When you daydream, do you often picture yourself at the water’s edge during sunrise, casting your fishing pole into the tranquil waters below? There’s nothing as peaceful and rewarding as fishing on a camping trip. It’s a common camping activity for a reason, offering anglers something meaningful to do alongside the abundant benefits to their health. As awesome as it is, fishing during a camping trip doesn’t come without challenges. You need to plan for the logistics of a typical camping trip, while also preparing for the additional logistics of fishing. Read on to learn everything you need to know about fishing while camping, from picking a good campsite and packing the right gear to cleaning, cooking, and storing your catch successfully.
Table Of Contents
The Benefits of Recreational Fishing
If this is your first time fishing, or you’re being dragged along on a trip but you’re not quite sold on it, know that there are real, tangible benefits to this recreational pastime. First and foremost, learning how to fish teaches you real-life skills. Whether it’s learning general lessons such as the value of patience and persistence, or more niche outdoor skills like tying knots and picking the right bait, fishing will teach you transferable skills you can use throughout your life.
Aside from practical skill-building, fishing is just plain relaxing. Time spent near water is a peaceful experience for many outdoorsy folks, and it can help you stay focused on the present moment. Plus, it gives campers more opportunity to spend time outdoors. Between its relaxing nature, ability to help you stay present, and immersion in nature, fishing is excellent for reducing stress, calming anxiety, and improving your mental health.
But it doesn’t stop there! Fishing is great for your physical health, too. Fishing can easily be a full-body workout, helping you build strength in your arms, legs, and core. On top of that, you’ll more than likely have to walk to your fishing spot. Further, spending hours outside exposes you to Vitamin D, which is known to have various benefits for the human body. If you plan to eat your catch, fish are high in protein, low in fats, and high in omega-3, making them a health food staple.
Above all else, fishing is a way to connect with others. It gives campers ample opportunity to spend quality time with loved ones and newfound friends, and it gives everyone something meaningful to bond over.
Research the Campground and Nearby Waterways
Fishing isn’t allowed everywhere, and even where it is, there are likely specific rules you’ll need to follow. This should all be researched before setting out on your camping trip. Start by looking for a campground near viable fishing destinations. Pay attention to the waterways themselves, making note of what kind of fishing they’re good for, whether they’re fresh or saltwater, and the kind of fish species that live there. This information will inform the gear you need and can help set your expectations overall.
Regulations vary from location to location, so read up on the rules of your specific destination. Some fishing areas require catch-and-release fishing, while others allow anglers to keep their catches, also known as catch-and-kill. You may also be required to obtain permits or hold a fishing license. The last thing you want to do is arrive at your camping destination only to find out you can’t fish there.
When picking a campground, make note of their amenities. Many developed spaces offer kayaks, canoes, and fishing boats for rent. If the campground you’re going to doesn’t have rentals, come prepared with your own equipment or plan to fish from land. Running water is another important amenity for fishing, offering anglers an easy way to clean their catches. Many campgrounds may not have potable water on site, so if that’s the case, don’t forget to bring your own.
Invest in an Outfitter Tent
While you won’t be fishing from your camping tent, it will act as a home base for you and your equipment. Fishing requires quite a bit of supplies, and you’ll need a safe place to store it. Invest in a large canvas tent that can fit you, your fellow campers, everyone’s belongings, and all of your fishing gear. Outfitter tents, also known as wall tents or hunting tents, will be your most spacious option, without sacrificing durability. If you plan to try your luck at camping and fishing in the off-season, canvas tents also double as fantastic 4 season tents, keeping you warm in cold weather and harsher outdoor conditions. Many anglers even recommend fishing when light rain is forecasted for increased odds. If you follow this advice, make sure your tent is equipped with a heavy-duty waterproof tarp to protect it from moisture.
Other Essential Camping Gear for Fishing Adventures
Outside of a great tent, you’ll need a few more pieces of essential gear for a successful fishing and camping trip.
- Any applicable permits or fishing licenses
- Fishing rods
- A variety of lure and bait options
- Fishing hooks
- Fishing line
- A tackle box for storage
- Fish cleaning supplies (see: How To Clean, Cook, and Store Your Catches)
- Kitchen and cooking supplies
- A reliable cooler with ice or a camping fridge
- A pocket knife or Swiss Army knife
- A first-aid kit
- GPS, maps of the area, and local guidebooks
- Sunscreen and SPF lip balm
- Hats and sunglasses with UV protection
- Waterproof clothes, swimwear, and fishing boots
- Storage bins or bags for your gear
While this is not an exhaustive packing checklist for camping, it is the essentials needed for fishing while camping.
How To Clean, Cook, and Store Your Catches
Before you leave to fish, take some time to set up a DIY cleaning station at your campsite. Arrange a foldable table for a sturdy work surface and place a large bucket next to it to catch anything you discard from the fish. You’ll also need a fileting knife, a scaling tool, and potable water. This part of fishing can get messy, so bringing along a work apron is a good idea, too.
Once you’ve caught your fish, place it on a bed of ice to keep it fresh while you continue to fish and on the journey back to camp. When you get back to your campsite, you’ll want to remove its scales, fins, and skin, discard the innards, filet it, and rinse it with potable water. Then, light up your camp stove and get to cooking! If you’re camping in a location with abundant wildlife, aim to cook your food at a distance and downhill from your tent to avoid the tasty smells of fish lingering around your shelter.
Try to eat your catches as soon as possible to avoid the fish spoiling. If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight, sealable container and place them in a properly cooled cooler or camp fridge. Never keep any food, especially your fish, inside your tent as it may act as an invitation to critters and wild animals.
Final Thoughts
Fishing is one of the best activities to participate in while camping. Not only is it rewarding when you secure a catch, it’s also beneficial for your mental and physical health, it teaches you transferable skills, and it helps create lasting connections with those you fish with. To embark on a successful camping trip centered on fishing, you’ll need to do thorough research on your destination and its regulations. Knowing what you’ll encounter at your campground and on the water will allow you to show up prepared. With the right fishing and camping gear and an understanding of how to clean, cook, and store your fish, you’ll be ready to add this recreational activity to your itinerary with confidence. Happy fishing!
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