Being invited to go fishing can be kind of a big deal. There are many types of fishing, and those who take it seriously and go when they can won’t invite just any ole’ yahoo to go with them. Fishing requires equipment, skill, knowledge, and patience.
So let’s say you are invited to go fishing with some guys from work. Of course you said “yes,” but what if you haven’t been fishing much or don’t know these guys very well? Stepping into the unknown of hanging out with guys you don’t know very well while doing something you don’t do much should give you pause, but it’ll be fine. Here’s a list of things you’ll want to consider:
THINGS TO BRING WHEN GOING ON A FISHING TRIP
1. Fishing equipment – I know this sounds obvious, but what if you don’t have much in the way of fishing supplies? If you don’t have a pole, tell your friend. Chances are he or someone else on the trip will have a pole for you to borrow. If not, you’ll of course have to buy one. Regardless, bring whatever you have. Bring that old tackle box you haven’t opened for years ‘cause you never know, there could be something useful in there. And if you have a good knife, bring it.
2. Food – This isn’t a picnic, but some fishing trips can be longer than you think. The activity of fishing can make you hungrier than you think and if you are going on a boat, the motion of the waves can make you hungry too. It can kinda suck if you’re out fishing and having a great time but are hungry.
Snacks like chips or cookies are good. Sandwiches are great to bring too. Make sure you have them in Ziplock-type baggies, though. All the food you bring should be dry packaged, as fishing can be a very wet environment. That man-sized sub you brought will be no good to you if it gets soggy somehow, and it will.
Don’t be a cheapass. Bring plenty of food to share if you can. Your fellow fisher-buddies will appreciate that.
3. Proper clothes – In most cases your fishing trip will begin super early in the morning. It can be cold in the dark morning or from the wind in the fast-moving boat. Dress accordingly. If it warms up later, no problem, shed a layer.
Also, fish live in water so you’ll have to deal with wetness. Chances are your shoes are gonna get wet, so bring good ones for that. I have a pair of all-rubber Muck boots that keep my feet dry. If it’s not cold out, open sandals could be a good choice as they will allow your feet to dry. You may want to at least bring an extra pair of socks for dry feet on the trip home.
4. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and beer – Fishing can be brutally cold, but it can also be brutally hot and bright. A good hat and sunglasses can be essential to you having a good time fishing in the open water on a bright sunny day. And don’t forget the sunscreen. When was the last time you had a bad sunburn? Yeah, you’ll want to avoid that. Also, beer and fishing go together, so if you want to be a true member of the club, bring beer. You don’t have to drink it, but bring it. It’s loved by all.
5. Money – Fishing ain’t cheap. Bait, lost lures, lost fishing line, boat maintenance, boat repair, trailer repair, boat payments, fishing equipment, gas, ice, and beer all cost money. Don’t assume that this venture doesn’t cost money. Insist on chipping in on these things. The guy who owns the boat or anyone else who is paying will appreciate and respect you for it.
6. A good attitude and willingness to be fun – Actually catching fish is a small part of fishing (that’s why they don’t call it catching). The adventure has a lot of storytelling, decision making, and effort for preparation of things. Don’t just sit there like a diva. Help out when you can on things and be happy to do it. Remember that fishing can be work but it’s not a job. Have some fun being active and helpful.
A FEW NOTES ON GOING ON A FISHING TRIP
All-male fishing trips can be pretty manly. You might hear extremely offensive language, offensive jokes, and offensive bodily functions. You also might have to deal with a “just add alcohol” type asshole as there is almost always some drinking involved. And some guys get intense when fishing and will bark orders and act angry when things don’t work out well during the catch.
Don’t let this get to you. We are men out away from women and society. Let these guys be themselves and just try to enjoy their manly nature. Now don’t allow yourself to be disrespected, but try to not take anything personally and don’t be an asshole yourself.
If you don’t know how to do something, don’t let your ego get in the way of asking. Some things are really important, so instead of just tying the hook on the line wrong or reading the fish finder incorrectly, just ask the guy who knows. He’ll show you and then you’ll know.
