Summer Fishing Trip Planning Tips for Beginning Anglers

The days are longer, the weather is warmer – it’s the perfect time to start planning some fishing trips with family and friends. What should you know about summer fishing trip planning if you want to bring new anglers along? Most importantly, know that everyone can have a comfortable and enjoyable experience on the water regardless of how many times they may or may not have gone fishing in the past. Check out these key tips for planning a fishing trip with beginning anglers.

Start Simple Close to Home

You might have the goal of planning a fishing vacation to a remote destination to target big gamefish, but it’s best to keep it simple for new anglers. Look into summer fishing trip ideas that are close to home. Find out if there are state or national parks nearby that offer bank fishing opportunities or hire a guide who is willing to teach you how to fish in your local waterways. These types of trips will be more relaxing for beginners as they learn the fishing basics. Besides, sometimes the best summer fishing destinations are places close to home that you and friends or family can visit often.

Check the Weather Forecast

Paying attention to the weather reports during your summer fishing trip planning process is important for multiple reasons. First, it’s important to know that the weather conditions are safe for fishing. Second, you’ll want to make smart decisions about the type of fishing clothes to wear and what to bring along if the weather changes. Since summer brings warm weather and sunny skies to many states across the country, it’s usually best to consider lightweight, breathable fishing clothing with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) that wicks away moisture while keeping you cool and protected from the sun. In addition, it’s always a good idea to bring along a rain jacket and rain pants or bibs in case of summer rain showers.

Make a Fishing Trip Checklist

With the excitement of an upcoming adventure, it can be easy to forget important items. Make a checklist of summer fishing trip essentials that includes things like sunglasses, first-aid kit, extra drinking water, sunscreen, bug spray, and non-perishable snacks. Run through your checklist before you leave to make sure you have everything you need.

Know the Fishing Regulations

One of the most important steps in any fishing trip planning guide is to make sure you have a valid fishing license and know the regulations for where you will be fishing. There will be bag limits (number of a certain species of fish you can legally keep), size limits, as well as open and closed seasons. It the responsibility of every angler to know and follow these laws. Each state has a government website (some also have downloadable apps) that outlines the fishing regulations for different species, regions, and waterways.

Find a few places to fish and boat this summer, use these tips for planning a fishing trip with beginning anglers, and get ready to make new summer memories with family and friends.