Here's an article that's likely to displease your non-fishing spouses... In this article, you'll discover how I prepare my packs, with all the constraints that travel implies. We'll only be talking about non-fishing trips.
Constraints to take into account
If you don't want any unpleasant surprises when the time comes to pack your suitcase or rucksack, the first thing to consider is how much space you have available for your equipment. Once you've determined how much space you have, you'll have a clear idea of what you can and can't afford to take with you. This constraint can be alleviated by using smaller travel ranges or other suitable tools, but we'll come back to this later.
In some cases, weight can be a determining factor. Particularly when you're planning to fly, or when you know you're going to be doing a lot of walking. Say goodbye to the big, beautiful, tidy box of leaded heads, and you'll have to make a drastic selection!
During transport, equipment is often put to the test, which is why it's imperative to pack it well. There are many rigid carrying cases on the market. But this solution is often only suitable for several rods, and comes at a price. An alternative solution is to make your own transport tube, perfectly adapted to the dimensions of your equipment. This solution is inexpensive (around twenty euros for materials and PVC glue), allows you to meet your exact requirements, and even a poor DIY enthusiast like me can manage perfectly. So this is the solution I turn to on most of my trips. As far as reels are concerned, a thick fabric, a small cover and a lady's bun wrapped around the spool protect the reel and braid from knocks.
The harshness of transport also means that boxes need to be organized differently. Lures, hooks and sinkers can quickly lose their life expectancy when shaken. Dull hooks, peeling paint, untangleable lure clusters... So many things that can be minimized by adding as many sections as possible to your boxes and perfectly matching the size of the cells to that of the lures to be stored. You optimize the space available while preserving your precious tools.
Investigate for better fishing
Then there's the question of which tools to take with you! No problem when you know where you're going, but things get more complicated when you're discovering new environments and new species. Preparations can then turn into a real investigation. You'll need to find out as much as you can, so as not to weigh yourself down and, above all, not forget anything. To do this, the web and social networks are your best allies: just enter the right keywords! A simple Google search can also do a lot for you, not to mention Google maps, probably your best ally for projecting and refining your fishing once you're there.
Once on site
The survey goes on, and any place that has anything to do with fishing will be able to provide you with information. Fish markets, harbors and fishing stores are just some of the places where you can meet and talk to local fishermen.
In any case, you'll have to make some tough choices about your equipment before you set off. Since you don't have a lot of time to spend on the water, it's a good idea to go out with the aim of making a few bites and not necessarily looking for a specimen. Based on the principle that smaller fish are present in greater numbers in an environment, the chance of catching them is greater if you use the right approach (this reasoning obviously does not exclude catching nice fish). The size and weight of the lures chosen should be in line with this principle.
You'll need a box of lures capable of beating as many surfaces and layers of water as possible, and under time pressure, rather quickly (although slower prospecting tools should also be part of the trip). To this end, several large families of lures are almost always present in my travel boxes: stick-bait, popper, casting jig, jerk minnow, long ball, crankbait, wobbling and spinning spoons, spintail, blades, lipless.
And what about soft lures? Because of the many possible combinations of soft lures and sinker heads, this category can quickly become cumbersome. That's why we only carry a few models of different sizes, shapes and colors (shad, finesse, grub up to 12 cm) with a few lead heads weighing from 3 to 15 grams. If you're looking for a quick reaction, you may want to bring along one or two heavier or sharper lead heads. You'll be looking for a 2 m to 2.40 m spinning set action Moderate in M-MH, Travel, or not, depending on the space available. You can add to this a reel size 2500 to 3000 fitted with 8-strand 15/100 braid.
When it comes to wire or braid, you'll need several diameters, depending on the lures you're using and the environments you're fishing. In general, a spool of 25, 35 and 45/100 will be effective, but it may be wise to carry a spare spool of braid in case of accident. A good pair of multi-purpose pliers should also be part of the trip, preferably with a holster for hanging on your belt!
Once you've isolated an interesting fishery, there's no point carrying around all your lures. The addition of a small side box in which to make your selection can be a good option.
All you need to do is take a small backpack with you, so you can throw your stuff in when the occasion arises, and you're ready to go.
For my part, I hope these few lines will be of use to you in your next adventures, and bon voyage!
