The Do’s and Don'ts of Preparing for Your Next Big Fishing Trip
August 29, 2023
You’re headed to your bucket list destination to fish, and your mind is reeling with anticipation. What gear is best to bring? How many fish will I land? Do I need to practice my cast beforehand? How much time should I spend researching the area? Breathe deep, we’re here with the #1 top tips from the Eleven Angling guide team, whose angling obsessions have taken them around the world a time or two, and equipped them with a few words of wisdom of what to do, and what not to do.
TIP #1
“Consider your rod your new best friend. What do you do with your closest mate? You spend time with it. You get comfortable with it. It’s that simple.”
–Scottie Little, Cedar Lodge, New Zealand
Scottie’s favorite destination angling trips:
- The Makarora River out in front of Cedar Lodge
- Any of the rivers on the west coast of the South Island, especially during cicada season
- Any river where you are with a couple of mates and throwing some banter
TIP #2
“Get and do some hula hoops on the lawn. Not the twirl your hips kind, the lay it on the ground and cast your fly at it kind. When you focus on accuracy, distance comes naturally. When it’s windy, practice even harder.”
–Cameron Davenport
Cameron’s favorite destination angling trips:
- Lago Yelcho in the Los Lagos region of Chile – rainbow and brown trout
- The Marls of Abaco, Bahamas – bonefish
- The Hölkná River in the Northeast region of Iceland – Atlantic salmon
TIP #3
“Bring an extra pair of sunglasses. They are one of the most vital pieces of equipment, whether it’s to protect your eyes from hooks and others’ flies, cut the glare of the water to spot suspended fish, or cover your face while motoring around when it’s raining. They pack light, take up little space, and are easy to lose!”
–Elliot Manning, Colorado
Elliot’s favorite destination angling trips:
- The Upper Rio Futaleufú in Chile
- The Gunnison River in the Black Canyon
- The Lago Yelcho in Chile
TIP #4
“Cotton kills. Wear synthetics.”
–Domenic DiGregario
Dom’s favorite destination angling trips:
- Lago Yelcho, Chile
- Gunnison River Gorge, Colorado
- Metolius River, Oregon
TIP#5
“Bring a good mood and a positive outlook. Especially if you’re coming to Iceland to fish for North Atlantic salmon, an endangered and unique creature, get ready for strong fish and a long fight. They have strong genes and have to fight for their lives in Icelandic nature.”
–Þorsteinn Guðmundsson
Steini’s favorite destination angling trips:
- The Husey River in Iceland
- The Hölkná River in Iceland
- The Fljótaá River in Iceland
TIP #6
“Even though our lodges provide top-of-the-line equipment, including waders, rain coats, wading boots and all fly fishing tackle, I still like to bring a few simple things just in case I am away from the guide. I like to have hemostats for unhooking fish and flattening barbs, plus a spool or two of tippet, floatant if I am dry fly fishing, and a couple extra flies. This is mostly for Cedar Lodge in New Zealand, where every trip is a walk-wade trip, after an amazing helicopter flight, that is. I also usually grab a Halloween-type bag of Snickers for a lodge trip. Eleven food is world-class and world-famous. But, out on the water, mid-afternoon, I just crave a Snickers, or a Kit-Kat or an Almond Joy! If you crave it, I bet your fishing partner and guide and pilot will take one, too.”
-Brian O’Keefe
Brian’s favorite destination angling trips:
- Cedar Lodge’s headwater streams, high in the mountains
- Lago Yelcho in Chile
- The Hölkná River in Iceland
TIP#7
“I would suggest learning some basic words in the local language wherever you are traveling. To me, fishing is all about the Where I am, the Who I’m with, and the How I’m doing it. Knowing how to speak with the local folks can greatly enrich your overall experience and allow you to walk away with more than just the fish at the end of your line.”
-Zach Janssen
Zach’s favorite destination angling trips:
- The Naknek River near King Salmon, Alaska
- The Skeena river and its many tributaries in British Columbia, Canada
- The Kvichak River near Igiugig, Alaska