I used to fish with my dad often during high school. One day he wanted to buy a foldable net. I exclaimed, Why do you need a collapsible fishing net backpacking?
It turns out that he was right in wanting to buy that. Such a net made all the difference in the ease we caught fish and traveling. Fishing looks like a primitive activity.
Here, by primitive, I mean that non-fishers think that you can fish with just a stick, thread, and fish food. However, it is more intricate than that. It requires lots of tools and bits of stuff that perform a unique function.
People who like to fish as a hobby often need a whole car to transport their gear. Some guys even put away a whole day just for fishing. So, it is quite ambitious to want to fish while backpacking.
Table of Contents
Where to Go?
Hiking and fishing trips have varying requirements when it comes to choosing a location. It can be tough to partake in both activities at once. It is better to focus on fishing as the endgame in your hiking.
It will be more fulfilling if you make this decision. You can also make it a few days’ camping trips. It is better to be prepared whatever your decision is.
The first step is to know your location. I do not superficially mean this. It is absolutely necessary to know the temperature, hiking trail type, fishing location, the weather, etc.
Your Journey Depends on Your Future Dinner
It sounds a bit weird but, it is true. The most important thing is selecting what kind of fish you want to catch. This decision will be the center around which you will build up all your plans.
The game adapts to the environment. The environment adapts to the game. It is a two-way street and fauna changes due to the local animals it houses.
So, make a local decision about the kind of fish you want to catch.
Temperature
An essential factor is the temperature of the area. Fishes like to stay still if it is cold. In winters, fishes only come up to catch the morning warmth.
However, they can be categorized into hot and cold water species. These two types give different reactions at the same temperature. Their mating habits vary too.
Check if your desired fish is warm or cold species.
Ferreting Out Their Hiding Spot
Once we have a) chosen our fish and b) determined its type, the next step is to research the places they might be in during your hike.
It might sound extreme but, it is a smart move. No one likes being uncomfortable in journeys. And the key to comfortable backpacking is preparation.
Knowing where you are going and the structures around it will help you navigate your excursion smoothly. It might even not be possible for you to fish.
The place may have unsanitary conditions or there may be wild animals about it. Plus, it will give you an idea of the quantity and quality of the game.
Besides, you need to have an idea about the hiking trails. It is frustrating when the paths keep getting broken. Backpacking will not be fun anymore.
Backpacking Gear
Backpacking gear and backpacking fishing gear are different things. You need to pack them separately if you want to get a hundred percent enjoyment from your outing.
You must have lures, a fishing net, a fishing rod, floats, and bait for fishing. Moreover, you must wear waterproof boots. It is preferable if it is knee-high.
Pick your bait per your fish. Not all fish will nibble at the same thing. Backpacking gear can be light or heavy.
If you like to stay overnight, it will be heavier. That is because you will require a tent and an insect repellant. Also, you should never forget your sunscreen.
You should also carry a match or lighter, a small knife, and a large bottle of water. Purified water is hard to find in nature. Natural waters also have loads of bugs, worms, and bacteria in them.
It is sensible to bring extra clothes and thick socks.
Collapsible Fishing Net
I use a collapsible fishing net. As an avid fisherman, I have all kinds of nets. From fish landing nets telescoping handle to fixed-handle, I have it all.
It may seem vague when I say net-type depends on your target species. But, it does. To get an inkling of what kind would suit you best, you must first have a clear understanding of every part of the fishing net.
We can divide a net into two parts: handle and net. A handle can further be divided into two parts: the yoke and handle length.
Net Handle
In a folding net, the yoke is weak if we compare it to fixed-handles. However, if it is made out of fiberglass it can probably withstand the weight of bigger fish. It is more expensive than aluminum.
Aluminum handles are common and durable. Handle length is a matter of importance. A longer handle is good for rivers and large bodies of water.
A short handle will help you maneuver it quickly in streams and brooks. Telescope handles that spring at the push of a button is easy to assemble. On the other hand, non-folding handles are sturdier and can ground you.
Net
Fishing net can be sorted if we consider the net type, net depth, and net structure.
- Net structures can make or break you in this field. An oval shape is classic. It can be found anywhere.
If the net has a scoop in the end it will help you catch fish easily. A square-shaped net is good for capturing groups of fish or large ones.
- Net depth helps you in retaining your fish. Deep nets can be hard to control yet they can hold your prey better than short nets.
When fishing in ponds and shallow water it is better to use a net with a small pouch.
- There are mainly three varieties of nets: nylon, rubber, and micro-mesh. Nylon is the cheapest and can be rough on your fish. Rubber fishing net replacement is widely available if you think that nylon is not for you.
Rubber nets are lovely if you are a catch-and-let-go fisher. While micro-mesh is the best for freshwater fishes.
Sea-fishing
I use a stowmaster net when I hike near a beach. There are many boats for rent there. I can easily rent one in a jiffy and fish in the sea.
You need different lures and a long fishing rod. Sea-fishes eat small prawns, mussels, squids, local words, and surprisingly bacon. Beach fishers sometimes use sand fleas as bait!
A five to six food rod is recommended for sea fishing. Prey is larger than in freshwater. So, we should invest in a heavier rod.
Collapsible fishing net backpacking is a must too. Anyone can rapidly change its direction. It is accommodating to your storage space.
Also, you should always look up the weather before venturing out to the sea. Look up what the state of the sky a few days ago was. You do not want to be caught amid a storm.
Open water animals vary in species and type. I pick my beach hiking destination based on what kind of fish I want to catch. Local shoals are simple to catch.
Lastly, go angling one hour before high tide calm time. Calm or slack time means the time where ebb and tide do not occur. Fishes come close to the coastline during this time.
Kayak Backpacking
We can tailor backpacking according to what kind of nature or scenery we want to enjoy. Hiking trips that include the kayak is recently getting popular.
Kayaks are small boats the Inuit build. It is basically a paddle boat for a single person. People who want to catch bigger fishes often use them to fish in the middle of the water body.
My preferred net for when I am in a kayak is Collapsible Fishing Net Backpacking. They are good for catching swiftly. They are lightweight.
It is a good thing because you will be all alone in the boat. Sometimes when I go to catch heavier stuff, I use the bear-claw model of frabill nets. They are sturdy.
Hikers or adept fishers love kayaks. Because they like to appreciate solitude during trips and these boats make that possible.
Conclusion
Collapsible fishing net backpacking and backpacking in general sounds tedious in theory. But, it is exciting when you immerse yourself in it in real life.
Folding nets made fishing transportable and storage-free. It opens a new avenue to amateur fishermen. Many people don’t even consider fishing as a hobby since they think it requires loads of tools.
Telescope-handle nets show that fishing can be portable and spontaneous. Exactly like backpacking.
It merged both extremes of physical activities. Now, we even fish on backpacking trips! This will attract persons who want to experience the solitary ramblings of hiking with soothing fishing.
Backpacking and fishing encourage group participation too. It has the potential for rambunctious commotion.
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