving friend doesn’t pay attention when your line is approaching the motor.
Most of what you need for tackle should fit in one or two tackle trays. Keep this simple, bring lots of what works and a few other options. Most times fish in remote lakes are willing biters. Don’t forget lots of leaders, swivels and a few weights.
CATCH AND RELEASE EQUIPMENT A MUST
If you are on a self-guided venture, you are the one responsible for catch and release operations. Make sure you have a couple long nosed pliers per boat. A soft tape to size up your catch will help secure campfire bragging rights. A net is a good idea and there are many options for folding nets that will make your life (and the fish’s) go a lot smoother. Since bringing a net sized for bigger pike is cumbersome, look at a cradle which packs much easier.
Tough to pass up a few for shore lunch though, make sure the fillet knife and a small sharpener are ready for noon. It would take another article to talk about a shore lunch box. Bring what you like but some tinfoil for sure is needed in case someone forgets the pan…
Some overlooked items are a small tool kit including hose clamps, electrical tape, zip ties, an adjustable wrench and multi screw driver will help. Also a spare pull cord for the motor and boat plug are good bets. Some rope never is a poor idea.
Spend some time and make your smallest fish finder portable. A small battery and box and a way to attach the transducer to the boat are key. Having a fish finder along will be huge in your success fishing.
A few other good items are a small folding saw, spare mantles for propane lamps/lanterns, some mosquito coil, a couple chunks of screen material to block mosquito entrances and ear plugs for planes and snorers.
AND THE MOST IMPORTANT?
It sounds cheesy but a positive, flexible attitude. It is unlikely that your trip will play out exactly as you rehearsed at home. Be ready to enjoy the whole experience, do not get so caught up in numbers or size of fish that you don’t stop and look at where you are. It’s likely a pretty cool spot in the world. Enjoy and good fishing.