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How to plan a Father's Day fishing trip 

BY READERS DIGEST

27th May 2019 Life

How to plan a Father's Day fishing trip 

Planning a fishing trip with your dad offers a wonderful opportunity to bond and enjoy quality time together. However, the logistics of planning a fishing trip can be overwhelming. Luckily, Lisa Kennelly from Fishbrain, the social networking app for people who love to fish, has shared her top tips.

Pick the right location

how to plan a father and son fishing trip

The first step to planning the perfect fishing trip is to choose the right location—do you want to fish in the ocean, a lake, or a river? Can you camp near these spots, or is it an accessible day trip? If this is your first fishing trip, it might be more enjoyable to start small, honing your skills before embarking upon a bigger adventure. 

To make the trip more special, why don’t you pick a sentimental location—perhaps an area you fished at with your father as a child, or choose a body of water that is in an area you remember fondly from childhood. Think of a town that you visited as a family when younger, or a park you used to play at with ponds and rivers nearby.

A fishing trip offers an excellent opportunity to bond with your dad, enjoying the thrill of the first catch together, and using your downtime to chat about life without distractions. 

 

Know which species to target

know what species to target

Once you’ve secured the perfect spot, you’ll need to know which species to target. Fishbrain’s latest feature, Fishbrain BiteTime™, can help with this tricky step, by telling you the best time to target a specific species of fish, as well as which bait to use to ensure you have a successful and exciting trip.

Choosing the right location,  perfect bait, tackle, braided line, rods, reels, fish finders and clothing will guarantee you make the most catches possible, and can help to ensure that a memorable and enjoyable experience is had all round! If you manage to catch a fish or two, remember to take a photo, cementing your bragging rights for years to come! 

 

Choose the best gear

choose the right gear fishing trip

Once you’ve worked out when and where to fish, the next step is to make sure that you have the right gear. Choosing the perfect bait, tackle, rods, reels, fish finders and clothing will ensure that you have a comfortable day out fishing.

If you don’t own fishing gear you always have the option to rent. Many private fishing grounds offer equipment passes as an affordable, hassle-free and short-term solution for those testing the waters. Local fishing organisations occasionally offer similar packages that include the correct bait and tackle, and sometimes even offer free delivery and collection from your fishing spot for when you are ready to head back home.

Getting a rod license is the final step. If you are fishing in public waters, remember to obtain the appropriate license or day ticket, taking into account where you are fishing, and which gear you will be fishing with. Choosing the right license ensures you are fishing safely, and protects you from fines for fishing without a license. A guide to choosing the correct fishing license and understanding local fishing bylaws can be found here.

 

Tips from the pros

Every seasoned angler will tell you that you can never be too prepared and this goes beyond ensuring you have the right gear! Taking a picnic, plenty of water and lots of snacks will help you get through the quieter moments of fishing that require a little extra patience! Packing sunscreen and bug spray will also help you stay comfortable and happy. 

To make the trip extra special this Father’s Day, why don’t you surprise your dad with some of his favourite things—maybe a sandwich from his favourite deli, one or two of his preferred ales, or some sweet treats that remind you both of childhood.  

 

Safety comes first 

responsibly catch fish

Where appropriate, be sure to practice catch and release methods to support responsible, sustainable fishing practices. If you're using the catch and release method, consider leaving your catch in the water and unhooking while submerged, instead of picking it up. While this method might not be as exciting, it does mean that the fish will not be exposed to the elements or starved of oxygen. 

It's also important to remember that, if you're fishing with hooks, in some instances they can sink into the fish’s body, causing significant blood loss. If a fish is deeply hooked, it’s best to cut the line and leave the hook in place, giving the fish a greater chance of survival. 

If you do want to fish with hooks, we’d suggest that you use single hooks, to make the release process easier for both you and the fish. If possible, keep the fish in the water and use a disgorger or a pair of needle nose pliers to gently remove the hook.

For fish injuries, there are antiseptic gels and sprays that can be used to prevent infection. Fish scales almost always grow back, too, so don't worry about a missing scale. Lastly, always do your best to handle the fish as little as possible using wet hands as this helps to maintain its natural, protective coating. 

 

Always consider the environment 

fishing with son

Don’t forget that you're a guest in the fish’s home. Practice catch and release methods with the least amount of harm possible, and be sure to fish in the shade on warm days to give the fish a better chance of quick recovery. We’d also recommend that you try to use a sustainable bait made up of organic products whenever possible, which won’t pollute the water. 

Naturally, be sure to pick up any rubbish before you leave your fishing spot. If you are feeling especially charitable, you and your dad could even make a point of picking up any leftover trash that may have polluted the area before you arrived.

Follow these tips and you’ll be well on your way to creating lasting memories that you can both cherish for years to come! 

 

 

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