YOUR PERFECT HOLIDAY TRAVEL FISHING KIT
By Martin from 'Vildmark.co.uk'
I tend to spend a lot of time researching the areas I’m fishing prior to visiting. You should be looking for local laws/rules, especially regarding if that stretch legally fishable. You should also look into the best bait and methods for the location, YouTube is a great place to start!
Once you’ve researched the area, you can start to put a small tackle pouch together. When I travel, I pretty much always take the X5 Adventure travel rod with me as it pretty much covers all aspects of fishing including fly, spin, and bait.
It does have its limitations though, i.e., you wouldn’t use it to cast heavy lead sea fishing in Scotland or fishing in Europe for large Catfish (This is what the S Max is for).
The X5 combination comes with two spools. I have the main spool loaded with 33lb Braid, covering pretty much all fishing methods. If I want to go lighter, I can add an 8lb fluorocarbon leader to it. The spare spool is full of 66lb Braid, perfect if I’m fishing for Pike, Zander or any larger species.
Now, the rest of the tackle. I try to carry (at least) two of everything, including flies, nymphs, buzzers, and lures. Try taking some bread or dog biscuit flies with you too, as fishing for Carp on the fly (even small carp) is great fun! I also carry a spare 5x leader and a stool spool of 8lb fluorocarbon.
I try to take lures that I have researched work, but you can’t beat the Salmo Minnows, Mepps and Tobys. Also, the sets of Rigged and Ready spinners and spoons are great, especially considering they come in a small carry box with lure clips.
Terminal Tackle: spare treble, shot, a range of hooks, 1 rig for dead baiting, drop shot hooks and weights (this can be a game changer, not just in freshwater), a range of floats, forceps, line snips and floatant. Net: now this really depends on what you’re fishing for, but for my style of fishing a small flip net is good.
Sometimes it’s better to buy some of this gear once you arrive wherever you’re travelling, but make sure there are shops that will be open. Also, ensure you read up on local rules about bait. It can be handy to carry a tub of PowerBait worm or paste with you.
Bug protection: Find out which spray works for you. I have found the only spray that works for me is Mygga which I’ve only seen in Scandinavia.
The higher the deet the better but remember that the higher the deet the more damaging effect it can have on some plastic and PVC.
The next thing to think about is a bug net for your head or one of these bug shirts from the Original Bug Shirt Company. Designed in Canada where bugs really are a problem, they are a very worthwhile investment.
Next, it’s always worth carrying a small first aid kit. I’m not talking tourniquets and blast dressings, just something for cuts, scrapes and pain relief. It’s also worth checking there is mobile signal where you’re going, and if not, make a plan. Tell someone where you’re going, what time you’ll be back and your route.
It may also be an idea to invest in (or hire) an emergency GPS device, like a Garmin or SPOT. If you want a more detailed look at my travel gear, then please have a look at the video below.
I’m always happy to answer questions, so please subscribe to my YouTube Channel @vildmark and drop me a comment.
