Backpacking for Beginners

What if you could combine two of your favorite sports when its time for you to take your holiday? Would that appeal to you?

Backpacking fishing trips seems to be appealing to more people all the time. Those who love to backpack and those who love to fish are now taking trips where they can do both at the same time. You may ask how is this possible when fishing gear is so big. The beauty of it is that just like everything else when backpacking concessions can be made and equipment that folds up smaller can be found and mounted on your backpack.

Sometimes it is the type of adventure you are going to embark on that determines what kind of fishing equipment you are going to be able to carry when you go into the wilderness. Some fishing trips are based on traveling by horse or by an off road means of transportation like an all terrain vehicle. If this is your means of transport then you're not so limited in the gear you can take. These trips tend to be a little less like roughing it but will still take you to nice places to see beautiful sights and catch some fish.

But if you're backpacking and hiking you will need to try to bring with smaller fishing equipment. The average rod is quite large and even when taken apart still has pieces that are nearly four feet long. If you take with a mini fishing pole you will find it can break down into two pieces each about two and a half feet long. Unfortunately these two-piece mini rods are not always the best when you are trying to fish in a larger river. They just do not have the strength. Therefore another alternative in fishing rods for backpackers are specialty ones that will break down into five pieces. These pieces are fairly small and easy to carry. This may turn out to be the item you spend the most on since if you are going to buy a rod that comes apart into five pieces you'll want to get a good one. Even your ultralight reel will be less expensive. The rest of what you need, including line, leaders, flies or bait will not add much to your weight.

Probably the most important thing you will carry on this backpacker's fishing trip will be your fishing license. You must have it easily accessible in case you are asked for it. Some backpackers keep it with their other identification while others keep it with their fishing gear. It is whatever works for you as long as you can produce it if asked to.

Most backpacking fishermen will bring a lightweight pan to cook their catch in. Nothing tastes better than fresh cooked fish. Make sure the pan is not too heavy or too large. It may mean having to cut the fish up after removing the head and tail, but it will still make for a great meal.