In a world that’s driven by technology, there’s something to be said for escaping this way of living and adventuring out to the great outdoors for a weekend (or lifetime) of nature and wildlife. However, getting away doesn’t come without its indulgences and downsides. When you decide to combine camping and fishing, there are some things that you should keep in mind in order to have a successful trip. Keep reading for our best camping hacks to consider on your next fishing trip!
Stay Organized
Some of the best camping and fishing trips were totally unplanned and spontaneous. The only issue with that is some important items can get left behind. A weekend fishing trip, for example, wouldn’t be a fishing trip without your bait box. The best solution to this is to always try and plan ahead. If you’re one to frequently go out on weekend fishing trips, simply keep all your gear packed up in your garage or house so it’ll be ready for you at any time and it’ll save you time from having to repack everything.
Bring Spices and Herbs
Most of us love seafood, but you can’t deny it’s always better with some spices! Just because you’re camping doesn’t mean you have to eat bland food, either. Buy or create a spice kit that will turn up the flavor of whatever the catch is for the night. Bring a few cans of vegetables and maybe some tomato sauce and you’ve got a meal!
Fill Up a Water Bottle with Eggs
One regular size water bottle will hold eight up to eight eggs. Before you head out for the weekend, whisk up your eggs in a bowl then pour them into the bottle. This will save you time and the hassle of having to bring that bowl and whisk with you.
Make a Batter in Another Bottle
Here in the South, we do love a good fish fry. Some simply season the fish and fry it in the pan. Others make a pancake-like batter to coat the fish in beforehand. There are a ton of different of different batters you can use, but a pancake batter is actually delicious. Using the same idea as the eggs, premix the batter and pour it in a water bottle. Coat the fish when you’re ready to cook up what you caught that day. Grab a beer and you’re all set!
Find or Make Your Own Mosquito and Bug Repellent
In order to not be completely miserable on your trip, bug repellent is a must. Keep this with you everywhere you go, especially on the water, to reapply every few hours. Sometime they do smell a bit weird, so you can use Johnson’s Baby Creamy Oil to keep the bugs away and to avoid the smell of regular bug sprays. Around your tent at night, be sure to hang up some sage. This smell will definitely keep the bugs away while you sleep. If you do end up getting bitten by a mosquito, rub your deodorant over the bite to stop the itch.
Pack Some Corn Chips for Kindling
If you’re fishing and camping, chances are you’ll be eating whatever you catch that day for dinner. To kill two birds with one stone, pack a bag or two of corn chips, like Doritos, to start your fire. Use the rest of the bag for seafood nachos!
Freeze Water in Gallon Jugs for the Cooler
So, you have a cooler, but how is it supposed to keep everything cool for the whole trip? What about those fish you caught and filleted, but maybe you didn’t eat it all? Use gallon jugs to fill up with water and freeze for longer lasting cold in the cooler. The bigger jugs will stay frozen longer, so just wrap up those fillets and pop them in your cooler for the next day.
Cook with Foil
One of the biggest challenges with campfire food is finding a way to keep it cold until you’re ready to eat. A great way to combat this is to plan to eat your meat-based meals early on in the trip, then consume your canned goods later on. If you wrap up your fish in aluminum foil and toss it on the fire, you have a great way to steam it. Add in some vegetables and a pad or two of butter for a full meal.
Marshmallows!
Sure, they’re great for roasting, but attach them to your fishing line for easier fishing. First, marshmallows float, so if you slide one up on the eye of the hook, it will serve as a bobber and allow the worm to float above the water. Fish also like sweet things, so it’ll act as an attractor, too. This will help you from snagging on the bottom of the water and it’ll keep the bait in the current where they look natural to the fish.
Find Your Own Bait
So, you finally get to your final destination and you realize you don’t have marshmallows and you have completely run of out bait. Whatever the case may be, it’s pretty simple to find your own bait. Look along the stream or pond you’re fishing by. Worms are often found in dirt that has a grassy top. Or you can look along the bank where it drops off. Lift up any rocks you find as they provide moisture and insulate the soil. If you’re lucky you might find salamanders, grasshoppers, crickets and crayfish
What are your camping hacks for fishing trips? Let us know in the comments!
